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CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF MUNICIPAL LANDFILLS ON UNDERLYING SOILS AND GROUNDWATER
Citation:
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF MUNICIPAL LANDFILLS ON UNDERLYING SOILS AND GROUNDWATER. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-78/096 (NTIS PB286836), 1978.
Description:
Three municipal landfill sites in the eastern and central United States were studied to determine the effects of the disposal facilities on surrounding soils and groundwater. Borings were made up the groundwater gradient, down the groundwater gradient and through the landfill. Soil and groundwater samples from the test borings were examined. Groundwater samples were analyzed chemically. Soil samples were tested physically and distilled water extracts and nitric acid digests of the soils were analyzed chemically. Groundwater samples from under and downgradient from the landfill showed elevated levels of sulfate in every case. At some sites increased levels of nitrate, total organic carbon and cyanide could be related to the presence of the landfill. Distilled water extracts prepared from soil samples showed consistently low levels for all soluble constituents. Generally, there was more sulfate, chloride, organic carbon, nitrate and higher levels of trace metals in extracts of soils from under the landfill than from soils collected at similar depths outside the landfill. Nitric acid digests of soil samples showed great variability in chemical composition. At two of the three sites; iron, manganese, boron, beryllium and zinc were found in higher concentrations in nitric acid digests immediately under the landfill. The results of this investigation indicate that chemical characteristics; but, not physical characteristics were altered in sub-landfill soils. Removal of pollutants from leachate through the action of soil was observed for only a very limited number of pollutants.