Work

An Assessment of the Microbiological, Biochemical, and Physicochemical Properties of the Soil Around an Illegal Landfill Site in Central Poland, Central Europe

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Illegal landfills should be continuously monitored to avoid such risks and become part of an environmental risk management strategy. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the impact of an illegal landfill on the microbiological, biochemical, and physicochemical status of the soil as a function of land use and the distance of soil c ollection around the landfill. The study area from which the soil samples were taken was an illegal landfill in central Poland (Central Europe). The impact of the illegal landfill on the condition of the soil was assessed on the basis of the microbiological and biochemical indicators and the physicochemical properties of the soil. It was found that the illegal landfill significantly affects the soil environment, which was confirmed by the values of microbiological, biochemical, and physicochemical soil properties. The factors that affected the soil properties were the type of land use and the distance of the soil samples from the landfill, which significantly affected the microbiological and biochemical properties of the soil. Microbiological, biochemical, and physicochemical indicators of the soil in the vicinity of an illegal landfill can be very useful in predicting risks to the environment and human health. The studies presented can be used for planning sustainable waste management.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17051898

Authors: Weronika Zych, Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Małgorzata Baćmaga

Institution: University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Language: English

Topic: Landfill Environmental Impact Studies

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896