Sources of heavy metal contamination in landfill soil covers of Ulaanbaatar

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the source for contents of heavy metals in soils of landfill sites in Ulaanbaatar. Samples were collected from ash of the burned waste near the landfill sites to identify content of heavy metals such as plumbum, chromium, cadmium, nickel and zinc. There are total of 300 mg/kg chromium and 700 mg/kg zinc identified from ash of burned electrical wire, 1000 mg/kg plumbum is identified from the ash of burned tires. According to the comparison of heavy metal contents in landfill sites, landfill of industrial waste has higher content rate of chromium and cadmium than other landfill sites. These open burnings and industrial waste have considerable influences on contaminated soil with heavy metals. This is not only a source for soil contamination but also a risk to air and water pollution or resident health. Therefore, it is indispensable to develop waste management for human health and environmental protection.