Conversion behavior of organic landfill constituents in flooded landfills

Scientific cooperation:  UFZ Leipzig-Halle GmbH

Funding:  LfUG - Saxon State Office for Environment and Geology

Duration:  August 1997 - July 1998

Project description and results:

The conversion behavior of organic substances in landfills under conditions of groundwater rise was largely unknown in the 1990s of the 20th century. In contrast to hazard assessments of old landfills under normal conditions (location in the unsaturated soil zone with uncompacted emplacement of the waste), no experience existed for the assessment of old landfills submerged in former lignite mining areas. The causes of groundwater rise were the decommissioning of drainage facilities or active flooding by mining operations.

The project should show to what extent the hazard potential of flooded landfills differs from so-called "normal landfills" for the protected goods groundwater, air, humans. Within the scope of the working procedure, on the one hand a literature study is carried out, in which above all the theoretical aspects of the pollutant release are discussed with regard to influencing variables, type and quantity of pollutants to be expected and the rate-determining boundary parameters. In practical investigations, the organic pollutant potentials of landfills and their changes as a function of water saturation will be determined, as well as the emission potentials that can be mobilized via the gas and water pathways. In comparison to so-called "normal landfills", statements can then be made about the hazard potential of flooded landfills for the protected goods groundwater, air, humans.