Assessment of the Extent of Soil Contamination Surrounding the Al- Shalyouni Landfill – Al-Marj with Highly Toxic Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺)

• Yousuf Hamad Salih Balal

  Higher Institute of Agricultural Technologies, Al-Marj, Environmental Technology, Al-Marj, Libya

  Author

• Fayiz Faraj Mohammed Ali

  Higher Institute of Agricultural Technologies, Al-Marj, Environmental Technology, Al-Marj, Libya.

  Author

• Majdi Hasan Mohammed

  Higher Institute of Agricultural Technologies, Al-Marj, Environmental Technology, Al-Marj, Libya.

  Author

Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁺⁶) is a highly toxic contaminant posing significant environmental and public health risks, particularly in areas affected by uncontrolled municipal solid waste disposal. This study investigated (Cr⁺⁶) concentrations in surface soils (0–20 cm depth) surrounding the Al-Shalyouni uncontrolled landfill in Al-Marj, Libya, and assessed the influence of distance and site direction on contamination patterns. A total of 16 soil samples were systematically collected from the northern and western landfill boundaries at distances ranging from 10 to 220 m, along with a reference sample collected 2000 m away from the landfill. Chromium extraction was performed using the alkaline digestion method, and (Cr⁺⁶) concentrations were quantified by UV–Vis spectrophotometry at 540 nm using the diphenylcarbazide method. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS. The results revealed elevated (Cr⁺⁶)  levels in all samples collected around the landfill. Mean concentrations were significantly higher in the western direction (24.84 mg/kg) compared with the northern direction (8.54 mg/kg). A strong negative relationship between distance and (Cr⁺⁶)  concentration was observed in the northern area, whereas elevated and relatively stable concentrations persisted in the western area, likely due to topographical and hydrological conditions promoting westward leachate migration. (Cr⁺⁶)  concentrations exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline values for residential and agricultural soils (0.4–1 mg/kg) in both directions and surpassed the industrial soil threshold (5 mg/kg) in the western area. These findings indicate severe (Cr⁺⁶)  contamination associated with uncontrolled landfill activities and highlight the need for effective waste management strategies, continuous environmental monitoring, and remediation measures to reduce potential ecological and human health risks.

1. Yousuf Hamad Salih Balal , Higher Institute of Agricultural Technologies, Al-Marj, Environmental Technology, Al-Marj, Libya

    Higher Institute of Agricultural Technologies, Al-Marj, Environmental Technology,  Al-Marj, Libya

2. Fayiz Faraj Mohammed Ali , Higher Institute of Agricultural Technologies, Al-Marj, Environmental Technology, Al-Marj, Libya.

   Assessment of the Extent of Soil Contamination Surrounding the Al- Shalyouni Landfill – Al-Marj with Highly Toxic Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺)

3. Majdi Hasan Mohammed , Higher Institute of Agricultural Technologies, Al-Marj, Environmental Technology, Al-Marj, Libya.

   Assessment of the Extent of Soil Contamination Surrounding the Al- Shalyouni Landfill – Al-Marj with Highly Toxic Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺)

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