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Environmental Problems With Burials

Burials are a common ritual held by people around the world after the passing of a loved family member or friend. Most cemeteries were sited without the consideration of the potential risks to the environment and public health. Water pollution is one of the most commonly cited problem of burial sites and large cemeteries.

  1. Putrefaction and Seepage

    • As the human body putrefies after burial, decay products containing bacteria, viruses, organic and inorganic chemical products seep into percolating ground water. If the site of the burial is located in an especially porous soil type such as sand or gravel, the movement of decompositional seepage can mix easily and rapidly with the surrounding groundwater. This situation has the potential to cause waterborne diseases in places where surrounding groundwater is used as a water source.

    Microorganism Survival Rates

    • Survival rates of microorganisms in burial sites depend on the type of soil in the burial site, the kinds of microorganisms present, ground temperature and the amount of rainfall in the area. Microorganisms survive longer in cooler temperatures, whereas the die-off rate of microorganisms doubles with every 45-degree rise in temperature between temperatures of 41 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Movement

    • The accumulation of gas molecules from microorganisms that form a thin layer on soil layers, also known as adsorption, is the most important factor when considering virus retention in the soil surrounding burial sites. Soil acidity can indirectly affect the survival rates of microorganisms by affecting their adsorption rates onto soil surfaces. Many viruses can move through soils with the help of downward seepage and rainfall. These viruses can enter the main water source for surrounding residents if the organisms are not isolated by surrounding plants or non-porous soil.

    Prevention

    • Infective viruses can be isolated by surrounding plants. Placing plants around burial sites is a way to draw infective viruses from the soil. Root systems are also known to restrict the paths of microorganisms moving through the ground. As a way to counter soil and water contamination, plants and trees should be placed around the edges of burial sites to help decrease the movement of microorganisms through the soil.

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