Manganese, zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium in leachate from a landfill in Dourados, MS, Brazil

This study analyzed concentrations of manganese, zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury and chrome in leachate samples collected in the landfill of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Samples from two ponds were taken, one undergoing aerobic treatment and the other undergoing anaerobic treatment. Four collections were made between 2012 and 2013, during dry seasons and rainy seasons. Metal concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, flame mode. Comparison between the results for both ponds and between the sample collections was done using analysis of variance with a 95% accuracy level. Analysis results revealed differences in metal concentration within the samples, with the elements manganese, zinc and lead displaying higher concentrations during rainy periods and the other elements during droughts periods. Only the pluviometric index interfered in the studied metal concentrations and there were no variations in pH and electrical conductivity noticed throughout the experiment.