In a significant advancement for waste management in China, a comprehensive expansion and reconstruction project has been undertaken at a leachate treatment station in Handan. As landfills face increasing pressure from rising waste volumes and aging infrastructure, the need for innovative solutions has never been more critical. The project, led by Zhu Haidong from the School of Civil Engineering at Southeast University, introduces a state-of-the-art treatment process designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of leachate management.
The original leachate treatment station struggled to cope with the demands placed upon it, prompting the need for an overhaul. Zhu explained, “Our approach combines pretreatment, external membrane bioreactors, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis to create a robust system capable of handling the increased leachate volumes.” This multi-faceted strategy not only improves treatment capacity but also ensures that the effluent meets stringent environmental standards.
The project involved the construction of a new nanofiltration concentration reduction system, which utilizes a dual process of material membrane reduction and humic acid extraction. This innovative method significantly reduces the concentration of contaminants, allowing for cleaner discharge into the environment. Remarkably, the upgraded facility can now treat leachate at a capacity of 500 cubic meters per day, yielding a clear liquid effluent with a 95% success rate in purification.
Challenges such as tight schedules, limited space, and financial constraints were adeptly navigated through strategic planning. “By rationally laying out the site and repurposing existing structures, we maximized our resources while minimizing costs,” Zhu noted. The total investment for the project was approximately 22.18 million yuan, with operational costs calculated at 41.82 yuan per cubic meter, a figure that is likely to attract interest from investors and stakeholders in the construction sector.
The implications of this project extend beyond Handan. As cities worldwide grapple with waste management issues, the methodologies employed here could serve as a blueprint for similar undertakings. The successful integration of advanced treatment technologies not only enhances environmental protection but also opens up commercial avenues for construction firms specializing in waste management infrastructure.
Published in ‘Gongye shui chuli,’ or ‘Industrial Water Treatment,’ this research represents a pivotal step toward sustainable landfill management. It underscores the growing importance of innovative engineering solutions in addressing environmental challenges, a trend that is likely to shape the future of construction projects in the waste management sector. For further insights into this groundbreaking work, visit lead_author_affiliation.
