Multi-matrix environmental monitoring to assess heavy element distribution around a municipal solid waste landfill in Italy

Multi-matrix environmental monitoring was used to evaluate the influence of a municipal solid waste landfill (Ginestreto, Emilia Romagna, Italy) on the level and distribution of heavy elements in the surrounding environment (air, soil and soil biota). Concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl and Zn were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in transplanted lichens, topsoils and isopods. The highest accumulation levels found for Cd, Cr, Pb, Sb and Zn in lichens transplanted within the Ginestreto landfill. However, similar concentrations of these heavy elements were also found in lichens exposed in monitoring sites influenced by other man-made sources, such as vehicle traffic and truck movements. The fallout of heavy elements emitted by the landfill had low impact on their levels in topsoil: Cd, Cr, Pb, Sb and Zn showed higher contents in topsoil collected close to the landfill and a slight decrease in concentrations with increasing distance from the landfill. There was no variation in heavy element accumulation in isopods in relation to distance from the landfill. The results of this study indicate that the Ginestreto municipal solid waste landfill had limited impact on the environmental distribution of heavy elements, since accumulation and enrichment in lichens and topsoils were only detected close to the landfill, up to about 100 m from its border.