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Anaerobic Bioreactor
Key Topics
The image shows a cut-away view of an anaerobic bioreactor with elevated levels of ammonium in the leachate. Leachate is removed via pipes from the bottom of the landfill and piped to an on-site biological leachate treatment facility. The facility uses facultative bacteria to nitrify the leachate ammonium to nitrate. The treated leachate and other liquids are then reinjected into the landfill. At the same time, gas generated by the decomposing waste rises through the landfill, and is collected by pipes within the waste and on top of the landfill. The landfill gas that is collected is used to generate energy. Groundwater monitoring occurs at monitoring wells situated around the perimeter of the landfill.