Heavy metals and soil fertility in the Pampa Las Salinas dump in Huacho

Abstract

Objective: To determine the presence of heavy metals and soil fertility at the Pampa las Salinas dump, Huacho, located at km 144 of the Panamericana Norte. Methodology: The soil sampling plan procedure was carried out based on the Guide for Soil Sampling established in the framework of Supreme Decree N°002-2013-MINAM (MINAM, 2014). For this purpose, an area of potential interest of 3 ha of the area of influence of 74.72 ha affected by solid waste was determined. With the sampling plan carried out, soil samples were taken from nine selected points, forming the composite sample, from which 1 kg was extracted to be taken to the soil analysis laboratory of the Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina. Cd and Pb contents and chemical parameters were evaluated. Results: Cd and Pb contents were within the environmental quality standard, not reaching contaminant levels. With respect to the chemical parameters, the soil is saline with levels of 22.90 dS/m, and presents high concentrations of M.O., P and K. Conclusion: It is concluded that the soil presents low levels of lead and cadmium concentration, not reaching contamination levels; and on the other hand, it presents high levels of M.O., P and K, usable for agriculture.