Landfill leachate biological treatment using a pilot Liquid-Solid Circulating Fluidized Bed bioreactor (LSCFB)

Ahmed Eldyasti, Nabin Chowdhury, George Nakhla, Jesse Zhu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of an integrated pilot liquid-solid circulating fluidized bed bioreactor (LSCFB) in biological nutrient removal from landfill leachate treatment. Biological treatment of landfill leachate is a concern due to toxicity, high ammonia, low biodegradable organic matter concentrations, and low carbon to nitrogen ratio. The LSCFB employs attached microbial films for biodegradation of both organics and nutrients, in both soluble and particulate forms, within a single circulating fluidized bed unit. This new technology combines the more compact and efficient fixed-film process with the recently developed biological nutrient removal (BNR) process that provide the additional removal of nitrogen and phosphorous. Anoxic and aerobic columns were used to optimize carbon and nutrient removal capability from leachate using 600 μm lava rock with a total porosity of 61%, at empty bed contact times (EBCTs) of 0.55, 0.49, and 0.41 d. The LSCFB achieved COD, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal efficiencies of 85%, 80%, and 70%, respectively at a low carbon to nitrogen ratio of 3:1 and nutrients loading rates of 2.15 kg COD/(m3•d), 0.70 kg N/(m3•d), and 0.014 kg P/(m3•d), as compared with 60% □ 70% COD and 70% □ 74% nitrogen removal efficiencies achieved by upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), respectively. With particle recirculation and using degritted municipal wastewater the system was able to achieve effluent quality characterized by ≤35 mg SBOD/L, <35 mg NH 4-N/L, <1.0 mg PO4-P/L, and 37 mg VSS/L which can easily meet sewer by-law requirements. Remarkably low yields of 0.13, 0.15, and 0.16 g VSS/g COD were observed at a long biological solids retention times (SRTs) of 31, 38 and 44 d.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication10AIChE - 2010 AIChE Annual Meeting, Conference Proceedings
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event2010 AIChE Annual Meeting, 10AIChE - Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Duration: 7 Nov 201012 Nov 2010

Publication series

NameAIChE Annual Meeting, Conference Proceedings

Conference

Conference2010 AIChE Annual Meeting, 10AIChE
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySalt Lake City, UT
Period7/11/1012/11/10

Keywords

  • Biomass yield
  • Bioparticles
  • Denitrification
  • Landfill leachate
  • Liquid-solid circulating fluidized bed
  • Nitrification

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Chemistry

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