Detection of Leakage of MSW-Landfill Leachates through a Liner Defect: Experimental and Analytical Methods

Abstract

This research paper illustrates the application of a new liner leak detection technique which uses the concept of electrical resistivity to detect leakages in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. Liner leakage was simulated in the laboratory using the controlled leakage of landfill leachates into the soil layer beneath the liner. Resistivity testing was then conducted to evaluate the performance of this technique. Various resistivity profiles were obtained at regular time intervals to investigate the effect of leakage duration and electrode location on the resistivity of soil. The resistivity showed a sharp decrease with an increase in the leakage duration. The resistivity decreased with an increase in the proximity to the leak point. The resistivity of soil was obtained at leakage durations above 30 min for the first leachate specimen and above 130 min for the second leachate specimen. Based on the leak detection test results, new empirical correlations and analytical modeling are also presented. The technique was found to be effective in the timely detection and location of liner leakages, irrespective of the leakage duration. The use of graphical presentations, empirical correlations, and analytical expressions developed in this study can assist in actively monitoring the lining systems and taking timely action for contamination control.