A Review of Strategies for Managing Membrane Concentrate from Landfill Leachate Treatment Facilities

Nowadays, the landfill leachate treatment chain is characterized by different methods arranged in integrated schemes to ensure proper landfill wastewater purification. Nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) have been used as tertiary steps to purify landfill wastewater efficiently. However, a challenge that must be dealt with is managing membrane-concentrated streams. NF and RO concentrate have high salinity and organic loads. Against this backdrop, there is an urgent need to address leachate treatment and membrane concentrate management. The current chapter assesses NF/RO concentrate characteristics (1), reviews the management strategies to handle landfill leachate membrane concentrate (2), and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of existing treatment processes (3). The membrane concentrate disposal into the landfill is the most convenient management option. However, the consequences of this practice are not entirely understood. Integrated treatment systems combining thermal process, ozonation, and solidification/stabilization are the most effective solutions for concentrate management. However, operating costs and secondary pollution can hinder their full promotion. Future studies on developing low-cost systems and cost–benefit analysis in pilot and full-scale are recommended.