Pilot scale evaluation of a model to distinguish the rates of simultaneous anaerobic digestion, composting and methane oxidation in static waste beds. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rafiee, Reza; Obersky, Lizanne; Xie, Sihuang; Clarke, William P.
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 71(2018)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Landfill -- Aerobic processes -- Composting -- Methane oxidation -- Carbon stable isotope -- Mass balance model; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.11.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: Landfill was simulated by aerating the headspace of a reactor packed with waste. Production of CO2, CH4, and δ 13 C-CO2 and the consumption of O2 were measured. The rates of composting, CH4 oxidation and anaerobic digestion was determined. This the first time these rates have been calculated when occurring simultaneously. The extent of composting in soil covered and open beds was determined. Abstract: The aim of this paper was to apply and validate a model for measuring the rate and extent of anaerobic digestion, composting and CH4 oxidation in laboratory scale beds. Degradation studies were performed in four reactors each packed with shredded unsorted municipal solid waste, with one bed covered with a 100 mm layer of soil. The rates of production of CH4, CO2, 13 C-CO2 and the rate of consumption of O2 were measured and used as inputs to a mass balance expressions for these components to calculate the rates of anaerobic digestion, composting and CH4 oxidation. The results showed that anaerobic digestion, composting and CH4 oxidation occurred simultaneously in both the covered and uncovered beds. The analysis showed that 50 ± 4% of the solids (COD basis) in the uncovered beds degraded anaerobically, with the generated CH4 subsequently oxidized, and that 32 ± 4% of the solids degraded aerobically in the covered bed.