Long-term changes in surface and groundwater quality in the area of a municipal landfill (Barycz, Poland)

Data from 15-year lasting monitoring period was investigated to assess the impact of a municipal landfill on the aquatic environment (Baiycz, Poland). Surface and groundwater samples were analyzed to determine basic parameters (pH, conductivity, BOD5, COD, TOC, concentrations of NH4-N, nitrates, phosphorous, and chlorides), and concentrations of metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Zn). Parameters characterizing the landfill impact on aquatic environment demonstrated elevated values at the surface waters, especially at sampling site localized directly downstream from the facility. However, detailed assessment of the extent of this impact has been hindered due to overlapping anthropogenic and natural factors. The direct impact of the landfill on groundwater was evident, but limited within the direct proximity of the facility. Due to the specific location of the landfill, at a former salt mining area, the hydrogeologic settings induced a more pronounced impact on surface and groundwater quality. The brine extrusions from the salt formations, due to the growing weight of the waste collected in the landfill, caused an increase in water salinity. The long-term monitoring effort illustrates that chloride contamination has been declining since discontinuation of the salt excavation, however, this depends greatly on the actual hydrogeological conditions in the salt mine.

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Opracowanie rekordu w ramach umowy 509/P-DUN/2018 ze środków MNiSW przeznaczonych na działalność upowszechniającą naukę (2018).