Discussion on repair technologies of high-density polyethylene membrane leaks in landfill anti-seepage system

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane is the core component of landfill anti-seepage system, and the leakage of leachate caused by its breakage can seriously contaminate the soil and groundwater environment, so the repair of landfill HDPE membrane leaks is crucial. The impermeable structures of domestic waste, general industrial waste and hazardous waste landfills were systematically summarized, and the advantages, disadvantages and conditions of present landfill HDPE membrane leak repair technologies at different stages of the landfill operation were discussed, according to the causes and characteristics of HDPE membrane leaks. The analysis showed that the self-sealing/self-healing technology could automatically repair the leaks after they were generated, being the design direction for future landfill liners, while the electrokinetic repair technology could achieve targeted and precise repair of landfill HDPE membrane leaks after operation and closure, which should have broader application prospects.