Organisation Outline:
Southampton University Research Institute for Sustainability and the Environment (SUnRISE) is based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
at the University of Southampton. Current research includes an investigation into Natural Attenuation (NA) of landfill leachate in natural geological formations.
The principal objectives of this research are to identify potential NA processes for certain leachate compounds associated with landfill sites and to investigate
if these processes will reduce environmental risks to acceptable levels.
The aims of the project are: A literature review to identify the NA processes of certain compounds present in landfill leachates; Using computer software
to predict long-term effectiveness of NA; Investigation of the occurrence of NA processes for certain compounds using laboratory studies to simulate field
conditions; Assessment, based on a site conceptual model, of the efficiency and potential applicability of NA for the remediation of leachate plumes; Proposal
of guidelines for future research.
The compounds of interest in this study are included in List 1 of the EC Groundwater Directive 80/86, namely: BTEX, PCE, TCE, Pentachlorophenol, p-Dichlorobenzene
and Chlorobenzene. The case study site, Rainham Landfill, does not have an engineered barrier system and protection of the gravel and chalk aquifers relies
on the low permeability of the alluvial clay beneath the site.
The work is supported by Cleanaway through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.
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