Analysis of Chemical Features of a Soil Used as Landfill: Using the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Technique

Soil is the support medium for the development of several activities; however, improperly used soils can become a serious environmental issue. The aim of the current study is to determine the concentration of chemical elements in soil used as landfill in Southern Brazil. Samples were collected in different soil profiles and depths and analyzed based on the X-ray fluorescence technique. Results have indicated changes in cadmium and chromium concentrations, regardless of the collection depth. The presence of iron oxides/hydroxides and 1:1 low CEC kaolinite clay in the samples may have contributed to the translocation of these elements to the underground environment. Thus, the adopted technique was efficient and enabled identifying changes in the concentrations of the investigated elements, which can be associated with their translocation through soil profile (in depth), as well as in comparing such concentrations to the ones set by the current legislation.