Utilization of methane from municipal solid waste landfills

Abstract

Here, we analyzed the utilization efficiency of methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) gas from landfill sites associated with its power generation potential in different systems; in addition, we analyzed the reduction in the amount of CH<sub>4</sub> emitted from landfills of untreated waste, proposed an effective method for site selection, and investigated the environmental issues caused by landfilling solid waste. Furthermore, we evaluated the geographical and chemical characteristics, iteration variables of landfill operations, application of CH<sub>4</sub>, efficiencies of energy-converting systems, and reduction in the CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from other energy sources, with the landfill gas (LFG) being considered as the fuel. For efficient and quality extraction of CH<sub>4</sub> from LFG, we investigated the ideal landfill conditions (e.g., construction, geometry, weather, temperature, moisture, pH, and biodegradable matter) and hydrogeological parameters that influence the generation of LFG and landfill leachate. The first order decay equation was used to predict the CH<sub>4</sub> generation from a single bulk municipal solid waste stream for various characteristic interims of geography and CH<sub>4</sub> generation capacity and potential. More CH<sub>4</sub> is generated in the conventional clean air act condition than wet and arid conditions. Based on the analysis, we suggest efficient and economical power generation systems for using the CH<sub>4</sub> emissions from landfills.