Environmental Assessments of Leachate from Medium Density Fiberboard in a Simulated Landfill

Abstract

This study investigated environmental assessments of leachate containing formaldehyde from medium density fiberboard (MDF) disposed in laboratory-scale simulated landfills. Environmental impact assessment of leachate was conducted by measuring formaldehyde, toxicity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), bacterial enumeration, and pH. Amount of formaldehyde in leachate from MDF in soil decreased to the level of soil only treatment by 28 days, and toxicity decreased as the amount of formaldehyde decreased. BOD and COD levels in leachate from the treatments containing MDF exceeded permissible discharge levels of BOD or COD throughout the experimental period. The pH levels of all treatment were within permissible discharge range except on day 0. Fewer bacteria were observed in leachate from MDF in soil treatment than other treatments (MDF only, cured UF resin in soil, and soil only). Consequently, the leachate from disposal of MDF in soil detrimentally affect on environment. However, soil buffered formaldehyde leaching and pH on leachate in this study. Waste MDF may be required the pre-water soaking treatment for leaching formaldehyde to reclaim on land.