Resource recovery from landfill leachate using bioelectrochemical systems: Opportunities, challenges, and perspectives. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iskander, Syeed Md; Brazil, Brian; Novak, John T.; He, Zhen
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 201(2016)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 354
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Landfill leachate -- Resource recovery -- Bioelectrochemical systems -- Bioelectricity -- Forward osmosis; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.11.051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Resource recovery from leachate is critical to its sustainable management. Bioelectrochemical systems can be used for resource recovery from leachate. Energy is recovered from oxidation of organic contaminants. Nutrient and metals may be recovered through ion transport driven by current. High-quality water can be recovered by forward osmosis integrated with BES. Abstract: Landfill leachate has recently been investigated as a substrate for bioelectrochemical systems (BES) for electricity generation. While BES treatment of leachate is effective, the unique feature of bioelectricity generation in BES creates opportunities for resource recovery from leachate. The organic compounds in leachate can be directly converted to electrical energy through microbial interaction with solid electron acceptors/donors. Nutrient such as ammonia can be recovered via ammonium migration driven by electricity generation and ammonium conversion to ammonia in a high-pH condition that is a result of cathode reduction reaction. Metals in leachate may also be recovered, but the recovery is affected by their concentrations and values. Through integrating membrane process, especially forward osmosis, BES can recover high-quality water from leachate for applications in landscaping, agricultural irrigation or direct discharge. This review paper discusses the opportunities, challenges, and perspectives of resource recovery from landfill leachate by using BES.