Temperature Effects on Biostabilization of Leachate

Lysimeter generated leachate of 19,000 mg/L COD was applied to aerobic, dual-stage, fill-and-draw reactors. The primary reactors received organic loadings of 0.96 kg COD/m³⋅day, 2.14 kg COD/m³⋅day, and 3.21 kg COD/m³⋅day, corresponding to 6 days MCRT, 9 days MCRT and 20 days MCRT. The polishing reactors were operated at MCRTs of 6 days to 9 days. The experiment was run at three temperatures: 23-25°C, 16°C, and 9°C. The organic removal was better than 95 percent COD and 99 percent BOD₅ for all conditions investigated. Most metal concentrations were reduced by more than 90 percent. The primary effluent satisfied local pollution control objectives for most parameters. The overall performance of single- and dual-stage systems were comparable. Poor mixed-liquor separation characteristics were encountered throughout the study.