Evaluating the Applicability of MODFLOW and MT3DMS in Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Modelling at an Operational Landfill

Landfill leachate is a potent land and water resources’ polluter owing to its hazardous toxins and heavy metals. The ability to monitor and quantify the migration of this pollutant in the resources is essential in their sustainable management. This study evaluated the applicability of MODFLOW and MT3DMS in groundwater flow and chloride transport in Roundhill landfill vicinity of South Africa. Groundwater has flowed towards the northeast, northwest, and southeast directions. Chloride migration followed the direction of groundwater flow and adhered to Fick’s law in both vertical and horizontal movements. The study concluded that if the landfill facility is not well management, pollution of groundwater will spread widely in the long term to have negative effects on the surrounding environment.