Environmental and health risks due to inadequate waste disposal in San Pablo, Peru

Abstract

Solid waste generation was one of the most persistent environmental and municipal management problems, affecting both urban and rural areas. In the district of San Pablo, the lack of a formal landfill forced waste to be disposed of in an open dump, producing toxic leachates containing heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium. These contaminants infiltrated the soil and nearby water bodies, putting human health and the quality of natural resources at risk, especially in agricultural areas. National and international research showed that this phenomenon physically, chemically, and biologically degraded the soil, reducing its fertility and affecting food chains. The proximity of the dump to productive areas increased the risk of bioaccumulation of contaminants in crops and livestock. High BOD, COD, and bacteriological values above permissible limits were also observed. Social, cultural and political factors, such as excessive consumption, lack of environmental education and political will, intensified the problem. International experience showed that the solution required planning, adequate infrastructure, technical control, community participation and environmental education. For San Pablo, it was proposed to implement a sanitary landfill with waterproofing, leachate treatment, recycling programmes and continuous environmental monitoring. Without a comprehensive strategy, the negative impact of leachates would continue to degrade the soil, water and public health, compromising food security and the socio-economic well-being of the community.