Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological and chemical air quality in a municipal solid waste landfill and its inhabited surroundings, in a particular context in which Romania struggles with the incapacity to comply with its environmental commitments. The research was conducted on a landfill near the capital Bucharest between November 2018 and September 2019. To evaluate the chemical (oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and carbon monoxide–MX6 iBrid™ Détector multigas) and microbiological (airborne bacteria and fungi–aspiration method) parameters, eight sampling points were established, located both on the perimeter of the landfill and within its surroundings. CO and CH4 were not detected in any of the sampling points, during the study period; O2 was in normal values 20.09–21.05%; CO2 had a maximum average concentration of 620 ± 215; H2S had values between 0.1 and 5.0 ppm only in the sampling points inside the landfill; NH3 was present only once in a single sampling point with values between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. The microbiological results provide an overview of the total plate count and total fungal count, with no significant differences between the level of contamination inside the landfill and within its surroundings (p > 0.05). Ten bacterial species and fungi from six genera have been identified. It was also found that the number of microorganisms in the air was significantly lower during the winter, spring and early summer months compared with the late summer and autumn months (p < 0.05).
Highlights
IntroductionA few centuries ago, waste was stored directly uncontrolled on the ground or in running water, but was assimilated and neutralized by nature
Rapid population growth and urbanization, having direct consequences on the way of life, have accentuated food industrialization and led to an exponential increase in the quantity and diversity of household waste [1].A few centuries ago, waste was stored directly uncontrolled on the ground or in running water, but was assimilated and neutralized by nature
Municipal solid waste landfills are permanent storage spaces placed in locations unusable for other economic and social purposes, outside the localities and built and equipped to prevent environmental pollution [5]
Summary
A few centuries ago, waste was stored directly uncontrolled on the ground or in running water, but was assimilated and neutralized by nature. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a major problem for human settlements, forcing managers to adopt controlled waste storage solutions [2,3]. Among the various waste treatment and disposal methods, landfilling is the leading method in most countries, especially in low-income and upper-middle-income countries. About 70% of all generated MSW is disposed in some sort of landfill (sanitary and unsanitary landfills, open dumps) [4]. Municipal solid waste landfills are permanent storage spaces placed in locations unusable for other economic and social purposes, outside the localities and built and equipped to prevent environmental pollution [5]. Even if well protected, beside their basic positive role of contribution to the environment, are likely to negatively impact the public
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