Bioreactor Landfills: Experimentala and Field Results

Research determined the effect of solid waste size, leachate recirculation, and nutrient balance on the rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) biodegradation in a bioreactor landfill. Higher rates of biodegradation reduce the contaminant lifespan of the landfill and also reduce long-term monitoring costs. The smaller the size of the MSW, the faster the waste biodegradation rate. Leachate was recirculated into landfilled solid waste for 8 yr through infiltration lagoons, and results were comparable to those obtained in the laboratory. A declining trend in organic load, measured as BOD and COD, was noted, and chloride concentration remained fairly constant at 1000 mg/l during the leachate recirculation period.