Landfill disposal is a widely used technique for solid waste management. The leachate produced, owing to moisture release and rain and snow infiltration, can cause environmental hazards if it is not properly collected, treated, and disposed. An on-site pilot plant study was carried out to assess the treatability of the leachate from a developing landfill. Details of the designed reactor and data collected during a long term run are presented, showing that a young landfill leachate is amenable to anaerobic treatment of its organic fraction, but special care should be taken with the management of the inorganic compounds, especially heavy metals.

Leachate, landfill, anaerobic digestion, UASB, anaerobic filter, design, operation
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© IWA Publishing 1992