Title: Methane production generated by the biodegradation of municipal solid waste confined in lysimeters under a tropical climate

Authors: Gustavo Henrique Tonelli Dutra de Almeida; Renata Lima Moretto; Miriam Gonçalves Miguel

Addresses: School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Design, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Saturnino de Brito, 224, 13083-889, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil ' School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Design, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Saturnino de Brito, 224, 13083-889, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil ' School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Design, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Saturnino de Brito, 224, 13083-889, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: The generation of methane from municipal solid waste (MSW) confined in sanitary landfills is influenced by several factors, including climatic and operational conditions. This research evaluated the production of methane gas resulting from the anaerobic biodegradation process of MSW, produced in southeastern Brazil, confined in lysimeters for 30 months. The influence of climatic conditions and the effect of the application of saline solution on the MSW anaerobic biodegradation process were considered for methane production. The volumetric concentrations of methane peaks were significant in periods of high temperatures and after high rainfall. Five biodegradation phases were observed, from aerobic to anaerobic methanogenic phases. The methane peaks started in the initial methanogenic phase; however, the highest values were observed in the stable methanogenic phase. The application of the saline solution caused a delay of 100 days in the initial methanogenic phase and an increase of volumetric concentrations of methane over time.

Keywords: municipal solid waste; MSW; methane; anaerobic biodegradation; lysimeter; saline solution; sanitary landfill.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2024.140972

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2024 Vol.35 No.1, pp.98 - 116

Received: 07 Apr 2021
Accepted: 23 Apr 2022
Published online: 05 Sep 2024 *

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