Stabilization of mechanically biologically treated waste in anaerobic, aerobic and semi-aerobic bioreactors

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the application of anaerobic (AN), aerobic (AER) and semi-aerobic (SA) laboratory scale landfill bioreactors for stabilization of mechanically and biologically treated (MBT) waste of Bangalore city. All major parameters pertaining to the waste, leachate and biogas are continuously monitored during the experiment. Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mass balance are carried out to understand the recovery/removal of C and N from the system. The biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and nitrogen removal efficiency of the bioreactors are in the range of 83%–87%, 81%–87% and 96%–99%, respectively. Total settlement observed in the AN, AER and SA bioreactors is 15.25%, 23.92% and 10.80%, respectively. The performance of the three bioreactors are compared, and their suitability in treating the MBT waste from Bangalore city is discussed. The study shows that the AER bioreactor landfills can be used for remediating the existing municipal solid waste dumpsites in Bangalore city.