N2O emissions from an intermittently aerated semi-aerobic aged refuse bioreactor: Combined effect of COD and NH4+-N in influent leachate

Abstract

The carbon–nitrogen ratio (COD/NH4+-N) is an important factor affecting nitrification and denitrification in wastewater treatment; this factor also influences nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. This study investigated two simulated intermittently aerated semi-aerobic aged refuse bioreactors (SAARB) filled with 8-year old aged refuse (AR). The research analyzed how differences in and the combination of influent COD and NH4+-N impact N2O emissions in leachate treatment. Experimental results showed that N2O emissions increased as the influent COD/NH4+-N decreased. The influent COD had a greater effect on N2O emissions than NH4+-N at the same influent ratios of COD/NH4+-N (2.7 and 8.0, respectively). The maximum N2O emission accounted for 8.82±2.65% of the total nitrogen removed from the influent leachate; the maximum level occurred when the COD was 2000mg/L. An analysis of differences in influent carbon sources at the same COD/NH4+-N ratios concluded that the availability of biodegradable carbon substrates (i.e. glucose) is an important factor affecting N2O emissions. At a low influent COD/NH4+-N ratio (2.7), the N2O conversion rate was greater when there were more biodegradable carbon substrates. Although the SAARB included the N2O generation and reduction processes, N2O reduction mainly occurred later in the process, after leachate recirculation. The maximum N2O emission rate occurred in the first hour of single-period (24h) experiments, as leachate contacted the surface AR. In practical SAARB applications, N2O emissions may be reduced by measures such as reducing the initial recirculation loading of NH4+-N substrates, adding a later supplement of biodegradable carbon substrates, and/or prolonging hydraulic retention time (HRT) of influent leachate.