Mineral Contamination from Cemetery Soils: Case Study of Zandfontein Cemetery, South Africa

Abstract

The burial of coffins may pose an environmental and health hazard since the metals that are used in coffin-making may corrode or degrade into harmful toxins. These may leach into the surrounding soils and groundwater. Very little research has been conducted world-wide on the mineral contamination potential of cemeteries, and virtually none in South Africa. The aim of the study is to determine whether burial practices affect the mineral content of soils in cemeteries. This was done by comparing the mineral concentrations of soils within the Zandfontein Cemetery in Tshwane (Gauteng, South Africa) to those off-site as well as those in zones with high burial loads with those zones with fewer burials. Twenty three soil samples were collected from various sites on- and off-site and analyzed for 31 minerals using ICP-AES. It was found that mineral concentrations of soils within the Zandfontein Cemetery were considerably higher than those off-site. Soil samples in multiple burials blocks also have elevated metal concentrations. These excess metals are probably of anthropogenic origin associated with burial practices and could pose an environmental and human health hazard. Strict monitoring of water quality in boreholes in the vicinity of the cemetery is recommended.

Geochemical Assessment of Two Excavated Mass Graves in Rwanda: A Pilot Study

“…The study further highlighted that arsenic content of the cemetery soils may have been greatly influenced by the practice of embalmment as well as the use of arsenic-sprayed wood for the construction of coffins. A study conducted by Jonker and Olivier (2012) in a South African cemetery revealed a similar pattern of higher onsite mineral contamination, with a decreasing trend offsite. The study highlighted that mineral contamination onsite may have been caused by the discharge and environmental distribution of cemetery leachate over time.…”

“…To establish the naturally occurring background soil level for the Murambi site, two topsoil samples were collected from a nearby offsite area. The samples collected from this location were mixed together into one sample to establish an offsite control sample for the soils inside of the Murambi site, similarly described in the work of Jonker and Olivier (2012). The offsite samples were labeled Murambi-Control (BG).…”

“…They originate from disturbances of soil profiles due to soil excavations, burial activities, and decomposition processes of cadavers and funeral materials (Jonker and Olivier, 2012;Charzynski et al, 2010;Spongberg and Becks, 2000;Vass et al, 1992). Their formation is also influenced by the activities of microorganisms, insects, and scavengers as they compete for consumption of cadaveric materials introduced into the soil environment under burial conditions (Carter et al, 2007).…”

“…Unlike other categories of urban soils, very little is known about the contamination status and ecological risk posed by cemetery soils (Amuno, 2013;Jonker and Olivier, 2012). While the potential for environmental contamination from necrosols may be attributed to human decomposition, there seems to be a growing consensus among scholars regarding the role played by other components, such as synthetic funeral materials (Spongberg and Becks, 2000;Jonker and Olivier, 2012).…”

“…While the potential for environmental contamination from necrosols may be attributed to human decomposition, there seems to be a growing consensus among scholars regarding the role played by other components, such as synthetic funeral materials (Spongberg and Becks, 2000;Jonker and Olivier, 2012). For example, wood preservatives, metallic materials, and paints used in the design and decoration of coffins are known to contain toxic organic compounds as well as heavy metals such as As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Mo that can have adverse effects on the immediate soil environment as the materials disintegrate and decompose over time (Jonker and Olivier, 2012;Spongberg and Becks, 2000;Rodrigues and Pancheco, 2010;Engelbrecht, 2000). The decoration of the deceased with ornaments such as earrings, necklaces, wristwatches, shoes, and clothing materials may also contribute to the release of chemicals into the associated soil environment as the bodies and funeral materials decompose.…”