Leachate Chemistry: Its Implications for Clogging

by Bruce E. Rittmann, (M.ASCE),
Ian R. Fleming,
R. Kerry Rowe, (M.ASCE),



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: North American Water and Environment Congress & Destructive Water

Abstract:

The clogging of leachate collection systems is controlled by interrelated mi and chemical phenomena. Mesocosms containing landfill materials and simulating leachate collection were infiltrated with actual landfill leachate and monitored for water-quality changes. The results showed that the entire process is driven by microbial conversion of volatile acids, primarily acetic acid, to CO₂. These reactions consume acidic hydrogen, cause a pH rise in the bulk liquid, and increase total carbonates in the leachate. The last two features allow or accelerate the chemical precipitation of CaCO₃ the dominant inorganic species in the slimes found in leachate collection systems.

Subject Headings: Leachates | Landfills | Chemicals | Acids | Microbes | pH | Water quality

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