Abstract
Modern society has resorted to the extensive use of chemicals either natural or synthetic over the last several decades. These chemicals are utilized for controlling diseases, increasing food production, and to provide convenience in our daily lives. Ironically, many of these well-intentioned chemicals are now wreaking havoc around the world, threatening the health of wildlife and people. Mercury, one of those chemicals, has become a prime subject as far as its release to the environment is concerned. This project is about assessing the release pathway of mercury from the landfill and determining the status of mercury pollution there. Mercury is not produced in Mauritius and the sources were mainly from waste consumer products and industrial releases. The amount of mercury entering Mauritius through consumer products and raw materials for industries imported since the last 5 years was determined and eventually, the mercury reaching the landfill was estimated. The laboratory analysis for landfill leachate and ground water revealed no presence of mercury above 0.0002 mg/l and 0.0001 mg/l, respectively. Simulation results for workface releases showed that the workers’ exposure were significant (Figs. 1 and 2).
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Acknowledgements
We are very thankful to Mr. Jokhun and Mr. Radha, the technical staff of University of Mauritius; Mr. Ghoorun, Technical Manager at Mauritius Standards Bureau; Mr. P. Kowlessur, Director of Ministry of Local Government; Mr. D. Dookhee, Mr. B. Beerachee and Mrs. S. Ramracheya, the technical team of the Solid Waste Management Division for their support, guidance and advice.
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Dookhun, V., Mahadeo, K. (2009). Assessment of Mercury Pollution at Mare Chicose Landfill in Mauritius. In: Gupta-Bhowon, M., Jhaumeer-Laulloo, S., Li Kam Wah, H., Ramasami, P. (eds) Chemistry Education in the ICT Age. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9732-4_39
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9732-4_39
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