Paper Title
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION DUE TO SOLID WASTE LEACHATE ISSUES IN LUDHIANA, PUNJAB: A CITY IN INDIA

Abstract
Abstract - The study was conducted to assess the degree of groundwater pollution due to the non-engineered landfill site in Jamalpur, Ludhiana. The leachate was sampled at five different locations at the landfill itself and downstream of this landfill for its compositional analysis. The leachate and groundwater were physically and chemically analyzed using standard methods and compared with the national limits. Total coliform, an indicator of water-borne diseases, was tested in groundwater and leachate. The pH of leachate was found to be higher indicating the maturity of the leachate. The groundwater pH was within the permissible range however certain parameters exceeded the WHO and BIS 2012 limits. Nitrate was much above the acceptable level as per Environment Protection Agency. BOD to COD ratio varies from 0.03 to 0.07, which indicates the high non-biodegradable organic matter. Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Total Solids (TS) were found to be 20442 µS/cm, 20185 mg/L, and 20578 mg/L respectively, which indicate the ability of leachate to contaminate underground water. A high count in the MPN test indicates the susceptibility to a water-borne disease outbreak. The result indicates the acidic phase of the landfill leading to the harmful surrounding. The tested samples indicate the non-potability of water in the vicinity of the landfill site and are unsuitable for irrigation purposes. Public involvement, lack of updated technology, land constraint and lack of integrated solid waste management program are the issues to be dealt for avoiding the toxic leachate into the groundwater. Keywords - Groundwater, Leachate, Landfill, Toxicity