Environmental Impact of Improper Solid Waste Disposal in San Pablo, Peru

Abstract

The study showed that inadequate solid waste management in the district of San Pablo represented a critical environmental problem, characterised by cumulative impacts on soil, water and public health. The absence of a technically designed landfill and the disposal of waste in an open dump without waterproofing or leachate treatment systems led to the continuous release of pollutants. These leachates, generated by the decomposition of organic matter and the percolation of rainwater, contained high concentrations of biodegradable organic matter, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni) and pathogenic microorganisms, frequently exceeding Environmental Quality Standards. In the soil, leachate infiltration altered physicochemical properties, increasing electrical conductivity, decreasing pH and reducing natural fertility. From a biological point of view, a decrease in microbial diversity and an alteration of essential biogeochemical cycles were observed. This situation was aggravated by sociocultural factors such as hyperconsumption, low recycling rates and low environmental awareness, compounded by the limited technical and budgetary capacities of the local government. Comparative analysis with national and international studies showed that the case of San Pablo replicated a common pattern in localities without adequate infrastructure. The research highlighted the need to implement a sanitary landfill with leachate and biogas control, environmental monitoring programmes, community education campaigns and citizen participation mechanisms as comprehensive strategies to mitigate and prevent environmental and health risks, ensuring a healthy environment for the present and future population.