A Multidisciplinary Framework for Sustainable Landfill Leachate Management: Integrating Phytoremediation Performance, Human Health Risk Assessment, and Community Perception

Landfill leachate poses significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly for communities residing near disposal sites. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytoremediation-based treatment system combining horsetail (Equisetum hyemale), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), and zeolite (K-BAEGZ) in reducing heavy metal contamination and microplastic abundance in leachate from the Cilowong Landfill, as well as to assess associated health risks and community expectations regarding leachate pond management. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating laboratory analysis of leachate quality, health risk assessment using statistical association measures, and a community survey to capture socio-environmental perceptions. The results indicate that the K-BAEGZ system demonstrates superior performance in mitigating heavy metal concentrations and suppressing microplastic abundance compared to alternative treatments, highlighting the role of porous adsorbents in enhancing phytoremediation efficiency. Health risk analysis suggests that leachate contaminants are associated with various adverse health outcomes, with heavy metals emerging as the dominant contributors, while microplastics present additional long-term risks. Furthermore, community responses emphasize strong expectations for environmentally friendly leachate management, transparent government oversight, and inclusive participation in environmental monitoring. Overall, the findings underscore that sustainable leachate management requires an integrated approach that combines effective treatment technologies with public health considerations and community engagement to ensure long-term environmental protection and social acceptance around landfill areas.