Management of Groundwater Pollution Due to Landfill Leachate Leakage: Environmental Approaches

This study investigates the environmental impact of landfill leachate on groundwater quality, focusing on a landfill site near the Haraz River in northern Iran. The exponential growth of global population, coupled with rapid technological advancements, has led to a surge in solid waste production, posing significant challenges for waste management. Despite landfilling being a prevalent waste disposal method worldwide, it carries inherent environmental risks, including the contamination of groundwater by leachate. Recent studies have extensively documented the adverse effects of landfill leachate on nearby water resources, necessitating urgent investigations in regions lacking comprehensive environmental impact assessments. The investigation involves assessing physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in leachate and nearby water resources. The results revealed significant deviations from standard values for various parameters, indicating potential contamination. Notably, the water sample exhibited elevated levels of pollutants, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), sulfate, nitrate, lead, and iron, exceeding permissible limits. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective environmental management strategies to mitigate pollution risks and safeguard water resources. Recommendations include implementing modern landfill designs, enhancing leachate treatment processes, promoting sustainable waste management practices, enforcing strict regulatory measures, and fostering community engagement. By adopting these strategies, it is possible to mitigate pollution risks, protect water resources, and promote sustainable development in landfill-adjacent areas.

کلیدواژه ها:

groundwater ، landfill leachate ، waste management ، contamination