Evaluation of the biological treatment of landfill leachate Brazilian full-scale system

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the performance of the biological treatment of leachate from a landfill full scale formed by two anaerobic lagoons operated in series an activated sludge system and a facultative pond system. The objective of the study was evaluate the efficiency proof this biological system through monitoring of physical-chemical variables and toxicity tests since there are few scientific papers considering full scale and this configuration for treatment of leachate. The sampling and laboratory analysis were performed fortnightly for characterization of different leachate along of the treatment. The removal efficiency of organic matter was 80 and 60% for dissolved organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand, respectively. The system also reached efficiencies of 83 and 73% for removal of ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. It was observed an average decreasing of 44% of toxicity of the treated leachate, but it presented toxic characteristics to the organism Daphnia magna. The configuration of the biological system proved to be advantageous for the removal of organic matter, but the results indicate the need for further treatment.

Keywords:
stabilization ponds; leachate; activated sludge; organic matter; ammonia.