Optimal pre-treatment of moderately old landfill leachate at the pilot-scale treatment plant using the combined aerobic biochemical and reagent method

Abstract

Landfill leachates contain highly concentrated pollutants, and their uncontrolled discharge poses significant risks to the public health and environment. This study validated a pilot-scale two-stage aerobic biochemical and reagent method for the pre-treatment of moderately old landfill leachate at a pilot-scale treatment plant with a capacity of 400 L per day. The kinetic curves of key pollutants were described using two-factor dimensionless exponential equations, allowing for predicting maximally achievable treatment effects during the first aerobic biochemical stage. The optimal duration of aerobic biochemical pre-treatment was determined based on the concept of limiting pollutant content and minimizing operating costs for the two-stage process. Reagent-based leachate pre-treatment using the modified Fenton method was verified in a batch reactor. Optimal concentrations and dosages of reagent solutions, including polyacrylamide, aluminium sulphate, ferrous sulphate, and hydrogen peroxide, were found to comply with Ukrainian regulations for wastewater discharge into sewerage networks. Key pollution indicators of pre-treated leachate, such as NH4+−N (13.4–15.5 mg × L−1), TKN (25.7–30.2 mg × L−1), BODtot (71.8–76.9 mg × L−1), and COD (390–459 mg × L−1), meet the required standards.