[USCC] degradation of methane and VOCs by compost landfill covers: a column study

[Millner, Pat]

Biodegradation of Methane and Halocarbons in Simulated Landfill Biocover
Systems Containing Compost Materials 

J. Environ. Qual. 38:1363-1371.  2009.

 

Charlotte Scheutz,* Gitte B. Pedersen, Giulia Costa, and Peter Kjeldsen
Technical University of Denmark

 

The attenuation potential of methane (CH4) and of selected volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) was compared in four types of compost materials
using dynamic flow column experiments over a period of 255 d. Garden
waste compost mixed with woodchips showed the highest steady-state CH4
oxidation rate (161 g m-2 d-1), followed by a commercial compost product
Supermuld (110 g m-2 d-1). In the column containing the highest fraction
of compost (compost/sand mixed in 1:1), CH4 oxidation declined
significantly during the period of operation, probably due to clogging
by formation of exopolymeric substances. After 40 d of operation, CH4
production was observed. All the VOCs tested were degraded. CFC-11
(CCl3F) and HCFC-21 (CCl2FH) were anaerobically degraded by reductive
dechlorination, generating HCFC-31 (CClFH2) and HFC-41 (CFH3), which
were both aerobically degraded in the oxic portion of the columns.
Overall, the highest removal of VOCs was observed in the column
containing the compost/ wood chip mixture. This study demonstrates that
biocovers consisting of compost materials have the potential to
attenuate trace gas emissions from landfills.

 

 

Pat Millner

USDA-ARS