ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that aerobic, as well as anaerobic, biological treatment can be used effectively to stabilize organic compounds found in high-strength waste residues. The pollution of groundwater by high-strength industrial waste residues, leaching from landfills, is relatively recent and adds a new dimension to existing pollution problems. An "activated sludge" was developed by aerating secondary sludge, obtained from the Somerset-Raritan Sewage Treatment plant that treats a mixture of domestic and light industrial wastewater. The information clearly demonstrates that aerobic as well as anaerobic biological treatment can be used effectively to stabilize organic contaminants found in high-strength industrial waste residues. Acclimation of the heterogeneous culture was accomplished by the addition of high-strength wastewater in increasing concentrations with time. Most of the analytical tests performed on the leachate are described in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
