Cemeteries and Environmental Contamination: Strategies for Control, Monitoring and Remediation

Objective: To examine environmental management strategies applied in cemeteries to mitigate the impacts of cemetery leachate (necroleachate) on water and soil quality. Method: Systematic review conducted in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, from 2015 to 2025, following the PRISMA protocol with stages of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. Exclusion criteria: reviews, lack of full text, low methodological consistency, and focus outside necroleachate and cemetery management. Results and Discussion: Fourteen articles were included, indicating environmental risks linked to leachate, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms. Evidence highlights impermeabilization, drainage, and revegetation as effective measures, complemented by biosafety and hydrochemical monitoring. Emerging technologies and sustainable funeral alternatives, such as alkaline hydrolysis and biodegradable urns, show applicability but face social and regulatory challenges. Research Implications: The findings underscore the need for integrated environmental policies, rigorous licensing, and continuous monitoring to reduce impacts and protect water resources and public health. The study also shows that adopting more sustainable practices in cemeteries involves social management, including public awareness and acceptance of funeral alternatives, contributing to community well-being and safety. Originality/Value: The study assembles recent evidence on control, monitoring, and remediation strategies in cemeteries, expanding scientific understanding and providing technical and social guidance for sustainable management.