1. Analysis of a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill in Jalisco,
Mexico and Mitigation Strategies
Caroline J. Saul1, Alberto Rodríguez Gómez1, Nadya Selene Alencastro1
Contact: saulcj@gmail.com, alberto.romez@gmail.com, selenealencastro@gmail.com
1. École des Mines de Nantes
Introduction Materials + Methods
The current and future behavior of Los Laureles were simulated and analyzed to identify
Currently receiving over 900,000 tons of waste per year, Los Laureles is a landfill in El Salto,
potentially threatening environmental impacts:
Jalisco, Mexico that receives municipal and special-handling solid waste from five of the
eight cities in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone. The landfill consists of an intake area, 46 Leachate
hectares of waste receiving land, partial passive landfill gas venting and several open A Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) score was calculated for four leachate ponds at the land fill
leachate ponds and is situated 500 meters west of the Santiago River. Los Laureles has been in accordance with the procedures developed by Kumar and Alappat [1] using data
receiving waste since 1986. Photographs from the site as well as accounts from the State provided by Los Laureles. The index ranges from 5-100, with higher pollutant
Environmental Agency employees and newspapers report that the site is not utilizing concentrations associated with higher values.
appropriate waste management practices, which could lead to harm against the surrounding Leachate production was calculated using average monthly precipitation and
community and environment, and were not in compliance with solid waste legislation. evapotranspiration values from a local weather station. .
Landfill Gas
The landfill’s production of gas was simulated using LandGEM and Modelo Mexicano de
Aims Biogás 2.0, both of which were developed by the U.S. EPA. These simulations were
considered in conjunction with gas chromatography results of analysis of samples from the
• To identify and quantify environmental threats created by the landfill and its operations gas vents.
• To propose a treatment and remediation strategy that: Miscellaneous
o Brings the landfill into compliance with local, state and national legislation Legislation, scientific literature, interviews with landfill and government employees
o Demonstrates sensitivity towards environmental and social effects of the landfill newspaper articles and photographs were consulted with regard to waste management
practices and the public opinion thereof in Jalisco and in Mexico.
o Considers economic, geographic and geologic feasibility
Assessment
The Site
Figure 1: Global position and history of Los Laureles. Stage 4 accepted tannery sludge until 2007. [2] Figure 2: Waste Composition Analysis of Guadalajara [3] Figure 3: Site Images. (a) Leakage form torn lining; (b) Haphazard installation of
U.S.A. new liner; (c) Unprotected worker digs free flowing leachate channel ; (d) Gas
N
build-up poses risk of explosion
Pottery & Others Paper &
4 Ceramics 8% Cardboard
Mexico Pond 2 1% 9%
Ferrous
Pacific 5 Pond 4
Sanitary
Metals
Ocean Jalisco Waste
Image: jigzone.com 0,31
3 9% Plastics
14%
Other Metals (a) (b)
2%
Pond 11
2 Glass
Pond 9
Figure 2. Surface Depth Operation Textiles Organic 9%
Stage
1
(ha) (m) years 2% Matter
1 6.63 22.3 1986 - 1992
2 7.99 26.5 1992 - 1996 46%
3 24.82 35 1996 - 2004
) 4
5
3.1
2.84
12.7
11
Until 2007
In operation (c) (d)
Leachate Landfill Gas
The results of a laboratory leachate analysis from the four leachate ponds identified above, were compared with Landfill gas production was modeled with LandGEM and Modelo
the federal discharge limits for wastewater and used to calculate LPI for the landfill. Ponds 2 and 4 are near the Mexicano de Biogás 2.0. As can be seen in Figure 4 , both models
working face of the landfill and ponds 9 and 11 are close to the receiving area and oldest garbage. Table 1 exhibits predicted similar peak production levels and times. According to the
how all of the wells had at least double the allowable chromium concentration. Wells 2 and 4 exhibited the most LandGEM simulation, the landfill has released 265 Gt of CH4 since it
problematic water, exceeding legal discharge limits for BOD5, Fats, Oils and Total Suspended Solids. The LPI became operational in 1987, but in the next twenty years it will
calculations in Table 2 show that the organic pollutants are of great concern for all wells, especially Wells 2 and 4. produce over 4 times as much.
300
Discharge Exceeding
Annual Gas Production ( 106 m3)
Well 2 Well 4 Well 9 Well 11 Discharge
Limit Wells Lagoon 2 Lagoon 4 Lagoon 9 Lagoon 11
Standard 250 Total Landfill Gas: LandGEM
BOD Total 150 >15000 4231 201 21 2,4,9 LPI Organic 78.3 68.6 41.3 39.2 - Methane: LandGEM
Fats and Oils 25 190.3 113.9 14.4 16.4 2,4 LPI Inorganic 24.6 35.5 34.5 27.1 - 200 Total Landfill Gas: Modelo Mexicano
Total Phosphorous 30 27.6 28.6 34.0 18.0 9 LPI Heavy
6.6 6.1 5.7 7.1 8.5 Methane: Modelo Mexicano
Total Suspended Metals 150
125 6680 605 85 300 2,4,11 Total LPI 25.9 25.6 19.2 18.1 -
Solids
Chromium 1 3.027 2.49 2.079 3.279 All 100
Table 2: Leachate Pollution Index and Sub-Index scores
Table 1: Pollutants Exceeding National Discharge Limits. Temperature, Total Settleable
50
Solids, Total Nitrogen, As, Cd, Cu, Cyanide, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn were all within limits.
0
Using average monthly precipitation, evapotranspiration values and estimates of leachate generation due to 1986 2006 2026 2046 2066 2086
Year
waste decomposition, the annual leachate production is estimated to be 384 m3/day, which is comparable to the
Figure 4: Projected annual landfill gas production and composition simulated with LandGem and Modelo
landfill’s measurement of 300m3/day, considering the prevalence of leaks (i.e. leaks in the liner). Mexicano de Biogas 2.0
Mitigation Opportunities Conclusions
Constructed Wetland Biofilter Cover Organics Diversion: Composting The operating conditions and pollution potential of Los
• Increase the lifespan of the landfill Laureles were assessed and quantified. Based on this a
Constructed Wetlands are a low • Decrease the leachate & biogas production three-fold mitigation approach was developed, which will
CH4 +CO2
maintenance and relatively • Production of nutrient rich of organic fertilizer reduce the organics and heavy metals concentrations in the
inexpensive way to treat leachate. • Can be applied as biofilter for final cover effluent, decrease the greenhouse gas emissions and extend
Compost with methanophiles
The chromium is primarily Cr(VI), a • Improve social acceptance of Los Laureles the life of the landfill by reducing the rate of incoming
carcinogen. So it is of great concern. Gas Distribution Media • Potential revenue stream refuse.
Cap system • Eligible for carbon credits Further work must be done to determine a cost-effective
A pre-treatment to reduce chromium • Legislation mandates segregation of organic composting system, proper wetland design, type of
concentration will be necessary, if components at the generation source chromium treatment fly ash and to hone other parameters.
discharge limits are to be met. A fly CH4 + CO2 • Available market for the compost products. Additionally, other attributes of the landfill will be
ash adsorption process could be • Long term reduction of landfill operating costs
Waste quantified, like noise and aesthetics as well as impacts on
appropriate. • High organic content of waste means plenty of
Figure 5: Schematic of the effect a biofilter landfill the ecosystem.
cover can have. [4] input material.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Babu Alappat and Josiane Nikiema for technical and industrial guidance. Eng. Adrian Giombni provided access to operating procedures and data from Los Laureles.
SEMADES (Secretaría de Medio Ambiente para el Desarrollo Sustentable) supplied images and data from the Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone. We would like to extend our gratitude to the
European Commission for their support of the ME3 program as well as CONACYT and IJJ for their endorsement of international education.
[1] Kumar, D., & Alappat, B. (2005). Analysis of leachate pollution index and formulation of sub-leachate pollution indices. Waste Management & Research 22, 230-239.
[2] Bernache-Pérez, G. (2009). El impacto social de las operaciones del vertedero Los Laureles. Iberoamerica Symposium of Waste Engineers.
[3] Bernache-Pérez, G. et. al (2001) Solid waste characterisation study in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone, Mexico.
[4] Hummer, M., & Lechner, P. (2001). Design of a landfill cover layer to enhance methane oxidation – Results of a two year field investigation. 8th International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium.
![Analysis of a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill in Jalisco,
Mexico and Mitigation Strategies
Caroline J. Saul1, Alberto Rodríguez Gómez1, Nadya Selene Alencastro1
Contact: saulcj@gmail.com, alberto.romez@gmail.com, selenealencastro@gmail.com
1. École des Mines de Nantes
Introduction Materials + Methods
The current and future behavior of Los Laureles were simulated and analyzed to identify
Currently receiving over 900,000 tons of waste per year, Los Laureles is a landfill in El Salto,
potentially threatening environmental impacts:
Jalisco, Mexico that receives municipal and special-handling solid waste from five of the
eight cities in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone. The landfill consists of an intake area, 46 Leachate
hectares of waste receiving land, partial passive landfill gas venting and several open A Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) score was calculated for four leachate ponds at the land fill
leachate ponds and is situated 500 meters west of the Santiago River. Los Laureles has been in accordance with the procedures developed by Kumar and Alappat [1] using data
receiving waste since 1986. Photographs from the site as well as accounts from the State provided by Los Laureles. The index ranges from 5-100, with higher pollutant
Environmental Agency employees and newspapers report that the site is not utilizing concentrations associated with higher values.
appropriate waste management practices, which could lead to harm against the surrounding Leachate production was calculated using average monthly precipitation and
community and environment, and were not in compliance with solid waste legislation. evapotranspiration values from a local weather station. .
Landfill Gas
The landfill’s production of gas was simulated using LandGEM and Modelo Mexicano de
Aims Biogás 2.0, both of which were developed by the U.S. EPA. These simulations were
considered in conjunction with gas chromatography results of analysis of samples from the
• To identify and quantify environmental threats created by the landfill and its operations gas vents.
• To propose a treatment and remediation strategy that: Miscellaneous
o Brings the landfill into compliance with local, state and national legislation Legislation, scientific literature, interviews with landfill and government employees
o Demonstrates sensitivity towards environmental and social effects of the landfill newspaper articles and photographs were consulted with regard to waste management
practices and the public opinion thereof in Jalisco and in Mexico.
o Considers economic, geographic and geologic feasibility
Assessment
The Site
Figure 1: Global position and history of Los Laureles. Stage 4 accepted tannery sludge until 2007. [2] Figure 2: Waste Composition Analysis of Guadalajara [3] Figure 3: Site Images. (a) Leakage form torn lining; (b) Haphazard installation of
U.S.A. new liner; (c) Unprotected worker digs free flowing leachate channel ; (d) Gas
N
build-up poses risk of explosion
Pottery & Others Paper &
4 Ceramics 8% Cardboard
Mexico Pond 2 1% 9%
Ferrous
Pacific 5 Pond 4
Sanitary
Metals
Ocean Jalisco Waste
Image: jigzone.com 0,31
3 9% Plastics
14%
Other Metals (a) (b)
2%
Pond 11
2 Glass
Pond 9
Figure 2. Surface Depth Operation Textiles Organic 9%
Stage
1
(ha) (m) years 2% Matter
1 6.63 22.3 1986 - 1992
2 7.99 26.5 1992 - 1996 46%
3 24.82 35 1996 - 2004
) 4
5
3.1
2.84
12.7
11
Until 2007
In operation (c) (d)
Leachate Landfill Gas
The results of a laboratory leachate analysis from the four leachate ponds identified above, were compared with Landfill gas production was modeled with LandGEM and Modelo
the federal discharge limits for wastewater and used to calculate LPI for the landfill. Ponds 2 and 4 are near the Mexicano de Biogás 2.0. As can be seen in Figure 4 , both models
working face of the landfill and ponds 9 and 11 are close to the receiving area and oldest garbage. Table 1 exhibits predicted similar peak production levels and times. According to the
how all of the wells had at least double the allowable chromium concentration. Wells 2 and 4 exhibited the most LandGEM simulation, the landfill has released 265 Gt of CH4 since it
problematic water, exceeding legal discharge limits for BOD5, Fats, Oils and Total Suspended Solids. The LPI became operational in 1987, but in the next twenty years it will
calculations in Table 2 show that the organic pollutants are of great concern for all wells, especially Wells 2 and 4. produce over 4 times as much.
300
Discharge Exceeding
Annual Gas Production ( 106 m3)
Well 2 Well 4 Well 9 Well 11 Discharge
Limit Wells Lagoon 2 Lagoon 4 Lagoon 9 Lagoon 11
Standard 250 Total Landfill Gas: LandGEM
BOD Total 150 >15000 4231 201 21 2,4,9 LPI Organic 78.3 68.6 41.3 39.2 - Methane: LandGEM
Fats and Oils 25 190.3 113.9 14.4 16.4 2,4 LPI Inorganic 24.6 35.5 34.5 27.1 - 200 Total Landfill Gas: Modelo Mexicano
Total Phosphorous 30 27.6 28.6 34.0 18.0 9 LPI Heavy
6.6 6.1 5.7 7.1 8.5 Methane: Modelo Mexicano
Total Suspended Metals 150
125 6680 605 85 300 2,4,11 Total LPI 25.9 25.6 19.2 18.1 -
Solids
Chromium 1 3.027 2.49 2.079 3.279 All 100
Table 2: Leachate Pollution Index and Sub-Index scores
Table 1: Pollutants Exceeding National Discharge Limits. Temperature, Total Settleable
50
Solids, Total Nitrogen, As, Cd, Cu, Cyanide, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn were all within limits.
0
Using average monthly precipitation, evapotranspiration values and estimates of leachate generation due to 1986 2006 2026 2046 2066 2086
Year
waste decomposition, the annual leachate production is estimated to be 384 m3/day, which is comparable to the
Figure 4: Projected annual landfill gas production and composition simulated with LandGem and Modelo
landfill’s measurement of 300m3/day, considering the prevalence of leaks (i.e. leaks in the liner). Mexicano de Biogas 2.0
Mitigation Opportunities Conclusions
Constructed Wetland Biofilter Cover Organics Diversion: Composting The operating conditions and pollution potential of Los
• Increase the lifespan of the landfill Laureles were assessed and quantified. Based on this a
Constructed Wetlands are a low • Decrease the leachate & biogas production three-fold mitigation approach was developed, which will
CH4 +CO2
maintenance and relatively • Production of nutrient rich of organic fertilizer reduce the organics and heavy metals concentrations in the
inexpensive way to treat leachate. • Can be applied as biofilter for final cover effluent, decrease the greenhouse gas emissions and extend
Compost with methanophiles
The chromium is primarily Cr(VI), a • Improve social acceptance of Los Laureles the life of the landfill by reducing the rate of incoming
carcinogen. So it is of great concern. Gas Distribution Media • Potential revenue stream refuse.
Cap system • Eligible for carbon credits Further work must be done to determine a cost-effective
A pre-treatment to reduce chromium • Legislation mandates segregation of organic composting system, proper wetland design, type of
concentration will be necessary, if components at the generation source chromium treatment fly ash and to hone other parameters.
discharge limits are to be met. A fly CH4 + CO2 • Available market for the compost products. Additionally, other attributes of the landfill will be
ash adsorption process could be • Long term reduction of landfill operating costs
Waste quantified, like noise and aesthetics as well as impacts on
appropriate. • High organic content of waste means plenty of
Figure 5: Schematic of the effect a biofilter landfill the ecosystem.
cover can have. [4] input material.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Babu Alappat and Josiane Nikiema for technical and industrial guidance. Eng. Adrian Giombni provided access to operating procedures and data from Los Laureles.
SEMADES (Secretaría de Medio Ambiente para el Desarrollo Sustentable) supplied images and data from the Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone. We would like to extend our gratitude to the
European Commission for their support of the ME3 program as well as CONACYT and IJJ for their endorsement of international education.
[1] Kumar, D., & Alappat, B. (2005). Analysis of leachate pollution index and formulation of sub-leachate pollution indices. Waste Management & Research 22, 230-239.
[2] Bernache-Pérez, G. (2009). El impacto social de las operaciones del vertedero Los Laureles. Iberoamerica Symposium of Waste Engineers.
[3] Bernache-Pérez, G. et. al (2001) Solid waste characterisation study in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone, Mexico.
[4] Hummer, M., & Lechner, P. (2001). Design of a landfill cover layer to enhance methane oxidation – Results of a two year field investigation. 8th International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/mswlandfilljaliscomex-121009140213-phpapp01/85/MSWLandfillAnalysisMexico-1-320.jpg)
