Feasibility study on the landfill monitoring and leakage detection system

Abstract

It is important to obtain real-time data from long-term monitoring of landfills and develop leachate leakage detection system for the integrated management of landfills. A novel real time monitoring system and early leakage detection system was suggested in this study. The suggested monitoring system is composed of two parts; (1) a set of moisture sensors which monitor the areas surrounding the landfill, and (2) a set of moisture and temperature sensors which monitor the landfill inside. For the assessment for landfills stabilization, real-time monitoring system was evaluated in dry and wet cell of pilot-site. In addition, the grid-net electrical conductivity measurement system was also suggested as early leakage detection system. In this study, the field applicability of suggested systems was evaluated through pilot-scale field tests. The results of pilot-scale field model tests indicate that the grid-net electrical conductivity measurement method can be applicable to the detection of landfill leachate at the initial stage of intrusion, and thus has a potential for monitoring leachate leakage at waste landfills.