Optimization and Enhancement of Bioreactor Landfill Technology and Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste by Mitigating Ammonia Inhibition

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The concept of bioreactor landfill technology (BLT) to manage municipal solid waste (MSW) is a promising climate change mitigation option and a sustainable technology. However, high concentrations of ammonia and its inhibitory effects is an operational challenge and could result in low methane production. The main objective of the proposal is the optimization & enhancement of BLT and anaerobic digestion (AD) of OFMSW by mitigating ammonia inhibition through conducting 3 research projects:***#1 (MASc): Assessment of ammonia inhibition on mesophilic AD of OFMSW at different concentrations, pH, level of adaptation, and characterization of microbial communities. Bio-methane potential (BMP) assay tests (batch mode & semi-continuous) will be carried out based on a factorial experimental design. BMP assays will be run with 5 NH3 concentrations & 3 pH levels. The net cumulative biogas production (CBP) will be statistically analyzed using ANOVA, t-test & Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Samples will be analyzed by FISH, 16sRNA to identify the bacterial strings present & by Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) imaging to determine the ratio of live vs. dead cells. ***#2 (PhD-1): Enhancing AD of OFMSW and biogas production by removal of ammonia from recirculated leachate. Bioreactor columns (BCs) will be monitored at 35 °C. Waste will be placed in layers and compacted. Then, leachate will be recirculated through BCs. Leachate samples will be collected weekly and analyzed for pH, DO, COD, TAN, alkalinity, VFAs, ORP. BC1 & BC2 will act as control and ammonia will be maintained above the inhibitory level. For BC3 & BC4, leachate will be treated by passing through a zeolite/resin bed in order to remove ammonia. pH will be at 6.5. BC5 & BC6 will be similar to BC3 & BC4 except a pH of 7.5. Biogas will be collected and the waste will be characterized (TS, VS,.). A mass balance will be performed for carbon and nitrogen. Leachate will be analyzed by FISH, 16S rRNA, and CLSM. ***#3 (PhD-2): Enhancement of BLT through blending (staging) mature & young leachate before recirculating leachate back into bioreactor landfills. This is an original & novel concept and not reported before. The hypothesis was tested by BMP batch experiments by the applicant with promising results. BCs will be used with 4 mixing ratios of young and mature leachate: 3/3Y:0/3M, 2/3Y:1/3M, 1/3Y:2/3M, & 0/3Y:3/3M. Leachate will be analyzed for pH, COD, TAN, alkalinity, VFAs, DO, and ORP. Biogas will be collected & analyzed. The waste will be characterized and a mass balance will be performed for carbon and nitrogen. Leachate will be analyzed by FISH, 16S rRNA, and CLSM.***The research will have profound technological, social, environmental and/or health benefits that will help achieving a more sustainable development, will improve the quality of life for Canadians and will benefit project managers, engineers, technicians and practitioners in industry. **