Landfill Soil Characterization: Tangier Case Study

Household refuse dumps, especially old ones that do not have an interface with the bedrock, pose a threat to the environment, especially to the underlying water table. Leachate that infiltrates is partly responsible for the degradation of water and soil quality. Since the landfill has neither technical installations for environmental protection, nor a controlled operating concept, polluting emissions constantly emanate from the landfill. Critical factors are uncontrolled surface runoff or subsoil infiltration of leachate, as well as the biogas produced by the decomposition of organic matter. In addition, the frequent fires and the development of smoke are still to be named, as well as general improper operation (theft of waste, ragpickers, grazing animals, hygienic aspects), which lead to significant risks and serious ecological damage.