Technical and economic aspects of a sequential MF + NF + zeolite system treating landfill leachate

Abstract

This work explores the techno-economic aspects of landfill leachate treatment by an integrated scheme composed of microfiltration (MF), nanofiltration (NF), and zeolite application for carbon and nitrogen removal. In bench-scale experiments, MF and NF were investigated, and zeolite batch tests were carried out to determine optimum conditions. A preliminary economic analysis is presented for a 200 m³ d⁻¹ full-scale treatment facility based on the data obtained from experimental tests and literature surveys. The maximum removals of 92%, 94%, and 79% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), absorbance at 254 nm, and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) were achieved in bench experiments, respectively. It was possible to reach the local discharge standard for COD (200 mg L⁻¹), but it was not possible to reach the Brazilian disposal requirement for NH₄⁺-N (20 mg L⁻¹). The total cost of the integrated MF + NF + zeolite system was estimated at 19.89 US$m⁻³. In this study, the costs of the zeolite application account for around 70% of the total costs of the integrated scheme. Membrane process integration was an adequate strategy for removing organic compounds at low operating costs; However, further NH₄⁺-N depuration is needed to meet discharge requirements.

Keywords:

• Economic analysis
• landfill leachate
• microfiltration
• nanofiltration
• zeolite

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) [Grant Number 165018/2018-6 and 305796/2018-6] and Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ) [Grant Number 200.065/2020 and 202.923/2018] for financial support.

Data availability statement

http://www.repositorio.poli.ufrj.br/monografias/projpoli10034885.pdf

Declaration of conflicting interests

None.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ronei de Almeida

Almeida R: Writing – initial draft preparation; reviewing and editing; Performed experiments; analyzed data curation; supervision. Oliveira TJP: Investigation and data analysis. Gouvea RM: Performed experiments, investigation, and data analysis. Campos JC: Writing – reviewing and editing; analyzed data curation; supervision; funding acquisition. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.