Risk Assessment of Ground Waters Pollution by Heavy Metals of Hamadan Landfill Leachate and appropriate cover Recommendation

Background and Infiltration of leachate produced by municipal solid waste into the ground water poses a serious environmental hazard due to its high content of hydrocarbons and heavy metals. The leachate is the primary source of soil and water pollution. In this paper the risk of heavy metals discharged from leachate in to groundwater in Hamadan landfill has been assessed using Industrial Waste Management Evaluation Model (IWEM).
The concentrations of heavy metals (Cu,Pb,Ni and Cd) in leachate were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the risk of these metals discharge into groundwater was assessed by IWEM using Monte Carlo analysis.
Based on the obtained IWEM and EPACMTP results, geosynthetic cover was recommended for this matter.
The most appropriate option for groundwater protection in Hamadan landfill was recommended to be geosynthetic cover (Composite linear). Owing to the high probability of leachate infiltration into groundwater, there is need to be made stricter management decisions in this regard. Also, it is necessary that IWEM is used for prevention of leachate infiltration into groundwater.