Characterization of Leachates from Landfills Containing MSW-I Residues
Publication: Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste
Volume 23, Issue 4
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize the leachate collected from landfills containing municipal solid waste incineration (MSW-I) ashes in the range of 20%–100% by weight. Results suggested that the conductivity and concentrations of major cations and anions ( and ) increased with ash content, while alkalinity decreased with ash content. MSW-I ash contents had little effect on pH, TOC, , trace metals, and . Comparing the metal composition in the MSW-I ashes and associated ash monofill leachate, the leaching of metals, including Mg, Fe, Cu, Ni, and Al, were not as significant as expected. As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in ash monofill leachate were even below the quantification limit. The effect of MSW-I ash on landfill systems is further discussed. Leachate containing the MSW-I ash might increase the risk of leachate collection system (LCS) clogging. The risk of mineral precipitation in the LCS increased with the ash content mainly due to the increasing concentration of Ca. High ionic strength as well as the high anion ratio of the leachates might increase the hydraulic conductivity of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs).
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Acknowledgments
This material is based on work supported by the Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management and Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management and EREF.
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Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste
Volume 23 • Issue 4 • October 2019
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©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Feb 5, 2019
Accepted: Apr 8, 2019
Published online: Jun 7, 2019
Published in print: Oct 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Nov 7, 2019
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