Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Treatment of landfill leachate using UASB-MBR-SHARON–Anammox configuration

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Biodegradation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Leachate treatment is a challenging issue due to its high pollutant loads. There are several studies on feasible treatment methods of leachate. In the scope of this study, high organic content of young leachate was eliminated using an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and a membrane bioreactor (MBR) in sequence and effluent of the system was given to single reactor for high activity ammonia removal over nitrite (SHARON) and anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) reactors to remove nitrogen content. All reactors were set up at lab scale in order to evaluate the usage of these processes in sequencing order for leachate treatment. COD and TKN removal efficiencies were over 90 % in the combined processes which were operated during the study. The biodegradable portion of organic matter was removed with an efficiency of 99 %. BOD5 concentration decreased to 50 mg/L by UASB and MBR in sequence even the influent BOD5 concentration was over 8,000 mg/L. Although high nitrogen concentrations were observed in raw leachate, successful removal of nitrogen was accomplished by consecutive operations of SHARON and Anammox reactors. The results of this study demonstrated that with an efficient pretreatment of leachate, the combination of SHARON–Anammox processes is an effective method for the treatment of high nitrogen content in leachate.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abma WR, Schultz CE, Mulder JW, van der Star WRL, Strous M, Tokutomi T, van Loosdrecht MCM (2007) Full-scale granular sludge Anammox process. Water Sci Technol 55(8–9):27–33. doi:10.2166/Wst.2007.238

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmed FN, Lan CQ (2012) Treatment of landfill leachate using membrane bioreactors: a review. Desalination 287:41–54. doi:10.1016/j.desal.2011.12.012

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahn W, Kang M, Yim S, Choi K (2002) Advanced landfill leachate treatment using an integrated membrane process. Desalination 149(1–3):109–114

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Akgul D, Mertoglu B, Yuzer B (2011) Characterization of landfill leachates in Turkey. Fresenius Environ Bull 20(10):2638–2642

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • American Public Health Association (APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF) (1999) Standard Methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 20th Edn

  • An YY, Yang FL, Chua HC, Wong FS, Wu B (2008) The integration of methanogenesis with shortcut nitrification and denitrification in a combined UASB with MBR. Bioresour Technol 99(9):3714–3720. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2007.07.020

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Appels L, Lauwers J, Degreve J, Helsen L, Lievens B, Willems K, Van Impe J, Dewil R (2011) Anaerobic digestion in global bio-energy production: potential and research challenges. Renew Sust Energy Rev 15(9):4295–4301. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2011.07.121

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bilgili MS, Demir A, Akkaya E, Ozkaya B (2008) COD fractions of leachate from aerobic and anaerobic pilot scale landfill reactors. J Hazard Mater 158(1):157–163. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.01.055

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bohziewicz J, Neczaj E, Kwarciak A (2008) Landfill leachate treatment by means of anaerobic membrane bioreactor. Desalination 221:559–565

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boonyaroj V, Chiemchaisri C, Chiemchaisri W, Theepharaksapan S, Yamamoto K (2012) Toxic organic micro-pollutants removal mechanisms in long-term operated membrane bioreactor treating municipal solid waste leachate. Bioresource Technol 113(2012):174–180

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Borzacconi L, Lopez I, Ohanian M, Vinas M (1999) Anaerobic–aerobic treatment of municipal solid waste leachate. Environ Technol 20(2):211–217

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brouwer M, Van Loosdrecht MCM, Heijnen JJ (1996) One reactor system for ammonium removal via nitrite. Paper presented at the STOWA Report, 96-01. STOWA, Utrecht, The Netherlands

  • Calli B, Mertoglu B, Inanc B (2005a) Landfill leachate management in Istanbul: applications and alternatives. Chemosphere 59(6):819–829. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.10.064

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Calli B, Mertoglu B, Inanc B, Yenigun O (2005b) Effects of high free ammonia concentrations on the performances of anaerobic bioreactors. Process Biochem 40(3–4):1285–1292. doi:10.1016/j.procbio.2004.05.008

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Calli B, Mertoglu B, Roest K, Inanc B (2006) Comparison of long-term performances and final microbial compositions of anaerobic reactors treating landfill leachate. Bioresour Technol 97(4):641–647. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2005.03.021

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Egli K, Fanger U, Alvarez PJJ, Siegrist H, van der Meer JR, Zehnder AJB (2001) Enrichment and characterization of an anammox bacterium from a rotating biological contactor treating ammonium-rich leachate. Arch Microbiol 175(3):198–207

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ganigue R, Lopez H, Balaguer MD, Colprim J (2007) Partial ammonium oxidation to nitrite of high ammonium content urban land fill leachates. Water Res 41(15):3317–3326. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2007.04.027

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hasar H, Unsal SA, Ipek U, Karatas S, Cınar O, Yaman C, Kınacı C (2009) Stripping/flocculation/membrane bioreactor/reverse osmosis treatment of municipal landfill leachate. J Hazard Mater 171:309–317. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.06.003

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hellinga C, van Loosdrecht MCM., Heijnen JJ (1997) Model based design of a novel process for ammonia removal from concentrated flows. Proceedings of 2nd Mathmod Symposium 865 (70)

  • Hellinga C, Schellen AAJC, Mulder JW, van Loosdrecht MCM, Heijnen JJ (1998) The SHARON process: an innovative method for nitrogen removal from ammonium-rich waste water. Water Sci Technol 37(9):135–142

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Inanc B, Calli B, Saatci A (2000) Characterization and anaerobic treatment of the sanitary landfill leachate in Istanbul. Water Sci Technol 41(3):223–230

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jakopović HK, Matošić M, Muftić M, Čurlin M, Mijatović I (2008) Treatment of landfill leachate by ozonation, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and membrane bioreactor. Fresenius Environ Bull 17:687–695

    Google Scholar 

  • Jetten MSM, Horn SJ, vanLoosdrecht MCM (1997) Towards a more sustainable municipal wastewater treatment system. Water Sci Technol 35(9):171–180

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jetten MSM, Strous M, van de Pas-Schoonen KT, Schalk J, van Dongen UGJM, van de Graaf AA, Logemann S, Muyzer G, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kuenen JG (1998) The anaerobic oxidation of ammonium. FEMS Microbiol Rev 22(5):421–437

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jetten MSM, Wagner M, Fuerst J, van Loosdrecht M, Kuenen G, Strous M (2001) Microbiology and application of the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (‘anammox’) process. Curr Opin Biotechnol 12(3):283–288

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy EJ, Lentz EM (2000) Treatment of landfill leachate using sequencing batch and continuous flow upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors. Water Res 34(14):3640–3656

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koster IW (1986) Characteristics of the pH-influenced adaptation of methanogenic sludge to ammonium toxicity. J Chem Technol Biotechnol 36(10):445–455

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Le-Clech P, Chen V, Fane TAG (2006) Fouling in membrane bioreactors used in wastewater treatment. J Membr Sci 284(1–2):17–53

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liang Z, Liu HX (2007) Control factors of partial nitritation for landfill leachate treatment. J Environ Sci (China) 19(5):523–529

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liang Z, Liu JX (2008) Landfill leachate treatment with a novel process: anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) combined with soil infiltration system. J Hazard Mater 151(1):202–212. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.05.068

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu J, Zuo JE, Yang Y, Zhu SQ, Kuang SL, Wang KJ (2010) An autotrophic nitrogen removal process: short-cut nitrification combined with ANAMMOX for treating diluted effluent from an UASB reactor fed by landfill leachatee. J Environ Sci (China) 22(5):777–783. doi:10.1016/S1001-0742(09)60176-5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Park S, Bae W (2009) Modeling kinetics of ammonium oxidation and nitrite oxidation under simultaneous inhibition by free ammonia and free nitrous acid. Process Biochem 44(6):631–640. doi:10.1016/j.procbio.2009.02.002

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Patsios SI, Karabelas AJ (2011) An investigation of the long-term filtration performance of a membrane bioreactor (MBR): the role of specific organic fractions. J Membr Sci 372(1–2):102–115. doi:10.1016/j.memsci.2011.01.055

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Renou S, Givaudan JG, Poulain S, Dirassouyan F, Moulin P (2008) Landfill leachate treatment: review and opportunity. J Hazard Mater 150(3):468–493. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.09.077

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh RP, Kumar S, Ojha CSP (1998) A critique on operational strategies for start-up of UASB reactors: effects of sludge loading rate and seed/biomass concentration. Biochem Eng J 1(2):107–119

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Strous M, VanGerven E, Zheng P, Kuenen JG, Jetten MSM (1997) Ammonium removal from concentrated waste streams with the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process in different reactor configurations. Water Res 31(8):1955–1962

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Timur H, Ozturk I (1999) Anaerobic sequencing batch reactor treatment of landfill leachate. Water Res 33(15):3225–3230

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tsilogeorgis J, Zouboulis A, Samaras P, Zamboulis D (2008) Application of a membrane sequencing batch reactor for landfill leachate treatment. Desalination 221(1–3):483–493

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • van Dongen U, Jetten MSM, van Loosdrecht MCM (2001) The SHARON–Anammox process for treatment of ammonium rich wastewater. Water Sci Technol 44(1):153–160

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vilar A, Eiroa M, Kennes C, Veiga MC (2010) The SHARON process in the treatment of landfill leachate. Water Sci Technol 61(1):47–52. doi:10.2166/Wst.2010.786

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xu YP, Zhou YQ, Wang DH, Chen SH, Liu JX, Wang ZJ (2008) Occurrence and removal of organic micropollutants in the treatment of landfill leachate by combined anaerobic-membrane bioreactor technology. J Environ Sci (China) 20(11):1281–1287

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang HG, Zhou SQ (2006) Treating leachate mixture with anaerobic ammonium oxidation technology. J Cent South Univ Technol 13(6):663–667

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Marmara University Scientific Research Committee (Project No. BAPKO FEN-C-DRP-060510-0145) and The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Project No: 108Y269 for funding this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Göztepe, 34722, Istanbul, Turkey

    Deniz Akgul, Cigdem Kalkan Aktan & Kozet Yapsakli

  2. Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Göztepe, 34722, Istanbul, Turkey

    Bulent Mertoglu

Authors
  1. Deniz Akgul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Cigdem Kalkan Aktan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kozet Yapsakli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Bulent Mertoglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Deniz Akgul.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Akgul, D., Aktan, C.K., Yapsakli, K. et al. Treatment of landfill leachate using UASB-MBR-SHARON–Anammox configuration. Biodegradation 24, 399–412 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10532-012-9597-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10532-012-9597-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation