Related Experiment Videos
Modelling leachate quality and quantity in municipal solid waste landfills
Ebru Demirekler Yildiz1, Kahraman Unlü, R Kerry Rowe
1Environmental Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, Inonu Bulvari, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
A new mathematical model simulates landfill leachate behavior, predicting moisture and constituent distribution over time. This tool accounts for landfill development, aiding in waste management and environmental protection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Waste Management
Background:
- Landfill operational phases can exceed 20 years, with dynamic changes in leachate quality and generation rates.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for effective landfill management and environmental impact assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mathematical model simulating landfill leachate behavior, including moisture and constituent distribution.
- To incorporate the effects of time-dependent landfill development on waste hydraulics and leachate composition.
Main Methods:
- A conceptual model treating landfills as cells with layers, each as a mixed reactor, was proposed.
- Governing equations describing leachate flow, dissolution, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis were incorporated.
- The model was calibrated and verified using data from Keele Valley Landfill and literature.
Main Results:
- The model successfully simulates spatial and temporal distributions of moisture and leachate constituents.
- It accounts for changes in hydraulic properties due to landfill development.
- Proposed parameter values are applicable to real-world landfill conditions.
Conclusions:
- The developed mathematical model provides a robust tool for predicting landfill leachate behavior.
- It enables better understanding and management of waste stabilization processes and environmental impacts.
- The model's approach to spatial and temporal variations is key to its predictive capability.