The fate and behaviour of nano-ZnO in conventional and bioreactor landfills
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Thesis (Ph.D.) - Bogazici University. Institute of Environmental Sciences, 2023.
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials are used in a variety of industrial processes such as textile, cosmetics, cleaning materials, sporting goods, etc. Nano-ZnO has gained attention because of its antibacterial, optical and photocatalytic properties. Nano- ZnO is used in industrial applications such as cosmetics, UV protection, ceramic industry, coating material, food additive, rubber manufacture, electrical devices, etc. Since the nano-ZnO has such wide applications, it is inevitable to enter landfills mostly through the disposal at the end of their life cycle. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nano-ZnO on biogas generation from sanitary landfills for both types of operation conditions (Conventional and bioreactor). Two conventional and two bioreactor landfills were operated using real MSW samples at mesophilic temperature (35 ºC) for 435 days. Two of the reactors were operated as control, while the other two reactors have an additional nano-ZnO. 100 mg nano -ZnO/g of dry waste was added to the simulated landfill reactors. Leachate parameters and daily gas production, composition, and leachate Zn concentration were regularly monitored to understand nano-ZnO's effect. Results indicated that the nano-ZnO is retained within the waste matrix for both reactor operation modes. Waste stabilization was faster in simulated landfill bioreactors with and without the addition of nano-ZnO. Thus, the nano-ZnO presence within the waste led to a decrease in about 15-20% in biogas production, suggesting that the nano-ZnO might have some inhibitory effects on waste stabilization.