Assessment of the Relative Adequacy of Landfills as a Means of Solid Waste Disposal in Malaysia

Abstract

This study examined the relative adequacy of active landfills between states in Malaysia. The percentages of closed landfills were determined. The accessibility and loading of the landfills were examined. The characteristics of each landfill studied were noted. The study involved the compilation and analyses of data on groundwater, stream water and current land use surrounding landfills. Results of the study showed that the number of active landfills was not adequate to handle solid waste disposal. The potential of alternative approaches was examined and discussed.

Levels of Heavy Metals in the Soil of Illegal Open Dumpsites in Malaysia

“…The large number of unaccounted open dumpsites throughout the country has humongous implications for the quality of the soil surrounding the dumpsites. While MSW is properly contained and the leachate is adequately managed in proper landfill facilities, illegal dumpsites lack these pollution control mechanisms to minimize the contamination caused by the MSW therein to their surroundings [9]. Even with some level of management, it has been reported that heavy metals such as Mn, Fe, Ni, Cr, Pb, Zn, Co, and Cu were detected in the soil horizons beneath the waste disposal zone of a landfill [10].…”

Effects of long-term mixed land use of human settlement and oil palm plantation on the groundwater quality of ex-promontory land

“…Other causes of contamination are seepage from waste containments and seawater intrusion [11][12][13][14][15] and spills [16][17][18][19] causing changes in the geochemistry of the area and affecting the quality of the water for agricultural and drinking purposes [20,21]. The water needs to be cleaned up through several means of remediation [22][23][24][25] guided by established standards [26].…”