Etueffont Landfill Research Articles

What are the growth kinetics and biochemical compositions of microalgae isolated from diverse aquatic ecosystems in Morocco, France, and Tunisia?

Thirty-six microalgae belonging to five taxonomic groups (Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyceae, Diatomophyceae, Euglenophyceae, and Eustigmatophyceae) were identified from six freshwater ecosystems in Morocco, two treatment stations in Etueffont landfill in France and three hot spring waters in Tunisia. Investigations on species growth kinetics and growth rates showed that the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya gelatinosa exhibited both the highest biomass and growth rate with 4 g DW L-1 and 0.282 day-1, respectively. A significant protein production (more than 40% DW) was observed across the studied species. Cyanobacteria and chlorophytes stood out for their increased protein production with a maximum (66.63 ± 3.84% DW) attained by the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. Chlorophytes produced substantial amounts of carbohydrates (more than 20% DW). Euglenophytes including Phacus orbicularis and Euglena ehrenbergii along with the chlorophyte Graesiella sp. accumulated significant amounts of lipids (up to 31.12% DW).

Proposed changes for post-closure monitoring of Etueffont landfill (France) from a 9-year survey

Environmental monitoring must be continued following landfill closure for at least 30 years according French Waste Disposal Law. The goal of this investigation was to verify whether measures taken with respect to surveillance and control of leachates, surface and ground water originated from closed landfill site in France are sufficient to ensure reliable long-term environmental monitoring. This study is based on the first nine years of the Etueffont landfill's post-closure phase, from 2002 to 2010. In 2007, the site's piezometric network has 17 piezometers. Four supplementary sampling points were also added in up- and downstream of Gros Près and Mont Bonnet Brooks. No raw leachate was discharged directly into the natural environment. Piezometric monitoring has been undertaken monthly. Groundwater and effluent discharges were sampled twice per year, in January and July, while surface water was sampled three times annually. By taking into account all of the monitoring parameters imposed by the Decree of 9 September 1997 amended, the recorded values were all lower than the strictest standards (non-applicable) at the end of monitoring (2005–2010). The discharge is therefore of a much higher quality than required. Several parameters were undetected in the surface waters since their levels were below analytical detection limits. The average purification efficiency observed between upstream (the source) and downstream (MB Brook), observed to be between 72 and 91%, shows just how well the receiving environment can purify contaminated waters by natural attenuation. The groundwater present throughout the monitoring period to be at concentrations below the standards for the following parameters: Total phosphorus, Total nitrogen, Escherichia coli (E. coli), As, Zn, Cd and Cr. In contrast, some excesses are occasionally observed for the organic parameters (TOC, COD and BOD). Thus, this study shows the flaws inherent in the environmental monitoring program imposed by the Decree of 9 September 1997. Consequently, the program has indeed been adapted to the monitoring of effluent discharges and surface water quality since the decree does set quality standards.

Performance assessment of Etueffont (France) lagooning treatment system: Report from a 16-year survey

This study examined the lagooning treatment system of the Etueffont landfill (France) over a period of 16 years. Outflow concentrations in total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand (BOD5) and trace metal elements largely met outflow standards and were on average of 5, 8 and 6 times lower than those observed at inflow, respectively. In 2000, however, high levels of BOD5 were observed in both the influent and effluent, exceeding the authorized outflow limits. At that time the lagooning ponds were subjected temporarily to organic pollution, coinciding with the arrival of the first leachates from a new cell. Though the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon in the influent exceeded authorized limits, overall values conformed to official standards with outflow exhibiting mean concentrations four times lower than those observed at inflow. The first period took place just after the arrival from the new cell of young leachates containing a very high level of COD (>10,000 mg L−1), causing an organic overload that led to a temporary dysfunctioning of the treatment installation lasting approximately two years. Additionally, the COD in the leachates fell below the strictest limits (125 mg L−1) at the end of monitoring (2005–2009). The initial nitrogen load brought in by the influent decreased progressively over time, evidence of continuous degradation. At the end of monitoring, regardless of the arriving inflow load, the discharge presented stable concentrations of approximately 30 mg L−1, appearing to indicate that the limits for nitrogen elimination. Total phosphorus elimination was optimal as the concentrations at outflow were minimal throughout most of monitoring, even though the phosphorus load at inflow was from two to thirty-five times greater. Thus, the findings show that landfill leachates in the methanogenic phase can be treated efficiently by lagooning without risk to the surrounding environment.

Spatial characterization of leachate plume using electrical resistivity tomography in a landfill composed of old and new cells (Belfort, France)

Located near Belfort (France), the Etueffont landfill was in operation from 1976 to 2002 for the disposal and storage of domestic waste produced by 47,650 inhabitants. The site is comprised of the original landfill site called the old landfill (OL), in operation from 1976 to 1999, and a newer section known as the new cell (NC) which operated from 1999 to 2002. The objective of this study is to determine, using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), the extent of the leachate plume from the OL and to monitor the efficiency of the liner of the NC. The entire Etueffont site was crisscrossed with 21 electrical profile lines which were traced in summer between 2009 and 2011 during a period of dry weather. This investigation allowed visualization of the flow and saturation phenomena within the waste without destructive on-site intervention, and also of leachate infiltration into the substratum. The anomalies of low resistivity extending beneath the base of the OL represent a leachate plume that migrates within the substratum. As the water table ceiling is found at nearly the same level as the base of the waste, leachate infiltration is a source of groundwater pollution. A rising gradient in resistivity values is observed at depth indicating progressive vertical dilution in leachate mineralization. Pollution plume extension is limited both at depth and laterally as it is no longer visible a few dozen meters from the storage zone.

Assessing the impact of leachate plumes on groundwater quality in the Etueffont landfill (Belfort, France)

Located near Belfort (France), the Etueffont landfill was in operation from 1976 to 2002 for the disposal and storage of domestic waste produced by the area’s 47,650 inhabitants. The site is comprised of the original landfill site called the “old landfill,” in operation from 1976 to 1999, and a newer section known as the “new cell” which operated from 1999 to 2002. The objective of this study was to monitor over a four-year period the groundwater quality in the landfill’s surroundings along with its variations in chemical facies using the ion Cl− as an indicator of anthropogenic contamination in groundwater. The results illustrate the influence of the entire landfill site on the upper part of the groundwater layer. In addition, the leachate plume does not exceed the width of the storage zone and is no longer observed 250 m downstream. This demonstrates a weak transversal dispersion except toward the west where diverticulation of the mixture is guided by schistosity and fracturation.

Seasonal variation of heavy metals in water, sediment and roach tissues in a landfill draining system pond (Etueffont, France)

Concentrations of cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, strontium and zinc were determined in water, sediment and fish tissues (gills, liver, muscle and bones) of the common roach (Rutilus rutilus) in the Etueffont landfill draining system pond (Belfort, France), during summer and autumn in 2011. Metal concentrations in the water were higher in summer, whereas in sediment they were higher in autumn, except for lead. In fish tissues, the trend in the mean metal concentrations was: Zn>Fe>Sr>Mn>Cu>Cr>Cd≈Pb≈Ni for gills and muscle. Gills and liver showed greater accumulation than muscle and bones, while bones were subjected to concentrations of metals known to interact with calcium such as Mn, Sr and Zn. The tissues accumulated essential metals such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Sr, which are also found in high concentrations in both sediment and water. However, roach tissues are less suitable for Cd, Pb and Ni exposure, as high levels were measured in both sediment and water but not detected at all in fish tissues. Thus, a combination of physico-chemical and biological analysis is a good way to screen overall environmental circumstances. The roach may therefore be useful as a bioindicator for assessment of metal pollution, though this issue requires further study.

First evidence of fish genotoxicity induced by heavy metals from landfill leachates: The advantage of using the RAPD-PCR technique

Municipal leachates are loaded with heavy metals that can contaminate surface water before discharge into a receiving body of water. The aim of this study is to evaluate the genotoxic effects of heavy metals generated by domestic waste on the common roach Rutilus rutilus in the last of the four interconnected ponds at the Etueffont landfill. We used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) since it has been shown to be a powerful means of detecting a broad range of DNA damage due to environmental contaminants. Our results show the ability of RAPD analysis to detect significant genetic alterations in roach DNA, after contamination with a set of metals contained in the landfill leachates in comparison to a roach from a non-polluted reference pond. Analysis of electrophoresis profiles indicates apparent changes such as the appearance of new bands or disappearance of bands as compared to the control. In fact, mixed smearing and laddering of DNA fragments in muscle samples support the genotoxic effects of metal deposits in the roach. This study is the first evidence found via the RAPD-PCR technique in the detection of pollutant impacts on fish exposed to landfill leachates.

Survival of pathogenic and indicator organisms in groundwater and landfill leachate through coupling bacterial enumeration with tracer tests

We reported on the transit and survival of 6 potentially pathogenic bacterial populations in a schist aquifer beneath the Etueffont landfill (France). Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus were monitored for 15 months in groundwater and leachate and coupled to tracer tests in an attempt to identify the source of contamination. The results showed the absence of S. aureus and Salmonella. The monitoring of piezometer 30 (PZ30) located downstream from the landfill highlighted leachate infiltrations into the substrate. Groundwater analysis showed high levels of faecal bacteria in the underground environment (20,000 CFU 100 mL − 1 for total coliforms, 15,199 CFU 100 mL − 1 for E. coli and 3290 CFU 100 mL − 1 for Enterococci). Data from tracer tests indicated that bacteria originated from the septic tank of the transfer station and part of these bacteria transited through waste. Bacterial density was lower in leachates than in groundwater sampled from PZ30, except for P. aeruginosa which seemed to take advantage of adverse environmental conditions. The landfill, closed since 2002, was not a source of faecal bacteria which appeared to be able to survive in the schist substrate, and may be considered as good markers of recent faecal contamination.

DISTRIBUTION ANNUELLE DE BACTERIES INDICATRICES AU NIVEAU DE LA DECHARGE D'ORDURES MENAGERES D'ETUEFFONT (FRANCE).

We assessed over 15 months the distribution of total coliforms concentrations of Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus in three monitoring points in the Etueffont landfill (Belfort, France). We selected the piezometer (PZ30) which is located downstream from the dump and two leachate collectors from the old dump and the new casing. The results showed that the leachate was free from both Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. The absence of Salmonella was most likely due to the small occupation of the landfill environment by vertebrates, especially rodents, birds and reptiles, which are known to be principal vectors of Salmonella. S. aureu, is generally hosted on skins and mucus of animals. The mean densities of E. coli and Enterococcus in the leachates were low. In contrast, P. aeruginosa abundance was high and closely related to precipitations. Coliform bacteria concentrations in the leachate averaged UFC.100 CFU. ml−1. In the contaminated groundwaters, the coliforms, E. coli and Enterococci were always present at concentrations 10 to 100 fold higher than those reported from septic tank effluents. P. aeruginosa concentrations were low (mean: 11 CFU.100 ml−1) and inferior to those quoted in the leachate. This may be explained by the anoxic conditions which prevailed in the shistous aquifer. The absence of Salmonella in groundwaters may be due to its sensitivity to disinfectants and that of S. aureus linked to the fact that it is not a common host of the human intestine. Finally, our study clearly indicates the role played by E. coli and Enterococci as biomarkers of recent faecal contamination.

The Dynamics of Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Response to Environmental Change in Four Basins of the Etueffont Landfill Leachate (Belfort, France)

We investigated the relationships between the composition and structure of macroinvertebrate communities and some environmental variables over a year in four basins of the Etueffont landfill leachate (Belfort, France) using co-inertia analysis. Culicidae larvae were the dominant macroinvertebrate group in the studied basins, contributing to 87% of the total zoobenthos density, followed by Corixidae (8.8%), Chironomids (2.5%) and other larvae (each <1%). The lowest density of chironomid larvae was recorded in the first basin which is used as a discharge system for the leachate produced by the landfill. In basin 4, however, the Baetidae, Orthocladiinae (Orthocladius spp., Chaetocladius spp. and Isocladius spp.) and Tanypodinae (Psectrotanypus spp.) developed favoured by low levels in ammonia, COD, BOD, EC, metals and high oxygen concentrations. The co-inertia analysis illustrated both temporal and spatial variabilities in the basins and revealed a strong relationship between environmental conditions and benthic macroinvertebrates assemblages. This ordination technique showed that the chironomid community structure might be used successfully to differentiate between sites with different levels and types of pollution.

Coupling of Abiotic and Biotic Parameters to Evaluate Performance of Combining Natural Lagooning and Use of Two Sand Filters in the Treatment of Landfill Leachates

A study in the Etueffont landfill, located in Belfort (France), was conducted to evaluate the performance of combining natural lagooning and use of two sand filters for treating leachates through the coupling estimation of several abiotic and biotic parameters. Two gravel filters were installed in the upstream of the first basin which communicates with the remaing 2, 3 and 4 basins. The distribution of physical-chemical (T, pH, Eh, EC, O2, SM, SO4 2−, Cl−, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ni, Al, As, Ba, Cu, Sn, Zn, BOD, COD, KN, NH4 +, NO2 −, TP, AOX: absorbable organic halides, VFA: volatile fatty acids, and atrazine) and biological (bacteria, protozoa, phytoplankton) parameters was assessed in the leachate entering in basin 1, and downstream of the filters. The results showed slight variations in the physical-chemical composition of the leachate between 1999 and 2000, most likely ascribed to the maturation of the landfill but a very significant removal of SM (suspended matter) by the sand filters. This, applied to the majority of the studied parameters. Thus, the sand filter treatment of the leachates combined with natural lagooning was efficient in the improvement of water clarification.

Spatio-temporal distribution and characterisation of phytoplankton populations coupled with abiotic and biotic changes in landfill leachate treatment basins (Etuffont, Belfort, France)

The quantitative distribution of dominant phytoplankton species was carried out in the stabilisation ponds of Etueffont landfill leachate (Belfort, France) from May 1998 to May 1999. The results showed maximum phytoplankton abundance in the last lagooning basin during summer 1998, that coincided with an increase in temperature and better leachate quality. In addition, the phytoplankton was dominated by Euglenophytes species Phacus sp. and Euglena sp. known to resist constraints induced by the highly polluted aquatic environments. An improve in water quality of the last basins translated into a shift in species composition with the substitution of the Bacillariophyceae (Stephanodiscus dubius) by the Chlorophyceae (Coelastrum sp.).

Changes in the quality of landfill leachates from recent and aged municipal solid waste.

A leachate study was conducted at the Etueffont landfill (Belfort, France), to examine differences in leachate composition between old and new areas of the fill and their seasonal evolution. It was based on hourly (1999), monthly (1998-1999) and annual (1993 to 1998) samplings of domestic landfill leachate. Variations in flow rate, rainfall, temperature, electrical conductivity, O2, pH, Cl, SO4, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni, HCO3, NO3, NH4, BOD and COD were monitored. The results from monthly samplings showed close coupling between flow and concentrations of all parameters measured in the leachate. Indeed, these latter parameters decreased with increasing flow rates. Also, mass emissions per unit waste mass decreased with increasing waste age. The hourly monitoring pointed out an increase in electrical conductivity, chloride and COD concentrations in the middle of the day. This was most likely attributable to temperature fluctuations.