The effects of moisture inputs on landfill gas production and composition and leachate characteristics at the Vancouver Lanclfill Site at Burns Bog

Abstract

Infiltration of water into a landfill affects the process of waste decomposition. An analysis of variation in landfill gas production and composition (%CH4, %CO₂) in response to precipitation variations was carried out at the Vancouver Landfill Site at Bums Bog. Results indicate a direct relationship between cumulative precipitation 14 days prior to sampling and CH4 generation (mean r ² = 0.88). This finding suggests that a time lag is in effect, wherein the moisture acts to enhance CH4 production. The ratio of CH₄:CO₂ production showed a strong direct relationship to cumulative precipitation 7 days prior to sampling (r ² = 0.85). It is possible that the CO₂ acts as an end-product inhibitor during acetate and propionate degradation; therefore, decreased CO₂ partial pressures after periods of heavy rainfall would favour enhanced CH4 production.