Application of headspace analysis and AOX-measurement to leachate from hazardous waste landfills

The applicability of headspace analysis for the quantitation of volatile organic compounds in leachates from hazardous waste landfills is investigated with respect to standard stability, leachate stability and reproducibility. Between the corresponding data sets, deviations at about 10 % are observed. Besides the analysis of the volatile leachate components, the sum parameters POX and AOX are determined for the leachate samples. From the POX-data, good agreements with the total organic chlorine determined by headspace analysis are received. For determination of AOX, two different methods are applied to the leachates and discussed with respect to the high concentrations of POX determined in all leachate samples.