Title: Evaluation of a sequential aerobic–anaerobic treatment of municipal solid waste in a bioreactor landfill

Authors: Aris Nikolaou, Apostolos Giannis, Evangelos Gidarakos

Addresses: Laboratory of Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Politechnioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece. ' Laboratory of Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Politechnioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece. ' Laboratory of Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Politechnioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece

Abstract: A sequential aerobic-anaerobic bioreactor landfill was operated and monitored over a period of 184 days. The bioreactor was filled with 120 kg of organic fraction of Municipal Solid Waste. Leachate recirculation was applied. The results showed rapid degradation of organic matter with rapid settlement during the aerobic period. The initial COD and BOD₅ were reduced from 46,500 and 41,500 mg/L to 9000 and 6000 mg/L, respectively, within one month. The SO₄²⁻ concentration, during the anaerobic period, was decreased from 1500 mg/L to 250 mg/L. The sequential treatment had positive effects on nitrification and denitrification efficiencies.

Keywords: sequential treatment; aerobic anaerobic treatment; bioreactor landfill; leachate recirculation; municipal solid waste; MSW; organic matter; nitrification; denitrification.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2011.041357

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2011 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.336 - 348

Published online: 25 Apr 2015 *

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