Abstract:

The proper management of municipal solid waste for the reduction of its potential impacts on the environment is one of the most challenging issues faced by the world. In this study, a comprehensive characterization of leachate and groundwater was carried out surrounding the Oum Azza sanitary landfill in Morocco to assess their potential risks to human health. The groundwater quality was analysed using quality indices and chemometric expertise. For this purpose, spatiotemporal variation of sixteen (16) physico-chemical parameters and nine (9) heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Zn, and Fe) in groundwater and leachate were studied. Experimental data showed elevated leachate contamination potential (LPI = 29.14) surpassed the permissible limits for discharge of leachate. Besides, the application of WQI (27.47–214.58), Nemerow index (0.72–6.17), irrigation quality indices (SAR, MHR, %Na, KI, and PI), and spatial distribution revealed the unsuitability of most of the groundwater samples in vicinity of the landfill area for drinking and irrigation purposes. However, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are still within acceptable limits for residential receptors. The multivariate statistical (PCA and HCA) analysis suggested that the deterioration of groundwater quality was mainly originated from anthropogenic sources related to landfill leachate. This study proved an alarming threat of the groundwater in vicinity of the sanitary landfills due to leachate pollution. It is important to note that despite the fact that the landfill is a sanitary landfill and provided with liners, leachate contamination potential is inevitable. Thus, it is important to continuously monitor the groundwater quality surrounding the landfill. The study also recommended emphasizing on the status and conditions of geomembrane used in the landfill liner systems to prevent leachate percolation into the groundwater.

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