Leachate characterization at Kuala Sepetang and Kulim landfills: A comparative study

Abstract

In this study, the characteristics of landfill leachate from two landfills in the northern region namely Kuala Sepetang Landfill Site (KSLS) and Kulim Landfill Site(KLS). The raw samples were collected and analyzed for various physical, chemical and biological characteristics. The parameters include pH, turbidity, colour, suspend solids(SS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), BOD5/COD ratio and ammonia-N. The average values of the parameters such as pH (8.00 and 7.59), turbidity (102 and 26 NTU), colour (2275and 326Pt Co), SS(212 and 47mg/L), BOD5(150 and 29 mg/L), COD (861 and 117mg/L), BOD5/COD (0.18 and 0.24) and ammonia-N (939 and 210mg/L) for leachate at KSLS and KLS respectively. The results of these tests together with data published by previous researchers were compared with the Malaysia Environmental Quality Act1974. The obtained results indicated that Kuala Sepetang leachate more stabilized compared with Kulim leachate. Therefore, the measured leachate would need an appropriate treatment strategy to minimize pollutants to a satisfactory level prior discharge into water courses.