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Biological treatment for removal of organic material and ammonium from leachate at low temperatures

Tritonet Ltd, Tampere, Finland

Pertti Keskitalo

Tritonet Ltd, Tampere, Finland

Taina H. Hoilijoki

Jyvaskyla University, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jyvaskyla, Finland

Jukka A. Rintala

Jyvaskyla University, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jyvaskyla, Finland

The biological anaerobic-aerobic treatment of medium- strength municipal landfill leachate (COD (chemical oxygen demand) 1500 to 3200 mg 1^-1; BOD₇ (biological oxygen demand) 1200 to 1900 mg 1^-1; NH₄-N 80 to 270 mg 1^-1) was studied by usmg a pilot-scale Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor (13 to 28°C) and laboratory-scale activated sludge reactors (5 to 11°C). In the sequential process, 80 to 90% COD removal was achieved with an effluent COD of 250 to 350 mg 1^-1 and a BOD₇ of <10 mg 1 ^-1. Most of the organic material was removed during anaerobic pretreatment, and more than 50% COD removal was obtained at 13°C. The aerobic stage served as an ammonium removal and a polishing step. More than 90% of ammonium was efficiently removed by nitrification even at 5°C. The anaerobic- aerobic treatment produced effluent fulfilling the official requirements. Furthermore, the sequential process seems sustainable and cost effective for leachate treatment at low temperatures. Based on a preliminary design, leachate treatment costs were estimated at 3.1 to 3.3 EUR m^-3 in the sequential process. This compares with the option of discharging leachates into a sewer system. Both the discharge fee and the construction and operational costs of a transfer sewer are considered.

Key Words: Anaerobic-aerobic treatment • costs • landfill • leachate • low temperature • nitrification

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