Seasonal variation of leachate quality at active landfill sites in Delhi, India

Abstract

The leachate released from dumpsites can cause severe contamination of land and water. By studying seasonal variations of leachate characteristics generated from three active landfill sites of Delhi (India), it was found that seasonal variations can significantly affect the composition of leachate. Various parameters, such as conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldhal, ammoniacal nitrogen, organic nitrogen, heavy metals, chlorides and sulfates, are being released throughout the year beyond the prescribed disposal limit. It has also been seen that substantial quantities of industrial and other hazardous waste materials are also being dumped into the landfills. One can also find significant amounts (much above the permissible disposable limits) of substances such as TDS, COD, BOD, chloride, cyanide, and as in the inland surface waters. Already, the existing landfills are chocked much beyond their receiving capacity. Hence, if more waste matter is dumped in such places, it would only lead to releasing more hazardous leachate substances for a longer duration. This study will provide an in-depth analysis of leachate quality in three active landfill sites in the city of Delhi. This would enable the concerned authorities to install more effective seasonal-specific leachate management facilities at such landfills.