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Using Natural Isotopes for the Environmental Tracking of a Controlled Landfill Site for Non-Hazardous Waste in Liguria, Italy

Author

Listed:
  • A. Izzotti

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • A. Pulliero

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • Z. Khalid

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • O. Ferrante

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • E. Aquilia

    (Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • S. Sciacca

    (Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • G. Oliveri Conti

    (Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • M. Ferrante

    (Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

The application of natural radioisotope and stable isotope tracing represents a novel, sensitive method for confirming the presence of environmental contamination due to leachate water from solid waste landfills. This study aimed to employ this approach to assess the efficiency of containment measures and the potential environmental impact in the vicinity of a landfill designated for non-hazardous waste disposal. We collected leachate water samples from two distinct areas: one currently active, and another exhausted. In February, May, August, and November 2022, we collected deep water samples from a nearby stream utilizing piezometers, both upstream and downstream from the facility. We examined deuterium and tritium radioisotopes via liquid scintillation, and stable isotope oxygen-18 via ratio mass spectrometry. The results revealed the presence of anthropogenic radioisotopes within the landfill, with higher concentrations in the active site. No radioisotopes or stable isotopes above the natural background were identified in any of the samples obtained from outside. The levels of tritium were found to correlate with rainfall in the samples collected inside, but not in those obtained outside. These findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of the active structural, managerial, and procedural containment measures and the absence of environmental contamination stemming from the studied site, reinforcing the value of the responsible management of non-hazardous waste and its limited impact on the surrounding environment. The reported results highlight the utility of performing radioisotope and stable isotope monitoring not only inside but also outside the landfill, and analyzing the relation via pluviometry.

Suggested Citation

  • A. Izzotti & A. Pulliero & Z. Khalid & O. Ferrante & E. Aquilia & S. Sciacca & G. Oliveri Conti & M. Ferrante, 2025. "Using Natural Isotopes for the Environmental Tracking of a Controlled Landfill Site for Non-Hazardous Waste in Liguria, Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:528-:d:1624413
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Walter Mazzucco & Claudio Costantino & Vincenzo Restivo & Davide Alba & Claudia Marotta & Elisa Tavormina & Achille Cernigliaro & Maurizio Macaluso & Rosanna Cusimano & Rosario Grammauta & Fabio Tramu, 2020. "The Management of Health Hazards Related to Municipal Solid Waste on Fire in Europe: An Environmental Justice Issue?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-15, September.
    2. Danuta Szpilko & Antonio de la Torre Gallegos & Felix Jimenez Naharro & Agnieszka Rzepka & Angelika Remiszewska, 2023. "Waste Management in the Smart City: Current Practices and Future Directions," Resources, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-25, September.
    3. Navarro Ferronato & Vincenzo Torretta, 2019. "Waste Mismanagement in Developing Countries: A Review of Global Issues," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-28, March.
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