Identification of Possible Migration of Contaminants in Groundwater at a Landfill – A Case Study of Oman

Abstract

In this study exploratory borehole drilling along with soil core sampling, chemical analysis, piezometer construction, field and laboratory hydrochemical analyses and pumping test were applied. The main aim was to understand the extent of contamination and contaminant movement in the unsaturated zone and groundwater at a dumping site in Northern part of Oman (Barka dumping site). Water samples were analyzed for inorganic, organic and biological characterization to identify any potential contamination of groundwater from Barka dumping site. Results showed elevated concentration of TDS, Na, Ca, Mg, alkalinity, chloride and total hardness. Thus, indicated that the groundwater below the dumping site is strongly affected by leachate originated from liquid lagoons located in and around the landfill. Furthermore, microbiological parameters showed that groundwater beneath Barka dumping site is largely influenced by bacterial contamination with total coliform and E.coli.

Keywords: Borehole drilling; dumping site; groundwater contamination; unsaturated zone; contaminant transport