MSW stabilization in an anaerobic bioreactor landfill and evaluation of in-situ leachate treatment potential with the help of quadric model

Recirculation of the leachate using bioreactor technology for in-situ treatment of leachate is an efficient method for reducing the contaminants and cost of ex-situ treatment as well. The current study was performed to evaluate the impact of leachate recirculation in anaerobic bioreactor on leachate treatment as well as municipal solid waste stabilization. The reactor was loaded with properly mixed 23.79 kg of solid waste with compaction of waste and total 20 L leachate was prepared in the bioreactor by adding water. Physico-chemical characteristics of leachate were estimated by using standards methods. The result reveals that the pH, alkalinity and VFA/ alkalinity were varied from 5.56 to 7.58, 7650 to 1875 mg/L and 1.44 to 0.44 which were within the optimal range of anaerobic digestion. Chemical oxygen demand is an indication of organic pollutants and 97% of COD removal was observed after leachate recirculation study. Quadric model was employed to investigate the behavior of operational parameters over time scale. Model indicated the highest phosphate decline (5.3%) with time but highest increase was observed for total kjeldhal nitrogen (4.3%). After completion of leachate treatment study, a 26.09% reduction in volume of MSW was found.