Avaliação da contaminação por nitrato e metais pesados na água subterrânea e superficial: estudo de caso do entorno do cemitério São Pedro: Londrina-PR

Abstract

Many wastewater associated with different human activities are able to contaminate ground and surface water contributing to the decreased amount of drinking water available for human consumption. One of the substances responsible for this contamination is the necrochorume, liquid released from human bodies in decomposition process. The São Pedro cemetery, located in Londrina-PR, was founded in 1932 as a non-integrated part of the urban fabric of the city. With urban sprawl, caused by population growth of the city, the cemetery became surrounded by homes and businesses, where many of these activities have come to make use of groundwater for supplies. Thus, this study aims to diagnose the quality of surface and groundwater in the vicinity of the São Pedro cemetery. We conducted a survey of existing deep wells in central Londrina, through SIAGAS, and visit the field. Stream water samples Leme and wells were collected for determination of pH, nitrate and heavy metals in those waters. In addition, surveys and evaluation of local geographical features through altimetry maps and slope were of paramount importance to observe the influence Cemetery in ground and surface water from its surroundings. Through the evaluations, we observed water contamination surrounding the cemetery, and these suffer direct influence of rotting bodies. It was proved that cemeteries have impacts on their surroundings when not built properly, requiring the monitoring of impacts of this type of project for the avoidance of possible contamination.