A simple method for delineation of leachate plumes

Abstract

Measurement and calculation of the carbon isotopic composition of groundwater from piezometers located around a reclaimed landfill were performed in order to test the method to distinguish the piezometers localized within the contaminated area and to identify the boundaries of the leachate plume. In order to select the best method for delineation of the leachate plume it was analyzed: chemical composition, the stable carbon isotopic composition in groundwater, and the calculation of carbon isotopic composition in groundwater. Comparison of the different methods for delineation of the leachate plume indicate, that the best method appear to be method based on the measurement and calculation of the carbon isotopic composition in groundwater. The proposed method has been tested using the data from Otwock landfill (Poland), but it can also be used in other contaminated areas.