Solid Waste Landfilling and its Effect on Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of a Mature Landfill Site in Northern India

Leaching of contaminants from landfill into the soil and water supply is a major concern because of its risks to human health and environment in areas where adequate disposal systems are lacking. The present research work is concerned with the effect of leachate generated from the Patvi landfill site of Ambala district of Haryana state in India on the quality of its groundwater for a period 2021—2022. Groundwater and leachate samples were collected both in pre monsoon (PRM) and post monsoon (POM) period for the estimation of physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metals. The analysis revealed that in research period, most of the parameters concentration except PO₄²⁻, Nickel, lead and zinc were found to decrease after monsoon season in the leachate samples. However, no definite pattern of water quality parameters was observed in the groundwater samples during the two seasons in two years. The concentration of major cations in water samples was found to be in the order of Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺, while the anions followed the order HCO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > F⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > PO₄²⁻. The results of leachate samples concluded that the leachate percolated through the soil and then groundwater of the surrounding area of the landfill site. Seasonal variability demonstrated dilution during the monsoons and better leachate penetration of wells within and nearer area of the site. The findings of this study have implications for applying timely interventions that are leachate collection systems, landfill redesigns, and compliance with SWM Rules, 2016.The study supports the principles of the appropriate Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation and offers practical implications to enhance landfill conditions and decrease negative impacts in the similar area.