What is the term for the liquid that forms when waste breaks down in a landfill?

The term for the liquid that forms when waste breaks down in a landfill is leachate. Leachate is produced when rainwater or other liquids percolate through the waste materials, dissolving various substances in the process. This liquid can contain a variety of harmful substances, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients, making it important for landfills to manage leachate carefully to prevent environmental contamination.

Understanding leachate is essential for public works managers, as they need to implement systems to collect, treat, and dispose of this liquid properly. Effective leachate management is crucial for protecting groundwater and surface water from pollution, complying with environmental regulations, and ensuring public health.

Other terms such as drainage, runoff, and effluent refer to different processes or types of liquid. Drainage generally pertains to the removal of water from an area, runoff refers to the water that flows over land into water bodies, often after precipitation, and effluent is typically used to describe treated wastewater released into the environment. None of these terms accurately describe the specific process that leads to the formation of leachate in a landfill setting.