Leachate at landfills is formed when water penetrates through the waste material and down to a membrane, after which it is directed to a well or container.
Leachate at landfills is formed when water penetrates through the waste material and down to a membrane, after which it is directed to a well or container. During this process, various substances from the waste are dissolved and transported with the water, leading to the formation of leachate. Leachate often contains PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) because these substances can be present in the waste, particularly in products that are water-repellent materials and impregnated textiles.
The PFAS compounds in leachate pose a problem because they are extremely stable and break down very slowly in the environment. This means they can accumulate in both soil, water, and organisms over time. PFAS are also toxic and can have harmful health effects on both humans and animals, including hormonal disruptions, weakened immune systems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Additionally, PFAS can contaminate drinking water sources, making it difficult to ensure clean and safe water.
In the image above, a landfill is shown consisting of a large amount of waste, where rainwater penetrates through the waste and down to a membrane, after which it is directed to a well.
The image shows a landfill in Denmark, where leachate from the various wells at the site has been transported into a large container. One of our treatment facilities takes the leachate from this container for further processing.
Here, you can see the leachate being transported from the wells into the container.