Heavy metals in Vereda’s soil of the Formoso river basin, Buritizeiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

International audienceThis paper presents the geochemical data distribution of Cr, Cd, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn and Ba heavy metals in Vereda soils, located in the Rio Formoso basin, using a sampling network of vertical profiles, in order to assess the current condition of these environments. Considering that it comes to areas located near agroforestry activities, these elements were selected because they are present in pesticides and fertilizers and represents the major sources of contamination. The heavy metal content found in soils requires attention considering that many of them are beyond the limits of prevention set by CONAMA Resolution 420/2009. Geo-accumulation Index and Contamination Factor calculations revealed that these Veredas have high soil contamination by metals, particularly with Ni, Zn and Ba. Thus, the implementation mechanisms are necessary conducive to the protection of these environments as they are important to the region. It is suggested to create protected areas of sustainable use modality, specifically areas of ecological interest for the protection of Veredas, this being considered strategic to the conservation of soil and water