Conceptualization of Bioreactor Landfill Approach for Sustainable Waste Management in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Finding a sustainable approach for municipal solid waste (MSW) management is becoming paramount. However, as with many urban areas in developing countries, the approach applied to MSW management in Karachi is neither environmentally sustainable nor suitable for public health. Due to adoption of an inefficient waste management system, society is paying intangible costs such as damage to public health and environment quality. In order to minimize the environmental impacts and health issues associated with waste management practices, a sustainable waste management and disposal strategy is required. The aim of this paper is to present a concept for the development of new bioreactor landfills for sustainable waste management in Karachi. Furthermore, this paper contributes to estimation of methane (CH4) emissions from waste disposal sites by employing the First Order Decay (FOD) Tier 2 model of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and determining of the biodegradation rate constant (k) value. The design and operational concept of bioreactor landfills is formulated for the study area, including estimation of land requirement, methane production, power generation, and liquid required for recirculation, along with a preliminary sketch of the proposed bioreactor landfill. This study will be helpful for stockholders, policy makers, and researchers in planning, development, and further research for establishment of bioreactor landfill facilities, particularly in the study area as well as more generally in regions with a similar climate and MSW composition.

Multi-Criteria Relationship Analysis of Knowledge, Perception, and Attitude of Stakeholders for Engagement towards Maritime Pollution at Sea, Beach, and Coastal Environments

“…The issue of Karachi city's beach and sea pollution is multifaceted [59][60][61][62]. Commercial producers, consumers, municipalities, law-making, law-enforcement and regulatory authorities and other segments have stakes in enabling waste and effluent generation that degrade the marine ecosystem of the city [63][64][65]. It is understood that the people are highly aware of the pollution happening in and around the marine environments of Karachi, which is claimed based on their first-hand experiences, especially gained from personal encounters of marine ecosystems' degradation.…”

A Review on Characteristics, Techniques, and Waste-to-Energy Aspects of Municipal Solid Waste Management: Bangladesh Perspective

“…However, semi-controlled landfills lack the collection, segregation, and utilization facilities of LFG and leachate [48]. In developed countries, sanitary landfills are prevalent in which proper facilities are included for collecting and segregating the energy-generating resources produced by the appropriate treatment of the MSW [50]. It is the most costeffective technique because the LFG and leachate can be utilized for energy generation through proper implementation.…”

The Use of multiple-soil layer bioreactors to boost decomposition of fresh leachate

“…However, conventional landfills often have little moisture, which limits microbial activity and slows down the decomposition rate [7]. In contrast, a bioreactor landfill is a waste disposal site designed to actively promote the breakdown of waste materials by introducing moisture and other nutrients [8]. Bioreactor landfills add liquids like leachate or recycled wastewater to increase moisture, promote microorganism growth, and accelerate waste breakdown.…”