Evaluation of Leachate Recirculation as a Stabilisation Strategy for Landfills in Developing Countries

Abstract

This study evaluated leachate recirculation (LR) as a stabilisation strategy for landfills using bioreactor experiments with excavated waste from a tropical landfill in Colombia. The experimental evaluation was performed in two 115 L bioreactors, one simulating the operation of a landfill with LR, Br2, where the leachate produced was recirculated at a rate of 0.8 L d−1, and a control system without LR, Br1. Both systems reached stabilisation indicator values on a dry matter (DM) basis for volatile solids VS (<25% DM) and a biochemical methane potential BMP (≤10 mL CH4 g−1 DM). Likewise, towards the end of the experiment, the leachate generated in Br2 reached stabilisation indicator values for BOD5 (<100 mg L−1) and the BOD (biological oxygen demand)/COD (chemical oxygen demand) ratio (<0.1). Although the stabilisation criterion for COD was not met in any bioreactor (<200 mg L−1), LR helped to release 19% more oxidisable organic matter in Br2 than in Br1, indicating a reduction in the contaminating potential of the waste in the case of uncontrolled discharges of leachate to the environment. Regarding biogas production, the generation of CH4 in Br2 was more intense and its cumulative production was 34.5% higher than Br1; thus, Br2 achieved CH4 emission rates, indicating waste stabilisation (<1.0 L CH4 m−2 h−1) sooner than Br1, showing an accelerating effect of LR on waste degradation. A carbon mass balance indicated that waste degradation, in terms of the initial total organic carbon mineralisation and the C gas discharge via CH4, was greater in Br2. These results demonstrate the LR potential to accelerate the stabilisation of a landfill but also to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in final disposal sites where biogas is also captured and utilised for energy production; a key aspect when improving the sustainability of landfill operations in developing countries.