This study describes the research conducted to identify the variety of mold or yeast which degrades leachate from hazardous waste landfills in a completely-mixed, aerobic reactor. The research also examines alternative pretreatment steps which may be necessary to overcome the limitations in biological degradation due to the presence of toxic substances or nutrient deficiencies. Further, the research compares the effectiveness of mold and yeast relative to conventional microbes to utilize refractory organics, typically found in leachates, for cell growth and synthesis. The laboratory results are used for the conceptual design of a continuous, flow-through pilot plant needed to confirm the findings in Phase I in an anticipated Phase II program.
