Presence of selected organic compounds and their intermediates in municipal landfill leachates

Abstract

This research involves the evaluation of municipal landfill leachates for specific hazardous compounds in an effort to qualitatively determine the potential for groundwater contamination. Leachate samples from five landfills were evaluated for thirteen EPA priority pollutants using gas chromatography. In addition, samples were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic halide (TOX). A solids analysis was performed on refuse excavated from one landfill. This analysis included organic halide determination of interstitial liquids, and a total halide determination for each solid sample. A solids/liquid partition coefficient was calculated from the results. The literature review includes a detailed section outlining the biological degradation of hazardous organic compounds in anaerobic environments similar to conditions found in landfills.