Ground water quality assessment around Gazipur landfill site, Delhi

Several studies in the past indicated high pollution level in the groundwater or surface water source in and around solid waste landfill sites in Delhi-NCR region. Recently, covering and lining system were provided at Gazipur landfill site to control the rainwater percolating through the waste mass, and, in turn, reducing the leachate formation and its penetration into the soil and groundwater table. In the present study, physio-chemical characteristics of groundwater near Gazipur landfill site are studied and compared with the previous data (before introducing the lining system). Groundwater samples were collected from the nearby area and concentration of several physico-chemical parameters as well as traces of heavy metal and microbiological parameters were determined. From the study, it has been observed that lining and cover system provided at few portion of the landfill has definitely helped in controlling the further contamination of groundwater. The study also suggests taking similar measures for the entire area of the landfill.