Acetate and propionate impact on the methanogenesis of landfill leachate and the reduction of clogging components

► We treated synthetic leachates with different acetate and propionate concentrations. ► Methanogenesis was observed within all the samples during the first 48 h. ► Removing VFA increased pH and dissolved CO2, impacting CaCO3 precipitation. ► Methanogenesis of leachate reduces clogging potential and produces additional methane. ► Methanogenesis performance depends on balancing acetate and propionate concentrations.