Optimization of leachate treatment with granular biomedia: Feldspar and Zeolite

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Landfills generate leachate having an elevated concentration of contaminants and hazardous to health and the ecosystem. Feldspar and zeolite mixture was investigated for minimizing COD and ammonia from the leachate. Methods/Statistical Analysis: All adsorbent media were sieved to a particle size between 2.00 and 3.35 mm. The optimum shaking speed, mixing ratio, and pH were determined. Raw leachate Sample used in the study was collected from the influent of the detention pond at the SimpangRenggam Municipal landfill in Johor (Malaysia). Findings: Results of the leachate characteristics indicated a non-biodegradable leachate with a high concentration of COD (1763 mg/L), ammonia nitrogen (573 mg/L) and BOD5/COD ratio (0.09). The optimum condition for shaking speed was 150 rpm, the optimum mix ratio of zeolite and feldspar was 20:20, and the optimum pH was 6-6.5. Applications/Improvements: The mixed media produced encouraging results for leachate treatment. It will significantly be applicable in reducing zeolite usage conventionally and consequently decreasing the operational cost in leachate treatments.