A Review on Impact of Improper Solid Waste Disposal on Groundwater Contamination near Landfill Sites

The contamination of groundwater from improper solid waste disposal near landfill sites posesserious environmental and health risks, especially in areas lacking proper waste management.This review explores how leachate, a toxic liquid from decaying waste and pollutants, infiltratessubsurface aquifers. It highlights the presence of harmful substances like heavy metals, nitrates,phosphates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that often exceed safe limits, affectingdrinking water, agriculture, and ecosystems. Key factors worsening contamination include soilporosity, rainfall, and the proximity of landfills to groundwater tables. The review also points outflaws in conventional landfilling practices such as missing liners, poor leachate systems, andweak post-closure monitoring. While newer solutions like engineered landfills, bioremediation,and real-time monitoring show promise, enforcement of environmental regulations remainsinconsistent. Additionally, knowledge gaps exist regarding the long-term effects on deep aquifersand the scalability of treatment technologies. The study calls for integrated waste management,stronger policies, and more interdisciplinary research to effectively safeguard groundwaterresources from landfill pollution.