Determination of organic components in leachates from hazardous waste disposal sites in Japan by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract This investigation was aimed at detecting the presence of several organic substances in landfill leachates in Japan. Approximately 190 compounds were detected using several analytical methods. High amounts of organic phosphates and phthalates were detected which originate from plastic additives. 1,4-Dioxane was detected in a range of 14–10 900 ng l −1 in most leachates. Its origin is unknown. Only a few species of halogenated volatile organic substances were detected. A few species of chemicals used in agriculture such as pesticides were detected for the first time in Japan.