Camila A. F. M. Souza
FUMEC University, Brazil
Title: Soil contamination caused by necroslurry polymer
Biography
Biography: Camila A. F. M. Souza
Abstract
An organic compound named necroslurry is yielded from human body decomposition. It is one of the main contaminants present in horizontal cemeteries. This compound is highly toxic to humans, and can spread diseases through its contact with insects and water, because it has the ability to percolate the soil carried by water. Necroslurry is mainly composed by cadaverine (C5H14N2), and it is a liquid of high viscosity due to the internal chemical reactions that produce polymers, which makes it difficult to be transported and removed from soil and groundwater. Considering the complexity to recover a soil that is already contaminated with these polymers, it is necessary to enhance technologies that favor gas exchange during decomposition. Taking into account the polymerization of necroslurry, it is required to carry and treat it in the gas phase. In Brazil, a technology associated with vertical cemeteries has been developed, which provides the gas exchange controlling humidity levels, temperature and pressure, preventing the formation and percolation of polymers intp the environment. Consequently, this procedure will avoid the contamination caused by necroslurry.