Technical and economic aspects of a sequential MF + NF + zeolite system treating landfill leachate.

This work explores the techno-economic aspects of landfill leachate treatment by an integrated scheme composed of microfiltration (MF), nanofiltration (NF), and zeolite application for carbon and nitrogen removal. In bench-scale experiments, MF and NF were investigated, and zeolite batch tests were carried out to determine optimum conditions. A preliminary economic analysis is presented for a 200 m 3 d -1 full-scale treatment facility based on the data obtained from experimental tests and literature surveys. The maximum removals of 92%, 94%, and 79% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), absorbance at 254 nm, and ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 + -N) were achieved in bench experiments, respectively. It was possible to reach the local discharge standard for COD (200 mg L -1 ), but it was not possible to reach the Brazilian disposal requirement for NH 4 + -N (20 mg L -1 ). The total cost of the integrated MF + NF + zeolite system was estimated at 19.89 US$m -3 . In this study, the costs of the zeolite application account for around 70% of the total costs of the integrated scheme. Membrane process integration was an adequate strategy for removing organic compounds at low operating costs; However, further NH 4 + -N depuration is needed to meet discharge requirements.