Investigation of Changes in Physico-Chemical Parameters of Composting Plant Leachate in Isfahan

Background & Objectives: Leachate from solid waste in uncontrolled landfills can have many effects on the environment and human health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the variation of physical and chemical properties of leachate from Isfahan Compost Plant Reception Hall during time. Methods: In the present study, samples were collected from leachate of a compost plant in Isfahan for 12 months during the years in 2016 and 2017. Different physico-chemical properties including biochemical oxidation, chemical oxygenation, total soluble solids, total suspended solids, nitrate, total nitrogen, phosphorous, pH, EC, sodium, calcium and potassium, as well as concentration of 9 metallic elements of iron, lead, nickel, chromium, cadmium, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese in the leachate were measured during the time. Results: Concentration of potassium, calcium, sodium, sulfate, nitrate, phosphorus, total nitrogen, TSS, TDS, COD, BOD in leachate samples was in the range of 2150-5216.04, 698-70000, 1530-4600, 1302-4547, 192-3944.30, 0-4149, 7-7900, 9614-87000, 8368-77850, 71200-116800, 47800-75000 mg/l, respectively. The pH and EC of the leachate varied in the range of 4.23-5.30 and 21.30-49.7 dS/M, respectively. In addition, the concentration of heavy metals of iron, lead, nickel, chromium, cadmium, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese, ranged from 49-220, 0.57- 23, 0.5-0.25, 0.5-7.5, 0.1-0.94, 0.03-2.50, 566-1090, 12.50-39, 0.28-9 and 3.50-33 mg/l, respectively. Conclusion: The amount of BOD5 and COD was higher in April and March, in which the average rainfall was higher than other months. Also, TDS in June, with zero rainfall, was higher compared to other months. Comparing the mean concentration of elements (except chromium), the physical and chemical parameters of the leachate with the effluent discharge standards of the Iranian Environmental Protection Agency indicated that the concentrations was several times higher than the standard limit. The results of leachate analysis showed that leachate from municipal waste from the compost station line of Isfahan had a high potential of environmental contamination, which should be controlled and monitored continuously.