Find out how cemeteries can generate environmental risks and why the analysis of putrescine and cadaverine is crucial for soil and water safety.
The environmental impact of cemeteries
The management of cemeteries, whether by municipalities, concessionaires or owners, involves a responsibility that goes beyond memory care. The decomposition of organic matter underground can generate significant environmental and health risks, with the potential to contaminate soil and groundwater. The presence of compounds such as putrescine and cadaverine serves as a warning of these dangers.
Understanding the importance of analyzing these compounds is the first step towards guaranteeing compliance with environmental regulations, protecting public health and ensuring sustainable and safe cemetery management.
What are putrescine and cadaverine?
Putrescine and cadaverine are organic compounds originating from the decomposition of organic matter, especially proteins and amino acids. They are called biogenic amines, have a low molecular weight and are produced by the action of the decarboxylase enzyme.
Both have a strong characteristic smell of putrefaction and are recognized as one of the main culprits in the characteristic smell of decomposition. When found in high concentrations, they become potentially toxic and pose risks to both human health and the environment.
These substances are generated by the action of microbial enzymes on the amino acids lysine (which gives rise to cadaverine) and ornithine (which gives rise to putrescine). For this reason, they are often found in environments such as:
- Cemetery soils
- Food waste
- Organic effluents
The silent risk of necrochorume
During the process of decomposing bodies, a liquid known as necrochorume is released. This effluent is made up of water, mineral salts and various organic substances, including putrescine and cadaverine.
The greatest danger lies in the ability of necrochorume to seep into the ground. Without proper containment, it can reach groundwater, contaminating underground aquifers that can serve as a source of drinking water.
Concern about these factors is essential, as pollution from cemeteries can directly affect the quality of drinking water and public health, as well as posing an ecological risk to the soil and nearby ecosystems. ¹
In addition to amines, necrochorume can carry other dangerous pollutants, such as heavy metals from coffins, embalming fluids and pathogenic microorganisms capable of transmitting diseases such as hepatitis and typhoid fever.
Environmental legislation for cemeteries in Brazil
Concern about the polluting potential of cemeteries has led to the creation of specific regulations. In Brazil, the main standard is CONAMA Resolution No. 335/2003, which establishes the criteria for environmental licensing of cemeteries. ²
This resolution recognizes necrochorume as a high-risk effluent and is complemented by others, such as CONAMA No. 368/2006 and No. 402/2008, which reinforce the need for environmental control and monitoring.
The solution: accredited environmental analysis
The presence of putrescine and cadaverine in groundwater or soil should be seen as a chemical indicator of contamination. Their detection serves as a warning of the possible presence of other dangerous contaminants, requiring in-depth investigation and corrective measures.
Environmental analysis carried out by an accredited laboratory is the safest way to:
- Monitor soil and water quality around the cemetery.
- Complying with the requirements of environmental legislation and supervisory bodies.
- Preventing contamination and protecting public health.
EP Analítica: reference in environmental analysis
With more than 50 years in the environmental sector, EP Analítica specializes in the detection of putrescine and cadaverine, offering precise and accredited analyses that help identify necrochorume contamination in soils and groundwater.
With advanced technology and technical rigor, we provide reliable results that support municipalities, concessionaires, environmental consultancies and cemetery managers in making safe decisions.
Our analyses make it possible to assess the degree of environmental impact, prove compliance with standards such as CONAMA 335/2003 and guarantee more responsible, transparent cemetery management in line with environmental requirements.
Bibliographic reference
PAULA, A. Evaluation of the ecotoxicological effects of the biogenic amines cadaverine and putrescine, using different test systems. Available at: <https://repositorio.unesp.br/entities/publication/bbb0c016-c43c-49a1-8f42-bc2eed629884>.
CARNEIRO, V. S. IMPACTS CAUSED BY NECROCHORUME FROM CEMETERIES: ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH. XV Brazilian Groundwater Congress: [s.n.]. p. 18.
CONAMA Resolution No. 335 of 03/04/2003 – Federal – LegisWeb. Available at: <https://www.legisweb.com.br/legislacao/?id=99465>.
NATIONAL HEALTH FOUNDATION (FUNASA). Cemeteries as a Potential Source of Groundwater Contamination Cuiabá and Várzea Grande Region (MT) – Final Report. Available at: <https://repositorio.funasa.gov.br/bitstream/handle/123456789/634/Cemiterios%20como%20fonte%20potencial%20de%20contaminacao%20MT.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y>.