Can a breathing biocover system enhance methane emission reduction from landfill?

Abstract

Based on the aerothermodynamic principles, a kind of breathing biocover system was designed to enhance O(2) supply efficiency and methane (CH(4)) oxidation capacity. The research showed that O(2) concentration (v/v) considerably increased throughout whole profiles of the microcosm (1m) equipped with passive air venting system (MPAVS). When the simulated landfill gas SLFG flow was 771 g m(-3) d(-1) and 1028 g m(-3) d(-1), the O(2) concentration in MPAVS increased gradually and tended to be stable at the atmospheric level after 10 days. The CH(4) oxidation rate was 100% when the SLFG flow rate was no more than 1285 g m(-3) d(-1), which also was confirmed by the mass balance calculations. The breathing biocover system with in situ self-oxygen supply can address the problem of O(2) insufficient in conventional landfill covers and/or biocovers. The proposed system presents high potential for improving CH(4) emission reduction in landfills.