Chemical Composition of Leachates from Municipal Waste Landfills in Southern Poland

The aim of the study was the physicochemical characterization of leachates from two municipal waste landfills located in Upper Silesia (Tychy-Urbanowice and Świętochłowice). In the leachate samples from both locations, 19 key physicochemical parameters were determined. In order to assess the degree of contamination, the obtained concentrations were compared to the limit values for class III groundwater quality in Poland, calculating the Nemerow index for each parameter. The leachates are characterized by an alkaline reaction and a high value of specific electrolytic conductivity. The dominant pollutant in both cases is the ammonium ion, the concentration of which exceeds the class III standard by more than 900 times. Leachates from both tested landfills pose a threat to the environment, mainly due to the very high concentrations of ammonium ion and phosphates. The results of the index calculations emphasize the key role of the efficiency of landfill security systems and the need for constant monitoring to protect water resources.