Characterization of leachates and analysis of the contamination potential index in two Peruvian landfills

Carbonel D. · Revista Internacional de Contaminacion Ambiental (2024) · DOI: 10.20937/rica.55105

Resumen

Landfill disposal is the predominant strategy in developing countries. Leachate generation is one of the most significant environmental impacts of these sites. This study aimed to characterize the leachate from El Zapallal and Portillo Grande sanitary landfills in Lima, Peru. For this purpose, leachate sample results were analyzed, and the Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) was applied. The samples showed elevated electrical conductivity, an alkaline pH, and significant levels of content of total dissolved solids. The high organic load (expressed in DQO and DBO5) and the high ammonium concentration reflect active degradation processes of organic matter. The LPI indicates a highly toxic and poorly stabilized leachate. Leachate recirculation increases its toxicity and could lead to a higher concentration of heavy metals in the waste platforms. However, under desert climatic conditions, with an adequate landfill liner system and management of leachate collection and storage, this strategy is shaped as an alternative that does not pose a high environmental risk and is economically viable. Nevertheless, the two landfills studied show signs of leachate migration and infiltration due to inadequate operating conditions. These results are expected to contribute to understanding the composition of leachate, its pollutant potential, and the implications of leachate recirculation in the studied landfills.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería