Abstract
Solid waste management in developing cities is a threat to water and food security. The final disposal option for solid wastes is usually landfill sites. Possible contaminants and their impact on surface and groundwater, and soil quality, at the northern solid waste landfill in Bloemfontein city, South Africa, was investigated. Soil samples were analysed for basic cations and heavy metals. A one-point surface leachate, groundwater, and surface water samples were analysed for physicochemical and microbiological parameters. Hydrochemical speciation models were developed using these parameters to determine the influence of the leachate emanating from the landfill on the quality of the water samples. Findings from the study showed that the low metal content in the soil and water samples posed no immediate threat to food and water security. However, most of the other parameters were above the permissible limit of South African National Standard 241 (SANS241) and World Health Organisation (WHO) for drinking water, and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) specification for irrigation, an indication that the groundwater was unfit for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes. Metal concentrations in the soil also increased with distance downslope of the landfill along drainage lines. The implementation of a circular economy in Bloemfontein will translate to less pollution and enhance sustainable development.
Highlights
Municipal solid waste disposal is a global concern especially in developing countries, and as urbanisation continues to advance, the management of solid waste becomes a public health and environmental concern in urban areas [1]
Based on findings from this study, where most of the parameters were above the permissible limit of South African National Standard 241 (SANS241) [43], World Health Organisation (WHO) [44] for drinking water, and Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) specification for irrigation [46], there was an indication that the groundwater was unfit for drinking, domestic, and irrigation purposes
This study explored the influence of landfill leachate on the surrounding soil and water quality of the Northern landfill in Bloemfontein and the implication on water and food security
Summary
Municipal solid waste disposal is a global concern especially in developing countries, and as urbanisation continues to advance, the management of solid waste becomes a public health and environmental concern in urban areas [1]. Landfills are usually located above ground or contained within quarries or pits” [4] It is the “simplest, cheapest and most cost effective method of disposing waste” in several parts of the world [5]. Despite these benefits, it still poses a significant threat to various spheres of the environment due to the presence of toxic inorganic and organic constituents in the leachate [6] and “poorly developed solid waste management systems” [7]. According to Aljaradin and Persson [8], a variety of environmental, health, and social impacts associated with the disposal of waste by landfilling exists and these include amongst others explosion hazards from methane build up, air pollution from odour produced as a fraction of the degradable waste decays and the overall dilapidation of the immediate environment where the landfill is situated
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