Landfill Impact on Ground Water

Abstract

Hyderabad is a major Indian city with a population of more than six million and the extent of solid waste generated from the city is estimated to be 2000 to 2500 tonnes per day. The solid wastes generated in Hyderabad metropolitan areas are majorly disposed off as landfill in low-lying areas. There has been a serious concern about the contamination of ground water when the wastes are, thus, disposed. For the present study two landfill sites – Autonagar and Golkonda – were selected. The impact of municipal solid waste disposal on groundwater characteristics was investigated by obtaining groundwater samples from both sites. The groundwater samples at both the landfill sites were polluted and are unfit for human consumption and domestic use but could be used for irrigation purpose. Overall analyses indicate increasing risk for sustainability of groundwater resources.