Heavy Metal Risks in Iligan Dumpsite Soil | JBES 2025

Shekinah Ruth R. Manupac,  Hernando P. Bacosa,  Johniel E. Babiera,  Wella T. Tatil,  Jaime Q. Guihawan and Peter D. Suson, from the different institute of the Philippines. Wrote a research article about, Heavy Metal Risks in Iligan Dumpsite Soil. Entitled, Chromium and arsenic in an abandoned open dumpsite soil in Iligan, Philippines: A comprehensive ecological and health risk analysis. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Environmental Sciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Improper municipal solid waste disposal is a critical issue impacting soil quality, mainly through the contamination of heavy metals. This study aims to assess the concentrations of chromium and arsenic in the open dumpsite soil of Iligan City, Philippines, and its impacts on the environment and human health. Currently there is no data on the ecological and human health risks associated with open dumpsites in the Philippines.  The results indicated that while chromium concentrations fell within acceptable limits for agricultural use, arsenic concentrations significantly exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations set by regulatory bodies, posing a serious environmental hazard. The potential ecological risk index classifies the area as having a low ecological risk, yet highlighted a severe risk associated with arsenic. Health risk assessments indicated that both adults and children fall within acceptable levels for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Overall, these findings demonstrate a need for targeted environmental management strategies in Iligan City to mitigate heavy metal contamination, especially arsenic, and to protect the health of local populations. Remediation efforts and ongoing monitoring are essential to prevent further ecological damage and safeguard public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children. 

Introduction

Solid waste management (SWM) is a major concern for many countries (Mavakala, 2022). It is estimated that municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in South Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa will double or triple by 2050, making up to 35% of the world’s MSW (World Bank, 2018). Increasing population, urbanization, economic development, and improved living standards in developing countries have led to a significant increase in municipal solid waste generation (Minghua et al., 2009). Improper waste management practices have led to releasing of significant amounts of toxic materials, particularly heavy metals, into the environment, exacerbating environmental concerns. Dumpsites, prevalent in many developing countries, pose a significant risk as they contain an amount of contaminants that can potentially leach into the surrounding soil, including heavy metals like arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) (Kanmani and Gandhimathi, 2013; Olayiwola et al., 2017). In the Philippines, for instance, which records 14.66 million tons of trash annually, heavy metals in open dumpsites are a significant concern (Ali et al., 2013; Rebuelta-The, 2022). Heavy metals such as As and Cr in dumpsites and their toxic nature and persistence in the environment further raise environmental concerns (Flyhammar et al., 1998; Riber et al., 2005; Sankaran and Ebbs, 2007).

Heavy metal contamination of soil may pose risks and hazards to humans and the ecosystem via direct ingestion or contact with contaminated soil, the food chain (soil-plant-human or soil-plant-animalhuman), drinking contaminated groundwater, reduction in food quality (safety and marketability) via phytotoxicity, reduction in land usability for agricultural production resulting in food insecurity, and land tenure issues (McLaughlin et al., 2000; Ling et al., 2007). It can accumulate in fatty tissues, influence the central nervous system, be deposited in the circulatory system, and disturb the proper functioning of internal organs. For instance, chromium (Cr) compounds can be absorbed by the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and, to a limited extent, intact skin. This absorption can lead to respiratory tract irritation, an increased risk of lung cancer, and various health issues affecting the kidneys, liver, stomach, and blood (Wilbur, 2012). Similarly, arsenic can lead to severe health effects such as chronic arsenic poisoning and an elevated risk of skin cancer through prolonged exposure to contaminated soil, food, and water (World Health Organization). As a result, it is critical to monitor and balance heavy metal concentrations in various environmental media to minimize hazardous effects on biota.

Ecological and health risk assessments are essential tools for evaluating the potential impacts of pollutants (Yu et al., 2022). Analyzing soil for toxic metals is vital for understanding environmental pollution and assessing risks to nearby communities (Kasassi et al., 2008; Akanchise et al., 2020; Aja et al., 2021). However, there is currently no data on the ecological and human health risks associated with open dumpsites in the Philippines. This study aims to investigate the distribution of Cr and As in the soil of the vicinity of the abandoned dumpsite in Iligan City, Philippines, and to pre-assess the associated ecological and health risks. The findings will provide a scientific basis for protecting the soil environment and guiding remediation efforts, contributing to minimal environmental impact and reduced health risks.

This study relies on secondary data for the background values of heavy metals, as obtaining primary data from locations several kilometers away from the sampling site would require additional financial resources that are currently unavailable.

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Article source : Chromium and arsenic inan abandoned open dumpsite soil in Iligan, Philippines: A comprehensive ecological and health risk analysis