Landfill Pollution Plume Survey in the Moroccan Tadla Using Spontaneous Potential

In many parts of the world, the impact of open landfills on soils, biosphere, and groundwater has become a major concern. These landfills frequently generate pollution plumes, the contours of which can be delineated by non-intrusive geophysical measurements, but in arid environments, the high soils resistivity is usually an obstacle, which results in the low number of studies that have been carried out there. In addition, such prospecting using geophysical techniques do not provide information on the intensity of the processes occurring in the water table. This study was carried out on an uncontrolled landfill in the arid Tadla plain, Morocco’s main agricultural region. A survey based on geo-referenced spontaneous potential measurements was combined with measurements of anoxic conditions (Eh-pH and O2 equilibrating partial pressure) in the groundwater and leachates, in order to highlight a pollution plume and its geometry. The range of spontaneous potential measurement is wide, reaching 155 mV. Ponds of leachate with high electrical conductivity (20 to 40 mS cm−1) form within the landfill, and present very reducing conditions down to sulphate reduction and methanisation. The plume is slowly but continuously supplied with these highly reducing and organic carbon-rich leachates from the landfill. Its direction is towards N-NW, stable throughout the season, and consistent with local knowledge of groundwater flow. The fast flow of the water table suggests pollution over long distances that should be monitored in the future. The results obtained are spatially contrasting and stable, and show that such techniques can be used on a resistive medium of arid environments.

Removal of paracetamol from aqueous solution by containment composites

Storage of wastes leads to severe problems of water pollution and neighboring matrices due to the infiltration of landfill leachate. Uncontrolled landfill and waste storage can lead to groundwater pollution, which can lead to serious health problems for the living. Engineered barriers can be a solution to these pollution problems. The purpose of this study was to develop novel composite materials – clay-based, activated carbon, cement, and PVA polymer. These composites were intended for the containment of waste in landfill. The clay (70–80%) and activated carbon (5–15%) contents were varied to obtain three different geomaterials – GM1, GM2, and GM3. In the preparation of GM3, the content of activated carbon used was higher than for GM1 and GM2, paracetamol removal capacity tested by adsorption, experiments were influenced by parameters such as the adsorbent mass, the initial solute concentration, contact time, temperature, and pH effect. The parameter of initial paracetamol concentrations was studied using a range of 50, 100, and 150 mg L−1. For a GM3 mass of 80 mg, the adsorbed amount is 14.67 mg g−1, and the contact time is 180 minutes. This study revealed that composites are efficient for the treatment of landfill leachates.

Treatment of the uncontrolled landfill of Casablanca city by naturals materials

This work treats the leachate from the uncontrolled landfill of Casablanca city using the infiltration-percolation technique. To do this, we carried out a comparative study of the filtrations on different matrices to choose the best filtering medium. We used silt, fly ash, bottom ash, agricultural soil and sea sands from the Casablanca coast. The parameters studied are: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH and heavy metals. The results obtained from adsorption technique show that these matrices used can be an effective adsorbent for the reduction of physicochemical parameters and the elimination of heavy metals. A revaluation of the filtering sludge made in the field of pottery. The results observed are satisfactory at all levels, whether in the reuse of this liquid waste, in the field of irrigation or the recycling of filter matrices.

Impact of anthropogenic actions on the quality of the Maâmora groundwater (Tiflet city region)

The quality of groundwater in and around the city of Tiflet depends mainly on the various anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems where the Maamora groundwater in this region is subject to liquid discharges from the city of Tiflet from Oued Tiflet and infiltration of leachate from the uncontrolled landfill. With the ultimate aim of considering the necessary solutions and ensuring the means of protecting water resources and sustainable development of the Tiflet region, the study of the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater (Maamora groundwater) from the city of Tiflet to the centre of the commune of Sidi Boukhelkhal, which is located north-west of the city and on the banks of Oued Tiflet, is the first step. These results are processed by ArcGis software and presented by interpolation maps. The bacteriological characterization of groundwater shows that it is not drinkable but acceptable for agricultural use, however, physico-chemical parameters such as nitrates and sulphates remain below the quality standards for human consumption. Turbidity, pH and conductivity vary according to space but also do not exceed quality standards in irrigation and human consumption.

Distribution of metallic trace elements (ETM) in surface soils around the Mediouna discharge (southern of Casablanca)

The objective of present research was to characterize the surface soils located at 300, 600 and 1000 m of an uncontrolled landfill. The work also aims to evaluate the levels and spatial distribution of metallic trace elements (Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co and As) in these soils. Soil samples were collected in 36 points around the landfill. Results showed that Cd, Pb, Zn are concentrated in the soils rich in clay and carbonates, and in organic matter, located at 300 m from the landfill. The basic pH of all soils enhances the retention of these metals. On the other hand, As present in soils at 300, 600 and 1000 m at concentrations slightly higher than those of referenced soils were apparently mobilized by water from the solid/water interfaces. The other metals Cu, Ni, Co, Cr are present at very low concentrations.