In this work the potentiality of photoelectrochemical processes toward the treatment of landfill leachates was evaluated. Firstly, was observed that the dark coloration and high organic content of the samples hinder in a significant way the occurrence of photochemical processes. At these conditions, the degrading capacity of the system is a function of the electrochemical process, provably indirect mechanisms mediating by the observed high amount of hipochlorite. Generally, the application of a preliminary precipitation processes induces significant reduction on the color and organic content, fact that improves the further photoelectrochemical treatment. When humic substances are previously eliminated by acid precipitation the further photoelectrochemical treatment permit almost total elimination of the color and COD removal of about 70% at reaction time of 300 min. That is a very promissory result, mainly taking into account the high recalcitrant character of the landfill leachates.
Photoelectrochemical process; landfill leachates; treatment; solid residues
