Management oflandfill leachate in Iran: valorization, characteristics, and environmental approaches

The quantity and quality of leachate generated in a landfill are very important when it comes to waste management. Sanitary landfill is still being considered as most common element for waste management. Leachate is generated in both fluctuating quantity and quality during landfilling. To eliminate the adverse effects arising from leachate and meet standards for discharge into the environment, the authorities have forced to use suitable and effective methods and technologies for leachate treatment. Here we review (1) comprehensive information on landfill leachate (LFL) in terms of quantity, quality, and treatment methods mostly used in Iran. (2) In the present review, the treatment methods have been classified into four categories: (a) physical, (b) physicochemical, (c) biological, and (d) combined biological and physicochemical and their advantages, drawbacks, and efficiency are discussed. Given the presence of bio-recalcitrant and refractory elements in leachate and also strict standards enacted for protection the environment, application physicochemical, as a pretreatment and biological technology seems to be a complementary option forlandfill leachate treatment in Iran. However, unfortunately there are no valid information in view both points of valorization and characteristics, therefore, it can fascinate researchers to pay attention these critical parameters in LFL treatment and waste management.