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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Year

1985

Author dc:creator

• Coonrod, David L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Erwin Mantei

• Earth Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © David L Coonrod

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/782

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1783