A Study to Investigate and Compare Groundwater Quality in Adjacent Areas of Landfill Sites in Lahore City

It is a hard and challenging but very important at the same time to ensure availability of potable quality water to the whole world population. Human activities like agriculture, industrial usage and disposal of harmful waste products is causing contamination of groundwater systems. This is not only deteriorating groundwater but is leading to a number of health problems. Although this is a global issue, however, the situation is more severe and alarming in developing countries, which can be related to poor management and lack of facilities. Current study was conducted to understand the impact of dumping sites on groundwater quality in adjacent areas of selected dumping sites and suggested appropriate measures. Lahore is facing serious environmental and groundwater problems. Mehmood Booti landfill (oldest) and Saggian landfill (biggest) sites impacts were investigated; ten observation locations of each sites were selected in nearby areas. Six parameters i.e., pH, turbidity, conductivity, total hardness, TDS and arsenic were analysed and compared for the years 2010- 11 at both the sites. Pollutants value decreased as distance increase from landfill sites. Arsenic concentration in 100% and 15% samples was exceeded WHO and PSQCA limit, respectively. Landfill leachate and groundwater analysis results explored that groundwater chemistry has changed due to infiltration of landfill leachate. Overall groundwater quality in eastern part is detected more contaminated as compared to west part of Lahore city. However, arsenic concentration in whole area is high but Shadhara town is most affected area. Groundwater needs some treatment before use for domestic and drinking purpose.