Novel energy recovery from an integrated municipal solid waste and leachate treatment system

Population growth, waste generation, and massive waste mismanagement have led to environmental catastrophe. Management of municipal solid waste (MSW) requires an efficient and sustainable integrated system. The integrated thermal processing of MSW is one of the best waste management techniques. In this study, energy analysis of MSW is carried out based on the material and energy balance of 2000 kg wet MSW, which contains 50% leachate. Once the leachate is removed, the dry MSW is sent for carbon content enhancement in carbonization to produce MSW-based char. Thereafter, the combustion of MSW-based char provided high heat and syngas to be used in a hydrothermal process for MSW leachate treatment. The result shows that the char fuel of MSW produces a sufficient amount of energy, 13501.29 MJ (84.55%), in the form of synthetic gas by-product, which has a big potential as an energy source. The novelty of the proposed integrated thermal system is to produce 84.55% synthetic gas by-product, which is used for electricity production, cooking, food, and heat energy for industrial purposes. The proposed applications of this paper offer insightful information for policymaking regarding novel MSW techniques, which are economical, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Thus, it increases the effectiveness of MSW utilization.

Graphical abstract