REDUCTION OF METHANE EMISSION FROM LANDFILLS WITH CELLULOSE IN BIOCOVER

Abstract

Global warming caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a global problem. Solid municipal waste landfills are the third largest source of artificial methane emissions. Methane is one of the greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The net zero emissions target was set to strike a balance between emissions and anthropogenic GHG disposal by 2050. Methane emissions from active or closed landfills may be reduced by methane oxidation, which is developed as a coating over these landfills. Methane (CH4) is an important gas that causes greenhouse effects on Earth and has an atmospheric warming potential of 28 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2). The aim of this study is to find out whether cellulose in the biocover contributes to improving the performance of biocover and to decreasing methane emissions. An experiment was conducted in laboratory conditions that studied the effectiveness of biocover developed in the laboratory. Three experimental columns were created with a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 1500 mm. An active compost saturated with water at a thickness of 500 mm was used as a source of methane, a permeable layer of sand at a thickness of 300 mm was further applied and finally covered with biocover. The first biocover consisted of 50% of fine fraction waste, 50% of clay soil. The second biocover consisted of 40% of fine fraction waste, 40% of clay soil and 20% cellulose (shredded paper). Measurements were performed with the CRDS device, Picarro G2508. The measurements were taken weekly for 5 months.