Comparison Between Conventional And Stable Isotope Techniques In Determining Distribution Of Landfill Leachate In Groundwater And Surface Waters In Perak, Malaysia -Techniques Of Water Resources Investigation

Stable isotope technique has been applied in this study for the determination of δ²H-H₂O, δ¹⁸O-H₂O and δ¹³C-Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (δ¹³C-DIC) involving the collection of water samples from various locations in the vicinity of the landfill as a method to determine leachate distribution in groundwater and surface waters from a landfill in Perak, Malaysia. All the stable isotopes were measured using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS). The physical parameters (such as pH and electrical conductivity, EC) which have been measured in-situ and hydrochemical values were also determined as these results are important as it will be used along with the isotopic data. Results for the δ²H-H₂O, δ¹⁸O-H₂O and δ^l3C-DIC ranged from +7.7 to -48.57, -0.05 to -7.56 and +10.60 to -23.17 respectively with unique distinct isotopic signature for some surface waters (leachate and pond) and groundwater (TP6). Measured values of all the water samples demonstrate the ability of stable isotope technique compared to the conventional technique in distinguishing the water samples analysed and can be a potential tool for use in determining landfill leachate contamination.