Author Question: How do landfills cause groundwater contamination? What can be done in the construction of a landfill ... (Read 67 times)

mynx · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

How do landfills cause groundwater contamination? What can be done in the construction of a landfill
that will make it less likely to contaminate groundwater? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are some possible consequences of modifications to the groundwater system caused by human
usage? What will be an ideal response?

ky860224 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Liquid waste seeps into the ground, and rainwater carries dissolved chemicals and pollutants down into
the groundwater reservoir. These toxic compounds include paints, solvents, cleansers, pesticides, and
battery acid, among others. A landfill can be designed and lined with an impermeable layer, such as
clay, to keep the contaminated water from trickling down into the aquifer.

Answer to Question 2

Possible consequences include lowering of the groundwater table, loss of water pressure, ground
subsidence, saltwater encroachment or intrusion, and contamination