Thin Biocovers (TBC): A Novel Approach in Controlling Methane Emissions from Landfills Accepting Biodegradable Organic Waste

摘要

Sanitary landfills are one of the largest sources of anthropogenic methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Because of the need to minimize greenhouse gases emissions to the atmosphere, it is prudent to search for cost-effective ways of controlling landfill methane emissions. This paper will first introduce a sustainable waste management technology, called the Biocell, being implemented in Calgary, Canada, to reduce such emissions. In a Biocell, a waste cell is operated under an anaerobic phase with leachate recirculation to enhance methane production and cost effective energy recovery by capturing produced methane. A second stage permits aerobic conditions to occur in the Biocell thus promoting composting. The Biocell is mined in a third stage for resource and space recovery. This paper will also present details of a novel technology being implemented to reduce methane emissions during Biocell construction. Based on extensive laboratory studies, a thin intermediate biocover has been selected that can be applied to oxidize methane to carbon dioxide. The biocover promoted the growth of a bacterium known as methanotrophs. The methanotrophic bacterium is capable of converting methane to carbon dioxide without producing harmful by-products. Results of laboratory experiment to identify the most suitable medium for the thin biocover and field monitoring results are also presented.