Leachate: production and characterization

Abstract

Leachate production deals with the creation of contaminated liquid at the base of a landfill. It involves the elements of a water balance in which precipitation either runs off from the landfill or infiltrates. Some infiltration will evapotranspire, some may be stored within the landfill, and the balance becomes percolate and eventually leachate. Examples of the water balance method are presented and consideration is given to the sequence of landfill development and the effect that it has on leachate flow. Information is provided on the microbial decomposition of municipal solid waste and the conditions which influence decomposition rates. The impact of the microbial processes on leachate contaminant composition is examined. Leachate characterization requires that estimates be made of contaminant types and concentrations as a function of refuse age. Data describing contaminant production from various sources are examined. A procedure is presented to combine the water balance method and contaminant production curves to predict leachate flow and strength with respect to site age. A simpler alternative involving a set of tables showing expected contaminant types and ranges of concentrations as a function of refuse age is also provided. Key words: landfill, leachate, flow, composition, estimation, model.