Effects of accumulation of complex salts with leachate recirculation on anaerobic waste degradation and microbial communities were evaluated.
A high salt concentration, 80 mS cm−1 EC, inhibited not only CH4 and CO2 generation, but also the degradation of organic compounds.
High salinity exerted selective pressure on bacterial communities, resulting in a change in bacterial community structure.
Concentration of ammonium is a key inhibitor of anaerobic waste degradation in landfills when leachate recirculation.
Quality control, especially of ammonium levels, is essential for the promotion of waste degradation in landfills with leachate recirculation.