Application of Strontium Isotopes for Tracing Landfill Leachate Plumes in Groundwater

We are evaluating strontium isotopes as alternative tracers of landfill leachate in groundwater. The municipal landfill studied here is located in southeastern France. This landfill has no bottom liner, and wastes are placed directly on the ground. Based on the evaluation of chloride concentration,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & technology 2001-12, Vol.35 (23), p.4675-4679
Main Authors: Vilomet, J. D, Angeletti, B, Moustier, S, Ambrosi, J. P, Wiesner, M, Bottero, J. Y, Chatelet-Snidaro, L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis methods
Applied sciences
Chemicals
Chlorides
Concentration (composition)
Contamination
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Environmental Monitoring - methods
Exact sciences and technology
Fertilizers
France
Garbage
Groundwater
Groundwaters
Isotopes
Landfill
Leachates
Liners
Municipal landfills
Natural water pollution
Pollution
Pollution, environment geology
Soil Pollutants - analysis
Strontium
Strontium Isotopes - analysis
Tracers
Wastes
Water Movements
Water Pollutants - analysis
Water pollution
Water quality
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:We are evaluating strontium isotopes as alternative tracers of landfill leachate in groundwater. The municipal landfill studied here is located in southeastern France. This landfill has no bottom liner, and wastes are placed directly on the ground. Based on the evaluation of chloride concentration, the plume extends a maximum of 4600 m. Strontium isotopic composition characterizes two sources: natural groundwater (87Sr/86Sr = 0.708175) and landfill leachate contamination (87Sr/86Sr = 0.708457). The evolution of mixing ratios obtained with strontium reveals a second source of groundwater contamination: fertilizers (87Sr/86Sr = 0.707859). These results suggest that isotopic signatures can be used to provide useful information on sources of groundwater contamination where conventional water quality parameters may yield ambiguous results.
ISSN:0013-936X
1520-5851
DOI:10.1021/es000169c