Leachate pollution index evaluation of Sanandaj municipal landfill

 Municipal landfill leachate is toxic due to its complex organic and inorganic compounds,demonstrating a high potential for pollution. Estimating the leachate pollution index (LPI) is crucial for predicting the long-term effects of leachate on the environment and for proposing suitable management and treatment solutions. Therefore, this study investigates the leachate pollution index (LPI) of the municipal waste landfill in Sanandaj.

 Six samples from the leachate storage pond situated downstream of Sanandaj municipal landfill were collected during the winter and spring seasons. Physicochemical analyses were conducted to determine the characteristics of the leachate. The leachate pollution index was calculated and evaluated based on 18 parameters, including pH, TDS, BOD, COD, TKN, NH4, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr, Hg, As, phenolic compounds, chloride, cyanide, and total coliform bacteria. Ethical and research considerations were taken into account at all stages of the study.

 The findings of this study revealed elevated concentrations of pH, COD, BOD, TKN, and NH4 in the leachate from the landfill being studied. Furthermore, the leachate pollution index, calculated from the measured parameters, was determined to be 30.19.

 The results of this study indicated that the leachate pollution index of the investigated site was slightly higher as compared to the corresponding values in active landfills; however, it was significantly elevated in comparison to closed landfills and the guideline LPI values for discharge into the environment and surface water. The high LPI indicates that the leachate in question is hazardous and has a high pollution potential, necessitating treatment before being discharged into the environment.