Assessment of municipal solid waste landfilling practices on the groundwater quality and associated health risks: a case study of Mardan-Pakistan

This study was conducted to investigate the quality of groundwater affected due municipal solid waste (MSW) used as a landfill. To assess impacts, 13 samples were collected from dumping sites (SWDS) and safe (SS). Groundwater analyzed for pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), Cl?, Ca+2, K+1, NO?2, NO?3, SO4?2; heavy metals such Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Fe; biological parameter coliform. Waste SWDS showed that food garden had highest percentage by weight (30.5%) followed fines (17.3%). The two groups (SWDS SS) differ significantly mean value EC, TH, Na, Ca, NO3? SO4?2, Ni TC. Samples (84%) found contaminated with coliform (TC) ranged 2–22 (No./100 ml). It concentration dissolved solids (TDS), NO3?, NO2?, Na+, TC, Cd TC more in 70–130 feet than 140–200 feet. 70–80 depth different rest groups. A questionnaire survey also people living near frequency water-related disease community is suffering from. results revealed negative correlation between diseases distance landfill sites, significant only observed typhoid, cholera, skin allergies gastroenteritis. confirmed using MSW fill material has quality, leveling land through not safe. Deep drilling recommended extraction area minimize associated health risks.