Role of Distribution and Diffusion Coefficients of Compacted Clay Liner and Geomembrane in Landfills

Abstract

Landfill is an essential part of the waste management system. Wastes which cannot be reused or recycled, are generally stored in landfills. A typical landfill consists of geomembrane, clay liner, and overlays the prevailing hydrogeological setting, depending on the landfill type and geographic location [1,2]. Solid wastes contain different types of contaminants, such as inorganics, anions, organics, and pesticides. Through the percolation of water and the in-situ generations from waste decomposition contaminants can partition to the aqueous phase (leachate) [1,3]. This leachate is able to percolate through the waste and presents a potential risk of emission through the base of the landfill if not appropriately managed. In landfills, geomembranes and clays materials are often employed as barriers which aim to retard the migration of contaminants [4-6]. Understanding contaminant migration if important to establishing a safe environmental legacy.