Molecular weight distribution of a full-scale landfill leachate treatment by membrane bioreactor and nanofiltration membrane

In this study, Molecular weight (MW) distributions of a full-scale landfill leachate treatment plant consisting of membrane bioreactor (MBR) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane were investigated. The leachate was sampled from the equalization tank, and effluents of MBR and NF membrane in the landfill leachate treatment plant. Parameters of COD, TOC, TKN, NH4+ - N and UV254, 280 and 320 absorbance were analyzed to evaluate both the removal performance of the plant and MW distributions. MW distribution of samples were determined by ultrafiltration (UF) (100 kDa, 10 kDa, 5 kDa, 1 kDa and 500 Da) membranes. The results indicated that organic matter of one third percent is particulate or colloidal form and almost half of the organic fraction has a lower MW than 500 Da. In addition, organic matter had hydrophilic character. Most part of TKN was >500 Da with the corresponding rate of 92%. Further, UV absorbance of raw leachate (RW) decreased 85% after 500 Da. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.