Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel and Lead in soils of composting areas in the municipality of Florianópolis-SC

Abstract

Composting is an important tool for organic waste treatment and reuse. However, the performance
of composting without taking into account the leachate generated by the litter that
reaches the soil can cause its contamination by heavy metals. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the changes in the levels of Cd, Cr, Ni and total Pb in the areas used to compost litter
in Florianópolis/SC. In two composting yards and two reference (forest) areas, soil was collected
in the layers of 0-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40 cm deep. The soil was dried, ground
and determinated the total contents of Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb. The total levels of Cd, Cr and Ni in
the composting areas are below the critical levels recommended by legislation, indicating that
composting did not increase the levels of these metals in the soil. However, Pb content was
higher than that recommended by legislation in all areas.