Authors : Zaini Sakawi, Mustapha Atta and Mohd Fuad Mat Jali
Abstract: Inappropriate waste handling and disposal causes many problems that are acute and widespread. One of these is the decomposition of waste into constituent chemicals which contaminate air and water systems. This study presents investigation of possibility of heavy metals contaminated solid waste from municipal waste disposal sites in Pangkor Island. For this purpose, a total of nine MSW samples of food, paper and plastic were collected from the Teluk Cempedak disposal sites in Pangkor Island in 2010 to determine the levels of Cd, Cu Pb and Zn. Heavy metals were digested by method of strong acid based on the EPA SW 846 method 3050 as stated by Kimbrough and analysed using method of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results were further compared with permissible limits for Canadian and USEPA compost standards. The highest concentration is Cu (562.9±6.7015 mg kg-1) and this is observed in paper waste while the lowest concentration is Pb (6.60±4.9153 mg kg-1) in plastic waste. Heavy metal concentrations of the wastes were found to be in the following order: Cu>Zn>Cd>Pb. The mean concentration of Cu (229.20±252.56 mg kg-1) is followed by Zn (93.04±60.67 mg kg-1), Cd (16.69±8.1841 mg kg-1) and Pb (13.01±7.961 mg kg-1). The results showed that the concentrations were within the heavy metal limits of the Canadian and USEPA compost standards. Based on the findings the MSW is suitable for composting as concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn are within permissible limits for compost.
Zaini Sakawi, Mustapha Atta and Mohd Fuad Mat Jali, 2013. Possibility of Heavy Metals Contaminated Solid Waste from Municipal Waste Disposal Sites in Pangkor Island Perak State, Malaysia. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 8: 14-21.