An investigation of carbon release rate via leachate from an industrial solid waste landfill

Long-term behaviour of leachate pollutants is a key factor to estimate time and cost required for the leachate treatment in landfills. Estimating carbon release via leachate can be a good way by which to understand the long-term behaviour, however, most studies have had a timeline of only several months or years. In this study, a release rate of carbon via leachate for 20 years was estimated at an industrial solid waste landfill. The total carbon content in dumped waste was estimated based on combustible contents determined by collecting samples from other industrial landfills and pretreatment facilities, and carbon contents in literature values. Leachate quantity data, which were not recorded for the first ten years, were estimated using a macro-moisture balance model including the effect of snow melt. Because leachate quantity and quality at each site were only measured after leachates were mixed, the quantity at each site was calculated by assuming infiltration rates with and without final cover. Results indicated that less than 2% of total input carbon was released from each site via leachate regardless of landfill age.