Biogas and Methane Production From The Anaerobic Digestion of Urban Solid Waste Irrigated With Leachate and Water

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the capacity of the reactor built to simulate the behavior of a landfill on a pilot scale and to analyze the production of biogas and methane on a pilot scale in a landfill irrigated with leachate, in order to produce a reactor model that can be used in landfill simulation work and to analyze the behavior of biogas production irrigated with leachate at optimum humidity.   Method: A 1000L reactor containing 500L of MSW was built. The experiment lasted 91 days, with slurry and water being applied every week, interspersed. The slurry application rate was 54L/m3 per week and the humidity was monitored in order to maintain 50% humidity. The slurry was characterized using 25 parameters. The humidity of the MSW mass was analyzed with 5 collections during the experiment.   Results and Discussion: It was possible to identify that the recirculation of leachate at an application rate of 54L/m3 per week, while maintaining optimum humidity, results in the start of the methanogenic phase after two months of landfilling. The proposed reactor can be used in pilot-scale landfill simulation projects by changing the installation height of the upper collection point.   Research Implications: This research contributes to the literature by providing a type of reactor that can be used to simulate the behavior of landfills on a pilot scale. In addition, it provides results for the application of manure that can be used in environmental sanitation and for the generation of natural gas and energy, and can also be used as a basis for future work studying different manure application rates.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to a better understanding of biogas generation in landfills, which can be used to boost its production and, consequently, the generation of natural gas and energy.