Title: Evaluation of methane oxidation in a landfill cover material using a simple indicator approach

Authors: Jonathan A. Lafond, Suzanne E. Allaire, Alexandre R. Cabral

Addresses: Horticultural Research Centre, Universite Laval, 2480 Hochelaga, Quebec, Qc G1V 0A6, Canada. ' Horticultural Research Centre, Universite Laval, 2480 Hochelaga, Quebec, Qc G1V 0A6, Canada. ' Department of Civil Engineering, Universite de Sherbrooke, 2500 blvd de l'Universite, Sherbrooke, Qc J1K 2R1, Canada

Abstract: Estimates of methane (CH4) oxidation rates (Rg) in biocovers are crucial for development of abatement strategies. Rg values were estimated in a landfill biocover with a simple approach based on gas diffusion theory. Rg varied from 0 to 1.1 × 10−6 kg m−3 s−1. Highest oxidation efficiencies reached 80-100% when soil water content < 40%, temperature > 20°C and O2 concentration > 0.1 kg m−3. Rg was correlated to oxidation efficiency measured by stable isotopes and surface emissions. The approach allows for affordable continuous monitoring of Rg, but only gives a rough estimate of CH4 oxidation rate.

Keywords: gas diffusion; gas movement; oxygen; waste management; temporal variation; compost; landfill biocover; methanotrophic oxidation; landfill cover; methane oxidation; moisture content.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2011.041355

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2011 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.298 - 317

Published online: 25 Apr 2015 *

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