Electrocoagulation-adsorption with Zeolite Adsorbent for Treating Landfill Leachate

The organic compounds and heavy metals discovered in landfill leachate contribute it remarkably hazardous. The aim of the research was to investigate the impact of the electrical voltage and adsorbent mass of zeolite on the electrocoagulation-adsorption mechanism employed in the treatment of landfill leachate. An experiment also observed the activation of natural zeolites by varying calcination durations of 2, 4, and 6 hours at 700 °C. The optimal resulting material calcined for 4 hours had a Si/Al ratio of 8.2, a surface area of 16,562 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.064 cm3/g, and a pore size of 15,525 nm. In addition, the leachate was treated with voltage variations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 V. The optimal voltage is 15 V, which simultaneously increases the pH to 8.86 and reduces the COD, TSS, and N-total concentrations by 91.70%, 65.85%, and 55%, respectively. For adsorbent mass variations of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 grams, optimum adsorbent mass is 60 grams, which corresponds to a pH increase to 8.82 and reductions of 64.58% in COD, 71.61% in TSS, and 62.53% in N-total. These results complied with the quality standards specified in Indonesia Regulation No. P.59/Menlhk/Setjen/Kum.1/7/2016 of the Minister of the Environment.