INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, DELHI

CVL 212

LAB REPORT

Lab 4: Quantification of Leachate Pollution Index of Landfill Sites and Demonstration

of Ion Chromatograph and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Group 2: Sub-group 4

Name Entry No.

Anil Kumar Meena 2022CE11069
Gaurav Gaur 2022CE11514
Lokesh Lodhi 2022CE11567
Himanshu Verma 2022CE11061
Manjul Gupta 2022CE11518

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❖ Aim: (A) Quantification of Leachate Pollution Index of Landfill Sites.
(B) Demonstration of ion chromatograph and atomic absorption spectroscope.

❖ Theory:

Introduction :
(A) Quantification of Leachate Pollution Index of Landfill Sites
One essential part of waste management systems is the disposal of solid waste in landfills.
Leachate, a polluted fluid that leaks from landfill sites into the surrounding environment, can
be produced despite the use of constructed landfills due to weathering events, bio-geochemical
processes, and growing waste loads. Leachate comprises a variety of contaminants, such as
biomass, heavy metals, and organic waste. These pollutants seriously endanger the following:
soil, surface water, and groundwater resources close to landfills. A methodical way to measure
the risk for leachate pollution at every dump site at a certain moment is to use the Leachate
Pollution Index (LPI). It uses 18 physicochemical and biological characteristics to offer a
thorough evaluation of leachate contamination.
(B) Demonstration of ion chromatograph and atomic absorption spectroscope
(1) Ion Chromatograph (IC)
This technique separates various ion species to determine their concentration. when the weak
acid's sodium salts, which make up the mobile phase, pass through the chromatographic
column. Determining the concentration of different ionic species is aided by their retention
times. The liquid reaches a column in high-performance liquid chromatography, where the
component separates, and the detector provides the retention time. Chloride (Cl -), sulphate
(SO4-), nitrate (NO3-), phosphate (PO4-3), and other anions can be employed in ion
chromatography, whereas sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and ammonium (NH4+) are the
cations that are utilized.
(2) Atomic Absorption Spectroscope
Absorption of Atoms One popular analytical method for identifying and measuring metal
elements in a variety of materials is spectroscopy (AAS). It is predicated on the idea that
gaseous atoms may absorb light at wavelengths that are particular to each element. The
concentration of the target metal may be precisely ascertained by measuring the degree of this
absorption. AAS usually uses a particular light source that emits radiation matching to the
element of interest, such a hollow cathode lamp. In order to atomize the sample and enable
free atoms to interact with the light, it is placed into a high-temperature flame. The absorbed
intensity, which is proportional to the element's concentration, is then recorded by a detector.
AAS is widely used in clinical diagnostics, food safety, industrial quality control, and
environmental monitoring to find trace metals in liquids and solids because of its high
sensitivity and precision.

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❖ Procedure:

How to Calculate LPI

1. Parameter Selection: An expert survey of more than 80 panellists led to the
meticulous selection of 18 distinct physicochemical and biological characteristics that are
used to compute the LPI.
2. Weightage Assignment: Based on each parameter's proportional significance in
causing leachate contamination, a particular weight is allocated to it. Table 1 of the
document1 has these weights.
3. Sub-index Determination: Using the graphs in Figure 1 (a-r) of the text, get the sub-
index value (pi) for each parameter. Interpolation based on each pollutant's observed
concentration is possible with these graphs1.
4. LPI Calculation: A number of mathematical formulas may be used to determine the
LPI, such as:
• Unweighted additive (LPIua)
• Weighted additive (LPIwa)
• Root sum-power additive (LPIr)
• Weighted root sum-power (LPIwr)
• Root mean square additive (LPIrm)
Poorer environmental conditions and a larger risk of leachate contamination are indicated by
a higher LPI rating.
Environmental engineers and waste management specialists may measure and track the
polluting potential of landfill leachate by following this process, which helps them make
better decisions for environmental protection and landfill management.

Calculation related to Ion Chromatograph (IC)

Ion Chromatography (IC) is a liquid chromatography method that separates and quantifies
ions in aqueous samples by means of ion exchange between the sample and a charged resin
column, which is followed by conductivity detection.
1. Sample Preparation: Prepare water samples and standard solutions; filter samples to
remove suspended particles.

2. Instrument Setup: Make sure the IC system is calibrated with established standards;
condition the column and set the mobile phase (eluent).

3. Analysis: Inject the sample into the system; ions are separated as they pass through the
charged column (cation or anion exchange); a conductivity detector records the ion
concentrations based on peak areas.

4. Data Collection & Interpretation: Compare sample peak areas with calibration
standards to ascertain ion concentrations and assess water quality.

Analysis related to Atomic Absorption Spectroscope (AAS)

By detecting the absorption of light at wavelengths relevant to each element, Atomic

Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) finds metal ions in solution. The concentration of metals
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 is correlated with the intensity of absorbed light.
1. Sample Preparation: Get unknown samples and metal ion standard solutions ready. If
required, dilute the samples.
2. Instrument Setup: For the element of interest, choose the proper hollow cathode
lamp. Modify the burner alignment and flame temperature.
3. Analysis: To atomize the sample, aspirate it into the flame. Light of wavelengths is
absorbed by atoms. The absorbed radiation is measured using a detector.
4. Data Gathering and Interpretation: Absorbance is measured and contrasted with
reference values. Determine the concentration of metals. Compare the outcomes to the
requirements for drinking water quality.
Pictures:

Figure 1: Double Beam Spectrometer Fig. 2: Hollow Cathode Lamp in Spectrometer

Figure 3: Leachate Sampler Machine

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❖ Observations:

Leachate Pollution Index (LPI)

Pollutants Conc. Conc. Sub- Sub-index of

Before After index of the pollutant
Treatment Treatment the after treatment
(mg/L) (mg/L) pollutant
before
Weightages treatment
Chromium 0.064 16.9 2 96.35 10
Lead 0.063 0.72 0.1 3.6 0.5
Chemical 23306 250
Oxygen
Demand 0.062 53.7 12.5
(COD)
Mercury 0.062 0.4 0.01 45 9
Biochemical 1848 30
Oxygen
Demand 0.061 46 7
(BOD)
Arsenic 0.061 1.5 0.2 9 7
Cyanide 0.058 1.1 0.2 10 5
Phenolic 1.9 1
Compounds 0.057 6 5
Zinc 0.056 3.38 5 1 7
pH 0.055 8.4 8.4 5 5
Total 450 100
Kjeldahl 0.053 17 7
Nitrogen
(TKN)
Nickel 0.052 0.17 3 5 9
Total Coliform 0.052 500 3 63 10
Ammon 745 50
ia 0.051 83 7
Nitroge
n
Total 21040 2100
Dissolved 0.05 50 8
Solids
Copper 0.05 4.25 3 38 20
Chloride 0.049 16000 1000 100 8
Iron 0.045 108 100 7 7

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Ion Chromatograph and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Standards (mg/L) Intensity in AAS Peak Area Peak Area

IC IC
Cation Anion
0 10 0.2 0.4
0.1 22
0.25 47
0.5 89 0.7 0.8
0.75 140
1 170 1.7 1.3
2 3.5 2.3
5 7.1 5.8
10 14 12
Unknown Sample 28 13 8

❖ Calculations:

Final Conc. is equal to the, (Conc. From graph × dilution factor)

For AAS, this is 0.123 mg/L;
for Na+, it is 9.239 ×10 = 92.39 mg/L;
and for SO2-, it is 6.703 * 10 = 67.03 mg/L.

❖ Results:

Leachate Pollution Index (LPI)

LPI Type: LPIua (Unweighted Additive)

Before Treatment: 35.481
After Treatment: 8.000

LPI Type: LPIwa (Weighted Additive)

Before Treatment: 35.405
After Treatment: 7.924

LPI Type: LPIr (Root Sum-Power)

Before Treatment: 114.470
After Treatment: 20.403

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 LPI Type: LPIwr (Weighted Root Sum-Power)
Before Treatment: 70.581
After Treatment: 12.425

LPI Type: LPIrm (Root Mean Square Additive)

Before Treatment: 48.148
After Treatment: 8.867

Assuming r = 6

Ion Chromatograph and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Unknown Sample:

Intensity in AAS (organic compound), 28 (No Dilution)

Final Concentration: 0.123 mg/L

Peak Area IC Cation (Na⁺), 13 (Diluted 10 times)

Final Concentration: 92.39 mg/L

Peak Area IC Cation (SO₄²⁻), 8 (Diluted 10 times)

Final Concentration: 67.03 mg/L

❖ Discussion:

Leachate Pollution Index (LPI)

1. Evaluation and Comparison of LPI Readings Prior to and Following Treatment

LPIua showed a 77.5% drop in contamination, going from 35.481 to 8.000.

The LPIwa decreased by 77.6%, from 35.405 to 7.924.
LPIr had a massive fall of 82.2%, from 114.470 to 20.403.
The Weighted Root Sum-Power (LPIwr) decreased by 82.4%, from 70.581 to 12.425.
The Root Mean Square Additive, or LPIrm, decreased by 81.6%, from 48.148 to 8.867.

Similarity and Randomness in Computation Approach The computation approach for

various LPI indices is based on a systematic weighting methodology; LPI ua and LPIwa use
additive methods, while LPIr and LPIwr use root sum-power approaches, which give higher
weight to high-concentration pollutants; the results show consistency across indices,
confirming the computational approach's dependability; and the computations' randomness
is reduced because they adhere to a structured and standardized formulaic approach.

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 The CPCB has established specific limits for various pollutants in effluents discharged into
inland surface waters. Below is a comparison of the post-treatment concentrations with
these standards:

2.Ion Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Analysis

The analysis using Ion Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy determined
the concentrations of key ions in an unknown drinking water sample: Sodium (Na⁺) at 92.39
mg/L, Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) at 67.03 mg/L, and Total Arsenic (As) at 0.123 mg/L. Among the
computational methods, the IC Anion method for SO₄²⁻ was the most reliable, with an R²
value of 0.9984, indicating strong statistical accuracy.
This high R² value suggests a well-fitted calibration curve, ensuring precise measurement.
In comparison with drinking water standards, sodium exceeds the BIS limit of 50 mg/L,
which may be a concern for individuals on sodium-restricted diets.
Sulphate remains well within the WHO and BIS guideline of 250 mg/L, making it safe
from a taste and health perspective. However, total arsenic significantly exceeds both

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 WHO’s safe limit of 0.01 mg/L and BIS’s limit of 0.05 mg/L, rendering the water unsafe
for consumption. Additional treatment would be required to reduce arsenic levels to make
the water potable.

Drinking water acceptable parameters are as follows:

Precautions According to CPCB Guidelines:

• To avoid contaminating groundwater, the CPCB sets limits for pollutants released into
inland surface waters.
• The large drop in LPI values after treatment demonstrates compliance with pollution
control measures.
• However, certain pollutant levels may still exceed CPCB recommendations, requiring
further refining of treatment techniques.

❖ Summary:

The treated leachate complies with CPCB standards for discharge into inland surface
waters, meaning that its pollutant levels have been reduced to environmentally acceptable
limits. However, it does not fully meet WHO guidelines for safe drinking water due to the
presence of certain contaminants that remain above permissible levels. This highlights a
key distinction between wastewater treatment for environmental safety and purification for
human consumption. While conventional treatment methods effectively remove many
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 harmful substances, additional purification steps—such as advanced filtration, disinfection,
or chemical treatment—are necessary to achieve drinking water standards. Ensuring water
safety for human consumption requires stringent quality control measures to eliminate
potential health risks associated with residual pollutants.

❖ References:

1. CVL-212 Laboratory Experiment Manual File as shared on Webmail.

2. APHA (2017) - Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
23rd Edition, American Public Health Association.
3. Skoog, D.A., Holler, F.J., & Crouch, S.R. (2017) - Principles of Instrumental
Analysis, 7th Edition, Cengage Learning.
4. CPCB (2023) - Guidelines for Water and Wastewater Analysis, Central Pollution
Control Board, India. Available at: https://cpcb.nic.in
5. Thermo Fisher Scientific (2021) - Application Guide for Ion Chromatography and
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
6. Welz, B., & Sperling, M. (2008) - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, 3rd Edition,
Wiley-VCH.
7. WHO & BIS Standards for Drinking Water
8. Kumar, D., & Alappat, B. J. (2003) - Analysis of leachate contamination
potential of a municipal landfill using leachate pollution index. Workshop on
Sustainable Landfill Management, 147-153.

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