Dispersion of Dissolved Metals From the Webster County, Missouri Sanitary Landfill

Date of Graduation

Fall 1985

Degree

Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences

Department

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Committee Chair

Erwin Mantei

Abstract

The failure to contain resultant leachate flow from the Webster County, Missouri Sanitary Landfill poses a potential threat to human health and the environment in immediately adjacent areas. Dissolved metals are being dispersed in both surface waters and soil sediments, but dilution in the James River presently minimizes contamination downstream. Surface water quality analyses by an independent laboratory were conducted 1983 and 1985, and stream sediments were tested utilizing atomic absorption techniques for cadmium, copper, lead, silver, and zinc to determine if these elements were present in soils. High levels of cyanide and other compounds were found to exist in surface waters and elevated levels of copper, silver, and zinc were detected in stream sediments. These elements are soluble with cyanide. Sanitary landfill operations in the southwest Missouri region warrant increased scrutiny, especially with regard to leachate containment, collection, and treatment methods. A regional approach to solid waste disposal is needed to develop economically feasible incineration systems, possibly with resource recovery benefits.

Subject Categories

Earth Sciences

Copyright

© David L Coonrod

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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