A General Overview of Leachate Pollutant Characteristics and Treatment Methods
Authors
1
M.Sc. Civil- Environmental Engineering, Water and Environmental Department, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, AmirKabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
2
Assoc. Professor, Water and Environmental Department, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, AmirKabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/eiat.2025.230830
Abstract
Landfilling is considered one of the most widely used and cost-effective methods of urban waste management. However, one of its major drawbacks is the production of leachate a highly heterogeneous and variable liquid. The uncontrolled release of leachate into the environment poses significant risks due to its toxicity and potential threats to public health. This study aims to enhance public understanding of the nature and hazards of leachate pollutants, as well as to provide an overview of the main treatment methods. Based on a review of key research in this field, leachate pollutants can be categorized into four main groups: dissolved organic matter, macro inorganic compounds, heavy metals, and xenobiotic organic compounds. Correspondingly, leachate treatment methods are generally classified into three categories: biological, physico-chemical, and combined processes, among which biological methods are the most commonly applied.
Keywords
Subjects
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