Assessment of Groundwater quality due to Leachate Contamination at Municipal dumpsite, Mandya

Abstract

Leachate production from the open disposal of municipal solid trash increases the risk of groundwater pollution. This paper attempts to evaluate the pollution potential of leachate from a solid waste disposal site and its impact on aquifers in the Mandya region of Karnataka, India. Due to the unplanned deposition of municipal solid waste (MSW), leachate accumulated within the waste mass and subsequently flowed into nearby water bodies such as open wells and ponds. The physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal tests were conducted on leachate and groundwater samples to assess their quality in relation to drinking water standards (IS: 10500 – 2012). Based on the test results, the Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) and Water Quality Index (WQI) were calculated. The LPI value indicates that the leachate from the landfill site is moderately contaminated. The WQI showed that groundwater quality in the area ranges from good to poor, very poor, and in some cases, unsuitable for drinking. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was used to categorize groundwater samples into high, moderate, and low groups based on their Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels, helping to identify trends in water quality and possible pollution sources. The findings were visualized using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to enhance public understanding and support the implementation of preventive measures against potential environmental risks.