Work

Estimating Heavy Metal Concentrations in Landfill Leachate and the Impact of Waste Segregation in Malaysia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Estimation of heavy metal concentrations in leachate was crucial for effective landfill management and pollution mitigation. The study aimed to estimate the volume of landfill leachate, the heavy metal content in the leachate, and their reduction through waste segregation practices. It was conducted in Malaysia and utilised municipal solid waste volume data from six states and two federal territories. A mathematical empirical model was applied to estimate the concentrations of heavy metals in the leachate. Based on the volume of landfilled waste, an estimated 565,000 cubic metres (m³) of leachate were discharged annually. Among the heavy metals analysed, Pb and Zn exhibited the highest concentrations (8.49 kg/yr). Waste segregation practices reduced heavy metal discharge in leachate, preventing approximately 7.09 × 10⁻⁴ to 5.32 × 10⁻³ kg/yr. Through mathematical modelling, this research provided a cost-effective approach for estimating heavy metal concentrations and supported strategies for addressing environmental and health impacts.

Source: Sustainable Environmental Insight

DOI: 10.53623/sein.v2i2.730

Authors: Josfirin Uding Rangga, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi

Institutions: Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Language: English

Topic: Landfill Environmental Impact Studies

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Universiti Putra Malaysia