Evaluating the influence of a droplet spraying/misting system to enhance ammonia volatilization from a leachate storage pond: a case study at the three rivers solid waste authority

The Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority (TRSWA) operates a MSW landfill outside Jackson, South Carolina (USA) at which leachate ammonia concentrations are of concern. The landfill operates a droplet spraying/misting system (known as the Lilypad system) in their pond to enhance both leachate evaporation and, possibly, ammonia volatilization. The overall goals of this study were to determine the fate of nitrogen in the pond and to ultimately quantify the role the Lilypad system plays in enhancing ammonia removal. To accomplish the study goals, an empirical model based on collected leachate and mist samples, climatological data, and pond hy-draulic data was developed to quantify the extent of ammonia volatilization, nitrifica- tion, and denitrification that occurred in the pond over the study period. Results from this work indicate that volatilization, nitrification, and denitrification were occurring in the pond, with volatilization of ammonia-nitrogen accounting for the majority of nitrogen removed from the pond. Results also indicate that the Lilypad system has the capability to significantly enhance the volatilization process.