Utilization of landfill leachate parameters for pretreatment by Fenton reaction and struvite precipitation—A comparative study

This paper reports results of laboratory studies on two pretreatment methods, struvite precipitation using aeration with H₃PO₄ and Fenton oxidation. These methods utilized specific properties of the leachate: high magnesium content (172 mg L⁻¹) for struvite precipitation and a high iron concentration (56 mg L⁻¹) for Fenton treatment. Struvite precipitation (H₃PO₄, 700 mg L⁻¹) removed 36% of NH₃-N and 24% of SCOD. Fenton treatment (at pH 3.5) required 650 mg L⁻¹ of H₂O₂ and removed 66% of SCOD. The effect of each pretreatment on the returned activated sludge (RAS) was evaluated using respirometry. Both methods reduced the inhibitory effect of the leachate and substantially increased biokinetic parameters. The BOD₅/SCOD ratio increased from 0.63 for raw leachate to 0.82 (struvite) and 0.88 (Fenton). Estimation of capital and operational costs of the total leachate treatment indicated that aeration with struvite precipitation, followed by biological treatment, would be the preferred option.