Removal of non-biodegredable organics from landfill leachate using paper mill sludge as a low cost adsorpbent

Abstract

Paper mill sludge (PMS) from the wastewater treatment system of paper production factory that was used as adsorbent to the treatment of non-biodegradable organics in leachate. Activated PMS (adsorbent) that includes approximate 52 % of cellulose (dry weight) was used in this research. Achieved results indicated that adsorption capacity of this adsorbent was significantly influenced by some factors such as pH level, amount of adsorbent, and adsorption time. Under static condition, the adsorption efficiency of non-degradable organics was determined as COD reduction of leachate reaches 86,5 % at pH = 6 after 150 min mixing with adsorbent/leachate ratio 1/40 (w/v). Maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent which was for COD reduction about 12.8 mg/g (dry weight).