Landfill Site Research Articles

Categories of Waste Recovered by Ragpickers from Garbage Dumps in Bamako, Mali

Bamako's landfill sites are becoming more and more like vast construction sites, with several players carrying out different activities. This study was carried out with a view to identifying the players involved and the categories of waste recovered by them from the said landfills. A participatory descriptive survey was carried out at four (4) landfills in June 2018 in Bamako. Among the interviewed actors we have reclaimers (93.3% of actors), wholesalers and recyclers (artisans) who, together, contribute to giving a second life to reclaimed objects. The quantity of objects recovered per day by a ragpicker on the dumps was between 10 and 20 kg. Aluminum objects were the most sought-after (60% of cases) among scrap metals. Aluminum, bronze and copper objects were transformed into jewelry and other decorative items by craftsmen. Glass bottles are recovered for reuse. Plastic waste (PET and PVC) was recycled by household goods manufacturing units. Food leftovers were mainly sorted by women. The players set up a recovery system that resembles a circular economy principle. Keywords: Categories, waste, ragpickers, dumps, Bamako.

Geographic Information System and Contamination Indices for Environmental Risk Assessment of Landfill Disposal Sites in Central Saudi Arabia

Landfills pollute air, soil, and surface and groundwater worldwide. The present work aims to assess the environmental risks of three landfills in southern Riyadh using GIS, soil quality guidelines, and contamination indices. GIS tools indicated an increase in the area of the landfill sites with time. The concentration of heavy metals (HMs) in the investigated landfills had the following descending order: Fe (11,532 mg/kg) ˃ Al (5405 mg/kg) ˃ Pb (561.7 mg/kg) ˃ Zn (356.8 mg/kg) ˃ Mn (165 mg/kg) ˃ Cr (74.8 mg/kg) ˃ Cu (42.7 mg/kg) ˃ Ni (22.4 mg/kg) ˃ V (21.8 mg/kg) ˃ As (5.16 mg/kg) ˃ Co (4.08 mg/kg). The highest values of Al, As, Co, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were recorded from Al Kharj road landfill (RL3). However, the average values of all HMs were lower than those from most worldwide soils and backgrounds, except for Zn, Cu, Cr, and Pb. Results of enrichment factor and statistical analysis indicated deficiency to minimal enrichment and geogenic sources for Al, Co, Mn, and V, while those of As, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Cu showed EF ˃ 2, which might be indicative of anthropogenic activities, especially in RL3. Additionally, very high contamination and a high effects range—median were reported in individual samples, especially for Pb, As, and Zn, indicating frequent adverse effects for these HMs. The difference in contamination for the HMs in the studied landfill sites might be attributed to the difference in the magnitude of input for each metal into the landfill site and/or the difference in the removal rate of each metal from it.

Synergistic effects of nano titanium dioxide and waste glass powder on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete.

This study investigates the combined use of waste glass powder and nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the mechanical and durability properties of the concrete. Waste glass being one of the major municipal wastes going into the landfill sites can be used as a pozzolanic material in the concrete, in this study cement is replaced with waste glass powder by 10% along with nano TiO2, it is used as an addition to cementitious material by 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Fresh and mechanical properties like setting time, workability, compressive strength and flexural strength is evaluated along with durability properties such as sorptivity, acid, sulphate and chloride attacks, elevated temperature test. Scanning electron microscope is done to understand the morphology of the blended concrete. Combined use of glass powder and nano TiO2 is found beneficial in mechanical and durability parameters whereas addition of nano TiO2 has resulted in decreased workability of the concrete.

Investigation of size-segregated particulate matter and carbonaceous components in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

This study investigated the size-segregated carbonaceous components of particulate matter (PM), including ultrafine particles (UFP or PM0.1), across three distinct urban settings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: an educational site (University of Health Sciences, UHS), an institutional site (Ministry of Environment, MoE), and a residential area near a landfill. A cascade impactor-type sampler equipped with an inertial filter was used to collect size-segregated particles down to UFPs. Carbonaceous species, including organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), were analyzed using a thermal/optical carbon analyzer to determine their composition and ratios. The results indicated no significant differences in mass concentration between weekdays and weekends at all sites; however, PM profiles varied across the location. The UHS site displayed higher EC levels in UFP, with concentrations suggesting significant local vehicular emissions, underscored by a lower OC/EC ratio (2.39 ± 1.13) compared to other sites. In contrast, the landfill site exhibited higher OC components in finer particles, suggesting emissions from organic sources such as waste burning and cooking activities, evidenced by higher OC/EC ratios across all particle sizes (e.g., OC/EC ratio in UFP at 3.78 ± 0.98). The MoE site presented a balanced profile with moderate levels of both OC and EC, influenced by its proximity to natural dispersion factors like the Tonle Sap River. Additionally, air mass backward trajectory analysis integrated with hotspot data indicated transboundary influences, particularly from agricultural burning in surrounding provinces, including Vietnam. Therefore, both local and transboundary emissions influenced the PM levels in Phnom Penh city.

Sustainable Livelihood in Post-Disaster Tourism: Lesson Learned from Merapi Tourism Site

This research aims to explore the practice of the Sustainable Livelihood Tourism Framework (SLTF) in post-disaster management in the Mount Merapi area, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The focus of SLTF achievement in this study encompasses ecological, economic, sociocultural, and institutional dimensions. Research on the SLTF has indeed become a significant focus in tourism studies. However, most of these studies are confined to a single research methodology, resulting in limited scope and a lack of comprehensive discussion. This study used a mixed-method approach with an explanatory sequential design. The study found that tourism positively impacts the increase of economic activities in the community. However, on the ecological side, tourism presence degrades environmental quality due to issues such as carbon emissions, industrial waste, climate change, the greenhouse effect, illegal logging, and illegal mining. Furthermore, other policies were identified, such as mineral water mining permits that degrade the environment and the establishment of landfill sites in the Kaliurang area, which spoils the natural beauty. Tourism practices also have a negative impact on institutional aspects, as the community perceives government policies as too complex and not meeting their expectations. Lastly, in the socio-cultural aspect, tourism preserves traditional values, as tourists tend to respect them. This mixed-method approach underscores the need for balanced strategies that address environmental concerns while maximizing economic benefits, improving institutional involvement, and supporting socio-cultural enhancement.

Landfill leachate treatment process is transforming and releasing banned per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to UK water

Landfills are a known source of PFAS pollution. Many have environmental permits allowing the discharge of treated leachate to controlled waters. In this article we compared leachate data for 17 PFAS from 17 different landfill sites across the UK. The results show that the landfill leachate treatment process (designed to improve water quality) is generating the banned PFAS; PFOA and PFOS. Approximately 80% of locations tested showed an increase in PFOS, with an increase of 1,335% in one sample. The highest concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in treated leachate were 2,460 ng L−1 and 26,900 ng L−1, respectively. When compared against the environmental quality standard of 0.65 ng L−1 for PFOS this leachate could pose a significant concern. Landfill leachate treatment has proven effective for a wide range of different pollutants, but this research shows in several instances that it is not appropriate for PFAS remediation.

Environmental And Health Implications of Waste Disposal Sites In The Lesotho Lowlands

Many Southern African countries, including Lesotho, face severe health and environmental issues attributed to waste disposal. The purpose of this study is to assessed the environmental and health impacts on residents living in proximity to disposal sites in the lowlands of Lesotho. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a semi-structured questionnaire and observation method. A mapping device was used, and photographs were taken to validate the findings. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test (?²) were employed to analyze the data. Results indicate that in Lesotho, some landfill sites are located as close as 50 meters from residential areas, and most (60%) received hazardous mixed waste streams. Waste burning and backyard dumping were the most frequently used disposal methods by residents. Several perceived health outcomes and environmental issues were noted, with respiratory and gastrointestinal health issues being the most prevalent. There was a statistically significant association between waste burning and respiratory diseases (P < 0.010) and between backyard dumping and gastrointestinal diseases (P < 0.003). The study concludes that regulatory instruments need to be revised and enforced, requiring hazardous waste producers to take responsibility for end-of-life waste and banning the entry of such waste into disposal sites. The application of waste management strategies to initiate other preferable end-of-life waste procedures, such as recycling of WEEE and waste-to-energy technologies for organic waste in Lesotho, could improve the quality of health for residents and their environment.

Assessing the health risks from flooding and chemical contamination: a scoping review

Abstract Flooding can increase the mobilization of hazardous chemicals in the environment. This scoping review provides an overview of the evidence on how flood events effect our health through chemical contamination and describes the exposure pathways to guide prevention and response measures. Flooding includes surface water flooding, coastal flooding, river flooding, storm surge, monsoon rainfall and high tide. We found 110 papers that looked at the association between flooding and chemicals in the environment, with most studies looking at heavy metals, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PAHs), and arsenic. There was a lack of information on rural populations and studies on mobilisation of pesticides. Very few studies mapped or modelled human exposures, including for high-risk populations (e.g., children), and this remains an important evidence gap. Studies considering climate change highlighted the likelihood of chemical contamination and health risks to be exacerbated. Our results highlighted new pathways by which flood events mobilise chemicals and pose risks to human health (i.e., urban runoff, industrial sources). Although found extensively in the environment, gaps were identified in the evidence for pesticides, microplastics and heavy metals. Limited studies reported response measures to address the chemical contamination linked to flooding despite the health risks likely to increase due to poor infrastructure and management measures despite the extent of contaminated land and landfill sites. A dual risk management strategy (i.e., the coordinated management of both flood-related and chemical release risks is required to address flooding events, chemical releases, and health impacts.

Assessment of Nitrate Reduction by Microbes in Artificial Groundwater Medium

There are significant reasons for nitrate contamination in groundwater (Delhi, India): sewage, runoff from landfill sites, nitrogenous chemical fertilisers, and pesticides from agricultural lands. The highest recorded concentration of nitrate in Delhi’s groundwater is reported to be 1500 mg/l. Consumption of high nitrate through water may pose serious health problems in humans, especially children (below five years). The study’s primary objective was to isolate and identify nitrate-remediating microbes from the nitrate-contaminated site Okhla Barrage, located on the Yamuna River in Delhi, India. A total of 11 different strains were isolated from this site. Among these four strains exhibited 40%–50% remediation efficiency at a nitrate concentration of 1000 mg/l. Molecular characterisation revealed that these four strains, Enterobacter aerogenes, E. coli K12, <i>Klebsiella oxytoca</i> and <i>Lelliottia amnigena</i>, belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family. This study assessed the nitrate remediation potential of isolated microbes in groundwater with 1000 and 1500 mg/l nitrate concentrations. By using a 2% inoculum, the microbes were incubated anaerobically at room temperature for ten days. Nitrate concentrations were monitored every 48 hours. <i>Lelliottia</i>, <i>E. coli</i>, and <i>Enterobacter</i> reduced nitrate (1500 mg/l) by approximately 42%, 24%, and 29%, respectively, while <i>K. oxytoca</i> showed minimal reduction. <i>L. amnigena</i> exhibited superior nitrate removal efficiency compared to other strains. According to the reported data, these strains are known to reduce nitrate concentrations of 620 mg/l. However, our findings demonstrate a remarkable nitrate remediation capacity of 1500 mg/l, showcasing a novel contribution to this study. Further detailed analysis for condition optimisation and association of microbe-microbe could be more helpful.

Assessment of Potential Landfill Sites and Route Optimization in Kendal Regency, Indonesia Utilizing Geographic Information Systems

Assessment of Potential Landfill Sites and Route Optimization in Kendal Regency, Indonesia Utilizing Geographic Information Systems

SUITABILITY MAPPING FOR OPTIMAL LANDFILL SITE IN COASTAL MOUNTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. CASE STUDY: COLLO MASSIF (NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA)

The management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in coastal mountainous regions displays a significant challenge to sustainable development in Algeria, particularly in its environmental dimension. Local stakeholders face substantial difficulties in identifying appropriate sites for solid waste disposal in this area due to the fragility and complexity of their ecological systems and their potential to amplify the impacts of waste disposal. This affects directly the quality of life, sustainability of natural resources, and threatens the scenic beauty of this tourist destination. Therefore, developing a mechanism based on scientific knowledge to facilitate decision-making processes in these regions is imperative. This paper aims to underscore the importance of employing Cartographic Suitability Mapping for Optimal Landfill Site Selection in coastal mountainous regions as an effective tool to ensure precise results, focusing on the study case of Collo, Skikda state, Algeria. The results show four categories of land suitability: constraint (5.22-7.76) , unsuitable (3.25-4.26), and suitable area (1.21-3.24), with four candidate areas identified as the most suitable for landfill establishment. It is recommended that future studies incorporate social and economic dimensions to further enhance decision-making processes in this regard.

Secular change in seaweed species composition and coverage of Sargassaceae on the artificial reef in Wakasa Bay, Japan.

The threat of declining seaweed beds has been a concern around the world. Seagrass and seaweed (brown algae) beds are essential habitats supporting fisheries. However, approximately 22% of these habitats have been lost in Japan due to increased coastal landfill sites and ports. This study aims to rehabilitate the depletion of these habitats by constructing an artificial reef in Wakasa Bay, Japan, and monitoring Sargassaceae succession in the second and fourth years after the construction was completed. In this study, we set up four sites on the artificial reef. Then we identified the seaweed species composition and coverage of the Sargassaceae using underwater visual observation by scuba divers. The seaweed coverage was already over approximately 80% in the second year after construction. The Sargassum horneri and S. confusum dominated during the first and second sampling in the second year after construction, and Myagropsis myagroides and S. patens during the third and fourth sampling in the fourth year after construction. Thus, the recovery of species composition takes longer than that of coverage. Therefore, observing species composition recovery is essential when constructing the artificial reef.

Landfill site selection using analytical hierarchy process and GIS: a case study in Al-Zubair district, Basrah, Iraq

Landfill site selection using analytical hierarchy process and GIS: a case study in Al-Zubair district, Basrah, Iraq

Geotechnical Study of Oxidative Covering Layers for Sanitary Landfills

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the analysis of the geotechnical behavior of pure soil and mixtures of soil with composted product for use in landfill cover layers. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes laboratory tests for the physical characterization and determination of the properties of the materials used for the oxidative cover layer. To prepare the oxidative layer, it was necessary to mix organic compost with clay soil. The soil was collected from a deposit located near the Muribeca Landfill in Pernambuco. Results and Discussion: The analyses performed allowed a positive assessment of the geotechnical capacity that the mixtures can provide under the condition of landfill cover layers. The mixtures had a small increase in the proportion of coarser granulometry, reducing the plasticity of the material with the addition of the compost, possibly increasing the permeability of the layer. Also, the addition of compost did not cause a great loss in the geotechnical load-bearing capacity of the material. Research Implications: The material studied has shown potential suitability for use in oxidative covering layers for landfills, proving to be a viable alternative for implementation in smaller municipalities with less purchasing power, effectively reducing the need for the use of clayey materials, without compromising the safety of operation and subsequent use of the landfill site. Originality/Value: One of the difficulties encountered by municipalities in the use of landfills is the search for materials suitable for the solution, especially in municipalities with less purchasing power or located in arid regions, where the use of conventional layers presents problems, with drying out and opening of fissures. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the viability of the association of clayey soils with organic compost for the preparation of oxidative covering layers, reducing the pollutant load of organic waste.

Draft genome of the caprolactam-degrading Paenarthrobacter sp. CAP02 isolated from a landfill.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Paenarthrobacter sp. CAP02, which metabolizes caprolactam as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen. This bacterium was isolated from Dane County Landfill Site No. 2 in Madison, WI, USA.

Compositional-geochemical characterization and multi-element pollution and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in the urban landfill soil

Urban areas are characterized by the presence of various pollution sources including landfills. During the recent decade, urban landfills were investigated as a source of pollution by potentially toxic elements and potential deposits for landfill mining. The contents of Cr, V, Ti, Ca, K, Mo, Zr, Sr, Rb, As, Zn, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ba in soils of Vanadzor city landfill site (VL) were determined using the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to assess multi-element pollution and ecological risk and to identify potentially toxic elements geochemical associations through the application of compositional data analysis. The results showed that Cr, Mo, Zn, Cu, and Pb displayed significant values (>100%) of coefficient of variation suggesting their anthropogenic origin. Moreover, these elements, except Cr, displayed outliers and extreme values in the same sampling sites located directly on the reclaimed part of the landfill. The median contents of Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, and As exceeded the global median values by 8.2, 9.8, 19.0, 4.6, 6.1, and 4.5 times, respectively. The multi-element pollution assessment showed that an extremely hazardous level of pollution was observed on the reclaimed part of the VL. From this site, a trend of decrease in the pollution level was observed in the eastern and western directions. In contrast, an allowable level of pollution was observed in the northern part - toward the direction of the above-located hill. The VL was found to be in an inferior ecological condition (a very high level of potential ecological risk was observed), which might also have a negative impact on the ecosystems located in its vicinity. The hierarchical clustering has revealed that the studied elements are grouped in two geochemical associations: a naturally formed - Co, Fe, V, Ti, Mn, Sr, Zr, Rb, K, Ba, As; and an anthropogenic one - Zn, Pb, Cu, Ca.

Pervasiveness and classification of microplastics in Landfill Leachate: Impacts, Risks, and Treatment Efficiency

Microplastics (MPs) in surface and groundwater in Bangladesh are a significant issue. The purpose of this research was to assess the possibility of landfill leachate acting as a potential origin of MPs and to determine if the surrounding surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW) act as recipients. Furthermore, this research assessed the leachate treatment plant MP removal efficacy and MP risk assessment. The findings show that discharge leachate from the Matuail landfill contributes 3.5 × 108 particles per hour to the surrounding aquatic environment, with an average of 350 ±10 MPs/L. MPs was found highly in SW and then in GW with an average of 1683 ± 70 and 614 ± 40 MPs/L, respectively, with 48.9% of MPs ranged from 0.1mm to 0.5mm. The dominant shapes were fibers and fragments. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and Polypropylene (PP) was the most common, and Polyurethane (PUR), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) posed the greatest threat to the environment. The inefficient treatment method resulted in the release of 83.33% of MPs, indicating a low removal efficiency in the leachate. The inefficient removal rate leads to the highest pollutant load index for surface water (2.18). Ultimately, the analysis of the nemerow pollution index (NPI), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), polymer hazard index (PHI), and potential ecological risk (Ei), revealed a minimal to extremely high range of contaminations. A clear link was obsevered between the particles shape and size throught the principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, it highlights the need for ongoing national surveillance of MPs considering the gravity of this contamination and indicates the importance of proactive management of landfill sites.

새만금 지역의 관할구역 결정을 위한 법제도 개선방향

Regarding the decision of the district of local governments, it has been relatively clearly determined by the maritime boundary line on the National Basic Report (topographic map) by the Constitutional Court's competency dispute trial. Currently, it is a dispute settlement system that does not recognize the customary legal effect of the maritime boundary line and resolves it by filing a complaint with the Supreme Court. Article 5 (formerly Article 4) of the Local Autonomy Act states that there is no legal boundary for the district of local governments and that it is subject to the former, and there are no clear regulations under the current law. The decision of the Central Dispute Mediation Committee, the decision of the Supreme Court, and the decision of the Constitutional Court are not judged based on objective and substantive standards. In accordance with the principle of equity, local governments' district decisions are made by applying various factors of consideration set by each judgment agency. As a result, conflicts continue between local governments over the jurisdiction over maritime or public water landfill sites. The revision of the Local Autonomy Act in 2009 seemed to create a new breakthrough, but the revision of the Local Autonomy Act in 2009 is amplifying rather than reducing disputes, and problems in system design and operation are being revealed. Even with the full revision of the Local Autonomy Act in 2021, only the provisions were moved from Articles 4 to 5 without any fundamental improvement in this area. Article 6 was newly established to require the Minister of Public Administration and Security to apply for mediation if the boundaries of the area are unclear, and in such cases, the formation of an autonomous consultative body was requested to establish a procedural regulation that forced consultations within a certain period of time. It is unclear whether such an autonomous consultative body will be effective in resolving conflicts between local governments only through autonomous consultations without attempts to promote negotiations by a third neutral institution or mediator. This is because these voluntary consultative bodies are merely a preliminary negotiation channel for the deliberations and decisions of the Central Dispute Settlement Commission or the local dispute settlement commission. Even the Central Dispute Settlement Commission, the Supreme Court, and the Constitutional Court make decisions on jurisdictional determinations based on a combination of factors set by the judicial bodies themselves, rather than the substantive standards set by law. This seems to be in line with the principle of equity by making a comprehensive judgment, but the factors to be prioritized vary from one institution to another, which leads to legal instability and ultimately to a lack of approval until a judicial conclusion is reached. It is also a problem that the filing period to the Supreme Court is only 15 days, and the judgment by the Supreme Court, which is a judicial decision, is also operated as a single-judgment system to investigate facts, so it is necessary to change the system to a two-judgment system that appeals to the Supreme Court after going through the High Court instead of filing directly to the Supreme Court. It seems like a step forward compared to the previous system of resolving disputes over the jurisdiction of local governments over the Saemangeum landfill through the deliberation and decision of the Central Dispute Mediation Committee, the decision of the Minister of the Interior and Safety, and the final decision of the Supreme Court.

Assessment of the water and mass balance in the landfill body by modelling using the example of the Dubna city landfill

To predict the migration of pollutants in groundwater from the landfill site, it is necessary to know the infiltration rate and the concentration of pollutants in the moisture entering the groundwater level below the landfill. It is shown that the HELP program for calculating moisture transport in the unsaturated zone can be used to estimate the infiltration rate by the example of the municipal solid waste in Dubna, To estimate chloride ion concentration in the leachate entering the groundwater level, the VS2DT program for calculating the transport of pollutants with moisture in the unsaturated zone can be used. It is shown how uncertainty and insufficiency of information about the landfill site affects the estimation of these parameters, in what cases it is possible to use information about a similar dump, how test calculations help to verify hypotheses of formation of groundwater pollution under the landfill. The ranges of infiltration rate and chloride ion concentrations in moisture entering the groundwater level under the landfill body obtained as a result of calculations of the water and mass balance of the landfill in Dubna were further used to calculate the chloride ion transport in groundwater.

Household Waste Segregation in a Ward of a Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal

The process of urbanization, which is perceived as a sign of progress, results increased number of households and their increased consumption of goods and services. This increases the volume of daily household waste which if not properly managed, can lead to various diseases and epidemics. Segregation of household waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes can make household waste management easier as the biodegradable waste whose proportion is more than 60 % of the daily household waste, can be managed at household or local level. Similarly, a large proportion of non-biodegradable waste can be recycled. This would remove great burden faced by the distant landfill sites where urban wastes are disposed on a regular basis. A study done in a ward of Budhanilkantha Municipality, an urban municipality of Kathmandu valley, which involved 592 households showed that 65% of the total households practiced waste segregation. However, the practice of household waste segregation was not significantly associated with different levels of education status or the monthly income of the family. It was also not significantly associated with the presence of open area around the house.