Comparisons of Construction and Demolition Waste Leachate Quality with Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Leachate

摘要

A substantial amount of construction and demolition (C&D) debris is disposed of in unlined C&D landfills in the United States. Leachate is produced when water from rainfall or groundwater intrusion interacts with landfilled C&D waste. This leachate may impact the surrounding environment near landfills. While numerous studies have been performed to characterize municipal solid waste (MSW) leachate, very little attention has been given to the characteristics of leachate produced from C&D waste. The objectives of the research reported here were to provide the range of chemical constituents in C&D leachate examined in both laboratory and field studies and to compare the typical composition of leachate from C&D waste leachate with that of MSW leachate. This comparison helps assess the degree of regulation needed and the potential environmental impact of C&D landfills. A summary of the C&D leachate characteristics also aids in understanding the processes (chemical and biological) occurring within the landfill and assessing which C&D waste components may require special management.