Evaluation of toxic potential of leachate originating from experimental landfill cells containing household waste and healthcare waste

Abstract

Two experimental cells with household solid waste and healthcare solid waste were monitored in order to evaluate the pollution potential, and its toxicity effects corresponding to the chemical substances present in the leachates generated, correlating the physico–chemical composition with the ecotoxicity results (organisms Aliivibrio fischeri and Danio rerio). From the statistical evaluation of the physico–chemical analysis results, leachate generated in the household solid waste cell presented greater or equal values than to the healthcare solid waste cell, except for the turbidity parameter. The ecotoxicity results showed the same behaviour as that obtained with the physico–chemical analysis. A significant positive correlation was verified between chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity and ammonia nitrogen parameters with the leachate toxicity. This study concluded that healthcare solid waste presented less or equal polluting potential compared with household solid waste, and the co-disposal can be considered a viable alternative in sanitary landfills.