Sustainability analysis on landfilling and evaluation of characteristics in landfill leachate: a case study

Abstract

Abstract Issues on solid waste management in the most Asian developing countries is not recent. Unfortunately, Malaysia is still practicing landfilling method to dispose the solid wastes. The apparent consequence of this method is the production of highly polluted wastewater called leachate, which can cause several inconveniences and issues. The characterization of landfill leachate is merely important because it can guide towards the possible appropriate treatment. The main focus of this study was to analyse the leachate characteristics at Simpang Renggam Landfill Site, Johor, Malaysia for five consecutive months from January to May of 2018. There were 16 analyzed parameters; namely temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, suspended solids (SS), colour, turbidity, ammonia (NH3-N), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), BOD5/COD ratio, as well as heavy metals (iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb)). All parameters were analyzed according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, and have followed the procedures of respective instruments. Leachate in SRLS could be classified as stabilized ones, by considering the characteristics and the age of landfill. SRLS is recommended to upgrade its management system for better waste disposal and leachate treatment.