Lab-scale treatment of biologically pretreated landfill leachate by the electro-Fenton process in a continuous flow reactor

ABSTRACT:   The lab-scale treatment of biologically pretreated landfill leachate by electro-Fenton (E-Fenton) was carried out in a continuous flow reactor using Ti/RuO₂-IrO₂ mesh anodes and cathodes. The effects of important parameters including voltage, hydraulic retention time, H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ molar ratio, and H₂O₂/COD₀ molar ratio on COD removal were investigated, and the optimum conditions for this advanced oxidation process were found. There was an optimal H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ and H₂O₂/COD₀ molar ratio so that the highest COD removal rate was achieved. The Dissolved Organic Matters (DOM) in the leachate were analyzed using ultraviolet spectrum and Excitation Emission Matrix (EEM) spectrofluorimetry. About 84.58% COD was removed and colority was completely removed after the E-Fenton process. The results indicate that the E-Fenton process is an effective technology for the treatment of biologically pretreated landfill leachate.