Landfill leachate-induced ultraviolet quenching substances

Abstract

Landfill leachate is a complex wastewater with a wide range of pollutants and requires proper treatment before discharge. Landfill leachate is either treated on-site by biological and membrane processes or treated transported to nearby wastewater treatment plant for co-treatment with municipal wastewater. Recalcitrant organics, especially for stabilized leachate will not be removed or degraded by conventional biological processes. Some of these pollutants may absorb ultraviolet (UV) lights and decrease the UV transmittance. The UV quenching substances (UVQS) can be broadly classified as hydrophobic substances (humic acid + fulvic acid) and hydrophilic substances. The UVQS may interfere with the UV disinfection process and make it less effective. It may also protect any co-pollutant from being degraded by UV. Therefore, understanding of the treatment methods capable of removing UVQS is necessary. The aim of this chapter is to present overview of different treatment technologies available to remove/degrade UVQS. The composition of solid waste responsible for the formation of UVQS, characteristics, chemical composition, distribution and problems of UVQS has also been discussed.