Experimental Characterization of the Engineering Properties of Landfill Compost-Biocover

Abstract

A landfill biocover system optimizes environmental conditions for biotic methane (CH4) consumption that controls the fugitive and residual emissions from landfills. Research shows that wasted compost material has more (CH4) oxidation potential than other materials. Thus, in this study, the authors investigate the engineering properties of compacted compost to test its suitability for CH4 oxidation capacity. Different laboratory and analytical approaches are employed to attain the set objectives. The biochemical tests show that the studied material indicates the presence of methanotrophs with sufficient organic contents. The compacted compost also shows adequate diffusivity potential to free air space for a wide range of water content. The data also imply that compacting compost to low hydraulic conductivity can be accomplished for a wide range of water content, according to the suggested values for a landfill hydraulic barrier. Furthermore, the low thermal properties of compost as compared to other mineral materials seem more beneficial, as specifically, during the winter season, when the atmospheric temperature is low, low thermal conductivity enables it to sustain a stable temperature for the activities of the microbial organisms, which therefore extends the CH4 oxidation process right through a long period in the winter.

An In-Depth Analysis of Physical, Chemical, and Microplastic Parameters of Landfill Fine Fraction for Biocover Construction

“…In this study, the fine fractions from landfill sites were characterized following the methodology outlined by Huber-Humer et al [17] for assessing their suitability as a methane (CH 4 ) oxidation substrate. Huber-Humer et al [17] developed the concepts of biocover and target values for biocover material, which are used as references in many studies [11,16,29]. The characterization process encompassed an array of key parameters, including organic matter (OM) content, moisture content (MC), water-holding capacity (WHC), particle size distribution (PSD), bulk density (BD), pH, and the electrical conductivity (EC) of leachate.…”