Municipal Solid Waste Sites Research Articles

Evaluation of hydraulic conductivity and self-healing potential of punctured geosynthetic clay liner

ABSTRACT An experimental study was conducted on the modified geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) specimen by replacing encapsulated Sodium Bentonite (Na-B) with different percentages of locally available black cotton soil (BCS). The specimens with punctured hole sizes of 4, 8, and 12 mm in diameter were tested for hydraulic conductivity and self-healing capacity assessed by improved triaxial apparatus. The flowing permeant was prepared with the heavy metals: iron, zinc, nickel, and total chromium based on the results of the chemical analysis of leachate collected from the municipal solid waste site (MSW). The experiment results were observed at 24, 48 and 72 hours. The results were analysed to identify the best specimen mix (Na-B and BCS) regarding the lowest hydraulic conductivity and highest self-healing potential. The results demonstrated that BCS can be utilized in modified GCL as an impermeable barrier for leachate percolation at the MSW dump site.

Integrated assessment of pollution status of MSW sites: a case study of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Oron, Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria.

One of the main causes of contaminated groundwater in emerging nations is improper trash disposal in urban areas, which affects the level of groundwater contamination caused by contaminants of municipal solid waste (MSW) origin within the three local government headquarters in Akwa Ibom State, southeastern Nigeria. The main thrust of this research survey is to assess the level of groundwater contaminations and their consequences. The research used statistical data generated from the Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS) in combination with hydrogeochemical investigations. Analysis of variance of resistivity between Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Oron was carried out. The test result indicated significant difference in contamination among the three cities. This was followed by a t-test between each pair of dump and control sites in the three cities. The test results showed significant difference between each control and dumpsite. The results showed that leachate layer conductivity is always higher than that of the layer above it. All water samples from boreholes close to the dumpsites were identified by hydrogeochemical analysis to exhibit pH (3.70-4.15) lower than the permissible limit of the WHO; few water samples exhibit increased electrical conductivity (EC), cadmium and total dissolved solids (TDS). Similarly, the bacteriological analyses indicated a high level of microbial load due to the waste dump. Formations found in boreholes close to the dumpsite have litho-correlations which depict intercalations of comparatively impermeable and porous materials. The findings reveal that leachate (contaminate) travels slowly downward, allowing for physical, chemical and biological processes to filter out impurities before they get to the aquifer. It is recommended that no new water supply wells should be placed in areas of abnormally low resistivity and physicochemical and bacteriological parameters, until the reasons for these values are properly assessed.

Differences in physical and mental health symptoms among residents living near municipal solid waste sites: a cross sectional study in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

ObjectivePhysical and mental health concerns and symptoms, including sleep problems, low mood, extreme tiredness, and appetite loss are prevalent among people living near waste sites. This research examines differences in health symptoms among residents living near municipal solid waste sites in the Ashanti Region, Ghana.MethodsThe study used cross-sectional data from 827 residents living near three municipal waste sites, including Besease, Asokore, and Dompoase sites in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square, and binary logistic regressions were performed to examine the differences and associations between the variables.ResultsHealth symptoms, including sleep problems/insomnia, frequent extreme tiredness, low mood, loss of appetite, stress, anxiety, and depression, were reported by the majority of the participants. Residents near open dumpsites (Besease and Asokore) exhibit significantly higher likelihoods of experiencing various health symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, psychological disorders, thinking and concentration problems, low mood, loss of appetite, and anxiety compared to those near the engineered Oti landfill in Dompoase.ConclusionWhile emphasizing the importance of proper landfill design and management in Ghana, this study underscores the need for further longitudinal and clinical investigations. Clinically establishing the link between dumpsites and health symptoms is imperative for informed public health interventions and policy decisions aimed at mitigating the potential adverse health effects of landfills on residents' well-being.

Assessment of The Geotechnical Properties of Municipal Solid Waste and Its Effect on The Surrounding Soil: A Review

Due to rapid growing of population and active lifestyle, massive amounts of municipal solid waste (MSW) are produced worldwide. The MSW can harm the environment and threaten the land if the dumping sites are not managed scientifically. The geotechnical properties of MSW are the key parameters required in the landfill operations and waste management facilities. Hence, presence of the geotechnical properties data of the waste can assist engineers in selecting possible solutions for extension of the landfill and obtaining prior background data for the evaluation and design of landfills. MSW disposal changes the geotechnical properties of soil. Also, alterations in the geotechnical properties of soils may contribute to the physical and physico-chemical interactions between soil and contaminants of the dumping sites. As leachate, which is generated by the waste, penetrates into the soil, it moves pollutants into the soil and influences the strength and stability of the soil. The main objective of this research is to summarize the most recent literature of the physical and mechanical properties of MSW, and their influence on the geotechnical properties of soil. The findings of numerous investigations on the physical and mechanical characteristics of MSW and soil influenced by MSW are presented and discussed. Depending on the reviewed research studies, it can be observed that the engineering characteristics of MSW are complicated and varied for various reasons. The waste components and degradation process can cause an increase in moisture content and unit weight, and a decrease in organic content, hydraulic conductivity and compressibility of MSW. Additionally, MSW sites significantly impact the physical and mechanical characteristics of underlain and surrounding soil and deteriorate the soil quality. Further, it was noticed that the influence of dumping on soil is reduced with depth due to less interaction between the soil and waste

Evaluation of energy sources from municipal solid waste of Gujranwala city in Pakistan

The worldwide atmosphere has been seriously deteriorating due to the poor handling of waste produced in order to get useful products for achieving the high living standards and technological development. Therefore, waste management is a serious concern to avoid ecological damage. Methane gas generated on waste landfill sites is the source of greenhouse gas that is prime contributors to environmental degradation. The main intention is to measure the amount of methane gas produced from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) at the site of Bakhrewali in the Cantonment (Rahwali), Gujranwala, Pakistan and to estimate the extent of energy that potentially could be retrieved from the MSW site. The waste samples were gathered to evaluate the energy content, composition, and methane concentration. The findings from the MSW characterization revealed that the primary constituent of Bahrewali site, Gujranwala MSW is organic waste. The concentration of methane from sites 1, 2 and 3 were analysed to be 118.45, 35.32, 48.26 ppm methane/g waste. The calorific value of samples 1, 2 and 3 were determined to be 13.45, 12.24, and 11.01 MJ/kg respectively. The outcomes confirm that there is production of methane at the waste sites and the municipal waste could be utilized for energy recovery. The analysis of samples collected from MSW sites shows that there is great potential in the waste to be combusted and used for electricity generation.

The mechanisms and monitoring of zeolite remediating chemical oxygen demand, NH4+, and Pb2+

Zeolite is utilized as an effective filling material in a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) at contaminated sites. Evaluation of the long-term performance of such barrier demands thorough understanding of the remediation mechanisms and real-time monitoring technique. In this study, the processes of zeolite remediation of three typical major contaminants from municipal solid waste sites (Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), NH4+, and Pb2+, respectively) were simulated with column test, analyzed with microscopic methods (MIP, BET, SEM, XPS, FTIR, and XRD) and monitored with the spectral induced polarization (SIP) technique. Zeolite remediates COD simulant, KC8H5O4, through cation exchange of K+ and surface complexation of C8H5O4−. Patchy distribution of K+ with size range of 16–60 μm was both observed and calculated from the peak frequency of imaginary conductivity of SIP responses, which was attributed to the preferential complexation of C8H5O4− at low velocity regions (dents) on zeolite surfaces. Zeolite remediates NH4+ mainly through ion exchange due to the higher affinity of NH4+ to zeolite surfaces than that of Na+. Zeolite remediates Pb2+ mainly through surface complexation, with clusters of complexed Pb (II) of wide size range (a few μm to 25 μm) residing on zeolite particle surfaces. The real conductivity of SIP responses for zeolite under contaminant flow-through is primarily sensitive to the ionic strength of influx fluid. A mean size of near 270 μm was calculated from SIP responses in all three cases, which was attributed to the pore throat of zeolite. Spectral induced polarization demonstrated its capability of monitoring three processes of zeolite remediating COD, NH4+, and Pb2+, respectively, and held promise of non-invasively monitoring of long-term performance of contaminant containing barriers.

Field and numerical studies to evaluate slope stability in municipal solid waste sites

Field and numerical studies to evaluate slope stability in municipal solid waste sites

Municipal Solid Waste Management and Adverse Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) can pose a threat to public health if it is not safely managed. Despite prior research, uncertainties remain and refurbished evidence is needed along with new approaches. We conducted a systematic review of recently published literature to update and expand the epidemiological evidence on the association between MSW management practices and resident populations’ health risks. Studies published from January 2005 to January 2020 were searched and reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible MSW treatment or disposal sites were defined as landfills, dumpsites, incinerators, waste open burning, transfer stations, recycling sites, composting plants, and anaerobic digesters. Occupational risks were not assessed. Health effects investigated included mortality, adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, cancer, respiratory conditions, gastroenteritis, vector-borne diseases, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies reporting on human biomonitoring for exposure were eligible as well. Twenty-nine studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria of our protocol, assessing health effects only associated with proximity to landfills, incinerators, and dumpsites/open burning sites. There was some evidence of an increased risk of adverse birth and neonatal outcomes for residents near each type of MSW site. There was also some evidence of an increased risk of mortality, respiratory diseases, and negative mental health effects associated with residing near landfills. Additionally, there was some evidence of increased risk of mortality associated with residing near incinerators. However, in many cases, the evidence was inadequate to establish a strong relationship between a specific exposure and outcomes, and the studies rarely assessed new generation technologies. Evidence gaps remain, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Real-time measurements of landfill atmospheric ammonia using mobile white cell differential optical absorption spectroscopy system and engineering applications

ABSTRACT The real-time measurement of atmospheric ammonia at municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and adjacent areas is necessary for landfill management and the health of nearby residence. Continuous, fast, and real-time monitoring of landfill odor gases is a challenge, especially for ammonia. To our knowledge, this was the first study for the characteristics and seasonal variabilities of atmospheric ammonia at a whole landfill using a Mobile White cell Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MW-DOAS) system, which also simultaneously offers high sensitivity and fast response. Results show that atmospheric ammonia levels at various landfill areas were significantly dependent on the characteristics of areas, such as municipal solid waste-related areas, leachate-related areas, sludge-related areas, and fly ash-related area, the atmospheric ammonia peak or average level at the active leachate pool of the active MSW site was the highest among all areas of the whole landfill, and the ammonia concentrations at the closed MSW landfill sites were low and dependent on the ages. Moreover, it was found that the seasonal variabilities of ammonia concentrations at most of those areas were significantly dependent on the ambient temperature, and ambient temperature variation caused the atmospheric ammonia level at the active leachate pool and active MSW landfill site in the summer survey to raise 3.5 times and 5.58 times than in the winter survey, respectively. Implications: Continuous, fast, and real-time monitoring ambient ammonia at or nearby a landfill is critical for landfill operators and local EPAs. This study demonstrates that the mobile White cell Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MW-DOAS) system is an effective tool for real-time monitoring ambient ammonia of a whole landfill. The results in this article provided a guideline to the characteristics and seasonal changes of ambient ammonia at various types of areas of a whole landfill as well as the impact of age to ambient ammonia at the closed landfill areas.

Measurement of static and dynamic properties of municipal solid waste at Mavallipura landfill site, India

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills have been widely constructed around the world for proper dispose of MSW. Geotechnical properties of MSW are difficult to determine because the heterogeneity, wide variation in particle size distribution and time dependent degradation. Knowledge of geotechnical properties of MSW is essential for the design and operation of landfills. Geotechnical properties of the MSW from landfills is very limited. The design of MSW landfills requires the selection of representative MSW material properties. Static and dynamic properties of emplaced MSW from landfill sites at Bangalore, India are evaluated. A comprehensive field and laboratory studies are conducted on MSW disposed at Mavallipura landfills that are in operation for about 12 years. Laboratory studies included: waste composition, water content, hydraulic conductivity, shear behavior for evaluation of static MSW properties. Field measurements included: cyclic plate load test and geophysical testing (multichannel analysis of surface waves) to assess the dynamic MSW properties at landfill site. Also, results obtained from cyclic plate load test is compared with numerical simulation like PLAXIS 2D. In additional, this paper presents a method for extrapolation of Vs30 for MSW site where subsurface data does not extend to a depth of 30 m. Based on the detailed field and laboratory test data, characterization of the small strain shear modulus and the shear wave velocity of MSW is an integral component of various seismic analyses, including site classification, analysis seismic response of landfill. The results in this study will provide guidance in the design and operation of the landfills in India.

Location optimization of municipal solid waste considering health, safety, environmental, and economic factors

Selecting appropriate sites for municipal solid waste (MSW) is a challenging problem for urban communities and has economic and environmental implications. This paper proposes a mathematical optimization model to solve the location problem of MSW sites incorporating both push and pull characteristics. Four objective functions comprising health, safety, environmental (HSE), and economic indicators are considered. These objectives are combined into a single objective function using the weighted sum method and the best method is selected based on noise analysis. The parameter uncertainty is incorporated into the model using expert judgments followed by sensitivity analysis to show the effect of the most important parameters. Using the data from a network of 360 population centers in Tehran, the solution for the model is demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first study on location optimization of MSW considering combined HSE and economic indicators. The proposed approach is flexible and parsimonious.

Waste picker livelihoods and inclusive neoliberal municipal solid waste management policies: The case of the La Chureca garbage dump site in Managua, Nicaragua

The modernization (i.e. mechanization, formalization, and capital intensification) and enclosure of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) systems threaten waste picker livelihoods. From 2009 to 2013, a major development project, embodying traditional neoliberal policies with inclusive social policies, transformed the Managua, Nicaragua, municipal solid waste site from an open-air dump where as many as 2,000 informal waste pickers toiled to a sanitary landfill. To investigate waste pickers’ social and economic condition, including labor characteristics, household income, and poverty incidence, after the project’s completion, 146 semi-structured survey questionnaires were administered to four communities adjacent to the landfill and 45 semi-structured interviews were completed with key stakeholders. Findings indicate that hundreds of waste pickers were displaced by the project, employment benefits from the project were unevenly distributed by neighborhood, and informal waste picking endures due to persistent impoverishment, thereby contributing to continued social and economic marginalization and environmental degradation. The findings highlight the limitations of inclusive neoliberal development efforts to transform MSWM in a low-income country.

Suitability of hazard rating systems for air contamination from municipal solid waste dumps and improvements to enhance performance

Close vicinity of uncontrolled municipal waste sites (or ‘waste dumps’) to well-populated communities makes the air contamination a prominent hazard from the waste dumps. The hazard rating systems, considered useful in prioritizing these sites for remediation, are investigated for their suitability to assess air contamination of municipal solid waste (MSW) dumps. Out of the eight systems employed in the study, six rating systems respond well to changes in site conditions when applied to hazardous waste sites. However for MSW sites, all eight rating systems give scores in a narrow range and do not perform well. One system is selected for improvement by modifying the indicators for waste quantity and rainfall and, introducing the indicators for waste composition and fresh waste quantity using expert judgment. The modified system performs well for MSW dumps, produces air contamination hazard ratings in a wider range, and responds to higher number of scenarios in sensitivity analysis, thus making it an appropriate tool for site prioritization for remediation.

A preliminary report of indigenous fungal isolates from contaminated municipal solid waste site in India.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) containing harmful substances is a major concern in waste management and can cause adverse effects on diversity of fungi in soil. The main objective was to evaluate the fungal diversity inhabiting in the soil nearby MSW disposal site. The fungal strains were isolated in potato dextrose agar (PDA), media at temperatures 28±1°C by using standard serial dilution pour plate method, and appeared fungal colonies identified based on morphological characteristics. The overall most fungal diversity was found in soil sample collected from S5, followed by S4, S3, S1, and least in S2 site. A total of 24 fungal isolates recovered from the different MSW sites and Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., and Curvularia sp. genus has isolated from all the samples. In addition, the metal tolerance index performed because it needs to classify the fungus for their best use as potential agent for environmental protection. The metal tolerance outcomes revealed that both metals (cadmium and chromium) has appeared as the highest growth inhibitor for most strains and even fungal colonies did not propagate very well on the surface of media. Therefore, these findings suggest that the pre-adapted indigenous fungal isolates have proven remarkable tolerance ability to both metals. Furthermore, these highly metal-tolerant fungal strains are recommended for detail research or can use in pilot-scale bioremediation application to treat contaminated site.

Site selection in waste management by the VIKOR method using linguistic assessment

Site selection is an important issue in municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Selection of the appropriate solid waste site is an extensive evaluation process that requires consideration of multiple alternative solutions and evaluation criteria. In reality, it is easier for decision makers to express their judgments on the alternatives by using linguistic terms, and there usually exists uncertain and incomplete assessment information. Moreover, decision makers may have different risk attitudes in the siting process because of their different backgrounds and personalities. Therefore, an attitudinal-based interval 2-tuple linguistic VIKOR (ITL-VIKOR) method is proposed in this paper to select the best disposal site for MSW. The feasibility and practicability of the proposed method are further demonstrated through an example of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) combustion plant location. Results show that the new approach is more suitable and effective to handle the MSW site selection problems by considering the decision maker's attitudinal character and incorporating the uncertain and incomplete assessment information.

Effect of Temperature on Fenton oxidation of young landfill leachate: Kinetic Assessment and Sludge Properties

Treatment of young landfill leachate, collected from municipal solid waste site of city of Konya, was investigated by using the Fenton process. The leachate itself showed the characteristics of pH 7.25, COD 38.2 g L-1 and BOD5 22 g L-1. Ratio of BOD5 to COD with 0.58 indicates that leachate can be defined young. Fenton oxidation of landfill leachate was expressed in two-stage process, where a fast initial reaction (H2O2/Fe2+) was followed by a much slower one (H2O2/Fe3+). Overall kinetics can be described by a second-order rate equation followed by zero-order one. The kinetic studies were undertaken at the different temperatures and reaction rates increcesed by increasing temperature. The apparent kinetic constants at 303 K are k = 3.16 x10-3 L g-1 min-1 and k0 = 0,171 g L-1 min-1, respectively. Fenton reagents effectively degraded the leachate organics and most of the degradation was completed within 30 minutes for all temperatures. The performance of Fenton process was not only presented as a COD removal but also expressed as the amount of generated sludge and its properties. Sludge properties were revealed with Capillary Suction Time (CST) and Sludge Volume Index (SVI). The minimum CST value was obtained at the optimum molar ratio of 4.12 mol/mol and increasing temperature resulted in a positive effect on CST values. All SVI values were significantly low which indicates that sludge itself had good settling properties.

Lessons Learned from Case Histories of Dynamic Compaction at Municipal Solid Waste Sites

Dynamic compaction (DC) has an extensive performance record on municipal solid waste (MSW) sites. A database of 56 test sites has been developed and analyzed to garner lessons on the performance of DC on MSW sites. Analysis of the data indicates that the depth of improvement in MSW is shallower than the depth of improvement in cohesionless soils with values of the empirical parameter, n, for MSW commonly on the order of 0.4±0.05. DC results in a denser waste matrix that increases the stiffness of the waste by a factor of 2.8–24 compared with its unimproved state and results in reduction of waste compression upon load application. The achieved higher density and more stable structure of the MSW result in a lower rate and amount of long-term settlement. Limited studies indicate that DC is an effective technique to reduce settlements. Surface wave seismic methods represent an attractive method to assess the depth of improvement. Vibrations induced by DC are attenuated faster in MSW than in inorganic soils.

Energy efficiency and environmental impact of biogas utilization in landfills

This study investigates the utilization of landfill biogas as a fuel for electrical power generation. Landfills can be regarded as conversion biogas plants to electricity, not only covering internal consumptions of the facility but contributing in the power grid as well. A landfill gas plant consists of a recovery and a production system. The recovery of landfill gas is an area of vital interest since it combines both alternative energy production and reduction of environmental impact through reduction of methane and carbon dioxide, two of the main greenhouse gases emissions. This study follows two main objectives. First, to determine whether active extraction of landfill gas in the examined municipal solid waste sites would produce adequate electric power for utilisation and grid connection and second, to estimate the reduction of sequential greenhouse gases emissions. However, in order to optimize the designing of a plant fed by biogas, it is necessary to quantify biogas production over several years. The investigation results of energy efficiency and environmental impact of biogas utilization in landfills are considering satisfactory enough both in electric energy production and in contribution to greenhouse gases mitigation.

Scanning electron microscopy and magnetic characterization of iron oxides in solid waste landfill leachate

Leachate sludge samples were taken from two municipal solid waste sites of Jelekong and Sarimukti in Bandung, Indonesia. Their magnetic mineralogy and granulometry were analyzed to discriminate the sources of magnetic minerals using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and rock magnetism. SEM-EDX analyses infer that the main magnetic minerals in the leachate sludge are iron oxides. In terms of their morphology, the grains from Jelekong are mostly octahedral and angular, which are similar to the general shapes of magnetic grains from the local soils. The grains from Sarimukti, on the other hand, are dominated by imperfect spherule shapes suggesting the product of combustion processes. Hysteresis parameters verify that the predominant magnetic mineral in leachate sludge is low coercivity ferrimagnetic mineral such as magnetite (Fe 3O 4). Furthermore, comparisons of rock magnetic parameters show that the magnetic minerals of soil samples from Jelekong have higher degree of magnetic pedogenesis indicating higher proportion of superparamagnetic/ultrafine particles than those of soil samples from Sarimukti. The plot of susceptibilities ratio versus coercive force has a great potential to be used as a discriminating tool for determining the source of magnetic minerals.

Developing a fuzzy decision support system to determine the location of a landfill site

This paper presents two case studies of municipal solid waste site location using a decision-support system based on fuzzy logic. This problem is very complex, as it requires the evaluation of different criteria, which involve environmental, social and economic data. Such data deal with a wide range of information that presents not only quantitative, but also qualitative knowledge. In order to deal with this characteristic, the developed system employs fuzzy rules due to its ability to treat linguistic variables and the human way of thinking. Conventional approaches tend to be less effective in dealing with the imprecise or vague nature of the linguistic assessment. A case study for selecting the location of a new municipal solid waste landfill for the city of Petropolis in Rio de Janeiro is presented. Testing of the proposed method was carried out using data from the municipal solid waste location for another municipality in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.