Treatment of leachates in hightech syste

Leachates from landfills are complex wastewaters with high concentrations of ammonium ions, refractory organic compounds, and heavy metals, dependent on the deposited waste and degradation processes. This study investigates the challenges associated with treating leachates in conjunction with municipal wastewater, particularly the risks posed by high ammonium levels and differing organic contents that can disrupt treatment processes. Various methods, including high-tech systems like aeration and evaporation, are evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen levels. Results reveal that specific processes must be tailored to the unique composition of individual leachates to optimize treatment outcomes. For example, a TOC removal efficiency of 80% was achieved through aeration with specific parameters, while full-scale evaporation processes demonstrated even higher removal rates for ammonium and chemical oxygen demand (COD), albeit with drawbacks such as residual concentrate and pH adjustment requirements. This research underscores the importance of developing suitable treatment strategies to effectively manage leachate and wastewater co-treatment while adhering to environmental regulations.