Maximizing bio-methane potential from municipal landfill leachate through ultrasonic pretreatment

In the quest for sustainable waste management solutions, this study explores the integration of ultrasonic pretreatment as a preparatory step for the anaerobic digestion of landfill leachate. Employing response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with central composite design (CCD), we systematically optimize the process parameters, including pH, inoculum volume, and ultrasonic pretreatment duration, to maximize the yield of bio-methane potential (ml CH₄/g VS). The results demonstrate the effective application of RSM-CCD for predicting and modelling methane generation, with a highly significant model (R² = 0.899). The optimized conditions reveal a remarkable biomethane potential of 177 ml CH₄/g VS. Additionally, this study contributes to the understanding of the positive effect of ultrasound pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of landfill leachate, and the quality of the digestate obtained after anaerobic digestion was studied and different valorisations were proposed.