Abstract:
Groundwater is a precious natural water resource considered as a readily available and safe
source of water for domestic, agriculture and industrial uses. In Sri Lanka, groundwater is
being polluted due to various human activities. Improper solid waste management is one of the
major sources of environmental pollution deteriorating groundwater quality around landfill
sites. In this view, present study was carried out to assess the impact of existing landfill site
on groundwater quality at Thirupperunthurai, Batticaloa. In order to achieve this, 20 well
water samples around landfill site at different distance were analyzed. Parameters analyzed
are pH, EC, TDS, BOD, COD, total hardness, phosphate, nitrate, copper, lead and coliform
population. Results revealed that concentration of all the parameters except for pH, are higher
than acceptable limits for safe drinking water. The distance from the landfill site also influences
on groundwater quality. Overall, the groundwater is highly polluted due to existing landfill site
in this study area. Therefore, the relevant authority should take immediate measures to rescue
this area.
