1.

0 Introduction
Environmental problems are among the worst of most countries. Environmental
concern with oil leaks began after 1967, when the oil tanker Tower Canyon ran
aground off the coast of Cornwall, England. There was a spill of about 95,000 tons of
oil. For the environment, the damage was extensive. In addition to the problems
created socioeconomics, beaches were completely covered by hydrocarbon. Rocks,
plants and crustaceans have not survived. After this disaster, society started to worry
about accidents of this kind.
The environment can be altered by conventional transportation fuels in various
ways, and may be for its generation, transportation or consumption. This change may
result in pollution of trophic systems: air; groundwater, sediment, media, marine, and
the soil itself (Boopathy, 2004). The contamination usually arises from accidents
involving motor vehicles, underground storage tanks, spills, pipelines, illegal disposal,
faulty transmission lines, accidental leaks and even in the very industry that produces
biodiesel (Marchal et al,. 2003; Mukherji et al.; 2004; Mariano et al,. 2008). The
contamination also cause environmental imbalance, and economic losses to society
from affected regions (Molina-Barahona et al, 2004). Due to the large increase in
Brazilian vehicle fleet and the consequent fuel consumption, government agencies
have been concerned about the environmental problems caused by the spill or
environmental accidents.
The methods used by the petroleum industry are divided into thermal, physicochemical and biological treatments. An attractive strategy for the remediation of soils
is the biological treatment or bioremediation.
A definition of bioremediation is a set of technologies that based on
microbiological processes to convert environmental pollutants in non-toxic products
such as carbon dioxide, water and salts simple inorganic (Bernoth et al, 2000). Some
of these treatment technologies 'in-situ' are applied, that is, at the place where
contamination has occurred. where contaminated soils are not removed or
contaminated groundwater is not pumped to the surface treatment. Other technologies
require the removal of contaminated material from its source to a convenient place,
being treated later. These ex-situ technologies (Alexander (1999) cited in Trinity
(2002)).
1

The techniques in-situ soils have the advantage of having a relatively low cost, but
there is great difficulty applying them in the recovery of soils impacted by oil and / or
derivatives when they have, quite common in Brazil clay characteristics.
Have the application of ex-situ treatment technologies such as bioreactors, have
become alternatives for greater applicability in the treatment of contaminated soils
clayey nature.
The use of bioreactors is an attractive and promising option when compared to
the limitations from the point of technical / economic perspective of others. Besides
the fact of being completely closed bioreactor systems that allow control of emissions,
and have advantages such as: effective monitoring process, greater control of the
process variables (pH, temperature, humidity, etc.), better incorporation of additives,
reducing the process time, etc. (Alef & Nannipieri, 1995).
To be possible to use bioreactors, planning is necessary in addition to an
evaluation of the soil to be treated, the location that the bioreactor will be inserted and
check the applicable laws related to the subject.
Furthermore bioreactors facilitate control of the biodegradation of pollutants in
soil process which facilitates the acclimatization of the microbiota and development.
The use of bioreactors has emerged as a viable and crucial technology for treating
contaminated with organic compounds (Ururahy, 1998) soils. BAPTISTA et al. (2006),
fixed bed reactors used for the treatment of clayey soil contaminated with petroleum
hydrocarbons and found a removal of about 45% of total petroleum hydrocarbons
(TPH) after 45 days of treatment.
The use of bioreactors for treating contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons
tends to improve the soil biodegradation of these contaminants because it
incorporates oxygen, nutrients and an efficient homogenization.
The reactors mud (or slurry reactors) is the most common type of bioreactor
used in the treatment of contaminated soil. Its operation takes place as follows: after
excavation and sieving, the contaminated soil is mixed with an aqueous phase (which
may contain microorganisms, nutrients and / or surfactants). A 'mud' which is
generated can contain from 10 to 40% solids, varying according to the type of soil, the
agitation and aeration equipment available system.
Besides the use for treatment of contaminated soils, bioreactors have other
uses, such as mineralization of swine waste, wastewater treatment and water reuse.
2

In this work, the focus will be the use of bioreactors as landfill, since the garbage is
one of the largest ambiental problems of the contemporary society.

2.0 Definition of bioreactors

Because of the slow degradation rate of conventional landfill, new concepts in
solid waste disposal have been sought. The solution is the bioreactor landfill. The
focus is in the improvement of the degradation processes to stabilize the waste and
aims to bring forward the inert state of a landfill in a relatively short time (usually 5 to
10 years, the normal is 30 to 100 years).
But bioreactors are a difficult thing to define. One definition very utilized if the
EPAs Office of Research and Developments:
Bioreactors are landfills where controlled addition of non-hazardous liquid wastes or
water accelerates the decomposition of waste and landfill gas generation.
Also, there is anothers, for example, Solid Waste Association of North America
(SWANA) says that: "Any permitted Subtitle D landfill or landfill cell where liquid or air
is injected in a controlled fashion into the waste mass in order to accelerate or
enhance biostabilization of waste.
2.1.1. Types of Bioreactor Landfills
There are 3 principal types of bioreactor landfills:
Aerobic - (Figure 1.1) Leachate is removed and re-circulated, often with additional
water and air of oxygen is injected. 2 years are necessary to the completely
biodegradation, but is very expensive

 Anaerobic bioreactor (Figure 1.2) : The difference between this one and a sanitary
landfill is that moisture is added to the waste mass in the form of re-circulated
leachate.. Under optimal conditions, waste stabilization happen between 6 and 7
years.

Hybrid bioreactor (Figure 1.3) is a combination of aerobic and anaerobic bioreactor.

First, the upper most layer is aerated for 30 to 60 days, then being buried by the next
layer and soon after treated anaerobically.

2.1.2 Natural process of Degradation of Solid Waste

To understood how the bioreactors works, is needed to know how the natural process
of biodegradation happen.
In a sanitary landfill, there's two majors biological stages:
Aerobic degradation - Is the first step in the sequence. Is the short phase,because
the oxygen in a sanitary landfill is limited and the high biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD) of the solid wastes.
Because of the quantity of the oxygen in the environment, bacteria grows and the
process of biodegradation began, by metabolizing the waste, so complex organic
structures become simple and soluble molecules. Because of the limited food here is
limiting, the microorganisms do the endogenous respiration: they consuming their own
protoplasm to obtain energy for cell maintenance reactions. The biomass
concentration decrases until be stable. Highly soluble salts are found in the leachate
produced in this phase.
Anaerobic degradation - starts after the oxygen be consumed. Is necessary a
large quantity of organic matter in the solid wastes to the biodegradation happen.
5

The first stage is the Anaerobic Acid Production. When the oxygen is over, the soluble
sugars and amino acids aren't completely metabolized, so another process began.
The microorganisms starts to break it down to organic acids, which are soluble in
water. They starts to accumulate in the landfill. The energy utilized by the
microorganisms for growth is obtained by chemical reactions that happens during the
metabolism and part of the organic waste is changed into cellular or exocellular
material.
2.2 Components of bioreactor landfill
For the implementation of a bioreactor landfill, some things are required: design
of all components (to optimise the bioreactor processes) and the permits from local
regulatory authority to enhance biodegradation by leachate recirculation. The
components of a bioreactor landfill are:
The liner and leachate collection system: utilized to avoid the groundwater
contamination. minimizes the infiltration of leachate into the subsurface soils.
Leachate storage: Instead use the leachate storage for pretreatment before direct
disposal to a treatment facility or use for complete treatment, which is made in a
conventional landfill, in the dry period the leachate storage of a bioreactor landfill will
receive storm water and excess leachate for recirculation
Recirculation system: One of a lot of examples is a distribution directly on the
surface or through a manifold system or injection from within vertical wells. Locality
regulation, budget, and ease of implementation are the reasons for selecting the type
to be chosen.
Landfill gas control system: Landfill gas needs to be rapidly produced since
degradation of the bioreactor is also produced swiftly. The landfill has management
control of landfill gas, as they must prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to the
environment
. Monitoring and testing: have a role in evaluating the degree of biological activity.
The circulation of leachate and gas circulation thus risks to the environment are
reduced and performance of the bioreactor is improved.
2.3 Bioreactor Process Overview
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First, the function of bioreactor landfill is to accelerate the degradation of MSW. In

research, it was descobrto a bioreactor that generates more LGF (LFG) and faster
than a traditional landfill. Most modern MSWLFs (Municipal Solid Waste Landfills)
does not install gas collection systems to the closure of the landfill site and leveling
being finalized. A typical bioreactor will operate and gas systems during the active life
of the landfill and collect gas and control over a shorter period of time. Typically, a
bioreactor gas systems operate throughout its run, collecting and controlling the gas
for a shorter period of time. However, studies show that the bioreactor increases the
feasibility of recovering biogas low cost, reducing fugitive emissions. Seen it, The U.S.
Department of Energy estimates:. "The technology of controlled bioreactor were
applied to 50 percent of MSW being landfilled, 270 billion cubic feet of methane can
be recovered each year This volume of biogas can be used to produce one percent of
U.S. electrical needs. "
In the figure below is possible to observe a system of gas production curves from a
dry tomb landfill and a bioreactor. The grafic simulating the expected first order
biological decomposition rate (K) expected under bioreactor operation against the
Subtitle D landfill(USEPAs Landgem model, no liquids added).

Figure 1-3. Typical Landfill gas prediction curve for Bioreactor Landfill vs. Traditional
Subtitle D Landfill (From Waste Management, Inc.)

2.3.1 Liquid Amendments

Most landfills do not generate sufficient volumes of leachate to increase
moisture content of MSW from an average ambient moisture content of 20 to 25 % by
wet weight to optimal levels of 40 to 60% by wet weight. While this may be a
significant operational goal, it may be very difficult to ensure that all of the waste
material attains field capacity. Even if the waste material does not achieve field
capacity,

the

addition

of

moisture

will

enhance

waste

degradation.

The addition of moisture in a landfill is necessary, since most landfills can not
generate the necessary volume of manure to increase the average water content of
MSW 20-25% to the optimal levels 40-60%. Without it, hardly the stuff of residue will
reach its field capacity. Water or aqueous Amendments (> 50% water) are the best to
increase the population of bacteria naturally present in the landfill, which optimize the
production of gas degradarr an organic part of the waste solids ubanos, thus creating
a

zone

of

treating

leachate

generated

by

landfill.

It is important to know the phases of waste decomposition to be sure that the

landfill is in the right zone of optimal degradation.
According to USEPA's RD&D rule (created because of the the knowledge thar
most large landfills lack sufficient leachate to increase moisture content in MSW) this
are the directions for identifying potential off-site liquid amendments (ITRC, 2009):
" Liquid amendments that are between pH of 4 to 9 and must be non-hazardous by
characteristic and definition
Liquids amendments that are 95-99% aqueous
Liquid amendments currently accepted by bioreactor demonstration sites are:
- biosolids (2 to 9 % fresh or treated sewage sludge from POTWs (Publicly Owned
Treatment Works (from raw sludge, digestors or lagoon clean-outs)
-liquid rejects from food and beverage manufacturers
- paint rejects or paint spray booth materials (acrylic water based paints)

- tank clean-outs and oily waters(95% aqueous)

- antifreeze waters, dye and ink test waters, dry well water
- leachates from other sites
- liquid sludge from non-hazardous waste treatment plants (commercial and industrial)
- remedial liquids from companies that specialize in remediation and transport
High concentration of soluble and degradable organic liquids
Liquids not acceptable include:
Surfactant based fluids, oil or petroleum based fuels, pickling wastes, aluminum
dross, and high sulfur content wastes
Liquids that can be degraded quickly to simple sugars, such as tomato food rejects,
should be used in combination with other aqueous amendments to avoid rapid
fermentation to volatile acids
Liquids with total phenols > 2000 ppm
Liquids that are sulfide or cyanide reactive, ignitable, or corrosive
Liquids that may be classified as hazardous waste or substances"
The last liquids couldn't be used because they have the power of potentially
retard acceleration into he methanogenic phase of degradation of MSW. But, in small
quantites is possible to non-hazardous liquids not recommended can be bleded with
acceptable liquids.
2.3.2 Phases of Waste Decomposition
For a good understanding of the principles of the landfill as a bioreactor, one
must first understand the "life cycle" of a MSWFL. According to Pohland et al (1986),
there are five distinct phases of waste decomposition, as showing in the figure 2.3.

Figure 1-4. Waste decomposition phases taken from draft (Modified from Pohland
and Harper, 1986)
Phase I (lag phase): moisture starts to accumulate. Aerobic bacteria begins to
consumed the oxygen entrained in freshly deposited solid waste
Phase II (transition phase): The environment become anaerobic. Because of the
ncreased activity anaerobic bacteria, happens an increase in the chemical oxygen
demand (COD) and detectable levels of total volatile acids (TVA).
Phase III (acid phase) In this phase the peak happen COD and BOD levels in
leachate. The initial hydrolisis is in this phase where the liquid leaches October easily
degradable organics. The pH is lowered to make it more acidic, because of the rapid
conversion of waste to TVAs by acidogenic bacteria, resulting in the mobilization of
metal species that migrate from the waste into leachate. Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs or solvents) are also mobilized.
Phase IV -This phase marks the peak in landfill gas production
is the period that the acid compounds (which were earlier produced) are converted in
methene and carbone dioxide gas by methanogenic bacteria.The PH becomes
neutral. A reduction in the metals and VOC concentrations in leachate happens.

10

Phase V - final stage (maturation) to relative dormancy as biodegradable matter.

Nutrients become limiting.A marked drop in landfill gas production occur, and in
sequence the stable concentrations of leachate constituents. Continued relatively slow
the degradation of recalcitrant organic matter.
2.4 Advantages and limitations of bioreactor landfill
As everything in the world, bioreactor landfills have pros and cons. Accordind to the
The 'Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council Alternative Landfill Technologies
Team '.The pros are:
Primary advantages
- Efficient utilization of permitted landfill capacity
- Stabilization of waste in a shorter time
- Reduced leachate handling cost
- Reduced post closure care
Secondary Advantages
- Optimization of waste emplaced in a landfill
- Potential for landfill gas to be a revenue stream
- Reduced air emissions containing VOC and HAPs
- Obtaining an advantage from alternative cover designs
- Reduced toxicity of leachate and waste material
- Consistentcy with sustainacble landfill design
And the cons are:
Confusion over existing regulations to permit bioreactors
Higher capital costs
Operator skills
Temperature control in aerobic bioreactors
Geotechnical stability
Liner chemical compatibility
Odor control
Availability of liquid

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3.0 Regulatory Background

In 1993 rules created by USEPA and approved by Congress were
implemented, the subtitle D of RCRA. The rules prescribed landfill design, operation,
and post-closure practices such as composite liners and covers (low permeability soil
plus geosynthetic membrane), the prohibition of liquid wastes, installation of leachate
collection systems, and monitoring requirements que together form the basis of the
modern sanitary landfill (ITRC, 2006)
Combining engineering liners and leachate collection systems, managed to
prevent the migration of leachate to ground and underground waters thus reducing the
leaching potential escape while preventing harm human health and the environment of
the modern landfill. The landfill has become a repository very well designed and
reliable isolation, but at the same time slows microbial activity, used in biological and
chemical degradation and Resulting waste stabilization. Knowing this, EPA recognized
that landfills need moisture to decomposition occur, the addition of liquid is required to
promote the stabilization unit. Liquid addition to the landfill could be permitted, but only
by way of liquids recirculation.
3.1. RCRA Regulations and Guidance
The controlling federal law for both municipal solid waste and hazardous waste
landfills is called RCRA. Created in the beggining of 1980s, is the guide of the closure
of landfills.

4.0 Design and operation of bioreactor landfill

4.1 Components of Bioreactor Landfill
The conceptual design for bioreactor landfill is still flexible. The components which
must be considered in the design of bioreactos are:
liner system: has the function of prevent leachate and landfill gas from contaminating
soil and groundwater. An example is shown in Figure 4.1. has the function of prevent
leachate and landfill gas from contaminating soil and groundwater. An example is
12

shown in Figure 4.1. made of compacted clay liner (CCL) and geomembrane, which
provide more protection and are hydraulically more effective than either type of liner
alone (Tchobanoglous et al., 1993).

leachate collection system:

Consists of permeable natural materials, such as sand or gravel or a geosynthetic
net. the bioreactor landfill utilizes leachate recirculation technique. Is needed to collect
the largest possible volume of water, so the leachate collection system must be well
designed. Because of increased biodegradation pipe size is larger than the
conventional landfill. Especially in enhanced biodegradation, fine particles will clog, so
filter and operational layer are needed to be placed around the leachate collection
pipe (Qian et al., 2002). The Filter layer must be 150 mm of sand or a geotextile, and
operations layer should be 300 to 450 mm of locally available soil.

Figure 4.2 Schematic of leachate collection system

13

 leachate distribution system: There are five types of leachate distribution system
associated with full-scale bioreactor landfills (Reinhart and Townsend, 1998) which
are:

The selection of leachate distribution system must consider: climate, malodors, worker
exposure, environmental impacts, evaporation loss, reliability, uniformity and
aesthetics (Pacey et al., 2000).
landfill gas collection system:
The installation of gas wells to collect landfill gas at the initial stage is necessary in a
bioreactor landfill, as its accelerated biodegradation, which can be seen in figure 4.4.

Figure 4.4 - Landfill gas distribution system

daily, intermediate and final cover soil:
daily, intermediate and end cover soil:
in a conventional landfill, the design of ground covering not create a waterproof layer
to prevent the movement of the deciduous manure or restinge capturing gas. As an
example, daily cover materials Refers to the 150 mm of soil placed over each lift of
14

waste. However, in a bioreactor landfill, no one should put the final cover until the
Majority of settlement happens. Should be a temporary cover placed.
landfill cell type:
Instead of horizontal cells, vertical deep cells are preferable, since they result in better
compression, earlier onset of anaerobic condition, and minimal face exposure leading
to lesser leachate generation.

5.0 Bioreactor construction

The construction of a bioreactor includes construction methods quality
assurance and quality control measures to ensure accordance with the approved
designs. Bioreactor landfills must operate in conformance to many regulations and by
qualified personnel.
During the initial design and permitting process for a new landfill, construction
details has to be considered. New or retrofitted bioreactor landfills, are constructed
almost in the same way as conventional landfills. Both types needs gas recovey,
bottom liners, leachate collection and recovery systems. However, the construction
issues are similar for full-scale.
5.1 Construction Quality Assurance and Construction Quality Control Plan
A Construction Quality Assurance and Construction Quality Control plan are
important factors in successful bioreactor construction projects. They are parts of the
design submission in the permitting process. The CQA/CQC Plan should check the
tests and observations to be used to see if the construction of the bioreactor meets all
design criteria and specifications.
The process of verifying and documenting conformance in bioreactor design
documents is consistent with the federal regulatory requirements. These regulations
are applicable for the construction of bioreactors as well.
The CQA/CQC Plan has to specify the responsibilities of all participating parts
in the project.

15

5.2 Construction Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures

To ensure that the construction of a bioreactor system meets the design specification,
a CQA plan, which incorporates the concepts of quality assurance and quality control,
is essential. It certifies that the bioreactor was constructed according to design.
5.3 Construction Details
The construction of a bioreactor landfill involves some phases:
Site Preparation
Design sensitivity of key operational parameters
Earthwork
Trenching, backfilling and compaction
Erosion and sediment control
Grading
Paving and surfacing (for access roads and appurtenant structures)
5.4 Recordkeeping
Construction documentation has to include all laboratory reports and field
testing results should be reviewed, signed, and dated by a Quality Control inspMector.
The book should be maintained at the site during all the active construction phase
5.5 Construction Certification
The construction Certification Report includes as-built drawings signed, dated,
and sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state of the bioreactor project.
The report should also include all of the daily inspection reports. The certification
report, including any inspection data sheets, should be retained at the facility for future
reference.

6.0 Bioreactor Operation

16

Bioreactors fall into two major categories: As built bioreactors that are constructed
during the fill sequence, and retrofit bioreactors that are retrofitted into an existing
cell at or are near final grade.
Waste Filling and Compaction
Typical filling and compaction in conventional landfills are similar, but may not
serve for bioreactors. Compacting and covering practices should provide adequate
permeability of the waste material and help the distribution of liquids, facilitating the
biodegradation processes.
Waste filling procedures should homogenize the waste to the maximum extent.
Waste preprocessing may be efficient to bioreactor operations, but the costs should
be more than others bioreactor's projects.
Amounts of tires, yard waste, tree trunks and limbs, ash, or shingles should be
intercepted from the landfill and directed for processing and/or disposal.
Aeration (For Aerobic and Aerobic-Anaerobic Bioreactors)
As Built bioreactors, the aerobic conditions are established by injecting air into
one or more waste lifts. It is preferred that the aeration is limited to the top ten feet, as
many as three lifts, so thirty feet may be aerated at a time. However, on the Retrofit
bioreactors, vertical wells are drilled in clusters or as individual units. The well's
spacing is variable and is generally recommended based on an evaluation of the
radius of the well influence. The clustered wells has different depths to get top to
bottom aeration.
The safe operating temperature range for the aerated waste is between 125 F
and 170 F. The preferred operating range is between 145 F and 165 F.
Key Monitoring Parameters
Odor, landfill gas composition, pH, and waste temperature are the four key
bioreactor operating parameters who monitors the progress of aerobic biodegradation
in the waste.The gas should include minor amounts of methane and is not as
corrosive. The gas does not usually contain big concentrations of VOCs.
17

The pH of the leachate is acidic. The pH must be maintained within the neutral
range because acidic environments impede methanogenesis bacteria and the
completion of the waste degradation process.
The aerobic stage is over (or it is too dry and needs more water), when we can
not feel the sweet smell of butyric acid at the composting stage.
Daily waste temperature and gas temperature in recovery pipes or vent
temperatures measurements can prove beneficial.
System Operation Steps
The aeration should begin soon, within ten days of completing a new lift of waste.
Before the beginning of the aeration, the working face of the lift that is going to be
aerated should be watered.
The air pressure should be balanced across the header.
Each aeration pipe should be checked for blockage periodically.
Management of Moisture Levels
Moisture calculation is a method for determining the correct amount of moisture
to add to the MSW. Exists an optimum moisture level for each solid waste landfill
allowing the process of biological stabilization and compaction to proceed at the
highest rate possible.

An initial weight is

obtained for a 0.5-1.0 kg field sample of MSW. This moist sample is dried at 103-105
C to a constant weight. The percent moisture is calculated using this formula:
Percent Moisture = 100 - (dry weight/wet weight * 100)
Addition of Liquids to Achieve Moisture Goal
With the MSW moisture level at 25% and 1000 pounds/cubic yard dry weight, the
liquid weight present at 35% moisture can be calculated with this formula:
X = 0.35 (1000 + X)
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X = 350 + 0.35X
0.65X = 350
X = 538.46 pounds
Percent Moisture = 100 - (dry weight/wet weight * 100)
= 100 - (1000/1538.46 * 100)
= 35%
Moisture to be added = 538.46 - 333.33 = 205.13 pounds or 24.60 gallons/cu yd.
A demonstration of the use of the spreadsheet will be given:
Moisture = 15%
Landfill volume = 100,000 cubic yards
Desired Percent Moisture =15%
Dry Weight Density = 1200 lb/cu yd

Checking the spreadsheet:

211.76 lb or 25.39 gallons per cubic yard liquid need to be added.
25.39 gallons/cu yd * 100,000 cubic yards MSW = 2,539,000 gallons

Moisture addition spreadsheet for MSW at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 percent
moisture

19

20

21

22

This table shows the useful instrumentation for essential monitoring parameters of
bioreactor landfills:

23

Liquids Recirculation and Addition

Surface infiltration ponds, surface spraying, horizontal trenches, vertical wells,
vertical injection needles, vertical injection wells, drip irrigation tubing and area
infiltration systems are the methods of recirculation that have been used.
Surface and Surface Infiltration Ponds
Leachate is pumped into the shallow infiltration pond(s) on the surface of a
solid waste landfill and allowed to infiltrate. However, the number of limitations to this
method of recirculation is big, odor concerns, aesthetics, safety, rainwater infiltration
and cold weather operation are some of the problems that may happen, so it is not
generally used. They can be used if they are smaller then 400 ft.
Spray Systems
A tanker truck, water wagon, portable tank, plus fire hose or irrigation type
sprinkler can be used to spray leachate. The leachate is sprayed on the open trash
face.Tanker trucks or water wagons are used to transport the leachate.
Another idea is to install a leachate tank on the compactor, so the leachate can
be distributed as the compactor works. Precautions has to be taken when the tanker
truck or water wagon is used for dust control and leachate hauling, a decontamination
should happen after the process and it has to be done away from the area where the
trash trucks are unloading.

Spraying must be avoided when wind conditions

tend to cause misting toward the working face staff and when it is going to carry odors
off site toward neighbors. Sprinklers are moved periodically to avoid overdose in a
particular area. They distribute the liquid to a relatively large, but controlled area.
However, the sprinkler delivery can lead to concerns over odor or air emissions and
evaporation.
Horizontal Trenches
Horizontal recirculation trenches are the cheapest, easiest to construct, and
most effective recirculation system for the majority of landfills. They are placed in the
waste fill at regular horizontal and vertical intervals and backfilled with permeable
24

material like aggregate, fluff, loose waste, shredded tires and wood chips provide a
method for uniformly distributing leachate. While sand is not a recommended
permeable material, due to its propensity to clog, tire chips work well in shallow burial
applications, but with depth, appear to compress with the overburden resulting in
reduced flow capacity.

Trench systems can be

fed by gravity but they operate much better using pressure systems. A vertical interval
for horizontal trenches should have 30-50 feet and the optimum period for dosing and
resting has to be determined based on trial and error.
Vertical Injection Needles
The perforated steel pipe has normally two inches in diameter and a tapered
end. A backhoe is used to drive into a waste mass.
The installation is very fast, it has no drilling, and it is a cheap method. On the
other hand, the needles can only accept a limited quantity of liquid. Vertical needles
are generally sacrificial, when they cant accept considerable volumes of liquid, they
are abandoned.
Area Infiltration Systems
These area infiltration systems are layers of some highly permeable materials,
usually with one or two feet thick, so they can provide uniform distribution of leachate.
Aggregate and wood chips are examples of materials that can be used on this system.
The liquid has to be introduced into the permeable zone with perforated distribution
pipes, gravel columns, vertical wells, or other combination of these componentes.
However, the cost of the requested materials are usually a little high unless waste
streams can be used for this layer
Combined Gas Extraction/Recirculation
To put the piping system used for landfill gas collection, and liquids recirculation
system together, a very complicated process will be required. This method will need a
very detailed design, construction, and monitoring procedure, so the liquids in gas
wells that interfere with LFG collection will be avoided.

25

Application Frequency
Liquids addition has not a continuous development. The addition and recirculation
should stop as the moisture level increases. The doses are determined by field and
climate conditions.

Operational Issues
Sometimes the current procedures needs to be changed by new operational practices,
in order to make a liquid recirculation program works better.
Problems with the compaction, the final cover, the working face, and with the landfill
gas can be caused by the weather, the location, or even by the bioreactor
consequences.

Gas Parameters
When the addition of moisture to solid waste happens, the volume of methane grows
fast, so it is important to the in-line monitoring of gases to happen efficiently, this way it
can avoid many accidents.

26

Conclusion
It is seen that the bioreactors has plenty of advantages, comparing to conventional
landfills. It is a new idea and should be incorporated more and more times. It need a
workface well qualified and a good and expensive engineering team, but it is
believable that bioreactors landfills can reduce or even eliminate the carbon source in
MSW.

27