Assessment of chemical pollution of groundwater resources in downstream regions of Sanandaj landfill

Groundwater pollution due to leakage and penetration of leachate containing variety of compounds and contaminants is a problem in landfill sites that leads to diverse healthy and environmental problems. The purpose of this study was to assess groundwater chemical pollution in downstream regions of Sanandaj landfill. Materials and Methods: In this study, 5 wells near the landfill were selected. Water samples were obtained 6 times in spring and summer, and different parameters such as hardness, alkalinity, turbidity COD, PO4, NO3, TDS, pH and EC were measured by standard methods and the results were compared with those of control wells and standards of drinking and agricultural water. Results: Results of this investigation showed the chemical parameters in water of surveyed wells, compared with those in water of control wells and standards of drinking water, were higher and showed significant differences (p<0.05). But, most of these parameters in surveyed wells were lower than those of standards of agricultural water. Conclusion: The water of the wells of the study area due to the high values of most of the chemical parameters measured is not potable, but can not be used in agriculture. Therefore fundamental and continuous monitoring of groundwater resources in this area is necessary to prevent contamination of water and soil resources. Key words: Urban waste, Landfill, Leachate, Ground water pollution, sanandaj. Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: June 8, 2010 Accepted: Sep 19, 2010.