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Title: Submerged filter biotreatment of hazardous leachate in aerobic, anaerobic, and anaerobic/aerobic systems

Journal Article · · Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials
 [1]
  1. Utah State Univ., Logan, UT (United States)

Aerobic, anaerobic and anaerobic/aerobic biotreatment of an industrial hazardous waste landfill leachate was evaluated in bench scale biofilm reactor systems operated under steady-and non-steady-state conditions. The leachate contained volatile and semi-volatile organics that exceeded the best-demonstrated-available-technology (BDAT) standard established for multi-source leachate wastewater under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The influent leachate stream was continuously applied to three parallel systems: (1) an upflow anaerobic filter followed by a submerged aerobic filter, both plastic packing, (2) an anaerobic granular activated carbon column, and (3) an upflow, plastic packed aerobic filter. All systems achieved steady-state COD removals of 66-82 percent. The sequential anaerobic/aerobic filter system was most resistant to hydraulic and organic shock loading, whereas the aerobic filter performance deteriorated significantly. Though transformations of specific chemical compounds were achieved in both anaerobic and aerobic treatment, the sequential anaerobic/aerobic system was cost effective for meeting BDAT standards for hazardous organics. 25 refs., 6 figs., 15 tabs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
435022
Journal Information:
Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials, Vol. 12, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English