A STUDY OF BIOREACTOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE CO

- DISPOSE WITH COW DUNG ASH UNDER ANAEROBIC

CONDITIONS WITHOUT PH ADJUSTMENT
PRESENTED
BY;
OJOIDAJO DANIEL KAYODE
FPA/CE/22/3-0050

TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

THE FEDERAL POLYTHECNIC, ADO EKITI

EKITI STATE NIGERIA.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR

THE
AWARD OF HIHGER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND)
CERTIFICATE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING.

NOVEMBER, 2024.

CHAPTER 1
 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The proper management of Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a critical issue in many

developing countries around the world. The rate of population increase has a direct impact

on municipal solid waste generation. As the population grows, there is a corresponding

increase in demand of both agricultural and industrial products leading to the increase in

MSW in the continents which has been a serious threat to human health and climate. Increase

in an urban growth has further resulted in an increase in generation of waste from residual

sites, private and public service facilities, and construction and demolition activities as new

subdivision are established (Karak et al., 2012).

MSW management in Africa faces several challenges, particularly in Sub-Saharan African

countries. According to a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, the (MSW)

collection coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) was estimated at 44% in 2018, indicating

significant gap between waste generation and collection rates. The rates of waste generation

varies across Africa regions and individual nations, with the rise in per capita MSW, it is

expected to surge in developing cities during economic growth , coupled with high organic

contents in municipal solid waste streams compared to that estimated in 2018.

Poor waste management practices like openly burned, buried, open dumping and/or covered

trench methods used in (SSA) contribute to health issues like infectious diseases, respiratory

complications, and injuries. Waste water is generated from solid waste which is called

leachate, liquid/leachate which has the potential to contaminate groundwater and surface

water, the production of methane gas (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Gas is the main

material produced by a landfill, so as leachate, which is a result of water percolation.

The quality of leachate produced highly depends on the amount of water entering the landfill

including the initial water content of the waste. Leachate contains a lot of organic and

inorganic materials as well as other pollutants so that the leachate produced by a landfill must

be pre-treated before entering the environment (Priyambada & Oktiawan, 2020).

Additionally, improper waste disposal leads to pollution of air, water, and soil, affecting

ecosystems and human health, Many (SSA) cities in Ghana, Angola, Cameroon, Burkina

Faso, Congo and Nigeria struggle to provide basic waste management services due to limited

budgets and infrastructure.

In Nigeria, municipal solid waste (MSW) generation varies widely among different state and

cities. Despite efforts by waste management authorities in nigeria, there are inefficiencies in

waste collection methods and inadequate waste segregation by residents which not only

affects the environment but also poses health risks to individuals living in the in the country.

Solid waste management has several functional elements, including waste generation, waste

handling, separation, storage, processing, collection, transfer and final disposal of waste in

accordance with bioreactor technology, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetic and

other environmental considerations. Which include administrative, financial, legal, planning

and engineering technology.

However, there is a need for improved waste management systems, including proper

collection, treatment, and disposal methods, to address the growing problem of waste

accumulation in nigeria cities. In order to reduce the effects of (MSW) and overcome the

problem in the country, proper managements (storage, collection and disposal) of solid waste

requires Bioreactor landfill technology. In bioreactor landfill technology more efficient gas

generation and leachate reduction, faster solid waste decomposition and landfill stabilization

can be achieved. Based on method of aeration, bioreactor landfills can be operate under
various conditions such as Aerobic, Anaerobic and Semi-aerobic depending on their

operational characteristics. Additionally, aerobic bioreactor landfills consume large amount

of energy for waste aeration (Slezak et al,. 2015), highly demanding in terms of cost and

operation while in anaerobic system 72% of nitrogen in landfilled fresh refuse can be

removed (Long et al.,2009), also high cost and technologically process.

Anaerobic conditions as an alternative, offers a sustainable approach to waste management

by converting organic waste into valuable biogas, digestate and leachate. Consequently,

climate mostly influences the amount of leachate. But the primary characteristics that

determine the quality of leachate are its age and its composition, which includes suspended

particles, chemical oxygen demand(COD), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Ammonia

concentration and Alkaline or Neutral (ph) (Salahadin et al.,2020), The primary goal of the

current study is to evaluate the bioreactor anaerobic condition technology's applicability in

treating landfill leachate without ph adjustment and by outlining its advantages, drawbacks,

and potential applications in the future. Additionally, based on the most recent research

breakthroughs and significant advancements in this sector for human beneficiaries, this study

sought to identify the research gaps, procedure, and present obstacles faced in applying

anaerobic technology for landfill leachate treatment.

1.2 Aim of the study

The main aim of this research is to investigate the impact of bioreactor on municipal solid

waste co-disposed with cow dung ash under anaerobic condition without ph adjustment

1.3 Objectives of the study

The specific objectives of this study are to;

 i. To access the physical characterization of municipal solid waste

ii. design and fabricate a small laboratory scale anaerobic bioreactor system

iii. To determination the MSW settlement physio-chemical quality of leachate and the

amount of biogas generated potentially ..

1.4 Justification of the study

Municipal solid waste under anaerobic conditions is justified dues to the pressing need for

effective municipal solid waste management practicing and maintaining environmental

sustainability by waste reduction. Transmitting to a anaerobic landfill type can significantly

reduce the effects of MSW, therefore studying bioreactor systems under anaerobic conditions

in can contribute to sustainable waste management practices, environmental protection,

application and scalability, economic viability and resource utilization in the recent time.

1.5 Scope of the study

This research work is limited to the measurement of MSW mass settlement at certain

intervals, analysis of physiochemical parameters of the leachate sample ( ph, electrical

conductivity(EC), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), volatile fatty acids (VFA), 5-day

biochemical oxygen demand (COD), Ammonia nitrogen (NH4 +-N), total nitrogen(TN)<

alkalinity, and heavy metals concentrations) and to determine the amount of potential biogas

generated. The bioreactor is placed under ambient environment all through the

experimentation period of 6 months (180 days)

CHAPTER TWO

LITERTURE REVIEW
2.1 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE

Municipal solid waste referred to waste generated from households, working environment,

hotels, shops, school, open area and other similar institutions which are hazardous. The rate

at which municipal solid wastes are generated varies from one urban centre to the other and

also from season to another (Ogungbade et al., 2020). Municipal Solid Waste are more

commonly known as trash or garbage consists of everyday items we use and then throw

away, such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps,

newspapers, appliances, paint, and batteries. This comes from our homes, schools, hospitals,

and businesses (Anon. 2016)

2.2 SOURCES OF SOLID WASTE

The origin or starting point where solid wastes are generated is referred to as the source of

solid waste. It embraces various sector and activities that generate waste, and every source

produces a particular type of waste according to its operations and initiatives. Which include:

i. Residential: this category includes both single- and multi-family homes. produces

wastes related to food, paper, cardboard, plastics, textiles, leather, yard wastes, wood,

glass, metals, ashes, big objects, consumer electronics, white goods, tyres, oil and

hazardous wastes from the home.

ii. Industrial: This category covers fabrication, building sites, power and chemical

processing facilities, as well as light and heavy manufacturing. produces ash,

hazardous wastes, food wastes, packaging wastes, hazardous wastes from building

and demolition, and special wastes from housekeeping.

 iii. Commercial: Includes stores, hotels, restaurants, markets, office buildings. Generates

paper cardboard, plastics, wood, food wastes, glass, metals, special wastes, and

hazardous wastes.

iv. Institutional: Includes schools, hospitals, prisons, government centres. Generates

wastes similar to commercial sources.

v. Construction and demolition: Includes new construction sites, road maintainenace,

renovating of residual building, demolition of buildings. Generates wood, steel,

concrete and dirt.

vi. Municipal services: Includes street cleaning, landscaping, parks, beaches, recreational

areas, water and wastewater treatment plants. Generates street sweepings, landscape

and tree trimmings, general wastes from parks, beaches and recreational areas.

vii. Agriculture: Includes crop farms, orchards, vineyards, dairies, feedlots. Generates

spoiled food wastes, agricultural wastes, and hazardous wastes like pesticides

2.3 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Solid waste management is the most pressing environmental challenge faced by urban and

rural areas of Nigeria. Nigeri0a with population exceeding 170million is one of the largest

producers of solid waste in Africa. Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of solid waste

annually, with only 20-30% being collected and this number is projected to rise to 107million

tonnes by 2050 (Agbo JR 2023). Municipal solid waste management involves the collection,

transportation, processing recycling or disposal and monitoring of waste materials. The

management of MSW involves various methods like land filling, energy recovery from waste

and transfer stations for waste transportation. Reckless disposal of MSW has led to blockage

of sewers and drainage networks, and choking of water bodies. Most of the waste is

generated by households and in some cases, by local industries, artisan and traders which

litter the immediate surroundings.

Due to the nation's current lack of sufficient budgetary resources for the implementation of

integrated waste management programmes across the states, improper municipal waste

collection and disposal is causing an environmental catastrophe.

2.3.1 EFFECTS OF SOLID WASTE

The effect of uncontrolled solid waste on an environmental continent is not limited to human

life, but its effect is significantly observed on property value and life expectancy (WHO,

2010). The literature records that federal, state and local government levels have roles to play

in the environmental quality management process. They have to set objectives, develop

appropriate policies, prepare programs, provide financing, develop strategies and give legal

deficiencies to mitigate problems caused by lack of effective solid waste management. The

greater the human population density and its multiplier effects, the more waste they produce,

which is why the effects and consequences of solid waste on our environment have been one

of the greatest concerns of citizens. Environmental pollution such as solid waste constitutes a

danger to human health and can lead to the destruction of natural resources (reduction in

aesthetics, values and pleasures) (Okosun et. al., 2021).

2.3.2 GENERATION AND COMPOSITION OF WASTE

Solid waste refers to any types of garbage, trash, refuse or discarded material. In composition

it typically consist of organic waste ( food scrap, yard waste, paper, plastics, glass, metals,

textiles and miscellaneous materials). In Nigeria, homes produce the majority of the country's

solid garbage, making up around 82% of the entire waste stream. It can be categorized

according to where the waste is generated, for example as municipal solid waste, health care

waste and e-waste. Over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste are produced annually. Solid

waste management starts from generation to collection, transport, treatment and disposal of

waste. Challenges of solid waste management encompass for example poor waste collection
and improper disposal such as in uncontrolled dumpsites with no measures to protect soil or

groundwater (Janet et al., 2023).

2.3.3 WASTE COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION

An efficient waste management system must include waste collection and transportation. It is

the point at which waste is collected with different source point i.e commercial, residential,

industrial and agriculture waste. The volume of the solid waste depends on the types of

source for the collections and transfer to a landfill to dispose or recycle used.

The essential elements are:

i. Curb service

ii. Alley service

iii. Communal waste containers

2.3.4 WASTE TREATMENT AND PROCESSING

Managing, handling, and getting rid of waste in an eco-friendly and safe way is called waste

treatment. Reducing garbage's negative effects on the environment and public health is the

aim of waste treatment. By utilising a variety of techniques and technologies, such as

recycling, composting, waste incineration, mechanical-biological treatment, composting,

solidification or landfilling, and anaerobic digestion, we are able to transform waste into

valuable resources and produce the best possible outcome. An essential part of the current

waste reduction hierarchy Recycling is reduced, reused, and recycled. This is the procedure

for gathering, classifying, and turning waste into fresh materials and goods. Recycling

minimises waste, uses less energy, and protects natural resources. Waste can be further
processed into reusable materials by sorting and treatment, which maximises the savings of

primary resources and energy while lowering environmental pollution.

2.3.5 DISPOSAL OF MSW

Despite the introduction of sustainability principles in the system of waste management,

waste storage in landfills cannot be avoided, however. It is still one of the most universal and

common methods of waste management. Therefore, in the frame of rational waste

management principles, it is worth reinventing the current waste storage methods in a way

that takes into account general environmental rules concerning caution and a sustainable

approach, technical feasibility, economic viability, resource conservation, as well as the total

impact on the environment, human health, economy and social aspects. Constant

improvement of waste storage methods, or treating landfills as bioreactors will allow for the

minimisation of risks and environmental pollution (KASZUBSKA et al, 2017)

2.3.6 WASTE REUSE AND RECYCLING

Recycling involves extracting materials and energy from the waste stream in order to recover

resources for human benefit. With the intention of avoiding the usage of fossil fuels for

energy, resource recovery is the process of extracting materials from trash that can be

recycled into new goods or utilised as an alternative energy source. The goal of reuse is to

used resources as efficiently as possible. This is achieved through a hierarchy of three

priorities; avoidance, resource recovery, and disposal. These are specified in the Waste

Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act of 2001. The maxims “reduce, reuse, recycle" is the

most widely used to describe this hierarchy. Reduce is to avoid waste altogether and the high

cost of industrial raw materials and dwindling foreign exchange should have motivated the

establishment of public recycling ventures to research waste reuse and produce raw materials

for local industries (Agunwamba 1994a,b). There is no committed policy yet on waste
 minimization. Introduction of this concept and its adoption by the industrial sector can

stimulate research in waste reuse and cut wasteful practices, apart from increasing production

efficiency. Commitment to the waste management policy of ruse and recycling is a positive

step towards reducing environ-mental risk while improving economic performance.

2.3.7 WASTE REDUCTION AND MINIMIZATION

Waste reduction aims to decrease waste production and its negative effects on the

environment.. the sole purpose of waste minimization is the use of environmentally sound

recycling or source reduction methods prior to energy recovery, waste treatment or disposal

(ARK Vietnam.2022) is to decreased the amount of waste generated, conserve natural

resources, reduces pollutions, and lessen the environmental impact of waste disposal.

2.3.8 BENEFITS OF WASTE REDUCTION

Reducing waste not only protects the environment; it’s also makes good economic and

business sense. with sufficient waste reduction our environment can avoid violating

regulatory requirements of environment protection.

Reducing waste can improve;

i. Environmental performance

ii. production efficiency

iii. good corporate image

iv. waste management cost

v. cost of purchasing materials for waste treatment

vi. comply with regulations on waste treatment

vii. Enhance public health

 2.3.9 ENVIRONMENT IMPACT OF LANDFILL SITE

Waste disposal and decomposition in a landfill have an impact on the environment, which is

known as the landfill's environmental impact. Historically, landfills were initiated largely as a

result of a need to protect the environment and society from adverse impacts of alternative

methods of refuse disposal such as open-air burning, open-pit dumping, and ocean dumping

(Senior, 1990). Although landfills eliminated some impacts of old practices, new ones arose,

primarily due to gas and leachate formation. Besides potential health hazards, these concerns

include fires and explosions, vegetation damage, unpleasant odours, landfill settlement,

ground water pollution,(El-fadel et al., 1997)

This includes:

i. Soil Contamination: Leachate, a poisonous liquid that is created as waste breaks down,

can leak into the earth and contaminate groundwater and soil with dangerous substances.

Soil contamination occurs when harmful substances accumulate in the soil,

compromising its quality and safety.

ii. Water Pollution: Leachate can harm aquatic ecosystems and sources of drinking water if

it is not adequately controlled and enters adjacent water bodies. water pollution

describes the presence of dangerous compounds in water bodies, including rivers, lakes,

seas, and groundwater. This can have a major impact on human health, ecosystems, and

the general quality of water resources.

iii. Air Pollution: Methane and carbon dioxide are among the gases released by landfills as

garbage breaks down. Climate change is exacerbated by methane, a powerful

greenhouse gas. The existence of dangerous compounds in the atmosphere that have the

potential to negatively impact the environment, human health, and the climate is referred

to as air pollution.
iv. Ecosystem Disruption: Landfills can destroy habitats and reduce biodiversity in the area.

Ecosystem disruption describes notable alterations in an ecosystem's composition and

operation, frequently brought about by human activity or natural occurrences. Loss of

biodiversity, alterations to ecosystems, and modifications to species relationships might

result from these disturbances.

v. Public Health Risks: Landfills can attract the likes of pests, such as insects and rats,

endangering the health risks to surrounding populations.

vi. Visual and Aesthetic Degradation: Landfills can negatively impact the landscape and

community aesthetics.

2.4 BIOREACTOR LANDFILL TECHNOLOGY

treatment

2.4.1 Anaerobic Bioreactors

Anaerobic bioreactors (ABRs) have demonstrated potential to rapidly digest municipal solid

waste (MSW) and reduce environmental burden compared to conventional landfills. The

design of a bioreactor strongly influences the performance of a digester (Sarker et al., 2019;

Logan & Visvanathan, 2019). An efficient design should be able to continuously process a

high rate of organic loading, achieve a short hydraulic retention time, and maximize methane

production. Many ABRs used include batch reactors, single-stage continuous operation

systems, and two- or multi-stage operation systems. Batch reactors are simple and

inexpensive, allowing rapid digestion and easy assessment of digestion rates. However, they

have disadvantages such as unstable gas yield and quality, loss of biogas during emptying,

and limitations with bioreactor heights (Kumar & Samadder, 2019). Continuously operated

single-stage systems treat all biochemical reactions in a single reactor, whereas in

continuously operated two-stage or multi-stage systems, a series of reactions such as

hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis occur in multiple units (Ganesh

et. al., 2014). Two-stage ABR is considered beneficial for treating organic waste with greater

efficiency in biogas production and degradation of organic waste, as this method has the

ability to produce the required bacteria and their growth in each stage. Acidogenic bacteria

decompose complex organic materials into volatile fatty acids and alcohols, which are then

converted into CH4 and CO2 by methanogens or archaea. The two-stage system offers the

advantage of optimizing each stage independently, leading to increased stability and

efficiency of the bioreactor. The acidification phase can be regulated by optimizing the

hydraulic retention time, thereby inhibiting overloads and accumulation of toxic materials,

which can negatively affect biogas production. Furthermore, optimizing the biomass feed

rates and process conditions at each stage ensures that the maximum amount of biogas is

produced while minimizing potential negative environmental effects. This system also

improves process stability by regulating the acidification phase by optimizing the hydraulic

retention time, thus avoiding overloads and accumulation of harmful substances. In summary,

optimizing each stage independently in the two-stage system can increase the stability of the

biogas production process and minimize adverse environmental impacts (Srisowmeya et. al.,

2020; Zakoura et. al., 2022). Various bioreactors can be used for waste treatment. In addition,

various types of methanizers can be used to treat different types of waste. 78 Bioreactors can

be classified as wet or dry solid waste digesters based on their total solids content. Wastes

with a total solids (TS) content of less than 16% are considered wet, while those with a TS

content between 22 and 40% are considered dry (Ward et. al., 2008). There is an intermediate

category between the two, known as semi-dry. However, according to Karagiannidis and

Perkoulidis (2009), dry systems account for 30–40% of the dry matter, while wet systems

account for 10–25% of the dry matter. It is important to note that dry organic wastes

(agricultural residues) have a high carbon and low nitrogen content, and the addition of a
nitrogen supplement is essential to maintain an optimal carbon-nitrogen (C/N) ratio to

improve digester efficiency. Pre-soaking of dry residues is another vital factor to consider to

improve microbial activity. Semi-dry organic residues (agricultural residues) also require

nitrogen supplementation for optimum C/N ratio. Wet residues (food and agricultural

residues) usually contain the desired amount of C/N ratio; however, careful control of this

ratio is necessary to improve digester efficiency.

2.5.2 OVERVIEW BIOREACTOR LANDFILL

2.5.2 TYPES OF BIORECTOR LANDFILL

2.5.3 ADVANTAGE OF BIOREACTOR LANDFIL

 CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Description of Site

The study area is the open dumpsite of Ondo State Waste Management Authority (OSWMA)

Yard situated in Igbatoro Road, Akure, Ondo State, South-western Nigeria. Igbatoro is

regarded as one of the state's largest receiving landfills (Ojuri et al., 2018). The common

neighborhoods around Igbatoro dumpsite are former Owena motel (now shoprite) and Imafon

village. More than 100,000 metric tons of wastes are brought to the dumpsite annually. It is

the most active dumpsite in the state, as it receives wastes from the city of Akure and its

environs. The map of the study area is shown in Fig. 3.1 and a pictorial view of the dumpsite

is shown in plate 3.1.

Fig 3.1: Map showing the existing open dumpsite

 Plate 3.1: One of the area picture where waste sampling was conducted.

3.2 Waste characteristics data of Igbatoro dumpsite

The projected value of year 2023 solid waste generation in Akure, ondo state was carried out

from a case study of Elemile et al. (2018), which discussed on the solid waste

characterization and its recycling potential of Akure municipal dumpsite, southwestern,

Nigeria. A simple linear regression models for the percentage composition of characterized

recyclable solid waste was done.

3.3 Construction of laboratory-scale bioreactor landfill

The prismoidal shape reactor was fabricated from 8mm thick transparent acrylic sheets. The

required shape and dimensions of the simulated prismoids bioreactor were carried out by

cutting from the acrylic sheets and then the sides of each cutting corners were bonded

permanently with acrylic cement (adhesive glue) and ABRO 1500 RTV silicone sealant. This

was help to make the simulated bioreactor as water and air tights. Table 3.1 presents the

detail specific dimensions of the reactor. Four series temperature probes were located within

20 cm interval on a sidewall at a depth of 15 cm, 35 cm, 55 cm, 75 cm and 95 cm from the

top of the reactor which was used to monitor the spatial and temporal variation of

temperature. At the bottom part of the reactor, a 25 mm diameter PVC pipe with valve was

installed to assess the leachate quality and quantity at regular interval. At the top cover, two

ports were installed, one port for the leachate recirculation and the other port for the biogas

collection. A tap-water sprinkler was placed below 10 cm depth from the top cover of the

reactor to homogeneously distribute the recirculate leachate throughout the top surface of the

MSW. Also, image of laboratory setup of bioreactor is illustrated in Fig 3.2.

The biogas collection PVC pipe (12.5 mm and height 100 cm) was perforated to the height of

waste in the reactor which was inserted vertically at the Centre of the reactor.

Table 3.1: showing the detail specifications of the reactor used in the study

Specifications Simulated Reactor

shape of the reactor Prismoidal

height of the reactor (m) 1.20

top width of the reactor (m) 0.60

bottom width of the reactor (m) 0.45

waste filling height (m) 0.75

3.4 Sample collection, MSW composition and reactor loadings

A fresh MSW sample was collected according to the ASTM (D5231-92) method from the

dumping site. The MSW samples were taken from different representative locations and were

thoroughly mixed to form a single sample. Approximately 100kg of MSW sample was

collected and placed in waste bags. Further, the waste samples were segregated manually by

type and was then shredded into pieces of 4-5cm and mixed with 20L of distilled water to

avoid leachate preferential flow in simulated landfill reactors. The representative sample was

then taken for the determination of moisture content and organic content test. Simulated
landfill reactors were loaded with the 100 kg of shredded and compacted solid waste mixture.

The MSW mixture was homogenized before filling the bioreactors. After mixing the fraction

of MSW, the mixed MSW was divided into five (5) parts. While filling the sample in the

simulator, the first layer of MSW was placed and compacted with 25 blows. The procedure

was repeated for the second till the fifth layers, respectively, with the motive of filling the

sample in the simulator to its maximum dry density. The MSW components were easily

biodegradable, moderately biodegradable, hardly biodegradable, and inert waste. The

physical composition of MSW (by weight) representing typical solid waste composition of

Akure, ondo state consists of 37.06% organic material (food + garden waste), 23.90% paper,

2.41% plastic, 8.37% textile, 0.39% glass, 1.17% metal, 1.50% wood, and 25.21% grit.

Percentage Composition of MSW

Organic Material
Paper
Plastic
Textile
Glass
Metal
Wood
Grit

Fig. 3.2: pie chart showing the percentage composition of the MSW

3.5 Operation of simulated bioreactor landfill

The bioreactor is placed under ambient environment all through the experimentation period to

operate the reactor under similar environmental conditions of the real landfills and also to

observe the impact of seasonal variation on the waste degradation processes. At the bottom of

the simulator, wire mesh was placed to avoid choking at the drainage valve. Over wire mesh,

the gravels of 50 mm were placed to avoid the flow of MSW material through a flexible tube
and also to facilitate the collection of leachate. Another similar gravel layer was placed at the

top of the mixed MSW after it has been loaded into the reactor for even distribution of

leachate. After sample filling, the top covers of the simulators were fitted airtight and all the

valves of ports were closed. Initially, after the reactor has been loaded with mixed fraction of

MSW, the simulators were continuously monitored for biogas generation, leachate

recirculation and MSW settlement. Few amount of leachate was produced from the system

after two weeks and was carried to the laboratory for the physico-chemical analysis of

leachate sample. Thereafter, 8 L of distilled water was added to the top tank, passed through

the bioreactor by gravity, and collected in the bottom tank and recirculated several times to

saturate waste field capacity. Collected leachate was then pumped back to the tank at the top,

from which leachate was recirculated back into the waste mass. The recirculation of the

leachate into the waste mass is done at two weeks interval. The top tank was equipped with a

valve to stop the leachate flow when necessary or allow the slow release of leachate

according to the recirculation schedule. Leachate samples were collected periodically for

analysis and replaced each time with the same amount of distilled water. The leachate sample

from the simulator was collected by opening a one-way valve provided at the bottom port for

its biochemical properties. The valve of each simulator was immediately closed once the

leachate was collected. These samples were stored in plastic bottles at 4°C for chemical

analysis bi-weekly. Leachate was analyzed weekly for pH, alkalinity, dissolved solids, BOD,

COD, nitrate and nitrite with standard procedure in the American Public Health Association

(APHA) manual. Continuous monitoring of leachate recirculation and its collection at the

bottom tank ensured that it percolated through solid waste.

3.6 Experimental Procedures

3.6.1 Moisture content test

Moisture content is defined as the ratio of the weight of water (wet weight – dry weight) to

the total weight of the wet waste. The moisture content of the collected solid wastes sample

was determined in accordance with ASTM 3173 method. Less than 1kg of solid waste was

placed in a pre-weighted dish and placed in an oven at 105℃ to a constant weight. The

moisture content is calculated mathematically by;

(M 2−M 1 )
moisture content ( % )= ×100
M2

Where;

M1 = mass of dry sample

M2 = mass of wet sample

3.6.2 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) test

The total organic carbon measures the amount of organic contamination within a sample.

TOC was determined by the rapid wet-oxidation method based on Walkley -Black procedure.

This is a titrimetric method which involves initial oxidation of the carbon content in the

samples followed by a rapid back-filtration with ammonium Ferro sulphate solution.

3.6.3 Total Volatile Solid (TVS) test

The volatile solid refers to the amount of the total solids in sewage sludge lost when the

sludge is combusted at 550℃ for 15-20 minutes in the presence of excess air. TVS are those

solids that can volatize and be burned off when the total solids are ignited. Apparatus used for

the test include; weighing balance, temperature controlled oven, desiccator and muffle

furnace.
A Procedures for test

20g of the waste sample was weighed and recorded into a crucible and was placed into a

temperature controlled oven at 105℃ for 1-2 hours so as to remove the moisture. The sample

was then removed and allowed to cool in a desiccator. The dried sample was then weighed in

which the value was recorded. The crucible was placed in a muffle furnace at 550℃

(1022℉) for 1-2 hours so as to combust organic matter. The sample was now allowed to cool

in a desiccator and the sample was weighed after ignition. The percentage of the TVS was

then calculated as follows;

(initial weight−final weight )

TVS ( % )= ×100
initial weight

Where;

Initial weight = weight of sample before ignition

Final weight = weight of sample after ignition

3.7 Physicochemical analysis of the leachate samples

3.7.1 pH

The pH of a sample is a figure expressing the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a

logarithmic scale on which 7 is neutral, lower values are more acid and higher values are

more alkaline. pH of each sample is determined with a pH meter in accordance with ASTM

D4972. Equipment used to test the pH of the leachate samples are, pH meter, beaker and

buffer solution. Prior to sample analysis, the meter was calibrated according to manufacturer

instruction with buffer 7 solution. The pH measurement involved inserting the probe of the

pH into the leachate sample. The value obtained is recorded as the pH value of the sample.
3.7.2 Electrical conductivity (EC)

Electrical conductivity refers to the ability of a leachate/water sample to conduct an electrical

current in a solution over a certain distance, usually measured in Siemens (S) per distance

(cm). It measures the concentration of ions, such as salts and other dissolved solids, in the

leachate sample which affects its electrical conductivity. Equipment used to determine the

electrical conductivity of the samples include, beaker, electrical conductivity meter (EC

meter), potassium chloride (KCL) solution and water sample.

A Procedure for Electrical conductivity (EC)

The sample was mechanically shaked at 15rpm for 1 hour to dissolve soluble salts; the

conductivity meter was calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instruction using KCL

reference solution to obtain the cell constant. The cell was thoroughly rinsed and 0.01m KCL

of the EC was measured at the same temperature as the sample. The conductivity cell was

rinsed with water sample and the value indicated on the conductivity meter was recorded.

Then, deionized water was used to rinse the cell between samples.

3.7.3 Alkalinity

The alkalinity of a solution refers to the capacity for solutes it contains to react with and

neutralize acids. The property of alkalinity must be determined by titration with a strong acid,

and the end-point of the titration is the pH at which virtually all solutes contributing to

alkalinity have reacted. Apparatus used to test the alkalinity of leachate samples are pipette,

burette, beaker, conical flask, tripod stand and measuring cylinder. The reagents used for the

test are HCL solution and methyl orange indicator.

A Procedure for Alkalinity

Before the test, the burette was filled with hydrochloric acid (HCL) solution. 50ml of the

leachate sample was pipetted into a clean 250ml conical flask and 3 drops of methyl orange

indicator was added and mixed properly. The initial reading on burette scale was noted and
titrated with 0.02M of HCL solution to the end point. The end point reading was noted and

volume of HCL solution used was obtained and the total alkalinity of the sample was

calculated as follows;

Titre value × M × 1000

Total Alkalinity (mg /l)=
50

Where M is the Molarity of Acid

3.7.4 Total dissolved solid (TDS)

The total dissolved solids (TDS) is the total amount of solids dissolved in a sample, including

soluble hydrogen carbonate ions, chloride salts, sulphates, calcium, magnesium, sodium,

potassium, volatile solids and non-volatile solids.

Apparatus used to test the total dissolved solid (TDS) includes; evaporating dish, temperature

controlled oven, filter paper, desiccator, analytical balance and funnel.

A Procedure for total dissolved solids

The dry evaporating dish was weighed and recorded as W1. 100 ml of the sample was filtered

and the filtrates was transferred into the pre-weighed evaporating dish and heated to dryness

at 105℃. The drying process was continued and after some time, it was allowed to cool and

weighed until a constant weight is obtained and recorded as W2. The total dissolved solid of

the sample was calculated as follows;

(W ¿ ¿ 2−W 1 )×1000
Total dissolved solids mg/l= ¿
100

Where;

W1 = weight of dry evaporating dish

W2 = constant weight of the evaporating dish + filtrate

3.7.5 Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N)

Ammonium nitrogen in a leachate sample refers to the concentration of ammonium ions

(NH4+) present in the liquid that has percolated through the waste materials. Monitoring

ammonium nitrogen in leachate is important for environmental management and assessing

the potential impacts on groundwater. Apparatus used for the test includes; beaker,

evaporating dish, temperature controlled oven, conical flask, tripod stand, burette, pipette,

wash bottle and measuring cylinder. The reagents used for the test are Tashirus indicator

(double indicator) and 0.1M of diluted HCL solution.

A Procedures for Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N) test

1ml of samples was converted to ammonium sulphate by digestion with concentrated H2SO4

and in the presence of CuSO4 and NA2SO4. It was heated and the ammonia evolved was

steam distilled into boric acid solution. The nitrogen frim ammonia was deduced from the

titration of the trapped ammonia with 0.1M of HCL with Tashirus indicator (double

indicator) until a purplish pink color was obtained.

3.7.6 Nitrate (NO3-)

Nitrate is a family of chemical compounds containing atoms of nitrogen and oxygen

occurring naturally. It is critical to the continuation of life on earth, since it is one of the main

sources from which plants obtain the element nitrogen. Apparatus used for the test are;

pipette, volumetric flask, spectrophotometer. Nitrate content in the samples was determined

colorimetrically by UV/Visible spectrophotometer in accordance with EPA 3521 and APHA

4500-NO3-B. The method is based on a yellow complex formation between brucinesulphate

and nitrate in the presence of sulphuric acid. The measurement was taken at a wavelength of

410nm. Prior to analysis of the samples, the equipment was calibrated with working

standards from potassium nitrate salts.

3.7.7 Nitrite
To an aliquot of sample solution containing nitrite (0 .02-0 .80 p p m when diluted to 25 ml)

in a 25-ml calibrated flask, add 1 ml of 0 1% p-aminophenylmer captoacetic acid solution and

2 ml of the 1% N-(1 naphthyl) ethylenediamine dihydrochloride solution Set aside for a

minimum of 15 min for full colour development and dilute to the mark with distilled water, a

bluish violet colour develops and remain stable for 48h Measure the absorbance at 565 nm in

1-cm cuvettes against a reagent blank prepared in the same manner but containing no nitrite.

3.7.8 Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5)

When organic matter such as food waste, lawn clippings, or animal waste decomposes,

micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi feed upon it and eventually becomes oxidized

combined with oxygen. Biochemical oxygen demand is the measure of the amount of oxygen

used by these microorganisms as they feed upon organic matter. Equipment’s used for the

test includes dissolved oxygen bottle, conical flask, pipette, burette and wash bottle. Reagents

used are; manganese sulphate, sodium azide, sulphuric acid and sodium thiosulphate.

A Procedures for the test

The dissolved oxygen bottle was filled with the sample and five drops of manganese sulphate

and sodium azide was added to it. There was coagulation and the mixture was shaked gently.

However, 10 drops of sulphuric acid was added to it to break the cloudiness and the mixture

turns yellow. The burette was filled with sodium thiosulphate and 5ml of the solution was

pipetted into a conical flask which was titrated to give the dissolved oxygen (DO0). Sample

was placed in pre-cleaned bottles and incubated for five days. The above procedure was

repeated to determine the dissolved oxygen in the fifth day (DO5).

BOD∈mg/l=(DO ¿ ¿ 0−DO5 )× 10 ¿

Where;

DO0 = Dissolved oxygen of diluted sample immediately after preparation (mg/l)

 DO5 = Dissolved oxygen of diluted sample immediately after 5day incubation at 20℃

3.7.9 Chemical oxygen demand (COD)

Chemical oxygen demand is an indicative measure of the amount of oxygen that can be

consumed by reactions in a measured solution. It is commonly expressed in mass of oxygen

consumed over volume of solution, which in SI units is milligrams per liter (mg/l).

Equipment’s used to test for the COD of a sample are; reflux reaction apparatus, safety

glasses, pipettes, conical flask, burette, tripod stand and glassware. The reagents include;

potassium dichromate (k2Cr2O7) solution (0.3125N), ferrous ammonium sulphate solution

(0.025N), mercury (II) sulphate solution (10g dissolved in a 5ml concentrated sulphuric acid

and 4ml of water), silver sulphate solution (3.75g in 50ml concentrated sulphuric acid) and

ferroin indicator (1:10 phenanthroline ferrous sulphate complex in which colour changes

from green-blue to red).

A Procedures for test

5ml of the sample was added into a clean empty beaker. 0.5ml of mercuric sulphate solution,

2.0ml of potassium dichromate solution and 7.5ml of silver sulphate was added to the conical

flask containing 50ml of anti-bumping granules in which the flask contents was mixed by

gently swirling. The flask was assembled under a reflux condenser ensuring water is flowing

and was boiled gently for 2 hours. The heat was turned off and the flask contents was allowed

to cool and was carefully wash down inside of reflux condenser into the flask using a small

volume of deionized water. The burette was filled with ferrous ammonium sulphate solution

and the flask content was titred against it until the colour changes to red. The volume of

ammonium sulphate solution used was recorded. The whole process was repeated employing

a ‘blank’ using 5ml of deionized water instead of the sample.

COD∈mg/l=( A−B ) × 1000

This relationship is only valid for the volumes and concentrations used in this procedure. A

more general formula is

( x− y) × N × 8000
COD=
ml of sample taken

Where;

x= ml of Fe (NH4)2(SO4)2 used for blank

y= ml of Fe (NH4)2(SO4)2 used for sample

N= molarity of Fe (NH4)2(SO4)2 used, and

8000 = milliequivalent weight of oxygen * 1000

3.7.10 Chloride

Chloride, in the form of chloride (Cl-) ion, is one of the major inorganic anions in water and

wastewater. The salty taste produced by chloride concentrations is variable and dependent on

the chemical composition of water/wastewater. Chloride levels in landfill leachate are notably

high, often exceeding safe limits due to various pollution sources. Chloride was determined

by Argentometric method/Mohr’s method. Equipment’s used for the test are burette, pipette,

retort stand, conical flask, wash bottle and measuring cylinder. Reagents used for the test are;

Silver nitrate solution AgNO3 (0.0257M): Dissolve 4.791g silver nitrate crystals, dried at

105oC in 1000ml of distilled water. This method employs silver nitrate as titrant and

potassium chromate as the end point indicator. The chloride ion present in the

water/wastewater sample is precipitated as white silver chloride. As the chloride ions in the

sample are being wholly precipitated, any addition of silver nitrate solution will lead to a

level at which the solubility product of silver chromate is exceeded and it begins to form a

reddish-brown precipitate. This is taken as the end point.

A Procedures for chloride (CL-) determination

The burette was filled with standard silver nitrate (AgNO3) and a known volume of filtered

leachate sample (50ml) is taken into a conical flask, to which about 1ml of potassium

chromate indicator is added and titrated against standard silver nitrate till silver dichromate

(AgCr04) starts precipitating. The reddish-brown colour indicated the end point and the

volume of silver nitrate used is taken as the titre value. An indicator blank was determined by

suspending a small amount of chloride into 50ml of distilled of distilled water in a clean

conical flask and was titrated with 0.03M of AgNO3 solution, shaked gently and 50ml of

leachate sample was pipetted into the conical flask with the addition of 1ml solution of

potassium chromate (K2CrO7) as indicator which was titrated with 0.03M of AgNO3 from

greenish colour to reddish brown end point. The volume of AgNO3 used for blank titration is

recorded.

chloride content ¿

Where;

A = Volume of AgNO3 used for sample titration (ml)

B = Volume of AgNO3 used for blank titration (ml)

Atomic mass of CL- = 35.45g/mole

 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCCUSSION

4.1 Numerical Projection of Akure

The garbage created in Akure that was taken to the open landfill from three sources—market,

residential, and curb sides was categorized and quantified monthly to provide the statistical

and numerical projection for 2023 Elemile et al. (2018). Based on the results of Elemile et al.

(2018), the amounts and percentages of paper, nylon, organic waste, leaves, plastic, textiles,

wood, metal, cans/tins, sand, ash, bottles, and tires were used to create the numerical

prediction for 2023.). Illustrated in table 4.1. The Numerical projection for 2023 illustrated in

table 4.2 showing that there was an increase in the rate of waste generated in Akure

Population increase, rapid urbanization, booming economy, and the rise in the standard of

living in Akure.
Table 4.1: 2023 Projected values for each waste type generated in Akure.

S/N Waste Type Markets Residents Curb sides

1 Paper 16.6807 16.6901 18.6375

2 Nylon 28.5796 26.7655 23.6369

3 Organic wastes 28.5296 25.9874 17.5372

4 Leaves 3.3758 2.8648 2.1478

5 Plastics 1.8280 1.5480 1.8543

6 Textiles 7.1481 2.7998 8.2622

7 Wood 1.1507 0.7728 1.3407

8 Metals 0.3767 0.0262 0.4602

9 Cans/Tins 0.3769 0.1144 1.1939

10 Sand 10.8811 17.5865 26.4002

11 Ash 0.0390 2.7368 -1.4915

12 Bottles 0.2321 1.8083 -1.2225

13 Tyre 0.8119 -0.1039 1.4238

14 Bones -0.0101 0.4033 -0.1806

Total 100.0000 100.0000 100.0000

4.2 Characteristic of MSW

The physical composition of the Akure MSW under investigation is characterized by a low
amount of metals, tins, ash, bottles, and bones and a high percentage of paper, nylon, organic
waste, sand, and textiles. Table 4.3 displays the results of a physical test on the collected,
shredded, and mixed sample using a standard method. The test revealed that the initial
moisture content of the fraction of MSW obtained from the dumpsite after shredding and
mixing was 0.16kg, and that the moisture content increased to 0.91kg, after adding 25L to the
mixed sample. The presence of moisture in the sample aids in the movement and
transportation of nutrients and microorganisms, which speeds up the decomposition of MSW,
according to Chembukavu et al. (2019).Table 4.2: Average values of the physical
characteristics of MSW

S/N Parameters Results

1 Moisture Content of MSW before mixing(kg) 0.16

2 Moisture Content of MSW after mixing (kg) 0.91

3 TOC (%) 2.900

4 TVS (%) 15.750

4.3 Leachate Characteristics

The average values of the physio-chemical parameters of the leachate test carried out using the

standard procedure. Every sample test that was performed had a 14-day delay between each test,

which is described below in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3: chemical analysis of leachate samples

S/N Leachate Parameters S1 S2 S3 S S5

1 pH 6.550 6.510 X X X

2 EC (µS/cm) 308.630 310.660 X X X

3 Alkalinity (mg/l) 85.917 86.410 X X X

4 TDS (mg/l) 452.289 461.282 X X X

5 Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/l) 9.651 10.209 X X X

6 Chloride (mg/l) 62.701 65.721 X X X

7 Nitrate (mg/l) 6.271 6.486 X X X

8 Nitrite (mg/l) 0.753 0.778 X X X

9 BOD (mg/l) 9.675 9.503 X X X

10 COD (mg/l) 12.848 13.281 X X X

Where; S1 is sample 1, S2 is sample 2, S3 is sample 3, S4 is sample 4 and S5 is sample 5,

respectively

4.3.1 pH value

Since the pH value indicates the quality of the leachate produced, it is a crucial metric to take
care of. An important factor in controlling the activities that occur in a landfill is pH. It might
have an effect on how quickly the landfill stabilizes.(Karthikeyan & Swati, 2007). The ideal
pH range for anaerobic microbes to operate in is 6–8.(Karthikeyan & Swati, 2007). The
anaerobic bioreactor leachate pH value ranges from 6.120-6.255 which is approximately on
the acidic side of the pH scale as shown in Table 4.3 above, based on earlier research, pH 5–
6.5 favors the hydrolysis and acidosis processes, whereas pH 6.4–7.2 favors the
methanogenesis in the anaerobic condition (Sun et al., 2011).
The numerical projection for 2023 was obtained based on the result of the quantities and

percentages of paper, nylon, organic, waste, leaves, plastic, textiles, wood, metal, cans/tins,

sand, ash, bottles and tyre obtained by the result of Elemile et al. (2018). Illustrated in table

4.1. The Numerical projection for 2023 illustrated in table 4.2 showing that there was an

increase in the rate of waste generated in Akure Population increase, rapid urbanization,

booming economy, and the rise in the standard of living in Akure.

Table 4.1: 2023 Projected values for each waste type generated in Akure.

S/N Waste Type Markets Residents Curbsides

1 Paper 16.6807 16.6901 18.6375

2 Nylon 28.5796 26.7655 23.6369

3 Organic wastes 28.5296 25.9874 17.5372

4 Leaves 3.3758 2.8648 2.1478

5 Plastics 1.8280 1.5480 1.8543

6 Textiles 7.1481 2.7998 8.2622

7 Wood 1.1507 0.7728 1.3407

8 Metals 0.3767 0.0262 0.4602

9 Cans/Tins 0.3769 0.1144 1.1939

 10 Sand 10.8811 17.5865 26.4002

11 Ash 0.0390 2.7368 -1.4915

12 Bottles 0.2321 1.8083 -1.2225

13 Tyre 0.8119 -0.1039 1.4238

14 Bones -0.0101 0.4033 -0.1806

Total 100.0000 100.0000 100.0000

4.3.2 Moisture content

The amount of water in a substance, such as soil, food, or building materials, is referred to as

its moisture content. It is typically stated as a percentage of the water's weight relative to the

material's total weight. A material's physical characteristics, including strength, stability, and

durability, can be impacted by its moisture content. In order to guarantee the quality and

functionality of the materials being used, it is critical in many industries to measure and

regulate the moisture content. The formula to calculate moisture content is:

Moisture Content (%) = ((Wet Weight - Dry Weight) / Dry Weight) x 100

Where:

- Wet Weight is the weight of the material before drying.

- Dry Weight is the weight of the material after drying.

SAMPLE

Weight of can 0.16kg

Wt of can + wet soil sample 0.91kg

Wt of can + dry soil sample 0.54kg

Table 4.1: Moisture content

 (0.91−O.54 )
moisture content ( % )= X 100 = 58.43
0.91

4.2. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) test

The total organic carbon measures the amount of organic contamination within a sample.

TOC was determined by the rapid wet-oxidation method based on Walkley -Black procedure.

This is a titrimetric method which involves initial oxidation of the carbon content in the

samples followed by a rapid back-filtration with ammonium Ferro sulphate solution.

PARAMETERS SOLID WASTE

TOC (%) 2.905

2.900

Table 4.2: Total organic test

4.3. Total Volatile Solid (TVS) test

The volatile solid refers to the amount of the total solids in sewage sludge lost when the

sludge is combusted at 550℃ for 15-20 minutes in the presence of excess air. TVS are those

solids that can volatize and be burned off when the total solids are ignited. Apparatus used for

the test include; weighing balance, temperature controlled oven, desiccator and muffle

furnace.

PARAMETERS SOLID WASTE

TVS (%) 15.748

15.753

Table 4.3: Total volatile solid

TVS (%) = 15.748 – 15.753 x100 = 84.28

15.748
 CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

1.1. Conclusions

As can be seen from the above, the government and its agencies' dedication has undoubtedly
contributed to the great success that MSWM in Akure has seen. The city of Akure has
become cleaner and greener than it was previously. With the right mindset and strategy,
MSWM can be less of an issue in urban and semi-urban areas of emerging nations, according
to this study. The creation of MSWM organizations presents a chance to lower
unemployment. By adding cow dung ash and co-dispose, MSW might decompose and
stabilize more quickly, produce and contain more methane, and provide more biomass
energy. In the meantime, it could effectively reduce the COD concentration of leachate by
over 60%, the pollution intensity and subsequent processing expenses of leachate, increase
landfill space by 11.7%, and extend the landfill site's service life by boosting cumulative LFG
production by 5.9 to 7.8 times, the daily highest LFG production by 10 times, and the content
of methane by more than two times.