Systematic Review: Impact of Air, Leachate, and Soil Contamination on Health Problems in Landfill Workers and Local Residents

  • Nabilah Zahra Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
  • Mursid Raharjo Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
  • Sulistiyani Sulistiyani Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
  • Nurjazuli Nurjazuli Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
  • Tri Joko Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v9i1.8570
Keywords: Waste, Landfill, Health Problems, Environmental Factors

Abstract

Introduction: The rising global production of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses significant ecological challenges. In developing countries, inadequate landfill management results in the uncontrolled release of hazardous gases and leachate, posing significant risks to human health. This systematic review investigated the association between environmental factors at these landfills and adverse human health outcomes.

Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was rapidly conducted across ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and EBSCOhost for articles published between 2020 and 2025. PECO criteria screening was conducted independently by two reviewers, resulting in the selection of 25 articles for critical synthesis.  

Results: Hazardous landfill pollutants—including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter—are rapidly escalating severe health issues. Residents and landfill workers face acute respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, heightened cancer risk, reproductive issues, and neurological impairments. Leachate contamination of soil and groundwater compounds these urgent systemic risks.

Conclusion:The ongoing failure to manage landfills effectively, particularly in developing countries, has triggered a pressing environmental and public health crisis. Immediate action to improve waste management and enforce stricter environmental policies is critical for preventing further harm. 

References

Anand U, Reddy B, Singh VK, Singh AK, Kesari KK, Tripathi P, et al. Potential Environmental and Human Health Risks Caused by Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB), Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) and Emerging Contaminants (ECs) from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill. Antibiotics. 2021;10(4):1–27. doi:10.3390/antibiotics10040374. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33915892/

Sharma KD, Jain S. Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Composition, and Management: The Global Scenario. Soc Responsib J. 2020;16(6):917–48. doi:10.1108/SRJ-06-2019-0210. Available from: https://www.emerald.com/srj/article-abstract/16/6/917/350607/Municipal-solid-waste-generation-composition-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Karel Houessionon MG, Ouendo EMD, Bouland C, Takyi SA, Kedote NM, Fayomi B, et al. Environmental Heavy Metal Contamination from Electronic Waste (E-waste) Recycling Activities Worldwide: A Systematic Review from 2005 to 2017. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(7):1–16. doi:10.3390/ijerph18073517. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/7/3517

Charis G, Danha G, Muzenda E, Muzenda E, Patel B, Mateescu C, et al. Waste to Energy Opportunities in Botswana: A Case Study Review. Proc 2019 7th Int Renew Sustain Energy Conf IRSEC 2019. 2019;1–7. doi: 10.1109/IRSEC48032.2019.9078153. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340975387_Waste_to_Energy_Opportunities_in_Botswana_A_Case_Study_Review

Iravanian A, Ravari SO. Types of Contamination in Landfills and Effects on the Environment: A Review Study. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci. 2020;614(1). doi:10.1088/1755-1315/614/1/012083. Available from: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/614/1/012083

Kaza S, Yao L, Bhada-Tata P, Woerden F Van. What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050. 2018;1–34. doi:10.1596/978-1-4648-1329-0. Available from: https://hdl.handle.net/10986/30317

Boateng TK, Opoku F, Akoto O. Heavy Metal Contamination Assessment of Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of Oti Landfill Site, Kumasi. Appl Water Sci. 2019;9(2):1–15. doi:10.1007/s13201-019-0915-y. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-019-0915-y

Baderna D, Caloni F, Benfenati E. Investigating Landfill Leachate Toxicity In Vitro: A Review of Cell Models and Endpoints. Environ Int. 2019;122:21–30. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2018.11.024. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412018320312

Sharma A, Gupta AK, Ganguly R. Impact of Open Dumping of Municipal Solid Waste on Soil Properties in Mountainous Region. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng. 2018;10(4):725–39.

Fazzo L, Manno V, Iavarone I, Minelli G, De Santis M, Beccaloni E, et al. The Health Impact of Hazardous Waste Landfills and Illegal Dumps Contaminated Sites: An Epidemiological Study at Ecological Level in Italian Region. Front Public Heal. 2023;11. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.996960. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36923045/

Titto E De, Savino A. Human Health Impact of Municipal Solid Waste Mismanagement : A Review. Adv Environ Eng Res. 2024;5(2):1–36. doi:10.21926/aeer.2402014. Available from: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/aeer/aeer-05-02-014

Njoku PO, Edokpayi JN, Odiyo JO. Health and Environmental Risks of Residents Living Close to a Landfill: A Case Study of Thohoyandou Landfill, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(12). doi:10.3390/ijerph16122125. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6617357/

Robin, Kaur P, Kaur J, Bhat SA. Chapter 9 - Solid Waste Management: Challenges and Health Hazards. In: Ravindran B, Gupta SK, Bhat SA, Chauhan PS, Tyagi NBT-RT in SWM, editors. Advances in Pollution Research. Elsevier; 2023. p. 171–95. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-15206-1.00002-5. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/edited-volume/abs/pii/B9780443152061000025

Munyai O, Nunu WN. Health Effects Associated with Proximity to Waste Collection Points in Beitbridge Municipality, Zimbabwe. Waste Manag. 2020;105:501–10. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2020.02.041. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X20300994

Herrero M, Rovira J, Marquès M, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Human Exposure to Trace elements and PCDD/Fs Around A Hazardous Waste Landfill in Catalonia (Spain). Sci Total Environ. 2020;710:136313. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136313. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719363090

Sherine Ganem dos Santos F, Rava Zolnikov T, Bolibar Ribas I, Casabona J, Monteiro E, Martins E, et al. Syphilis and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections among Waste Pickers in Brasilia, Brazil. Waste Manag. 2020;118:122–30. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2020.08.040. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32892089/

Kanhai G, Fobil JN, Nartey BA, Spadaro J V, Mudu P. Urban Municipal Solid Waste Management: Modeling Air Pollution Scenarios and Health Impacts in The Case of Accra, Ghana. Waste Manag. 2021;123:15–22. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2021.01.005. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X21000106

Wang Y, Li L, Qiu Z, Yang K, Han Y, Chai F, et al. Trace Volatile Compounds in The Air of Domestic Waste Landfill Site: Identification, Olfactory Effect and Cancer Risk. Chemosphere. 2021;272:129582. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129582. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653521000527

Xu C, Song X, Liu Z, Ding X, Chen H, Ding D. Occurrence, Source Apportionment, Plant Bioaccumulation and Human Exposure of Legacy and Emerging per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Soil and Plant Leaves Near A Landfill in China. Sci Total Environ. 2021;776:145731. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145731. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721007981

Aendo P, Netvichian R, Thiendedsakul P, Khaodhiar S, Tulayakul P. Carcinogenic Risk of Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr and Critical Ecological Risk of Cd and Cu in Soil and Groundwater around the Municipal Solid Waste Open Dump in Central Thailand. J Environ Public Health. 2022;2022:1–12. doi:10.1155/2022/3062215. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35265140/

Wikuats CFH, da Silva I, Prates KVMC, da Silva JCR, Duarte EH, Castro e Silva D de M, et al. Health Symptoms and Inflammatory Blood Biomarkers from Exposure of Recyclable Waste Workers to Particulate Matter and Bioaerosols. Atmos Pollut Res. 2022;13(2). doi:10.1016/j.apr.2022.101323. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1309104222000101

Hoang AN, Pham TTK, Mai DTT, Nguyen T, Tran PTM. Health Risks and Perceptions of Residents Exposed to Multiple Sources of Air Pollutions: A Cross-Sectional Study on Landfill and Stone Mining in Danang City, Vietnam. Environ Res. 2022;212(PA):113244. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.113244. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122005710

Shi LL, Hang JG, Lou J, Dong JJ, Feng H, Wang Z, et al. Multiple Exposures to Heavy Metals and Changes in Steroid Hormones Production in 4-Year-Old Children. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2023;33(6):865–73. doi:10.1038/s41370-023-00539-9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36973528/

Gupta S, Janardhana Raju N. Potential Environmental Pollution Study by Leachate Generation and Health Risk Assessment in The Vicinity of Bandhwari Landfill Disposal Site, National Capital Region, India. Groundw Sustain Dev. 2023;23:101032. doi:10.1016/j.gsd.2023.101032. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352801X23001339

Alao JO, Fahad A, Abdo HG, Ayejoto DA, Almohamad H, Ahmad MS, et al. Effects of Dumpsite Leachate Plumes on Surface and Groundwater and The Possible Public Health Risks. Sci Total Environ. 2023;897(March):165469. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165469. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723040925

Ben Ali M, El Fadili H, El Mahi M, Lotfi EM, Fannakh A, Chahine A. Geochemistry Pollution Status and Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(oid)s in Soil Influenced by Co-Landfilling of MSW and Sewage Sludge, Morocco. Environ Nanotechnology, Monit Manag. 2023;20(June):100859. doi:10.1016/j.enmm.2023.100859. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2215153223000831

Mary R, Nasir R, Alam A, Tariq A, Nawaz R, Javied S, et al. Exploring Hazard Quotient, Cancer Risk, and Health Risks of Toxic Metals of The Mehmood Booti and Lakhodair Landfill Groundwaters, Pakistan. Environ Nanotechnology, Monit Manag. 2023;20(April):100838. doi:10.1016/j.enmm.2023.100838. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2215153223000624

Abidin AU, Maziya FB, Susetyo SH, Yoneda M, Matsui Y. Exposure Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Health Risk Assessment on Informal Workers in Landfill Site, Indonesia. Environ Challenges. 2023;13(October):100795. doi:10.1016/j.envc.2023.100795. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266701002300118X

Saha P, Kumar Saikia K, Kumar M, Handique S. Assessment of Health Risk and Pollution Load for Heavy and Toxic Metal Contamination from Leachate in Soil and Groundwater in The Vicinity of Dumping Site in Mid-Brahmaputra Valley, India. Total Environ Res Themes. 2023;8:100076. doi:10.1016/j.totert.2023.100076. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772809923000539

Kumari H, Yadav S. A Comparative Study on Metal Pollution from surface Dust of Informal and Formal E-Waste Recycling Sectors in National Capital Region of New Delhi and Associated Risk Assessment. Sci Total Environ. 2023;904:166791. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166791. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723054165

Hu H, Zeng X, Zheng K, Zeng Z, Dai C, Huo X. Risk Assessment and Partitioning Behavior of PFASs in Environmental Matrices from An E-Waste Recycling Area. Sci Total Environ. 2023;905(October):167707. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167707. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723063349

Zaman F, Rahman MA, Haque MM, Akbor MA, Tareq SM. Pervasiveness and Classification of Microplastics in Landfill Leachate: Impacts, Risks, and Treatment Efficiency. J Hazard Mater Adv. 2024;16(April):100502. doi:10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100502. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772416624001037

Jolaosho TL. Characterization of Potentially Toxic Elements in Leachates from Active and Closed Landfills in Nigeria and Their Effects on Groundwater Systems Using Spatial, Indexical, Chemometric and Health Risk Techniques. Chemosphere. 2024;369:143678. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143678. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653524025785

Ahammed MS, Nasrin S, Siddique MAB, Halder M. Trace elements accumulation in vegetables and soils of waste dumping sites in southwestern Bangladesh and implication on human health. Waste Manag Bull. 2024;2(3):296–308. doi:10.1016/j.wmb.2024.09.001. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949750724000798

Nickson O, Ukundimana Z, Wamyil FB, Yusuf AA, Pierre MJ, Kagabo AS, et al. Quantification and characterization of municipal solid waste at aler dumpsite, Lira City, Uganda: Assessing pollution levels and health risks. Clean Waste Syst. 2024;9:100177. doi:10.1016/j.clwas.2024.100177. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772912524000502

Aralu CC, Okoye PAC, Abugu HO, Ochiagha KE, Egbueri JC. Evaluating the seasonal variations of risks associated with potentially toxic elements in underground water sources near a dumpsite in Awka, Nigeria. J Hazard Mater Adv. 2024;15(June):100440. doi:10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100440. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277241662400041X

Tehrani AM, Hajiketabi S, Berijani N, Samadi M. Investigating The Respiratory and Systemic Effects of Exposure to BTEX among Municipal Solid Waste Workers. Environ Pollut. 2025;366(November 2024):125525. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125525. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749124022425

Silwani T, Themba N, Chokwe TB, Semenya K. Assessment of Groundwater Quality, Heavy Metal Contamination, and Human Health Risks in Roundhill Municipal Landfill, Eastern Cape, South Africa. J Environ Heal Sustain Dev. 2025 Apr;10(2):2666–93. doi:10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19010. Available from: https://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-887-en.pdf

Iqbal MA, Siddiqua SA, Faruk MO, Abu AR, Salam MA. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of The Potential Threats to Respiratory Health from Microbial Bioaerosol Exposures. Environ Pollut. 2024;341(October 2023):122972. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122972. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37984479/

Jomova K, Alomar SY, Nepovimova E, Kuca K, Valko M. Heavy Metals: Toxicity and Human Health Effects. Arch Toxicol. 2025;99(1):153–209. doi:10.1007/s00204-024-03903-2. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39567405/

Kotnala S, Tiwari S, Nayak A, Bhushan B, Chandra S, Medeiros CR, et al. Impact of Heavy Metal Toxicity on The Human Health and Environment. Sci Total Environ. 2025;987(May):179785. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179785. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969725014263

Ngo HTT, Watchalayann P, Nguyen DB, Doan HN, Liang L. Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Exposure Among Children Living in an Informal E-waste Processing Village in Viet Nam. Sci Total Environ. 2021;763:142982. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142982. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33129545/

Siddiqua A, Hahladakis JN, Al-Attiya WAKA. An Overview of The Environmental Pollution and Health Effects Associated with Waste Landfilling and Open Dumping. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2022 Aug;29(39):58514–36. doi:10.1007/s11356-022-21578-z. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35778661/

Published
2025-12-15
How to Cite
Nabilah Zahra, Mursid Raharjo, Sulistiyani, S., Nurjazuli, N., & Tri Joko. (2025). Systematic Review: Impact of Air, Leachate, and Soil Contamination on Health Problems in Landfill Workers and Local Residents . Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI), 9(1), 145-164. https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v9i1.8570
Issue
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): January 2026
Section
Article

Copyright (c) 2025 Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Authors who publish with Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia retain the copyright of their work. The journal applies a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0), which grants the following rights:

  1. Copyright Retention: Authors retain the copyright of their work, maintaining full control over their intellectual property without restrictions.

  2. Right of First Publication: Authors grant the journal the right of first publication of their work. This ensures that the work is initially published and credited in Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia.

  3. License to Share and Reuse: The work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, allowing others to copy, distribute, remix, and build upon the work for any purpose, even commercially, as long as proper credit is given to the authors, and any new creations are licensed under the same terms.