Landfill Surface Runoff and Its Effect on Water Quality on River Yamuna

Abstract

During 2000, the estimated quantity of solid waste generated in Delhi, India was more than 9000 tones per day. This is one of the biggest sources of environmental degradation in capital city of India. Since 1950's over 12 large landfill have been packed with all kinds of nonbiodegradable and toxic waste of Delhi. The area covered is at least 1% (14.83 square kilometer) of total Delhi's area. All the landfill sites except Tilak Nagar, Hastal, and Chattarpur are located very closely (0.5–6 km) to the river Yamuna. It contributes the pollution to river Yamuna in a significant way in a form of surface runoff from landfill site especially in rainy season. The chemical analysis of leachate produced by these landfill sites and corresponding river section (at five river points) has been performed for 16 selected parameter (Temperature, Odor, pH, Turbidity, Conductivity, COD, Total Solids, Sulphide, Chloride, Nitrate, Iron) in the first stage and for 8 parameters (pH, Conductivity, COD, Total Solids, Chloride, Nitrate, Iron) in second stage. The study was conducted between August to October, 2000 (rainy season). It is clear from the study that the river water quality is affected by the presence of landfill surface runoff. Its impact can be seen in the region where the drains are meeting the river. This is one of the causes of river pollution apart from other major municipal and industrial sources.

Keywords:

• Landfill
• Leachate
• Runoff
• River
• Solid waste
• Water quality