Optimization and redesign of the Santo Domingo leachate treatment plant: an approach to environmental efficiency and sustainable development.

The research stems from a growing concern about the negative impact of leachates, which are highly contaminated and complex liquids, on public health and the environment. Through detailed analysis and technical data collection, including on-site evaluation of the plant, deficiencies in the current treatment were identified. The study included estimation of the leachate flow rate using the volumetric method based on height differentiation. A detailed leachate characterization was performed to determine the efficiency of the existing treatment, focusing on the removal of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Turbidity. In addition, a treatability test was conducted using a specific flocculation and agitation process. The results revealed a deficient operation of the plant, with a daily production of 26 m3 of leachate that was not adequately treated. Therefore, the design of a vertical subsurface artificial wetland was proposed, meticulously calculating its surface area, retention time, dimensions and the amount of filter media required. It is concluded that there is an imperative need to redesign and optimize all the treatment phases of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]