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Puerto Rico Municipal Landfill Leachate Quality Characterization
Citation:
Crespo-Medina, M. AND T. Tolaymat. Puerto Rico Municipal Landfill Leachate Quality Characterization. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-22/105, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
This report presents leachate quality data for several municipal solid waste landfills in Puerto Rico. Leachate is generated when moisture (e.g., rain, humidity) comes into contact with the waste or liquids entrained, infiltrates through the degrading waste, and draws out chemicals and other constituents. Leachate may contain organic and inorganic contaminants, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, microbial pathogens, and metabolites. Its composition is highly variable and site-specific, varying with waste type, age and degree of decomposition, moisture content, water balance, waste-filling procedure, and climatic conditions.
Description:
In this project, the physical and chemical properties of leachate from six landfills from different ecozones in Puerto Rico were analyzed during seven sampling events. Samples were obtained from leachate collection systems when available and from leachate storage ponds, seepage areas, runoff, and boreholes/test pits within the waste. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity were measured onsite.