Abstract

This case study arose from the opening of an ordinary civil trial, brought by a farmer against a company in the extractive industry sector. The judge required an investigation of: 1) whether the plot of the producer contained waste materials; 2) if there were chemical residues present; 3) the nature of such residues; 4) whether the plot was suitable for agriculture; 5) what were the factors which made the soil unsuitable; and 6) the degree of erosion. 65% (1.63 ha) of the property was affected by industrial spills, mainly due to the high proportion of gravel at the surface (90%), calcium carbonate equivalent (62%), reduction of organic matter (1.85 to 1.25%) and excessive erosion (19.44 t ha^-1). The rest of the plot (0.87 ha) was not affected by these parameters. Both sites were not affected as regards heavy metals and  metalloids pollution, abnormal pH and electrical conductivity.

Key words: Heavy metals, calcium carbonate, gravel.