Ozonation of acid yellow 17 dye in a semi-batch bubble column.

A semi-batch bubble column was used to evaluate the effect of ozonation on the removal of acid yellow 17 dye from water. Results indicate that ozonation is very effective at removing acid yellow 17 dye from synthetic textile wastewater. The ozone consumed to apparent dye removal ratio ranged from 2 to 15,000 mg ozone per mg of dye decolorized and was dependent on both ozonation time and apparent dye concentration. The biodegradability of the dye wastewater was evaluated by monitoring changes in 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) with respect to chemical oxygen demand (COD). Results indicate that the wastewater biodegradability increased with an increase in ozonation time. Film theory was used to kinetically model the gas-liquid reactions occurring in the reactor. Modeling results indicated that during the first 10-15 min of ozonation, the system could be characterized by a fast, pseudo-first-order regime. With continued ozonation, system kinetics transitioned through a moderate then to a slow regime. Successful modeling of this period required use of a kinetic equation corresponding to a more inclusive condition. Model results are presented.

Municipal solid waste in situ moisture content measurement using an electrical resistance sensor.

Moisture content (MC) is a crucial parameter for degradation of solid waste in landfills. Present MC measurement techniques suffer from several drawbacks. A moisture sensor for measurement of in situ moisture content of solid waste in landfills was developed. The sensor measures the electrical resistance across the granular matrix of the sensor, which in turn can be correlated to moisture content. The sensor was also equipped with a thermocouple and tubing that permits simultaneous measurement of temperature and gas sampling. The electrical conductivity of the surrounding moisture and the temperature in the matrix both affect the resistance measurements. This paper describes the results of laboratory experiments designed to select the appropriate granular media particle size, measure the influence of moisture electrical conductivity and temperature, and develop calibration relationships between measured resistance and gravimetrically determined moisture content. With a few limitations, the sensor is able to detect MC of solid waste under conditions allowing moisture movement into the sensor. The application of this technique shows promise for use in bioreactor landfills where high moisture contents are expected and desired.

The bioreactor landfill: its status and future.

The bioreactor landfill provides control and process optimisation, primarily through the addition of leachate or other liquid amendments. Sufficient experience now exists to define recommended design and operating practices. However, technical challenges and research needs remain related to sustainability, liquid addition, leachate hydrodynamics, leachate quality, the addition of air, and cost analysis.