ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the literature concerning both experimental investigations, and modeling of leachate quality and leachate characterization. It identifies the types and concentration histories of pollutants present in leachate, and observes relationships among climate, age, refuse placement, and overall landfill stabilization. The variation in leachate quality are generally attributed to a myriad of interacting factors such as type and depth of solid waste, age of fill, the rate of water application, landfill design and operations, and the interaction of leachate with its environment. Codisposal of municipal solid waste and sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants has a significant effect upon the generation and quality of leachate. Studies have shown that codisposal of many sorbtive materials such as incinerator ash, fly ash, kiln dust, limestone, and other material with municipal solid waste has some effect upon leachate quality. The biochemical oxygen demand test in general represents the biodegradable portion of total organics present in the leachate.
