Application of strontium isotopes for tracing landfill leachate plumes in groundwater.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

We are evaluating strontium isotopes as alternative tracers of landfill leachate in groundwater. The municipal landfill studied here is located in southeastern France. This landfill has no bottom liner, and wastes are placed directly on the ground. Based on the evaluation of chloride concentration, the plume extends a maximum of 4,600 m. Strontium isotopic composition characterizes two sources: natural groundwater (87Sr/86Sr = 0.708175) and landfill leachate contamination (87Sr/86Sr = 0.708457). The evolution of mixing ratios obtained with strontium reveals a second source of groundwater contamination: fertilizers (87Sr/ 86Sr = 0.707859). These results suggestthat isotopic signatures can be used to provide useful information on sources of groundwater contamination where conventional water quality parameters may yield ambiguous results.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Vilomet, JD; Angeletti, B; Moustier, S; Ambrosi, JP; Wiesner, M; Bottero, JY; Chatelet-Snidaro, L

Published Date

  • December 2001

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 35 / 23

Start / End Page

  • 4675 - 4679

PubMed ID

  • 11770770

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1520-5851

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0013-936X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1021/es000169c

Language

  • eng