ABSTRACT
This chapter provides operational guidance as well as information pertinent to the control of bioreactor landfill operations. To successfully operate the bioreactor landfill, it is necessary to control and monitor biological, chemical, and hydrologic processes occurring within the landfill. Modern municipal solid waste (MSW) composition affects leachate quality, landfill gas composition and quality, waste degradation rates, and resource recovery potential. Variations in waste characteristics must be considered as future landfills are designed and operated. Pre-processing of wastes does permit some control of the composition of landfilled MSW. In-place density can be controlled by compaction in the field or by baling of wastes before landfilling. Oxidation reduction conditions within the landfill establish waste degradation pathways. Moisture within the landfill serves as a reactant in the hydrolysis reactions, transports nutrients and enzymes, dissolves metabolites, provides pH buffering, dilutes inhibitory compounds, exposes surface area to microbial attack, and controls microbial cell swelling.
