ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the treatability and nature of leachate treatment problems, various treatment methods, their application and limitations, and develops some generalized methods and process trains for leachate treatment under different conditions. Biological treatment processes involve placing a waste stream in contact with a mixed culture of microorganisms. The microorganisms consume the organic matter in the waste stream. Several of the most common waste treatment processes that have been applied to leachate treatment are: activated sludge, waste stabilization pond, aerated lagoon, trickling filter, rotating biological contactor, and anaerobic digestion. The chemical and physical waste treatment processes utilize addition of chemicals into the wastewater to enhance removal of contaminants. Ion exchange is well suited for general and selective removal of heavy metals and toxic anions from dilute aqueous waste streams. Chemical oxidation is used for the destruction of cyanides, phenols and other organics, and precipitation of some metals. Reverse osmosis is a demineralization process applicable to the production of high-quality water.
