Review of Research Methods for Assessing the Activity of a Municipal Landfill Based on the Landfill Gas Analysis

Abstract

Accurate projection of gas generation from landfills poses numerous difficulties. One needs to select and use an appropriate method from among several available options, and consider local and individual conditions of a landfill. These aspects are crucial for the economic management of the landfill gas in new landfills, and for assessing the impact of the gas on soil-water environment in old landfills. This paper is aimed at reviewing the research methods that can be used to assess the activity of new municipal waste landfills currently in operation, and of old, closed landfills after reclamation. Landfill activity can be assessed using different models and analysis of the produced gas. The actual data on the investigated municipal landfill showed that the landfill activity can be accurately assessed based on the quantitative determination of biogas formation using the LandGEM method, and the analysis of gas phase variability in the landfill accounting for oxygen, methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide share/presence. Each landfill is different and calls for an individual approach or methodological modifications.