Theme-I-2-Groundwater quality assessment near a municipal landfill of a planned city of Punjab (India)

Abstract

The current research examined the level of groundwater contamination near a municipal landfill site in Mohali, Punjab. Water quality parameters (physico-chemical and heavy metals) of leachate and groundwater samples were analyzed. The mean concentrations of all measured parameters except TDS, Chloride, alkalinity, Hardness, Nitrate and Heavy metals confirm to the stipulated World Health Organization water standards and B.I.S Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The current results show significant impact of the landfill operations on the groundwater resource. The existing soil stratigraphy at the landfill site consisting of clays and silty clays have significantly influenced natural attenuation of leachate into the groundwater resource. It is however observed that in the absence of a properly designed landfill and leachate collection system, uncontrolled accumulation of leachates at the base of the landfill pose potential contamination risk to groundwater resource. The research recommends an upgrade of the non-engineered landfill to a standard that would guarantee adequate protection of both the surface and the groundwater resources in the city.