Title: Physico-chemical treatment of type III leachates from a landfill in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico

Authors: H.A. Nájera-Aguilar; J.H. Castañón-González; J. Figueroa-Gallegos; M.N. Rojas-Valencia

Addresses: Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Escuela de Ing. Ambiental. Lib. Nte. Pte. 1150, C.P. 29000. Col. Lajas Maciel, Tuxtla Gtz., Chiapas, México ' Instituto Tecnológico de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, México ' Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Tuxtla Gtz, Chiapas, Blvd. Belisario Domínguez km. 1081, Colonia Centro. C.P. 29020, México ' Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ingeniería. Edif. 5, Post Box 70-472, Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, D. F. México, México

Abstract: This project set out to study the nature and composition of leachate produced in the sealed off area of the landfill in the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico. The leachate was found to be mature, type III leachate, as determined by its biodegradability and therefore, experiments using the coagulation-flocculation process were performed to treat the leachate. The two coagulants used were: Ferric Chloride (FeCl₃) and Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO₄), applied in different doses (1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 g/L), using 3 different pHs (4, 5 and 6), in a 3² experimental arrangement. To assess the efficiency of the process, the organic charge was quantified in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD). The results showed that FeCl₃ was considerably more effective than FeSO₄ in the removal of organic matter. It was also observed that the best removal efficiencies measured in COD (67%) were obtained at pH 6 using a dose of 1.4 g/L of FeCl₃.

Keywords: landfill leachate; coagulation; flocculation; physicochemical treatment; leachate treatment; Mexico; organic matter; COD; chemical oxygen demand; ferric chloride; ferrous sulphate.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2012.050805

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2012 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.372 - 382

Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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