Evaluation of toxic potential of leachate originating from experimental landfill cells containing household waste and healthcare waste

Abstract

Two experimental cells with household solid waste and healthcare solid waste were monitored in order to evaluate the pollution potential, and its toxicity effects corresponding to the chemical substances present in the leachates generated, correlating the physico–chemical composition with the ecotoxicity results (organisms Aliivibrio fischeri and Danio rerio). From the statistical evaluation of the physico–chemical analysis results, leachate generated in the household solid waste cell presented greater or equal values than to the healthcare solid waste cell, except for the turbidity parameter. The ecotoxicity results showed the same behaviour as that obtained with the physico–chemical analysis. A significant positive correlation was verified between chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity and ammonia nitrogen parameters with the leachate toxicity. This study concluded that healthcare solid waste presented less or equal polluting potential compared with household solid waste, and the co-disposal can be considered a viable alternative in sanitary landfills.

A comprehensive assessment of leachate contamination at a non-operational open dumpsite: mycoflora screening, metal soil pollution indices, and ecotoxicological risks

“…Danio rerio has also been reported as sensitive to leachate exposure, with reported LC 50 between 2.2 and 5.7% (Sisinno et al, 2000) and between 15 and 35% (Costa et al, 2019), both following exposure to Brazilian leachate. The leachate toxicity observed herein towards Artemia salina and Danio rerio may be attributed to high organic matter and NH 3 and NH 4 + leachate loads, as well as to the presence of metals (Borba et al, 2019).…”