Detection of hotspots and rapid determination of methane emissions from landfills via a ground-surface method

Abstract

We present a method for the rapid determination of methane emissions from landfills based on atmospheric dispersion theory, which suggests that the methane concentration, at a small distance from the soil/atmosphere interface, is proportional to its flux. Thus, after suitable calibration, the determination of methane concentrations close to the ground allows for flux determination in a shorter time than with standard enclosure techniques. This concept was tested using a surface probe in direct contact with the ground. The probe extracts a continuous sample of the air at the probe/ground interface and transports it to a portable methane analyzer. It was observed that stable methane concentrations were measured 30 s after the probe was positioned at the measurement point. These concentrations correlated well with the fluxes measured by standard static chambers. The method was used to determine the fluxes at 217 points within a 90,000 m(2) landfill. These measurements facilitated mapping of the CH4 emissions and the localization of hotspots. We conclude that the method is simple, effective, and relatively quick, compared to existing standard methods.

Methodologies for measuring fugitive methane emissions from landfills – A review

“…In this way, the met hod has the same spatial and temporal limitations as the pore gas concentration profiles mentioned in the previous section. In an attempt to obtain a reliable estimate of the total CH 4 emission from a landfill or section thereof, it is often proposed to apply a systematic testing strategy (Gonzalez-Valencia et al, 2015;Battaglini et al, 2013;Bour, 2007;Spokas et al, 2006;Lang, 2004;Rosevaer et al, 2004;Savanne et al, 1997;Bogner and Scott, 1995). Such a sampling strategy may be that the landfill is divided into grids of a certain size, followed by flux chamber measurements performed in the grid points.…”

“…Such a sampling strategy may be that the landfill is divided into grids of a certain size, followed by flux chamber measurements performed in the grid points. Geo-statistic models can then be used to estimate total CH 4 emissions from the landfill (Gonzalez-Valencia et al 2015;Spokas et al, 2003;Börjesson et al, 2000). Typical distances between the grid points are between 10 and 60 metres, and the more measurements performed, the more accurate a result can be expected.…”

Identification of Fire Hazards Due to Landfill Gas Generation and Emission

“…In addition to contributing to the greenhouse effect, methane is also a fl ammable, explosive, and toxic gas [32]. Since the fl ammable/explosive limits of methane range from 5% vol to 15% vol , the measured values reveal that methane was constantly within its explosive range over the six months in gas well Nos.…”

Mitigating Methane: Emerging Technologies To Combat Climate Change’s Second Leading Contributor

“…For example, Utgikar and Scott 56 note that accurate estimates and forecasts of energy demand are hampered by barriers associated with technology adoption; socio-economic factors; and volatile economic policies. Moreover, as noted by Feng and Zhang 57 and Aydin et al 58 current trends in energy use may conceivably change drastically in coming years as some countries adopt widespread energy 9,36,8,10,24 − Rice farming 37,10,8,[38][39][40][41][42]24 − Landfills, 43,10,8,44,45,24 Permafrost thaw 9,46−48 − Coal mines 9,8,10,[49][50][51]24 Biomass burning 9,8,10,52,53,24 − Domestic and industrial wastewater 54,10,8,55,24 − Livestock manure 18,8,10,24,25 ). saving measures whereas other developing countries surge in energy demand to meet growing economies.…”

“…Figure 1. CH 4 emissions (a) in the context of the principal GHGs (*LUC = land use change) and (b) as a function of the key CH 4 sources amounting to a total CH 4 emission estimate of 9.5 Gt CO 2 -e yr −1 in our study (compared with 7.8 Gt CO 2 -e yr −1 from the IPCC, 1 8.5 Gt CO 2 -e yr −1 from Karakurt et al 8 and 6.2 Gt CO 2 -e yr −1 from Stolaroff et al 9 ); horizontal dashes in each category represent standard errors for mean emission estimates compiled from the following references (Enteric 18,19,12,20−25 − Hydroelectric dams 26−35 − Oil and gas9,36,8,10,24 − Rice farming37,10,8,[38][39][40][41][42]24 − Landfills,43,10,8,44,45,24 Permafrost thaw 9,46−48 − Coal mines9,8,10,[49][50][51]24 Biomass burning 9,8,10,52,53,24 − Domestic and industrial wastewater54,10,8,55,24 − Livestock manure18,8,10,24,25 ).…”