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Model simulation of contaminant movement from a sanitary landfill

The potential for leachate movement out of a sanitary landfill was evaluated and simulated by a computer program model. Landfill operations and geohydrological conditions in the area were investigated in order to develop a conceptual model of the system and to obtain numerical data for the development of the simulation.The landfill is operated in a 20 to 27 foot thick clay till which overlies a 10 foot thick, continuous sand and gravel aquifer. Monitor wells located around the site indicate minimal changes in groundwater quality to this date. This is attributed to the slow movement of leachate through the confining layer which would take at least 5 to 10 years.Numerical parameters not readily determined were varied in 16 simulations. This procedure allowed analysis of the different plumes developed as well as observation of the program’s sensitivity to such changes. In simulations of five years from the time leachate would enter the aquifer, leachate plumes were developed which extended a mile and one half down the hydrologic gradient from the landfill. Varying the parameters led to fairly consistant conclusions regarding the effects of the landfill.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/182096
Date03 June 2011
CreatorsHineline, T. Lawrence
ContributorsSamuelson, Alan C.
Source SetsBall State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Formativ, 105 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
SourceVirtual Press

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