Evaluation of Ecotoxicity in Waste Leachate: A Current Status of Bioassay and Chemical Analysis

As global waste generation increases, waste toxicity has become a significant global issue. Among various hazardous properties, ecotoxicity refers to the risks that waste may pose to the environment. It is evaluated through aquatic bioassays to assess the effects of leaching contaminants, as well as through soil assessments where waste is buried. To clarify these issues, this study collected waste leaching methods from international organizations and various countries and analyzed case studies of bioassays for waste leachates. The criteria for determining the ecotoxicity of waste leachates were also reviewed, revealing inconsistencies in leaching methods across the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Asian countries. Additionally, various bioassays were applied to assess waste leachates, further contributing to inconsistencies. Given these variations, we recommend developing a unified leaching method, standardized bioassays, and consistent criteria for assessing the toxicity of waste leachates.