Determination of trace element levels in landfill leachate by ion-exchange, x-ray spectrography

Conference · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1973 · Trace Subst. Environ. Health; (United States)

OSTI ID:5933887

Clark, T P

In this study, a not unknown but largely untested ion-exchange, x-ray spectrographic technique was used as a means of isolating metal cations from nine leachates collected from the recently abandoned landfill and 17 samples from the creek which crosses the area. The strong-acid exchange resin, impregnated in cellulose disks, proved to be a strong and reproducible support for collection of cations by immersion-agitation. In a 15-minute contact time at least 99% of six cations - Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Fe(III), Cr(III) and Co(II) - was recovered from 40 ml solutions and over 90% of four others - Pb(II), As(III), Se(IV) and V(V) - was retained on the disks. Detection limits as low as .15 ppM were achievable. Where maximum levels have been established the metal content of the leachate as it enters the creek is at least an order of magnitude greater for Fe, Mn, Se, As and Pb than current USPHS water quality standards. Cr and Cu exceed established levels. For two other metals, Co and Ni, safe levels may be exceeded. Although seldom recognized as a hazardous liquid waste, landfill leachate is a potentially harmful effluent for which collection and treatment may have to be considered as a possibility in reducing the danger to water resources from the growing problem of solid waste disposal. 13 references, 4 figures, 3 tables.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Springfield, IL
• OSTI ID: 5933887
• Report Number(s): CONF-730613-
• Journal Information: Trace Subst. Environ. Health; (United States), Vol. 7; Conference: 7. annual conference on trace substances in environmental health, Columbia, MO, USA, 12 Jun 1973
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
GROUND WATER
WATER POLLUTION
SANITARY LANDFILLS
LEACHATES
ARSENIC
CATIONS
CHROMIUM
COBALT
COPPER
ION EXCHANGE
IRON
LEACHING
LEAD
MEASURING METHODS
MONITORING
NICKEL
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SAMPLING
SELENIUM
VANADIUM
X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY
ZINC
CHARGED PARTICLES
DISPERSIONS
DISSOLUTION
ELEMENTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IONS
MANAGEMENT
METALS
MIXTURES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SEMIMETALS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLUTIONS
SPECTROSCOPY
TESTING
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WATER
510200* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)