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ABSTRACT:The disposal of municipal waste in open areas constitutes a potential source of environmental risk due to its varied composition, including heavy metals. The endangered areas contain several plant species that may have the potential for use in phytoremediation. The objective of this study was to determine the level of soil contamination by heavy metals and to identify plant species with potential for phytoextraction in the Aurá dump area in the metropolitan region of Belém/PA. The total concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and shoots of fi ve plant species (Cassia alata, Cecropia pachystachya, Ipomoea asarifolia, Piper hispidinervum and Solanum paniculatum) were determined. The bioconcentration factors of the metals were calculated. The levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were greater than the soil quality reference values for the state of Pará, while the Cd levels were greater than the prevention values established by the National Environmental Council. The concentration of Cd varied among species, from 0.32 mg kg -1 (Solanum paniculatum) to 0.61 mg kg -1 (Cassia alata). Cassia alata and Piper hispidinervum contained the highest concentrations of Zn, 0.38 and 0.44 mg kg -1 , respectively. Cassia alata exhibited the highest bioconcentration factor for Cd. The disposal of municipal waste in the area contributed to the enrichment of heavy metals in the soil. The predominant plant species in the area were not identifi ed as phytoextractors.