Management of municipal solid waste landfill leachate: A global environmental issue

Meththika Vithanage, S. S.R.M.D.H.R. Wijesekara, A. R. Siriwardana, Soniya S. Mayakaduwa, Yong Sik Ok

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Landfills are one of the most historical and ordinary methods of waste disposal and still remain in many parts of the world. Landfill leachate from open dumpsites has become a crucial environmental issue. Still, the predominant waste disposal method in many developing countries is open dumping, which leads to the generation of significant amounts of leachate mostly to nearby water bodies. Landfill leachate treatment is not an easy task, specifically because of its uniqueness depending on climate, culture, age of the dumpsite, and waste characteristics. Acetogenic leachate characteristics are extremely variable and difficult to predict. However, landfill leachate in the methanogenic phase possesses quite stable characteristics. Herein, we report qualitative and quantitative data on landfill leachate from different parts of the world and discuss the best management practices. In addition, we provide a case study on assessing the physiochemical characteristics of landfill leachate generated from a municipal solid waste dumpsite in Sri Lanka. Overall, landfill leachate poses a risk to the environment and effective leachate management is vital to avoid environmental deterioration.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEnvironmental Deterioration and Human Health
Subtitle of host publicationNatural and Anthropogenic Determinants
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
Pages263-288
Number of pages26
ISBN (Electronic)9789400778900
ISBN (Print)9789400778894
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014 Jan 1
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acetogen
  • Methanogen
  • Municipal solid waste
  • Nitrate
  • Organic carbon
  • Phosphate

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine(all)
  • Environmental Science(all)

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