Related Experiment Videos
Exceptionally high-rate nitrification in sequencing batch reactors treating high ammonia landfill leachate
1Advanced Wastewater Management Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia.
Summary
This study explored nitrogen removal from landfill leachate using a suspended culture system. A specialized nitrifying culture achieved high ammonia removal rates, enabling efficient leachate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Landfill leachate presents significant nitrogen pollution challenges.
- High ammonium concentrations (300-900 mg N/L) require effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nitrogen removal from mature landfill leachate using a suspended culture system.
- To assess the nitrification capacity of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for leachate treatment.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of leachate from four landfills over two years in a bench-scale SBR.
- Development and optimization of a nitrifying culture.
- Monitoring of nitrogen removal rates, biomass concentration (MLSS), and settleability (SVI).
Main Results:
- Attainment of a highly specific nitrifying culture with exceptional ammonia removal rates.
- Achieved high mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) up to 13 g/L with excellent biomass settleability (SVI < 40 mL/g).
- Nitrification rates reached 246 mg N/(L·h) and specific nitrification rates of 36 mg N/(gVSS·h), enabling complete nitrification with a 5-hour hydraulic retention time.
Conclusions:
- Suspended culture systems are highly effective for nitrogen removal from landfill leachate.
- The developed nitrifying culture demonstrated robust performance and high efficiency.
- Successful treatability studies led to the design and construction of a full-scale treatment plant.