The effects of Lahijan landfill leachate on the quality of surface and groundwater resources

Landfill Leachate contains many pollutants including pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals, resistant organic compounds, etc. Lahijan dumping site has no collection and refinery system for its municipal solid wastes. This region has moderate, humid, rainy weather during the year and high groundwater level, so the leachate in the landfill can have more adverse effects on the surface and underground water resources. The purpose of the present study was to determine the pollution condition of surface and groundwater around the dumping site of Lahijan. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on the community household wells, a seasonal river and the permanent river. The present study was conducted during 9 months including winter, spring and summer (2017) on the surface and groundwater resources at Lahijan dumping in a region called Tamoshal. Temperature, Turbidity, pH, COD, BOD5, EC, TDS, alkalinity, TH, SO42-, PO43-, NO3-, Cl-, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel, Mercury and Arsenic were measured as the independent variables. According to results, the levels of turbidity, BOD5, COD, EC, TDS, Mn and Ni were higher than stablished standards in the seasonal river water. Spectrophotometers, ICP, Turbiditimeter, Conductometer and TWT were used to measure the parameters. According to the Water Quality Index, the seasonal river was not in satisfactory condition. The results of this study showed that the surface and groundwater resources around the Lahijan MSW dumping site are physically and chemically polluted. The effects of the landfill in the Lahijan Tamoshal area are evident in the area of surface and underground water.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess the pollution condition of surface and groundwater around the dumping site of Lahijan. The results indicate that the leachate contains pollutants that exceed the established standards, and the water quality of the seasonal river is unsatisfactory. The landfill in Lahijan has significant adverse effects on surface and underground water resources.