The Characteristics of Phytoremediation of Soil and Leachate Polluted by Landfills

Abstract

Current landfill regulations provide for the responsible management of solid waste and a safer alternative to the outdated practices of open or illegal dumping. Aside from imparting aesthetic value, natural or planted vegetation on landfill sites has an important role in erosion control and removal of contaminants, and may also be used in leaching treatment. The use of leachate for the irrigation of landfill vegetation reduces its harmful effects, and the reuse of water aids in water conservation. The aim of this study was to search for ways to use leachate water from solid waste landfill sites for irrigation of plant species that normally grow in the wild. The study focuses on the plant species Alcea rosea (hollyhock), Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and Melilotus officinalis (yellow melilot). Over the 2-year study period, plants were irrigated with tap and leachate water under drought conditions. Wild plant diversity was identified, and the landfill was rehabilitated with various plant species. After the experiment, populations of Escherichia coli, total coliforms and fecal coliform bacteria in soil samples were analyzed. We observed that the use of leachate water for cultivation of different kinds of plants affected the density of total and fecal coliforms in the soil.

Assessment of the Suitability of Melilotus officinalis for Phytoremediation of Soil Contaminated with Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH and PAH), Zn, Pb and Cd Based on Toxicological Tests

“…The calculated biodegradation constants of the 1st order allowed for investigation and comparison of kinetics of biodegradation course of particular groups of petroleum pollutants (TPH, Σn-C 8 –n-C 22 , Σ n-C 23 –n-C 36 , PAH) ( Supplemental Table S4 ) in further stages of soil purification. The obtained results are consistent with the results of other researchers [ 71 , 72 , 80 , 81 ]. Such approach allows us to trace the whole putrification process, to determine effectiveness of biodegradation of particular groups of hydrocarbons in the use of various biopreparations, and to confirm usefulness of introduction of the biopreparations enriched in fungi and bacteria in the final stage of purification.…”

Remediation capabilities of pilot-scale wetlands planted with Typha aungstifolia and Acorus calamus to treat landfill leachate

“…Most of the times, these landfills are open and unscientific and are located either in urban fringe or in the rural settings. MSW disposal in a landfill generates active biochemical substances in the form of leachates over a period of many years (Jones et al 2006 andErdogan andZaimoglu 2015). Pollution caused by unscientific designs of the landfills poses a serious threat to biodiversity, soil, subsurface and surface waters and human well-being.…”