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There's been little innovation in treating and re-using leacheate, yet simple analysis shows that it contains many of the nutrients found in common fertilisers. As a controlled waste, it cannot currently be used in farming. So we're working to make productive use of what's long been regarded as a waste nuisance.
Heriot-Watt researchers are helping to develop a solution to the pressing problem of how to treat leacheate, the liquid waste from old landfill sites and in turn, benefit the environment and the farming economy.
Heriot-Watt University is working with Bradley Park Waste Management (BPWM) to develop the UK's first system to make productive use of liquid leachate (a 'controlled waste'), in a KTP Project funded by InnovateUK.
Speaking about the project, Dr Alan Harper of Heriot-Watt University's School of Engineering and Physical Sciences said, “There's been little innovation in treating and re-using leacheate, yet simple analysis shows that it contains many of the nutrients found in common fertilisers. As a controlled waste, it cannot currently be used in farming. So we're working make to productive use of what's long been regarded as a waste nuisance."
If the project is successful, the system that's developed could provide a model for long term landfill management in the UK.