The presence of heavy metals in landfill leachate pose a risk to the environment especially in unlined landfills where dissipation of leachate into ground water might occur. This study is focused on the assessment of heavy metals in leachate of Al Amerat unlined landfill in the Sultanate of Oman. Leachate samples were collected from leachate pools located behind the landfill and analyzed using the standard methods. Results showed that certain heavy metals found in leachate were exceeding the drinking water standards and waste water re-use and discharge standards of the Sultanate. Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Ba, Pb and Fe were all above the standards in concentrations of 2.050 mg/l, 0.9775 mg/l, 2.800 mg/l, 0.503 mg/l, 0.128 mg/l, 0.773 mg/l, 0.8575 mg/l, 0.130 mg/l, and 39.25 mg/l, respectively. The effect of these contaminants should be considered as surface and ground water contamination might occur. Rehabilitation of such unlined landfills should take place with continuous monitoring programs of ground water sources around the area to contain any contamination that might occur.

The presence of heavy metals in landfill leachate pose a risk to the environment especially in unlined landfills where dissipation of leachate into ground water might occur. This study is focused on the assessment of heavy metals in leachate of Al Amerat unlined landfill in the Sultanate of Oman...