Authors: Shivanshi Verma
Abstract: This study evaluates leachate quality from a municipal solid waste disposal site in Lucknow and examines its impact on nearby groundwater. The analytical framework, sampling design and index-based interpretation were prepared in line with the uploaded thesis and sample journal paper, while the numerical results were derived from the uploaded laboratory workbook. One leachate sample and seven groundwater samples were assessed for physicochemical and heavy metal parameters using APHA-based methods. The leachate showed acidic to near-neutral reaction (pH 6.1), very high electrical conductivity (83,892 µS/cm), total dissolved solids (38,180 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (16,800 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (2,000 mg/L), hardness (1,620 mg/L), chloride (980 mg/L), sulphate (678.5 mg/L), nitrate (103.44 mg/L), fluoride (8.8 mg/L) and substantial heavy metal burden, indicating strong contaminant potential. The Leachate Pollution Index was 25, confirming significant pollution load. Groundwater quality varied spatially: Sample-7 recorded a WQI of 75.13 and fell in the good category, whereas Samples 2–4 were poor and Samples 1, 5 and 6 were very poor. Elevated TDS, alkalinity, hardness, iron, manganese, nickel, copper and zinc were the major causes of groundwater deterioration. The data indicate that leachate migration has affected groundwater quality in the vicinity of the disposal site, although the effect is not controlled by distance alone. The study recommends leachate containment, regular groundwater surveillance, and priority treatment for metal and salinity-related contamination.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20269275
