Quantification of multiple methane emission sources at landfills using a double tracer technique

Abstract

A double tracer technique was used successfully to quantify whole-site methane (CH 4) emissions from Fakse Landfill. Emissions from different sections of the landfill were quantified by using two different tracers. A scaled-down version of the tracer technique measuring close-by to localized sources having limited areal extent was also used to quantify emissions from on-site sources at the landfill facility, including a composting area and a sewage sludge storage pit. Three field campaigns were performed. At all three field campaigns an overall leak search showed that the CH 4 emissions from the old landfill section were localized to the leachate collection wells and slope areas. The average CH 4 emissions from the old landfill section were quantified to be 32.6 ± 7.4 kg CH 4 h −1, whereas the source at the new section was quantified to be 10.3 ± 5.3 kg CH 4 h −1. The CH 4 emission from the compost area was 0.5 ± 0.25 kg CH 4 h −1, whereas the carbon dioxide (CO 2) and nitrous oxide (N 2O) flux was quantified to be in the order of 332 ± 166 kg CO 2 h −1 and 0.06 ± 0.03 kg N 2O h −1, respectively. The sludge pit located west of the compost material was quantified to have an emission of 2.4 ± 0.63 kg h −1 CH 4, and 0.03 ± 0.01 kg h −1 N 2O.