Optimal moisture levels speed up landfill waste degradation and reduce pollution.
The study looked at how different levels of moisture in landfill waste affect its breakdown and the characteristics of the resulting leachate. They tested waste with 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% moisture levels over six months. The research found that waste with 60% to 80% moisture degrades most efficiently, with leachate having the fastest breakdown of pollutants like COD and ammonia nitrogen, and the pH being closest to neutral.