Laboratory simulation of anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste

Landfill processes were simulated in lab-scale bioreactors--lysimeters. The changes in leachate characteristics as well as the influence of the leachate recirculation on the processes taking place in the landfill were investigated. Lysimeters were filled with material simulating municipal waste in the city of Lodz, Poland. Compost in the amount of 30% w/w and the methanogens inoculum were added in order to enhance a development of methanogenic phase. Leachate produced in lysimeters was recirculated once, twice a week, or everyday. The leachate composition and biogas changes showed trends confirming that the bench-scale lysimeters appeared suitable to simulate processes taking place in the landfill. It was also proved that leachate recirculation accelerate these processes.