1.

INTRODUCTION
The generation of solid waste has become an increasingly important global issue
over the last decade due to the escalating growth in world population and large increase in
waste production. This increase in solid waste generation poses numerous questions
regarding the adequacy of conventional waste management systems and their
environmental effects. Landfill disposal is the most commonly used waste management
method worldwide. The general trends in solid waste management is shown in figure 1.A
bioreactor landfill is a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill that uses enhanced
biochemical processes to transform and stabilize the decomposable organic waste within a
short period of time, i.e. typically 5 to 10 years, as compared to the long time, typically 30
to 100 years, required for conventional or 'dry tomb' landfills. Landfill stabilization means
that the measurable environmental parameters such as landfill gas constitution, leachate
composition etc, remain at steady levels.
There are many advantages in enhancing the solid waste degradation such as
reducing the time period of leachate treatment, increasing methane production, accelerating
waste subsidence thus permitting landfill space recovery and the reduction of
contamination lifespan. The biochemical processes can be enhanced by shredding the
waste, leachate recirculation and addition of nutrients and sludge. The engineered
bioreactor landfill sites can provide a more controlled means by which society can reduce
the emission of landfill gases (LFG), that contribute to global warming.
Based on the biodegradation process, the bioreactor landfills can be classified as
anaerobic, aerobic, hybrid and facultative. In the anaerobic bioreactors, the biodegradation
occurs in the absence of oxygen and enhances the production of methane as a biogas fuel.
An aerobic bioreactor landfill involves addition of moisture through the recirculation of
leachate and through air recirculation. The hybrid technique utilizes both aerobic and
anaerobic methods to accelerate waste degradation. The facultative type combines
conventional anaerobic degradation with a mechanism for controlling the high ammonia
concentration. The dynamic moisture/leachate redistribution affects the mechanical and
hydraulic properties of the waste. Such changes in the properties should be taken into
consideration in the design and analysis of bioreactor landfills. In particular, the settlement

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and stability of wastes will be affected by the changed waste properties. Bioreactor features
may be incorporated into any new landfill design.

Fig.1 Trends in waste generation, recovery add disposal

(Source: Characterization of MSW in US)

2. BIOREACTOR LANDFILL TYPES

Classification of bioreactor landfill on the basis of biodegradation is given below.
2.1. ANAEROBIC BIOREACTOR

The Anaerobic Bioreactor seeks to accelerate the degradation of waste by

optimizing conditions for anaerobic bacteria. In these landfills, a collection of anaerobic
bacteria are responsible for the conversion of organic wastes into organic acids and
ultimately into methane and carbon dioxide. Anaerobic conditions develop naturally in
nearly all landfills without any intervention. The waste in typical landfills contains between
10 and 25 percent water. Generally, to optimize anaerobic degradation, 35 to 40 percent
moisture is required. Moisture is typically added in the form of leachate through a variety

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of delivery systems. However, the amount of leachate produced at many sites is insufficient
to achieve optimal moisture conditions in the waste. Additional sources of moisture such as
sewage sludge, storm water, and other non-hazardous liquid wastes may therefore be
necessary to increase the leachate available for recirculation. As the moisture content of the
waste approaches optimal levels, the rate of waste degradation increases, which in turn
leads to an increase in the amount of landfill gas produced. Also observed is an increase in
the density of the waste. While the rate of gas production in an anaerobic bioreactor can be
twice as high as a normal landfill, the duration of gas production is significantly shorter.
Because of this accelerated production, gas collection systems at bioreactor landfills must
be capable of handling a higher peak volume but need do so for a shorter period of time.
Figure 2 shows the picture of an anaerobic bioreactor.

Fig.2 Anaerobic Bioreactor

(Source: www.wm.com/sustainability/bioreactor-landfills/bioreactor-technologies.jsp)

2.2. AEROBIC BIOREACTOR

The Aerobic Bioreactor seeks to accelerate waste degradation by optimizing

conditions for aerobes. Aerobes are organisms that require oxygen for cellular respiration.
In aerobic respiration, energy is derived from organic molecules in a process that consumes
oxygen and produces carbon dioxide. Aerobes require sufficient water to function just as
anaerobes do. However, aerobic organisms can grow more quickly than anaerobes because

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aerobic respiration is more efficient at generating energy than anaerobic respiration. One
consequence of this is that aerobic degradation can proceed faster than anaerobic
degradation. Another consequence is that aerobic respiration can generate large amounts of
metabolic heat, which requires significant quantities of water. In landfills aerobic activity is
promoted through injection of air or oxygen into the waste mass. It is also possible to apply
a vacuum to the waste mass and pull air in through a permeable cap. Liquids are typically
added through leachate recirculation, with the need for additional sources of moisture even
more acute than for anaerobic reactors. The aerobic process does not generate methane.
Figure 3 shows the picture of an aerobic bioreactor.

Fig.3 Aerobic Bioreactor

(Source: www.wm.com/sustainability/bioreactor-landfills/bioreactor-technologies.jsp)

2.3. AEROBIC-ANAEROBIC BIOREACTOR

The Aerobic-Anaerobic Bioreactor is designed to accelerate waste degradation by

combining attributes of the aerobic and anaerobic bioreactors. The objective of the
sequential aerobic-anaerobic treatment is to cause the rapid biodegradation of food and
other easily degradable waste in the aerobic stage in order to reduce the production of
organic acids in the anaerobic stage resulting in the earlier onset of methanogenesis. In this
system the uppermost lift or layer of waste is aerated, while the lift immediately below it
receives liquids. Landfill gas is extracted from each lift below the lift receiving liquids.

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Horizontal wells that are installed in each lift during landfill construction are used to
convey the air, liquids and landfill gas. The principle advantage of the hybrid approach is
that it combines the operational simplicity of the anaerobic process with the treatment
efficiency of the aerobic process. Figure 4 shows the picture of an aerobic-anaerobic
bioreactor.

Fig.4 Aerobic-Anaerobic Bioreactor

(Source: www.become-sustainable.com/files/2-aerobic-anaerobic%20bioreactor.jpg)

2.4. FACULTATIVE BIOREACTOR

The Facultative Bioreactor combines conventional anaerobic degradation with a

mechanism for controlling the high ammonia concentrations that may develop when liquids
are added to the landfill. In this system leachate containing elevated levels of ammonia is
treated using the biological process of nitrification. The nitrification process converts the
ammonia in the leachate to nitrate. The treated leachate is then added to the landfill. Here
certain microorganisms including the facultative bacteria can use the nitrate in the absence
of oxygen for respiration. This process, called denitrification, can result in the production
of nitrogen gas (N2), which effectively removes nitrogen from the system. The facultative
bioreactor requires adequate moisture levels to function optimally. Leachate and other
liquids are used to raise the moisture content of the waste. Figure 4 shows the picture of a
facultative bioreactor.

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 Fig.4 Facultative Bioreactor
(Source: www.wm.com/sustainability/bioreactor-landfills/bioreactor-technologies.jsp)

3. GENERATION OF LANDFILL GASES

The concept of bioreactor landfill considers water and solid waste as the major
inputs while leachate and gas are the principal outputs. Landfill gas (LFG) is a direct by-
product of anaerobic waste decomposition. LFG production is accelerated in anaerobic
bioreactor landfills. Gas from anaerobic decomposition of waste is primarily composed of
methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Typical landfill gas has slightly more CH 4 than
CO2. Other trace components such as water vapor, hydrogen sulfide and a variety of
organic chemicals, are also founds in LFG. Waste decomposition and the generation of
landfill gases can be divided into five phases:

3.1. PHASE I : INITIAL ADJUSTMENT PHASE

It is an acclimation period in which moisture begins to accumulate and the oxygen

entrained in freshly deposited solid waste begins to be consumed by aerobic bacteria.

3.2. PHASE II :TRANSITION PHASE

There is an increase in the moisture content and the landfill undergoes a transition
from an aerobic to an anaerobic environment as oxygen is depleted. Detectable levels of

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total volatile acids (TVA) and an increase in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the
leachate signal the increased activity of anaerobic bacteria.

3.3. PHASE III : ACID FORMATION PHASE

The rapid conversion of waste to TVAs by acidogenic bacteria results in a decrease

in leachate pH in Phase III. This phase is the initial hydrolysis where liquid leaches out the
easily degradable organics. The rapid degradation lowers pH to make it more acidic, and
mobilizes metal species that migrate from the waste into the leachate. Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs or solvents) are also mobilized. This phase is characterized by peak
COD and BOD levels in leachate.

3.4. PHASE IV : METHANE FERMENTATION PHASE

It encompasses the period in which the acid compounds produced earlier are
converted to methane and carbon dioxide gas by methanogenic bacteria. This phase marks
a return from acidic conditions to neutral pH conditions and a corresponding reduction in
the metals and VOC concentrations in leachate. This phase marks the peak in landfill gas
production. The landfill gas production and COD/BOD cycle follow similar first order bio
decay constants.

Figure 5: Generation of landfill gases and waste degradation phases

(Source: Bioreactor landfills for sustainable solid waste management)

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3.5. PHASE V : MATURATION PHASE

It marks the final stage as biodegradable matter and nutrients become limiting. This
phase is characterized by a marked drop in landfill gas production, stable concentrations of
leachate constituents, and the continued relatively slow degradation of remainder organic
matter.

4. LANDFILL LEACHATE

Leachate is a liquid that has percolated through solid waste and has extracted,
dissolved and suspended materials that may include potentially harmful substances. The
type of solid waste, physical, chemical and biological activities that occur in solid waste
determine the quality of leachate. The quantity of leachate seeping from the landfill is
proportional to the buildup of leachate within the landfill, alternatively known as leachate
mould. It can cause serious problems like contamination of soil, ground water and surface
water if not properly treated.

4.1. LEACHATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

The management of leachate is the key to eliminating potential landfill problems.

An effective method for the treatment of the leachate is to collect and re-circulate the
leachate through the landfill. This increases the landfill's moisture content, which is
essential for the activities of all microorganisms. During leachate re-circulation, the
leachate is returned to a lined landfill for re-infiltration into the municipal solid waste. This
is considered as a method of leachate control because, as the leachate continues to flow
through the landfill, it is treated through biological process, precipitation and absorption.
This process also benefits the landfill by increasing the moisture content, which in turn
increases the rate of biological degradation of landfill, the biological stability of the landfill
and the rate of methane recovery from the landfill.

Another simple technique that is used as a leachate management system is leachate

evaporation. It involves the use of lined leachate evaporation ponds. Leachate that is not
evaporated is sprayed on the completed portions of the landfill. Sequencing batch reactors
can also be used for the treatment of landfill leachate.

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4.2. METHODS OF LEACHATE RE-CIRCULATION

Leachate re-circulation is one of the emerging techniques that can be used to

manage leachate from landfill. There are several methods of leachate introduction:

4.2.1. Direct Application

In this process, the leachate is added to the incoming solid waste while it is being
unloaded, deposited and compacted. The problems associated with this method include
odour problems, health risks due to exposure etc. This method also requires a leachate
storage facility for periods such as high winds and rainfall.

4.2.2. Spray Irrigation

This method involves spraying of leachate over a large surface area. Although this
method allows for the distribution of leachate over a larger portion of the landfill, loss of
leachate volume through evaporation, odours and wind conditions are of concern.

4.2.3. Infiltration Ponds

This method re-circulates the leachate through surface infiltration ponds. The ponds
are constructed using an area that is isolated with soil berms or developed in excavated
waste. The disadvantages include an increase in the amount of required area, monitoring of
the ponds to detect leaks and seepage.

4.2.4. Subsurface Trenches Or Wells

This method use either horizontal trenches or vertical wells and is the most common
method for redistributing of leachate. The horizontal trenches are placed into the waste and
are filled with granular soils or permeable waste materials. The leachate is pumped through
perforated piping by gravity or is pressure injected. These trenches are usually spaced about
100 to 200 feet horizontally and 40 feet vertically. By adopting horizontal trenches, the
leachate distribution can be maximized, injection rates can be increased and injection ports
can be located away from traffic areas; while, insufficient spacing of trenches or over-
pumping can result in vertical leachate seeps and possible artesian conditions. The vertical
wells are carefully placed throughout the landfill to ensure no interference with one another
or with waste placement or compaction. They are usually spaced 100 to 200 feet apart. The

9
main advantage of using vertical wells is its low cost, but the leachate distribution may not
be uniform.

4.3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LEACHATE RE-CIRCULATION

The advantages are:

 Landfills that use leachate re-circulation experience a decrease in the concentration

of the leachate compared to the landfills without recycle treatment.
 The increased moisture content in the waste enhances the biodegradation process.
 It stabilizes the biological system in the landfill much faster.
 Leachate recirculation increases the rate at which the waste decomposes and this
increases the rate of methane production.
 Leachate re-circulation is a leachate management method which is relatively simple
and inexpensive.

The disadvantages include:

 Since the landfills are heterogeneous, the leachate may find discrete channels to
travel through, which makes it difficult to ensure that the leachate reacts with the
entire waste and is thoroughly treated.
 The risk of environmental exposure when leachate is applied to the surface of a
landfill.

5. BIOREACTOR LANDFILL DESIGN

Once a site is selected, the landfill must be designed to satisfy all of the criteria
established during site selection process. An important factor in a landfill design is
establishing the size of the facility. The landfill bioreactor or land bio cell (LBC) is
designed and constructed with the following components:

 Groundwater Control System

 Composite liner containment system

 Leachate collection System

 Liquid/leachate injection system

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  LFG collection / air injection system

 Final Cover

Fig. 6 Section of a Bio Land Fill

(Source : http://www.eco-web.com/edi/img/01779-12.jpg)
5.1. GROUNDWATER CONTROL SYSTEM

The LBC is constructed below the seasonal high groundwater table. Therefore, the
cell has been designed with a Groundwater Control System. This system consists of a
geocomposite material placed below the compacted clay liner of the composite liner of the
cell. During the construction period of the LBC and initial filling, groundwater control
system is pumped as required to prevent uplift on the liner system. Under normal
operational conditions, groundwater is not pumped out allowing it to build an inward
gradient minimizing the potential for leachate leakage through the composite liner.

5.2. LINER SYSTEM

The composite liner system consists of a primary 80 mil High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE) geomembrane liner and a secondary 1.0 m thick compacted clay liner. The
composite liner system is particularly effective in terms of containment capability due to
the synergy gained when the two materials are used in combination. This synergy is a result

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of the different leakage mechanisms for geomembrane and compacted low permeability
clay liners. When the two are used in combination and intimate contact occurs such that
leakage through the geomembrane cannot readily spread out across the compacted clay
liner, leakage through any hole or defect in the primary geomembrane liner will be
effectively “plugged” by the clay liner beneath.

5.3. LEACHATE COLLECTION AND REMOVAL SYSTEM

The LBC Leachate Collection and Removal System collects and removes leachate
produced within the cell. This system prevents the build-up of leachate head on the liner
system and allows for leachate recirculation. In the LBC, because the waste is pre-wetted
and because leachate is recirculated, the potential for leachate generation is higher than in a
conventional landfill.

The leachate collection system consists of a gravel drainage layer at the cell base
and on the inner side slopes of the cell. In addition, a geocomposite layer will be installed
below the gravel layer on the slopes. Gravel filled trenches containing perforated HDPE
pipes direct collected leachate into the leachate collection sump. The potential for clogging
in drainage gravel will be minimized by using large size gravel. An automated submersible
pump system is installed in the leachate sump to pump leachate into the liquid injection
system.

5.4. LIQUID INJECTION SYSTEM (LIS)

The purpose of the Liquid Injection System is to maintain optimum moisture

content within the waste matrix for both anaerobic and aerobic reactions by recirculating
leachate and any additional moisture as required. The Liquid Injection System would be
operated in conjunction with the Leachate Collection and Removal System. Once the LBC
is operating, the average flow rate of liquid injection should be approximately equal to the
average flow rate to the leachate sump. This equilibrium condition needs to be adjusted to
optimum and maintained, in order to prevent the biomass from becoming too wet or too
dry.

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 Net moisture gains or losses to the system through precipitation, evaporation, or
other causes can be balanced by the addition or removal of liquid from the LBC at the
leachate collection sump.

5.5. LANDFILL GAS COLLECTION SYSTEM

LFG generated during the anaerobic phase of the LBC operations is collected by the
LFG collection piping system installed within the biomass. The design for LFG Collection
System consists of a combination of horizontal and vertical perforated pipes connected to a
landfill gas header for power generation .The perforated pipes are placed in gravel trenches.
LFG generated within the LBC is at a higher temperature (maximum temperature is

assumed to be 50 degrees) than the ambient temperature under almost saturated conditions.
When LFG is extracted, the moisture in the gas produces condensate. This condensate is
collected and disposed in order for the LFG collection system to operate properly. The LFG
collection piping system header includes a condensate knockout tank at the lowest point of
the piping system.

5.6. AIR DELIVERY SYSTEM

The same piping system used for LFG collection, during the anaerobic phase
(Phase I) of the LBC will be used for air delivery to the biomass during the aerobic phase
(Phase II) of the LBC. The air delivery system will be operated with the objective of
maintaining a minimum 5% oxygen concentration within the biomass air voids. This will
enhance aerobic biodegradation and minimize potential methane generation. Air injection

will be started following the removal of top three layers of the final cover including the
Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) membrane. However, the bio cap layer will
not be removed and it will act as an oxidative or a biofilter layer for the LBC. The removal
of the top layers and air injection will be undertaken in stages to minimize fire hazards and
odour problems.

5.7. FINAL COVER

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 Final cover will be installed progressively as design grades are achieved. An
innovative way of mitigating methane emissions into the atmosphere using a bio cover is
incorporated into the final cover. Methanotrophic bacteria in the layer of compost/soil
mixture oxidizes any methane escaping into the atmosphere. It also consists of a
geocomposite and a Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) membrane to
accommodate landfill gas collection. Topsoil layer will be vegetated to prevent erosion.

6. ADVANTAGES OF BIOREACTOR LANDFILLS

Engineered landfills have the following advantages, if properly implemented and

managed:

 Enhance the LFG generation rates: The generation and recovery of LFG under
controlled conditions improves the LFG and this in turn improves the economics for
LFG recovery and utilization. The enhanced extent of degradation in a bioreactor
landfill also speeds up the production of landfill gas and increases the total amount
of gas produced. Landfill gas consists mainly of carbon dioxide and methane, with
trace amounts of other gases. These gases are formed as a result of microbial
degradation of waste components. The increased methane production makes it more
economically feasible to use the methane generated within the landfill for heating or
electricity generation. The capture and use of the methane reduces the negative
impact of this greenhouse gas on the environment.
 Leachate quality and environmental impact: Re-circulating leachate through the
waste partially remediates, or reduces the toxicity of, the leachate. Each time the
leachate passes through the waste, compounds within the leachate are transformed
by microorganisms within the landfill, and the toxicity of the leachate is reduced.
Once stabilized, the landfill poses less risk to the environment and community.
 Production of end product that does not need land filling: By encouraging the
microbial degradation of the solid waste and the removal of inert end products
through periodical engineered mining, the bioreactor landfill cells could be reused
and the end product could be spread on the land as compost like material.

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  Overall reduction of landfilling cost: By successive reuses of the same bioreactor
landfill cell, there are overall savings arising from not requiring a new site for new
landfills every 15-20 years.
 Reduction in leachate treatment capital and operating cost: A bioreactor landfill
enhances the biological and chemical transformation of both organic and inorganic
constituents within the landfill airspace, which will have an effect on the final
leachate treatment.
 Reduction in the post closure care and maintenance: A bioreactor landfill minimizes
the long-term environmental risks and liability because of the controlled settlement
of the solid waste during landfill operation, the low potential for leachate migration
into subsurface environment and recovery of LFG during landfill operation.
 Overall reduction of the contaminating life span of landfill: This occurs as a result
of a decrease in contaminant concentrations during operating periods of the
bioreactor landfill.

7. APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

IN INDIA

As compared to many developed countries, the concept of bioreactor landfill

operation is still relatively very new to India. Currently, the overall technical arrangement,
including the storage and discharge, collection and transport and the disposal are in a very
poor condition which leads to environmental and health risks. As a solution to the
mismanaged open dumps, a systematic strategy must be planned and executed. Controlled
tipping or dumping, followed by engineering techniques is the gradual and obvious step to
be taken. The waste degradation in landfills can be accelerated by opening it in the
bioreactor mode and in the end the stabilized waste mass with limited methane and odour
production and less harmful leachate that can be recovered creates valuable landfill
airspace. The waste is also in a safer environment compared to mines and recycling plants.

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8. CONCLUSIONS

Bioreactor landfills are MSW landfills that provide favourable conditions for
microbes to biologically stabilize waste within a relatively short period of time.
Stabilization occurs in 5 to 10 years as compared to 30 to 100 years in a conventional
landfill. During stabilization, waste mass is lost through the production of landfill gas. The
resulting landfill mass, consisting of non biodegradable waste (metal, plastic, glass) as well
as residual biodegradable materials, will settle, decreasing volume of placed material.

Leachate re-circulation is the method that is used for moisture control in these
landfills. It can lead to more rapid waste decomposition, stabilization and settlement.
Optimum moisture content and movement rate can be brought about by leachate re-
circulation. Along with this, inoculate addition, control on particle size, proper lift design
and temperature control are the other factors that enhance the degradation process.

The design of bioreactor landfill includes the design of mainly the groundwater
control system, liner system, leachate collection System, liquid/ leachate injection system,
LFG collection / air injection system and the final cover. The advanced technologies
applied in bioreactor landfills can enhance waste settlements. Waste settlement analysis is
very critical for the design and operation of bioreactor landfills. The stability of the slopes
also plays an important role in the design of bioreactor landfills.

The main advantages of the bioreactor landfills include proper treatment of

leachate, enhancing the gas production and accelerated waste stabilization. Along with the
many advantages that the bioreactor landfills possess, there are some limitations to this
technology. The re-circulation of leachate increases the water head on the bottom liner
which may enhance the leakage of leachate. Also, the addition of air in aerobic bioreactors
increases the chances of fire. Compared to the conventional landfills, these require more
construction and operation costs. There are currently more than three thousand bioreactors
in the United States, while in India, it is still a relatively new technology that is yet to be
accepted.

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9. REFERENCES

 Elnashaie, Baojahmadi, and Halim,Firoozeh Danafar. " Bioreactors Land-Fills

(BRLFs) for Waste Treatment “,Journal of Purity, Utility Reaction and
Environment Vol.2 No.5, (2013)
 Ewa Neczag, Ewa Okoniewska and Malgorzata Kacprzak. "Treatment Of
Landfill Leachate By Sequencing Batch Reactor", Desalination 185 (2005).
 Krishna R Reddy, "Geotechnical Aspects Of Bioreactor Landfills", IGC,
December( 2006).
 Wraith. M.A, X.Li and H.Jin, "Bioreactor Landfills: State-Of-The-Art Review",
Emirates Journal For Engineering Research,10(I), (2005).
 Wraith. M.A, "Solid Waste Management: New Trends In Landfill Design",
Emirates Journal For Engineering Research,8(I), (2003).
 Mostafa A.Wraith and Graham J.Takata, " Effect Of Aeration On Fresh And
Aged Municipal Solid Waste In A Simulated Landfill Bioreactor", Water Qual. Res.
J. Canada, Volume 39, No.3,(2004).
 Patel Munna Lal and Chauhan Janardan Singh, " Variance Of "Municipal Solid
Waste And Constraints In Its Scientific Management" In The State Of Madhya
Pradesh, India", Int. Journal Of Applied Sciences And Engineering Research, Vol.
1, Issue 3,(2012).

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