LandGEM Biogas Estimation, Energy Potential and Carbon Footprint Assessments of a Controlled Landfill Site. Case of the Controlled Landfill of Mohammedia-Benslimane, Morocco

Abstract

Landfills throughout the world are contributing to the global warming problem. This is due to the existence of the most important greenhouse gases in landfill gas; namely, methane and carbon dioxide. Methane has a high potential for energy production and by utilizing the proper technology, large amounts of energy can be extracted from it. This paper deals with the estimation of methane emissions from the controlled municipal solid waste landfill of Mohammedia-Benslimane (MB) in Morocco. Methane emissions were calculated using the LandGEM method. In this research, the following parameters were evaluated: the amount of landfilled waste, the characteristics of the landfill and the composition of the landfilled waste, as well as the climatic conditions prevailing in the region. According to the LandGEM model, the total amount of methane generated from approximately 3.663 E+06 kg of municipal solid waste that will be buried of in the MB controlled landfill over 20 years,2012 to 2032, is 1.76 E+08 m 3 . For the year 2020, the estimated electrical energy production in the landfill is 1.78 E+07 kWh. Regarding the carbon footprint for this landfill, the landfilling of household solid waste at the MB landfill has resulted in a production of about 499,238,000 kg CO 2 e in 2020 since its opening in 2012, according to the LandGEM model. These huge amounts of greenhouse gas are related to the fact that the waste buried at this landfill is highly organic. By installing an efficient system to capture and flare the biogas generated in this landfill, the management of this landfill is actively contributing to the protection of the environment by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane.

Evaluating the Ecological Footprint of Landfills: A Framework and Case Study of Fargo, North Dakota

“…However, flaring still contributes to the carbon footprint since CO 2 is released to the atmosphere. A Moroccan landfill reported that installing a landfill gas capture and flaring facility can protect the environment by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, mainly methane, with an overall reduction of 1.78 million tons of CO 2 equiv in ten years . Of the considered operational strategies, C1, which is 53,752 gha, most nearly represents the carbon footprint of the Fargo landfill.…”

“…A Moroccan landfill reported that installing a landfill gas capture and flaring facility can protect the environment by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, mainly methane, with an overall reduction of 1.78 million tons of CO 2 equiv in ten years. 75 Of the considered operational strategies, C1, which is 53,752 gha, most nearly represents the carbon footprint of the Fargo landfill. As discussed in Section 2.3.1, Fargo Landfill has a gas collection system, and a large portion of the captured gases is supplied to local industry to be used as fuel.…”

Overview of Ecological Dynamics in Morocco – Biodiversity, Water Scarcity, Climate Change, Anthropogenic Pressures, and Energy Resources – Navigating Towards Ecosolutions and Sustainable Development

“…The amount of household solid waste (HSW) in Morocco is increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption habits [119]. With a population of [120].…”

Transformation of Municipal Waste Management in Poland Towards a Circular Economy

“…The least desirable process in the hierarchy of handling municipal waste is its disposal by landfilling in landfills of a particular type. It includes waste with no value as a potential recycling material and no energy value as a fuel source (Oukili et al 2022). Landfilling is potentially associated with negative environmental impacts of the landfill as a waste disposal facility (Ciuła 2022).…”