Cádmio, Cromo, Níquel e Chumbo em solos de áreas de compostagem no município de Florianópolis-SC

Composting is an important tool for organic waste treatment and reuse. However, the performanceof composting without taking into account the leachate generated by the litter thatreaches the soil can cause its contamination by heavy metals. The aim of this study was toevaluate the changes in the levels of Cd, Cr, Ni and total Pb in the areas used to compost litterin Florianopolis/SC. In two composting yards and two reference (forest) areas, soil was collectedin the layers of 0-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40 cm deep. The soil was dried, groundand determinated the total contents of Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb. The total levels of Cd, Cr and Ni inthe composting areas are below the critical levels recommended by legislation, indicating thatcomposting did not increase the levels of these metals in the soil. However, Pb content washigher than that recommended by legislation in all areas.