Geochemical assessment of groundwater quality in vicinity of Bhalswa landfill,Delhi, India,using graphical and multivariate statistical methods

A geochemical assessment of groundwater quality and possible contamination in the vicinity of the Bhalswa landfill site was carried out by using a hydrochemical approach with graphical and multivariate statistical methods with the objective of identifying the occurrence of various geochemical processes and understanding the impact of landfill leachates on groundwater quality. Results indicate that nitrate, fluoride and heavy-metal pollution are in an alarming state with respect to the use of groundwater for drinking purposes. Various graphical plots and statistical analyses have been applied to the chemical data based on the ionic constituents, water types, and hydrochemical facies to infer the impact of the landfill on groundwater quality. The statistical analysis and spatial and temporal variations indicate the leaching of contaminants from the landfill to the groundwater aquifer system. The concentrations of heavy metals in the landfill leachates are as follows: Fe (22 mg/l), Mn (~20 mg/l), Cu (~10 mg/l), Pb (~2 mg/l), Ni (0.25 mg/l), Zn (~10 mg/l), Cd (~0.2 mg/l), Cl⁻ (~4,000 mg/l), SO₄²⁻ (~3,320 mg/l), PO₄³⁻ (~4 mg/l), NO₃⁻ (30 mg/l) and fluoride (~50 mg/l); all were much higher than the standards. The study reveals that the landfill is in a depleted phase and is affecting groundwater quality in its vicinity and the surrounding area due to leaching of contaminants.     

Distribution and mineralogical controls on ammonium in deep groundwaters

Compositional data from published sources, environmental monitoring and new analyses demonstrate that for a wide range of water types (oilfield water, coal mine water, landfill leachate) NH₄⁺ is present in amounts up to 2200 mg/L. Oilfield waters from Alberta, Canada contain 1–1000 mg/L NH₄⁺, coal mine water (UK) surface discharges 1–45 mg/L NH₄⁺, and landfill leachates (UK) up to 2200 mg/L NH₄⁺. Ammonium contents generally show a positive correlation with K, and increase with increasing salinity. Geochemical modelling of sufficiently complete data using SOLMINEQ88 demonstrates that NH₄⁺ activities vary systematically, and are consistent with a mineralogical control. Sodium–K exchange divides the entire sample suite into at least 4 groups, controlled by reaction temperature and reaction with either albite/K-feldspar or illitic clay minerals. In contrast, comparison of NH₄⁺ and K divides the sample suite into 2 groups. On the basis of geological setting, these correspond to K–NH₄⁺ exchange involving illitic (illite-muscovite) clays (and possibly feldspars) for samples from natural sources, and to exchange involving smectitic clays for samples from landfill sites. This study demonstrates the importance of NH₄⁺ as a constituent of natural groundwaters, requiring that this reservoir of N is taken into account in detailed discussion of hydrological components of the N cycle.     

Investigation on potential groundwater impacts and influence of local hydrogeology on natural attenuation of leachate at a municipal landfill

The influence of local hydrogeology on natural attenuation of contaminants from landfill leachates in shallow aquifer underlying the active Olusosun landfill base in Lagos was investigated. In addition, the level of groundwater contamination in the vicinity of the landfill and of leachate migration pattern in groundwater down gradient of the landfill base was equally assessed. Landfill leachate and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed and characterized. Physico-chemical analyses of sampled water followed standard analytical methods. Analytical results showed a measurable impact of leachate outflows on groundwater quality. Elevated levels of anions: nitrate, chloride and sulphate in the groundwater body and heavy metals: Cr₃. Cd and Cu, were detected at measurable levels in groundwater down gradient of the landfill location without any particular attenuation pattern. The migration pattern and dispersion of leachates down gradient, 750 m away from the landfill location are irregular and difficult to predict as depicted by levels of contaminants present in groundwater. The study highlighted the importance of soil stratigraphy beneath the landfill base as an important factor in the natural attenuation of leachate constituents in the groundwater body.     

Processes controlling the composition of acid sulfate solutions evolved from coal

Leaching of a series of Appalachian coals by distilled water has been studied in laboratory reactors. From columns open to air at 25°C, leachates were produced containing typically about 0.2 M SO₄²⁻, 0.1 M total Fe and having pH < 2. Leachates contained high concentrations of toxic trace metals, including Be, Al, Cu and Cd. Concentrations of sulfate and Fe in leachates from different coals were similar and were not related to concentrations of total S in the coals. Saturation with respect to melanterite (FeSO₄·7H₂O) and a ferric oxyhydroxide phase was observed in most solutions. Leachates were undersaturated with respect to anhydrous ferric sulfate and Na-jarosite, but supersaturated with respect to K-jarosite, suggesting that none of these phases controlled solution composition. The ratio of total ferric Fe to total ferrous Fe normally exceeded unity. Accumulation of ferric Fe indicates either that its reaction with pyrite is inhibited in weathered coals, or that the coals contain pockets of oxidized pore fluid that are out of contact with pyrite. Release of Be correlated with release of Al, and release of Cu correlated with release of Fe. Reducing the temperature, lowering the partial pressure of oxygen or adding limestone retarded the release of pyrite oxidation products from the coals. Addition of limestone should be considered if it is necessary to control release of acid leachates from coal piles.     

Analysis of the distribution of inorganic constituents in a landfill leachate-contaminated aquifer: Astrolabe Park,Sydney, Australia

An investigation was conducted at Astrolabe Park landfill, a decommissioned municipal landfill in Sydney, Australia, to assess the physical and chemical processes affecting the distribution of inorganic constituents in the leachate plume. The plume is migrating from the landfill towards a groundwater-fed pond into which leachate-impacted groundwater discharges. Borehole geophysical logging and depth-discrete groundwater sampling were used to delineate the distribution of the leachate plume along two groundwater flow paths between the landfill and the shore of the pond. Borehole geophysical logs indicate a strong correlation between bulk and fluid electrical conductivity (EC) values, and help to identify small-scale heterogeneities that comprise a major constraint on contaminant transport within the aquifer. Variations in the distribution of several indicator parameters (EC, HCO₃^–, pH, Eh, NH₄⁺/NO₃^–, S^2–/SO₄^2–) are used to assess the dominant processes affecting contaminant distribution along the flow path, including mixing of fresh and contaminated groundwater, oxidation/reduction reactions and ion exchange.     

Chemical Weathering of Smectitic Sulphide-Mineral-Bearing Unconsolidated Surficial Sediments in South-Central Alberta,Canada

This study used a mass-balance simulation approach in conjunction with geochemical, mineralogical, thermodynamic and isotopic constraints, to assess the origins of NaSO₄(±HCO₃) type groundwater and springwater associated with smectitic sulphide-mineral-bearing unconsolidated surficial sediments and the underlying Paskapoo Formation in south-central Alberta. Results indicate that alteration of albite to kaolinite and alteration of kaolinite to Na-smectite are the primary controls on dissolved Na and SiO₂ concentrations in groundwater and springwater. Concentrations of dissolved Ca and Mg are controlled by reactions involving carbonate minerals and possibly cation exchange. Dissolved SO₄ is generated primarily through oxidation of pyrite. Most H⁺ generated by oxidation of pyrite is consumed in aluminosilicate alteration reactions. The carbon isotopic composition of CO₂ gas required in mass-balance simulations suggests the presence of an isotopically heterogeneous environment with respect to ¹³C. This apparent isotopic heterogeneity may result from the presence of varying fractions of atmospheric and microbially respired CO₂.     

Estimation of Anthropogenic Influences in Groundwater Quality of Shallow Aquifers of Moradabad City,Western Uttar Pradesh

The present work has been carried out in Moradabad, one of the important cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The main focus of the study is to estimate the extent of anthropogenic contamination in shallow groundwater of the area. For this purpose, total 188 groundwater samples collected from handpumps in pre- and post monsoon period of 2012 and 2013 (47 in each season) were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, major cations (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) and anions (Cl, HCO₃, SO₄, NO₃ and F). The results of the analysis suggested that groundwater is slightly alkaline, hard to very hard in nature, average TDS values were found to be more than 1000 mg/l, which gives a clear evidence of anthropogenic influences. To estimate the extent of contamination, the information on relatively unpolluted groundwater systems occurring in different terrains including Ganga plain where the groundwater was relatively unaffected by anthropogenic activities is used. The estimated pristine chemical composition of groundwater of different terrains used in the present study was compared with the groundwater of Moradabad city. This comparison showed that Moradabad city with the highest Na, K, Cl, SO₄ and NO₃ values being 440 mg/l, 96 mg/l, 537 mg/l, 537 mg/ l and 244 mg/l, respectively, is one of the most polluted urban centres within the Ganga plain. It may be suggested that values of > 50 mg/l for Na, > 10 mg/l for K, > 25 mg/l for Cl, > 50 mg/l for SO₄ and > 10 mg/l for NO₃ have their respective sources in anthropogenic activities such as agricultural in the peripheral region, human and animal wastes, leakages from drains and septic tanks, landfill leachates and industrial effluents.     

Processes of supply and removal of dissolved silicon in the oceans

A critical assessment has been made of the processes of supply and removal of dissolved silicon in the ocean. The only sources of importance appear to be continental drainage (supplying 4.3 × 10¹⁴ g SiO₂/yr), Antarctic weathering and migration from sediment pore waters. The magnitudes of the last two processes are uncertain but there is evidence that they may add significantly to the river input. The total input appears to lie uncertainly within the range of 5.12 × 10₁₄ g SiO₂/yr.Estimates of removal in estuarine mixing processes (less than 1 × 10₁₄ g SiO₂/yr) and in pelagic siliceous oozes (less than 2 × 10₁₄ g SiO₂/yr) suggest that deposition by these processes may not balance the input. Other removal processes could include biological deposition in coastal waters, but the hypothesis that some removal in the sea occurs by inorganic processes, such as reverse weathering reactions, cannot be discounted.     

Attenuation of landfill leachate at two uncontrolled landfills

Attenuation characteristics of landfill leachate were examined for two uncontrolled landfills in Korea. The two landfills containing municipal wastes without appropriate bottom liner and leachate treatment system have different landfill age, waste volume, and most importantly different hydrogeologic settings. One landfill (Cheonan landfill) is situated in an open flat area while the other (Wonju landfill) is located in a valley. Variations of various parameters including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved oxygen (DO), alkalinity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), redox potential (ORP), ammonia (NH₃), nitrate (NO₃⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), and chloride (Cl⁻) were examined along groundwater flow path. All these parameters were analyzed every month for a year. In the interior of the landfills, typical anaerobic conditions revealed by low DO and NO₃ concentrations, negative ORP values, high NH₃, alkalinity, and Cl⁻ concentrations were observed. Generally, higher levels of contaminants (DOC, NH₃, and Cl⁻) were detected in the dry season while they were greatly lowered in the wet season. Significantly, large decrease of Cl^- concentration in the wet season indicates that the dilution or mixing is one of dominant attenuation mechanisms of leachate. But detailed variation behaviors in the two landfills are different and they were largely dependent on permeability of surface and subsurface layers. The intermediately permeable surface of the landfills receives part of direct rainfall infiltration but most rainwater is lost to fast runoff. The practically impermeable surface of clayey silt (paddy field) at immediately adjacent to the Cheonan landfill boundary prevented direct rainwater infiltration and hence redox condition of the ground waters were largely affected by that of the upper landfill and the less permeable materials beneath the paddy fields prohibited dispersion of the landfill leachate into down gradient area. In the Wonju landfill, there are three different permeability divisions, the landfill region, the sandy open field and the paddy field. Roles of the landfill and paddy regions are very similar to those at the Cheonan. The very permeable sandy field receiving a large amount of rainwater infiltration plays a key role in controlling redox condition of the down gradient area and contaminant migration. This paper reports details of the attenuation and redox conditions of the landfill leachates at the two uncontrolled landfills.     

Complexation of copper with polymeric silica in aqueous solution

A series of experiments was conducted to study the uptake of Cu by colloidal SiO₂ in aqueous solution. Solutions consisting of 2400 mg l⁻¹ monomeric SiO₂ were allowed to polymerize for 24 h at pH values from 4 to 9, producing coexisting populations of monomer and polymer in each solution. These solutions were combined with aqueous CuCl₂ solutions in final Cu concentrations of 5–30 mg l⁻¹. After the solutions had equilibrated for 24 h, they were filtered through 0.1 μm Millipore filters and analyzed by ICP-AES and gel filtration chromatography (GFC).Experiments conducted at pH 7 with varying Cu concentrations yielded a critical coagulation concentration of 15±1 mg l⁻¹ Cu. GFC analyses of solutions in which coagulation occurred revealed no SiO₂ polymer in the filtrates, suggesting that coagulation is due to the coalescence of SiO₂ polymers by Cu. Experiments conducted with 20 mg l⁻¹ Cu exhibited a gradual increase in Cu uptake from pH 5 to 7, followed by a sharp decrease in Cu uptake from pH 7.25 to 7.50. The gradual increase in Cu uptake up to pH 7 may reflect the increasingly negative surface charge of SiO₂ polymer with increasing pH. The abrupt decrease in the adsorption of Cu to SiO₂ polymer at pH values > 7.25 may be attributed to the decrease in dissociated Cu²⁺ relative to Cu(OH)₂° at higher pH. Although it is traditionally held that the formation of Cu silicates, such as chrysocolla, occurs under acid conditions in supergene Cu deposits, this investigation suggests that Cu silicate formation may be favored in near-neutral solutions in nature.     

电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定铬矿石中的二氧化硅

以过氧化钠为熔剂,经高温熔融-热水提取-盐酸酸化前处理样品,选用金为内标元素,电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定铬矿石中的二氧化硅。试验了熔融试样时引入的基体元素钠对被测元素的干扰情况,结果表明,钠含量高于300 mg/L时,二氧化硅的回收率均低于92.5%。采用金内标法有效克服了基体效应及仪器波动产生的影响,改善和提高了准确度和精密度。二氧化硅的检出限为0.0075 mg/L,测定范围为0.025%～10.0%。对铬矿石标准物质进行测定,结果与标准值一致,方法精密度(RSD,n=9)小于2%。与常规化学分析法进行比对试验,二氧化硅的测定值吻合较好,但克服了常规化学分析方法步骤繁琐、耗时长、工作量大的不足,提高了工作效率。本方法也可用于同时测定铬矿石中铝、铁、钙、镁、磷等主次量成分。     

“Dedolomitization reactions” driven by anthropogenic activity on loessy sediments,SW Hungary

In the Szigetvár area, SW Hungary, shallow groundwaters draining upper Pleistocene loess and Holocene sediments are considerably contaminated by domestic effluents and leachates of farmland fertilizers. The loess contains calcite and dolomite, but gypsum was not recognized in these sediments. The anthropogenic inputs contain significant amounts of Ca and SO₄. The Ca from these anthropogenic inputs is promoting calcite growth, with concomitant consumption of carbonate alkalinity, undersaturation of the system with respect to dolomite, and dolomite dissolution; in brief, is driving “dedolomitization reactions”. Geochemical arguments supporting the occurrence of “dedolomitization reactions” in the area are provided by the results of mass balance and thermodynamic analyses. The mass balances predicted the weather sequence dolomite > calcite > plagioclase > K-feldspar, at odds with widely accepted sequences of weatherability where calcite is the first mineral in the weathering sequence. The exchange between calcite and dolomite can be a side effect of “dedolomitization reactions” because they cause precipitation of calcite. The thermodynamic prerequisites for “dedolomitization reactions” are satisfied by most local groundwaters (70%) since they are supersaturated (or in equilibrium) with respect to calcite, undersaturated (or in equilibrium) with respect to dolomite, and undersaturated with respect to gypsum. The Ca vs. SO₄ and Mg vs. SO₄ trends are also compatible with homologous trends resulting from “dedolomitization reactions”.     

Determination of silica activity in Bushveld rocks

Values of silica activity have been calculated for Bushveld rocks from an extension of the mafic layered sequence north of the town of Bethal in the south-eastern Transvaal as well as the Roossenekal area in the eastern limb of the Complex. The samples examined contain the coexisting assemblage olivine, Ca-poor pyroxene, Ca-rich pyroxene and plagioclase. This enabled silica activities to be calculated from the following reactions: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄+SiO₂2(Mg, Fe)SiO₃, CaAl₂SiO₆+SiO₂CaAl₂Si₂O₈. Parallel curves of increasing silica activity with fractionation were established 0.20 log units apart. This represented a pressure of emplacement for the top of the layered zone in the Bethal area of 2.72±0.79 kbars. A value of 1.47±0.62 kbars was obtained for the Roossenekal area. These values are equivalent to 9.1±2.6 km and 4.9±2.1 km respectively, the latter figure being consistent with the minimum thickness of 4550 m of felsite and granophyre originally overlying the layered sequence and still preserved in the area west of Roossenekal.     

Eclogite facies metarodingites – phase relations in the system SiO2-Al2O3-Fe2O3-FeO-MgO-CaO-CO2-H2O: an example from the Zermatt-Saas ophiolite

Eclogite facies metarodingites occur as deformed dykes in serpentinites of the Zermatt‐Saas ophiolite (Western Alps). They formed during the subduction of the Tethys oceanic lithosphere in the Early Tertiary. The metarodingites developed as a consequence of serpentinization of the oceanic mantle. Three major types of metarodingites (R1, R2 & R3) can be distinguished on the basis of their mineralogical composition. All metarodingites contain vesuvianite, chlorite and hydrogrossular in high modal amounts. In addition they contain: R1 – diopside, tremolite, clinozoisite, calcite; R2 – hydroandradite, diopside, epidote, calcite; and R3 – hydroandradite. Both garnets contain a small but persistent amount of hydrogarnet component. The different metarodingites reflect different original dyke rocks in the mantle. In each group of metarodingite, textural relations suggest that reactions adjusted the assemblages along the P–T path travelled by the ophiolite during subduction and exhumation. Reactions and phase relations derived from local textures in metarodingite can be modelled in the eight‐component system: SiO₂‐Al₂O₃‐Fe₂O₃‐FeO‐MgO‐CaO‐CO₂‐H₂O. This permits the analysis of redox reactions in the presence of andradite garnet and epidote in many of the rocks. Within this system, the phase relations in eclogite facies metarodingites have been explored in terms of T–X_CO2, T–μ(SiO₂), μ(Cal)–μ(SiO₂) and P–T sections. It was found that rodingite assemblages are characterized by low μ(SiO₂) and low X_CO2 conditions. The low SiO₂ potential is externally imposed onto the rodingites by the large volume of antigorite‐forsterite serpentinites enclosing them. Moreover, μ(SiO₂) decreases consistently from metarodingite R1 to R3. The low μ(SiO₂) enforced by the serpentinites favours the formation of hydrogarnet and vesuvianite. Rodingite formation is commonly associated with hydrothermal alteration of oceanic lithosphere at the ocean floor, in particular to ocean floor serpentinization. Our analysis, however, suggests that the metarodingite assemblages may have formed at high‐pressure conditions in the subduction zone as a result of serpentinization of oceanic mantle by subduction zone fluids.     

Calorimetric study of olivine solid solutions in the system Mg2SiO4-Fe2SiO4

Solution enthalpies of synthetic olivine solid solutions in the system Mg₂SiO₄-Fe₂SiO₄ have been measured in molten 2PbO·B₂O₃ at 979 K. The enthalpy data show that olivine solid solutions have a positive enthalpy of mixing and the deviation from ideality is approximated as symmetric with respect to composition, in contrast to the previous study. Applying the symmetric regular solution model to the present enthalpy data, the interaction parameter of ethalpy (W_H) is estimated to be 5.3±1.7 kJ/mol (one cation site basis). Using this W_h and the published data on excess free energy of mixing, the nonideal parameter of entropy (W_s) of olivine solid solutions is estimated as 0.6±1.5 J/mol·K.     

Model systems for anatexis of pelitic rocks

A consistent arrangement of solidus curves for reactions involving white mica, alkali feldspar, Al₂SiO₅, quartz and H₂O, as expressed by the components KAlO₂-NaAlO₂-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O, provides a generally accurate and useful model for the origin of migmatites and peraluminous granites through partial melting of pelitic rocks. The complexities of the univariant (Na-K) reactions may be easily seen on the projection from SiO₂ and H₂O onto the Ab-Or-Al₂O₃ plane. Alternative topologies for the appearance of muscovite, paragonite and Al₂SiO₅ on the quartz and H₂O-saturated liquidus may be eliminated by a consideration of possible compositions of liquid and solid phases and Schreinemakers' analysis around (Na-K) invariant points. Paragonite is not likely to be an important phase on the liquidus for most melting paths. Melting paths for natural assemblages may be easily constructed appropriate to P-T-aH₂O paths in the model system. Such paths are consistent with observed textures in natural assemblages. Although general models can be developed for decreased aH₂O, it is difficult to separate such effects from those involving participation of a calcic component without careful examination of natural assemblages and experimental calibration of appropriate reactions.     

Chemistry and transport of soluble humic substances in forested watersheds of the Adirondack Park,New York

Studies were conducted in conjunction with the Integrated Lake-Watershed Acidification Study (ILWAS) to examine the chemistry and leaching patterns of soluble humic substances in forested watersheds of the Adirondack region. During the summer growing season, mean dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in the ILWAS watersheds ranged from 21–32 mg C l^?1 in O/A horizon leachates, from 5–7 mg C l^?1 in B horizon leachates, from 2–4 mg C l^?1 in groundwater solutions, from 6–8 mg C l^?1 in first order streams, from 3–8 mg C l^?1 in lake inlets, and from 2–7 mg C l^?1 in lake outlets. During the winter, mean DOC concentrations dropped significantly in the upper soil profile. Soil solutions from mixed and coniferous stands contained as much as twice the DOC concentration of lysimeter samples from hardwood stands. Results of DOC fractionation analysis showed that hydrophobia and hydrophilic acids dominate the organic solute composition of natural waters in these watersheds. Charge balance and titration results indicated that the general acid-base characteristics of the dissolved humic mixture in these natural waters can be accounted for by a model organic acid having an average_pK_a of 3.85, an average charge density of 4–5 μeq mg^?1 C at ambient pH, and a total of 6–7 meq COOH per gram carbon.     

河南舞阳和冀东地区前寒武系几种含铁母岩溶蚀实验

为配合在华北地区寻找风化淋滤型富铁矿,作者对采自河南舞阳二铁矿区太华群和冀东桑干群马兰峪组六块含铁变质岩进行了硅、铁差异性溶蚀实验。含铁母岩的矿物和化学组成见表1。     

Corundum formation by metasomatic reactions in Archean metapelite,SW Greenland:Exploration vectors for ruby deposits within high-grade greenstone belts

Corundum (ruby-sapphire) is known to have formed in situ within Archean metamorphic rocks at several localities in the North Atlantic Craton of Greenland. Here we present two case studies for such occurrences: (1) Maniitsoq region (Kangerdluarssuk), where kyanite paragneiss hosts ruby corundum, and (2) Nuuk region (Storø), where sillimanite gneiss hosts ruby corundum. At both occurrences, ultramafic rocks (amphibole-peridotite) are in direct contact with the ruby-bearing zones, which have been transformed to mica schist by metasomatic reactions. The bulk-rock geochemistry of the ruby-bearing rocks is consistent with significant depletion of SiO₂ in combination with addition of Al₂O₃, MgO, K₂O, Th and Sr relative to an assumed aluminous precursor metapelite. Phase equilibria modelling supports ruby genesis from the breakdown of sillimanite and kyanite at elevated temperatures due to the removal of SiO₂. The juxtaposition of relatively silica- and aluminum-rich metasedimentary rocks with low silica ultramafic rocks established a chemical potential gradient that leached/mobilized SiO₂ allowing corundum to stabilize in the former rocks. Furthermore, addition of Al₂O₃ via a metasomatic reaction is required, because Al/Ti is fractionated between the aluminous precursor metapelites and the resulting corundum-bearing mica schist. We propose that Al was mobilized either by complexation with hydroxide at alkaline conditions, or that Al was transported as K-Al-Si-O polymers at deep crustal levels. The three main exploration vectors for corundum within Archean greenstone belts are: (1) amphibolite- to granulite-facies metamorphic conditions, (2) the juxtaposition of ultramafic rocks and aluminous metapelite, and (3) mica-rich reactions zones at their interface.     

Environmental impact of an urban landfill on a coastal aquifer (El Jadida, Morocco)

The El Jadida landfill is one among many uncontrolled dumping sites in Morocco with no bottom liner. About 150 tons/day of solid wastes from mixed urban and industrial origins are placed directly on the ground. At the site of this landfill, the groundwaters circulate deeply (10–15 m) in the Cenomanian rock (calcareous–marl), which is characterised by an important permeability from cracks. The soil is sand–clay characterized by a weak coefficient of retention.The phreatic water ascends to the bottom of three quarries, which are located within the landfill. These circumstances, along with the lack of a leachate collection system, worsen the risks for a potential deterioration of the aquifer.To evaluate groundwater pollution due to this urban landfill, piezometric level and geochemical analyses have been monitored since 1999 on 60 wells. The landfill leachate has been collected from the three quarries that are located within the landfill. The average results of geochemical analyses show an important polluant charge vehiculed by landfill leachate (chloride = 5680 mg l⁻¹, chemical oxygen demand = 1000 mg l⁻¹, iron = 23 000 μg l⁻¹). They show also an important qualitative degradation of the groundwater, especially in the parts situated in the down gradient area and in direct proximity to the landfill. In these polluted zones, we have observed the following values: higher than 4.5 mS cm⁻¹ in electric conductivity, 1620 and 1000 mg l⁻¹ respectively in chlorides and sulfate (), 15–25 μg l⁻¹ in cadmium, and 60–100 μg l⁻¹ in chromium. These concentrations widely exceed the standard values for potable water.Several determining factors in the evolution of groundwater contamination have been highlighted, such as (1) depth of the water table, (2) permeability of soil and unsaturated zone, (3) effective infiltration, (4) humidity and (5) absence of a system for leachate drainage. So, to reduce the pollution risks of the groundwater, it is necessary to set a system of collection, drainage and treatment of landfill leachates and to emplace an impermeable surface at the site of landfill, in order to limit the infiltration of leachate.