<![CDATA[Leachate generated from a landfill contains various contaminants, including heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). Heavy metal concentrations in leachate may change with variations in waste age and observation time. This study aimed to analyze the dynamics of Pb and Cd concentrations in leachate based on variations in waste age and changes in their concentrations during the observation period. The study was conducted using four laboratory-scale anaerobic landfill simulation columns filled with waste obtained from Piyungan Landfill, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, representing waste age categories of <1 year, 1–2 years, 2–5 years, and >5 years. Observations were conducted over seven weeks, with leachate samples collected weekly. The observed parameters included Pb and Cd concentrations measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), pH, and leachate volume. Statistical analysis was used to identify patterns of concentration changes over time and relationships among the measured parameters. The results showed that the highest Pb and Cd concentrations were observed during the early weeks of the observation period. The maximum concentrations of Pb and Cd were 0.6707 mg/L and 0.0340 mg/L, respectively, in leachate from waste aged <1 year. Cd was not detected in leachate from the third week onward across all waste age categories, whereas Pb remained detectable until the seventh week in leachate from waste aged <1 year. Non-detected results were interpreted as concentrations below the limit of detection of the analytical method under the testing conditions (<LoD). Correlation analysis indicated a tendency toward negative relationships between observation time and Pb and Cd concentrations, while the relationships between pH and metal concentrations varied among waste age categories. The results describe the dynamic patterns of Pb and Cd concentrations in an anaerobic landfill column system during the observation period.]]>
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