Multivariate Exploratory Analysis of Metals and Phosphorus Concentrations of Leachates Collected Monthly from a Municipal Sanitary Landfill.

Concentrations of 11 elements (P, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cr and Al) were measured in leachate samples collected monthly from the municipal landfill in Jequié, Bahia, Brazil. P (0.943-23.8 mg L(-1)), Ca (19.90-129 mg L(-1)) and Fe (0.115-2.87 mg L(-1)) were found in the highest levels, while Cu (<LOQ-0.230 mg L(-1)), Ni (<LOQ-0.540 mg L(-1)), Co (<LOQ-0.268 mg L(-1)), Pb (<LOQ-0.563 mg L(-1)), Mn (<LOQ-3.40 mg L(-1)), Zn (<LOQ-0.594 mg L(-1)), Cr (<LOQ-0.163 mg L(-1)) and Al (<LOQ-2.27 mg L(-1)) were found in lower concentrations. Principal components analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis revealed two distinct groups associated with dry and rainy periods. Overall, this study revealed that concentrations of elements in landfill leachate vary temporally, and rainfall strongly influences their levels.