Initial Characterization of Semi-aerobic Landfill Leachate Based On Its Biodegradation

Abstract

The characterization of landfill leachate has been well established. However, its biodegradation properties have not been well reported. Therefore, this research was undertaken to investigate the biodegradability of semi-aerobic sanitary landfill and the ratio of the biological oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand (COD) BOD5/COD, COD fraction on leachate from Pulau Burung landfill Site (PBLS). These parameters are important as they may provide appropriate and suitable treatment for this kind of leachate. In this research, leachate from two different ponds were studied i.e., the raw leachate from leachate collection pond and the leachate effluents of the treatment plant'. Five different measurement points were tested for each pond to understand the characterization for leachate. The soluble and particulate organic compound was separated by filtration using a 0.45μm pore size membrane filter. The results indicated that leachate in PBLS has low BOD5/COD ratio. The total COD (TCOD) ranged from 2040mg/L to 3160mg/L. The Biodegradable COD (BCOD), unbiodegradable COD (UBOD), soluble biodegradable (RBCOD), particlulate biodegradable (SBCOD), particulate inert (UPCOD), and soluble inert (USCOD) ranged from 53%-67%, 33%-47%, 38%-46%, 9%-25%, 12%-26%, and 18%-25%. This indicates, the leachate in Pulau Burung Landfill Site have different of COD fraction behavior compare with domestic wastewater. In which, leachate have low SBCOD, but relatively high in others COD fraction compare with domestic wastewater.