Accelerated landfill waste decomposition by external leachate recirculation from an old landfill cell

Abstract

This research is focused on the management of moisture regime for a young landfill site in terms of leachate recirculation which entails the containment, collection and reinjection of leachate back into the landfill to promote in situ anaerobic biological treatment. Moreover, an innovative leachate management strategy was developed by using leachate recirculation from a mature landfill site into a young landfill site to provide accelerated waste stabilization. For this purpose, two reactors simulating young and old landfills were used in the laboratory. These reactors were loaded with shredded and compacted municipal solid waste with a typical composition determined for Istanbul Region. Both reactors were operated in a constant temperature room at 32 degrees C to enhance the growth of anaerobic microorganisms. Moreover, water was added to the reactors in order to simulate the annual rainfall. The reactor having the properties of old landfills was used as a control reactor. The reactor which represented the characteristics of young landfill was operated under four operational stages to enhance the activity of methanogenic population and accelerate waste stabilization. Results of this study indicated that the utilization of leachate recirculation enhanced waste stabilization in the young landfill by increasing the uniformity, and providing additional substrate and nutrients. Additions of buffer solutions of KOH and Na2CO3 together with leachate recirculation enhanced further waste stabilization and prevented possible acid inhibition. The utilization of external leachate recycled from the old landfill having desired acclimated anaerobic microorganisms, low organic content and higher buffer capacity into a young landfill could be a promising leachate management strategy for faster and controlled waste stabilization.