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Updated: May 26, 2026
09:39
Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Pollution profiles and physicochemical parameters in old uncontrolled landfills
M Regadío1, A I Ruiz, I S de Soto
1Department of Geology and Geochemistry, Faculty of Science, Autónoma University of Madrid, Campus Cantoblanco, C/Fco. Tomás y Valiente 7, 28049 Madrid, Spain. mercedes.regadio@uam.es
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|December 16, 2011
Summary
Natural clayey soils effectively contain landfill leachate pollution for over 12 years, protecting soil and groundwater. These geological barriers demonstrate significant attenuation capacity, meeting European environmental standards.
Area of Science:
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Long-term effectiveness of geological barriers under landfills is crucial for soil and groundwater protection.
- Municipal solid waste landfills pose risks of leachate contamination.
- Assessing natural clayey soils' performance as landfill liners is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of natural clayey soils as geological barriers beneath municipal waste landfills.
- To measure leachate penetration and pollution attenuation in clayey soils over 12 years.
- To characterize the physicochemical and geological properties of clayey soils under landfills.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of physicochemical parameters (EC, WSOC, ions) as a function of depth.
- Characterization of clay mineralogy, specific surface area, and cation-exchange capacity.
- Application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation to identify data patterns.
Main Results:
- Leachate pollution fronts (WSOC, EC) were attenuated within 0.2-1.5m depth in clay layers after 13-24 years of contact.
- Clayey soils with >45% illite-smectite content showed significant attenuation capacity.
- Waste composition and local geology were the primary factors influencing leachate attenuation.
Conclusions:
- Natural clayey soils, particularly those rich in illite-smectite, are suitable for confining landfill leachate pollution.
- The studied natural substrata meet European legislation requirements for landfill liners.
- A diffusive flux attenuation capacity (A(c)) was defined, dependent on material properties, landfill characteristics, and waste factors.
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