Numerical modelling of leachate transport into water bodies at a landfill site

This study was carried out to assess the possibility of reclamation of a closed landfill site located at Mavallipura near Bangalore, India. The existing liner system at this site had not completely prevented leachate migration to the underlying aquifers, which required management and control to avoid adverse impact on the surrounding environment. Batch leaching tests and column tests were conducted to estimate the migration rates of different contaminants through soil. The transport rates thus obtained were used as input to the fluidyn-Pollusol model to assess the leachate migration from the landfill. This model may be useful in analysing leachate migration from the landfill and its associated environmental impacts, particularly on groundwater wells and surface water ponds downstream of the site. The results indicated that landfill leachate leakage had a significant effect on the quality of surrounding water bodies.