MODELING LEACHATE PRODUCTION FROM MUNICIPAL LANDFILLS

A mathematical model for the generation and transport of solute contaminants through a solid waste landfill is presented. The governing equations are solved numerically by the method of lines. A sensitivity analysis of the model showed that care must be exercised in the selection of the time step δt and the grid size δz. In addition, it was shown that the biokinetics of the system and the term describing mass transfer from the solid to the liquid phase have a pronounced effect on the resulting concentration histories. Further experimental work for determination of these parameters is needed. The model output agrees qualitatively with measurements of concentration, in that it produces a hydrograph‐like contaminant concentration history at the landfill bottom.