Biological remediation of the municipal solid waste leachate - A case study of Hyderabad integrated MSW limited

A prominent issue associated with the handling of municipal solid waste is the generation of a highly toxic semi-solid matter namely, leachate. The consequences of mishandling the aforementioned are widespread. Hence, the present study tried to take an initiative to remediate the same in an eco-friendly way. The research included a detailed investigation of the existing conditions in terms of quality, quantity, climatic condition, etc. The entire study primarily focused on the biodegradability of the toxic pollutants with the help of EM. 1 solution procured from Pragati Enterprises and bringing down the pollution level during the treatment tenure. The major three parameters of interest include chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total dissolved solids (TDS). A pilot pond of 7.5 kL capacity was prepared at the east corner of Hyderabad Integrated MSW facility to facilitate the practical studies. Four major remediates, i.e. coir pith powder, Bokashi balls, EM culture, and Bokashi powder were added weighing 34 MT, 560 kg, 10.5 kL, and 75 kg respectively, over the due course of 4 months and successive reduction in pollution levels were noted. Depletion in the level of all the prior-mentioned parameters was observed ranging 42.6%, 45.4%, and 37.8% respectively for COD, BOD and TDS. Furthermore, a notable reduction in obnoxious odour was observed around the pilot plant after the 15th day of the initiation of the operation. It signifies the feasibility of the experimented technology towards the treatment of municipal solid waste leachate (MSWL), and hence the study recommends the usage of the same as a potential pre-treatment before the tertiary purification units. © 2020 Technoscience Publications. All rights reserved.