Characterization of Leachate from the Integrated Solid Waste Treatment Plant at Diponegoro University, Indonesia

Abstract

Leachate is generated during the decomposition process of solid waste and as a result of rainwater percolation through piles of garbage. Leachate composition is influenced by several factors such as the characteristic and density of solid waste, the amount of rainfall and the specific conditions of the disposal site. Once leachate reaches the surrounding soil and groundwater, high concentrations of organic substances will form and remain in the soil and groundwater for a long time. The well-known Indonesian Diponegoro University has built an integrated solid waste treatment plant (ISWTP) to manage the waste generated on site, which is mostly dominated by leaf litter, food waste, paper, and plastic. Organic solid waste goes through a decomposition process and produces leachate. In order to treat the leachate, it is necessary to identify its parameters. Thus, this study examines the effect of solid waste composition and density on leachate quality based on the conditions of the ISWTP. The results showed that the composition of solid waste altered the leachate quality while the density affected the decomposition rate and quantity of leachate.