Evaluation of reduction estrogenic activity in the combined treatment of landfill leachate and sanitary sewage.

Combined treatment of urban solid waste leachate and domestic sewage has emerged in Brazil and worldwide as an alternative to minimize the difficulties of treating landfill leachate. Landfill leachate is a complex matrix of organic and inorganic substances, recalcitrant material and xenobiotic organic compounds that are considered to be highly toxic, as well as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) that contribute to increased estrogenic activity. Although combined treatment is feasible for removal of organic matter, ammonia and toxicity, the efficiency of the removal of estrogenic substance is poorly investigated.