Läckvatten

Läckvatten, often translated as leachate, is a liquid that has passed through solid waste and has extracted dissolved or suspended solid material. It is a common byproduct of landfills and waste disposal sites. The composition of läckvatten can vary significantly depending on the type of waste it has infiltrated and the age of the waste.

In a landfill, rainfall or other moisture sources percolate through the decomposing waste. As the water moves, it picks up organic and inorganic compounds, heavy metals, and other contaminants from the waste materials. This contaminated liquid is known as läckvatten. It can be a highly polluting substance due to its complex chemical makeup.

The management of läckvatten is a critical aspect of landfill operations. Modern landfills are designed with systems to collect and treat läckvatten to prevent it from contaminating groundwater and surface water. These systems typically involve liners at the bottom of the landfill to prevent escape and a network of pipes to collect the liquid. The collected läckvatten is then usually sent to a wastewater treatment plant for processing. Without proper containment and treatment, läckvatten poses a significant environmental risk.