Assessment of pollutants in soil and underground water samples collected from the north coastal area of Rio de Janeiro State – Brazil

Abstract

In the developing countries, the quality of the available freshwater is deteriorating mainly due to pollution. In this context, underground water bodies are important resources, taking into account that they are usually more isolated and also protected from anthropogenic influence. Nevertheless, groundwater pollution is almost always the result of human impact. During the last years, Brazil passed through an accelerated economic development and consequent industrial developing process, resulting in many ecologic impacts. The increased use of industrial chemicals in forestry, public health, domestic sphere, and agriculture increased the pollutants released into the environment. The present study aimed to detect possible contamination in soil and in groundwater samples sampled in an agricultural area, were, at the present time, one of the biggest ports and industrial complexes in Brazil is being installed. Heavy metals were analyzed, as well as other pollutants like PCB’s. The underground water results showed high arsenic and barium concentrations. Soil analysis didn’t replicate the contamination scenario, suggesting the grain size as an important agent influencing soil in the geochemical dynamic.