Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
One of the most active and interesting theoretical and practical research fields
within solid waste containment systems concerns the covers. Alternative final cover
design considering GCLs, monolithic earthen layers and capillary layers as an
alternative to the traditional composite barriers are just few examples of the recent
developments in this sector.
16.3. Mass balance of the contaminants
The role played by active and passive management in terms of pollutant mass
balance is illustrated in Figure 16.5, where the relative concentration and
contaminant flux in the aquifer underlying a landfill are shown as a function of time.
Regulation limit
(a)
Time from the beginning of the landfill activity (t)
(b)
Time from the beginning of the landfill activity (t)
Delayed construction of capping system (active management)
Anticipated construction of capping system (passive management)
Figure 16.5.
Contaminant concentration and mass balance
underneath a landfill
[MAN 00]
With active management of the landfill (as described earlier) and in the case of
persistent pollutants, the peak concentration in the groundwater can be higher, but
the total mass of pollutant escaping from the landfill can be lower than in the case of
passive management. On the other hand, it must be considered that, in the case of
