Researchers at the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture have published a study examining the electrochemical treatment of biologically pretreated landfill leachate. The findings, detailed in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, Volume 19, Issue 6, focus on optimizing treatment processes to enhance the removal of pollutants.
The study investigates the electrochemical oxidation of Biologically Treated Landfill Leachate (BTLL) after it has undergone treatment via the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) method. The researchers compared the performance of two different anodes: Ti/SnO2-Sb2O3 and Ti/PbO2. They assessed various operational parameters, including current density, electrolysis duration, sodium chloride concentration, and cathode material, to evaluate their effects on pollutant removal efficiency.
Utilizing response surface methodology, the research identified optimal conditions for the electrochemical oxidation process. The results indicated that at a current density of 50 mA/cm2 and an electrolysis time of 4 hours, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates for the Ti/SnO2-Sb2O3 anode and the Ti/PbO2 anode were 79.48% and 92.31%, respectively. The total nitrogen removal rates were also evaluated, showing rates of 57.99% for the Ti/SnO2-Sb2O3 anode and 57.17% for the Ti/PbO2 anode. Notably, both anodes achieved complete removal of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N).
Furthermore, the study found that the Ti/SnO2-Sb2O3 anode demonstrated improved treatment efficiency when nickel (Ni) was employed as the cathode compared to platinum (Pt) and steel options. The research outlined specific optimal conditions for both anode types: the Ti/SnO2-Sb2O3 anode operated best at 34 mA/cm2 with a sodium chloride concentration of 7.3 g/L, while the Ti/PbO2 anode was most effective at 38 mA/cm2 with 6.0 g/L of sodium chloride, both at a duration of 4 hours, achieving COD removals of 93.6% and 97.2%, respectively.
This research provides valuable theoretical insights into the combined treatment of landfill leachate, integrating biotreatment and chemical oxidation processes effectively. For further details, the complete study is accessible at this link.
