Evaluation of eucalyptus seedlings development submitted to irrigation using landfill leachate treated by electrolysis

• Grant number: 12/20282-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2012
• End date: November 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Peterson Bueno de Moraes
• Grantee: Raíssa Olívia Barbacena
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Tecnologia (FT). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Limeira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The landfill leachate is known for its toxic properties. Moreover, this effluent is highly pollutant. Thus, research of processes for effective treatment and destinations for this type of effluent is suitable to be able to reduce its environmental impact. One possible treatment is the electrolytic treatment using oxides electrodes, which generally reduce color, toxicity, and organics and do not generate sludge. However, under specific experimental conditions such as the presence of chlorides, the electro-oxidation of pollutants may be incomplete, causing residual toxicity. Therefore the monitoring of toxicity is extremely important as a tool for the treatment optimization and checking of environmental compatibility. It is well known that landfill leachate is rich in nutrients (including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and may also contain micronutrients (such as zinc and boron), both essential for the growth and development of plants and forest species, such as eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is used in obtaining wood, pulp and paper, and essential oils to obtain energy by burning. Therefore, we propose applying the electrolytic treatment aiming to minimize their toxicity before its application in irrigation of eucalyptus. The biodegradability of leachate in the soil will be determined by Bartha's respirometry tests. Tests to determine ion leaching will be carried out through analysis of pH, conductivity, ammonia, and nitrates. Also, we will quantify the concentration of heterotrophic bacteria and fungi in the soil besides the phytotoxicity assays from the eucalyptus culture irrigated with the effluent.(AU)