Strategy for Complete Nitrogen Removal in Bioreactor Landfills |
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Authors: | Nicole D. Berge Debra R. Reinhart Eyad S. Batarseh |
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Affiliation: | 1Postdoctoral Associate, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept., Tufts Univ., 200 College Ave., 113 Anderson Hall, Medford, MA 02155 (corresponding author). E-mail: Nicole.Berge@tufts.edu 2Professor and Executive Associate Dean, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept., Univ. of Central Florida, P.O. Box 162450, Orlando, FL 32816-2450. E-mail: Reinhart@mail.ucf.edu 3Project Engineer, CDM, 2301 Maitland Center Pkwy, Suite 300, Maitland, FL 32751. E-mail: BatarsehES@cdm.com
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Abstract: | Waste acclimation and batch microcosm studies containing digested municipal solid waste were conducted at different temperatures (22, 35, and 45°C) and gas-phase oxygen concentrations (0.7–100%, by volume) to provide guidance for field-scale implementation of in situ nitrogen removal processes. Results demonstrate that in situ ammonia–nitrogen is feasible in decomposed aerated solid waste environments at the gas-phase oxygen concentrations and temperatures evaluated and the potential for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in field-scale bioreactor landfills is significant due to the presence of both aerobic and anoxic areas. Small amounts of oxygen were found sufficient for nitrification/ammonia removal to proceed, although removal rates increase with oxygen concentration. Laboratory results suggest field-scale implementation of in situ nitrogen removal occur in small dedicated treatment zones containing previously degraded waste (later in the life of a bioreactor landfill). Model simulations indicate removal of ammonia–nitrogen to low levels can occur with relatively short aeration depths (depth estimates ranged from 1.6 to 7.2?m below the point of leachate injection). Field-scale verification of these depth estimates is required prior to routine acceptance. |
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Keywords: | Landfills Nitrification Denitrification Aerobic treatment Abatement and removal |
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