Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Escoriaza, Sharon Czarina
Author's Email Address	rican_chic@hotmail.com
URN	etd-04072005-151222
Title	Bio-Reactive Landfill Covers: An Inexpensive Approach to Mitigate Methane Emissions
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Tarek Abichou Committee Chair Amy Chan-Hilton Committee Member Dave Powelson Committee Member Jeff Chanton Committee Member
Keywords	Bio-Reactive Covers Landfill Methane Emissions Mitigation Oxidation
Date of Defense	2005-02-21
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract ABSTRACT Methane is one of two primary gases produced from the decomposition of landfill waste. Studies have been directed to collection and mitigation of methane gas. In small landfills, collection is not an economically feasible solution. Bio-cover placement is an inexpensive approach to mitigating methane emissions. The enhancing of oxidation processes by placement of bio-covers will reduce emissions even while gas extraction is employed and improve aesthetic quality of solid waste facilities. The overall objective of the research is to mitigate methane emissions from landfills. To reach this objective, a test site was selected to evaluate the effects of compost placement over a closed landfill. The static chamber technique was used to estimate methane emissions and the stable isotope tracing method was used to determine oxidation rates. Hot spots were identified in the grid area and emissions at these spots were analyzed more in detail. Results obtained during the first year of the study are presented in this thesis. In these investigative efforts, it was noted that moisture content plays a significant role in controlling emissions and oxidation. At high water contents, low flux emissions were measured observed and at low water contents, emissions were higher. Oxidation rates varied in much the same way. High water contents corresponded with low oxidation rates and vise versa. Further study on the effects of moisture content and other variables on flux emission and oxidation is warranted.
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