Acclimated mixed microbial responses to organic species in industrial landfill leachate

Acclimated mixed microbial cultures utilize organic carbon and other nutrients solely from leachate and exhibit a diauxic type of growth, implying the presence of two groups of organic “substrates” in the leachate under study. Carbon balance calculations provide clear evidence that the loss of dissolved organic carbon is due to biological oxidation and not to sorption, stripping or evaporation. Substrate inhibition and low sludge yield are observed. The oxygen requirements of the mixed culture are nominal. It is possible to treat high-strength hazardous wastewater at an overall organic carbon removal of about 80%. Application of reverse osmosis improves the quality of effluents from biological degradation.