Investigating a Southern Manchester Landfill Leachate
A. N. Nwachukwu *
Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Sciences, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
C. D. Henry
School of Physical Sciences and Geography, William Smith Building, Keele University, ST5 5BG, UK
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The leachate was analyzed for physicochemical parameters and Total Organic Carbon (TOC). The pH and electrical conductivity (EC) levels were determined using pH meter and EC meter respectively, whilst TOC analyzer and Palintest Photometer were used to collect TOC and Ammonia (NH3) concentrations respectively. The results were evaluated in relation to soil standards recommended for soil remediation.The physicochemical characteristic of the leachate from the landfill suggests that they were more acidic (average pH = 6.86) in nature, with EC range of 540 to 1420 µS/cmwhile the TOC values were far above the regulated limit. High NH3 concentration values of up to 2.42 mg/L attests to the humic nature of this Landfill.The high concentration of colour observed could be due to the presence of organic substances. More landfill leachate parameters need to be monitored if a holistic analysis of this particular landfill leachate must be ensured.
Keywords: Landfill, leachate, physicochemical parameters, TOC analyzer, EC meter, pH meter, Palintest photometer, remediation