Simulation of the Dispersion of VOC from an MSW Landfill via a Lagrangian Particle Model: Efficiency of a Solid Barrier

Abstract

A critical aspect of odor assessments in municipal solid wastes (MSW) landfills is modeling to define exposure characteristics in affected communities. In many cases, odor dispersion is influenced by complex or nonsteady-state meteorology that cannot be represented by the commonly used dispersion models, based on a steady-state Gauss plume assumption, which is often inaccurate. Recent developments in modeling of local meteorology have enabled far more realistic predictions of odor dispersion. Three-dimensional models have been successfully applied to improve the predictions of odor impact and to better define the parameters for odor control options. One of these options is solid walls to deflect the winds that blow to the direction of residential areas. This article presents a way to compute the efficiency of such a method by means of the numerical simulation of the effect of a hypothetical solid barrier on the dispersion of odorous compounds in a real MSW landfill in Vacarisses, Spain. The dispersion of air pollutants coming from one or more point sources have been simulated using a combination of a diagnostic model for generating wind fields and a Lagrange-particle model for dispersion. Results show that the efficiency of a solid barrier of up to 40 m high as VOC deflector is practically null or even may help to increase emission concentrations in some control points.