PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A LEACHATE OF A CONTROLLED DISCHARGE

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of an untreated leachate so as to analyse the environmental risks related to the direct disposal of this type of effluent in the natural medium without any prior treatment. The analytical results obtained from a series of leachate samples of a controlled discharge revealed high contents in nitrates (NO3– =1298,4 mg/L), phosphates (PO43- =143 mg/L) et Chlorides (Cl- =1221 mg/L). This mineral pollution is manifested in a high electrical conductivity that reaches 28752 μS/cm. Concerning organic pollution, the COD reached 11312 mgO2/L and the BOD is of 2623 mgO2/L. The BOD/ COD ratio being 0,23. The leachate studied is situated at an intermediate state of stabilisation.