Surface emission determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from a closed industrial waste landfill using a self-designed static flux chamber

Determination of emission factors from a landfill through an inverse methodology: Experimental determination of ambient air concentrations and use of numerical modelling

The application of numeric modelling for determining the impact of landfills needs for reliable emission source data. In this study, a methodology for the characterization of the emission profiles of the different sources present in landfills for emission factors determination, applying an indirect methodology, is presented. Ambient air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) were determined in three potentially emission sources in Can Mata landfill (Hostalets de Pierola, Catalonia, Spain): dumping areas, pre-closed zone and leachate reservoir as well as in biogas, for the determination of emission factors. Multi-sorbent bed and Tenax TA tubes were used for a wide range of VOCs sampling, and analysis was conducted through TD-GC/MS. H2S and NH3 were sampled and analysed using Radiello passive samplers. The highest total VOC (TVOC) concentrations were found in dumping areas (0.7-3.5 mg m-3), followed by leachate reservoir (0.3-0.6 mg m-3) and pre-closed area (77-165 μg m-3). On the other hand, the highest H2S and NH3 concentrations were found in leachate reservoir, presenting values of 0.8-1.1 mg m-3 and 1.7-1.8 mg m-3, respectively. With the application of odour thresholds to the concentrations obtained, the most critical compounds regarding odour annoyances were determined. The highest odour units (O.U.) were found in leachate reservoir due to H2S concentrations, whereas VOCs contributed mainly to O.U. in the dumping areas. The obtained ambient air concentrations were used for the indirect determination of the emission factors through numerical modelling using a Eulerian dispersion model. The emission factors obtained for the landfill for TVOC, H2S and NH3 were in the range of 0.44-10.9 g s-1, 0.16-1.02 g s-1 and 0.23-1.82 g s-1, respectively, depending on the emission source. Reliable emission factors are crucial to obtain landfill impact maps, which are essential for the correct management of these facilities.

Soil processes modify the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from CO2- and CH4-dominated geogenic and landfill gases: A comprehensive study

Degradation mechanisms affecting non-methane volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during gas uprising from different hypogenic sources to the surface were investigated through extensive sampling surveys in areas encompassing a high enthalpy hydrothermal system associated with active volcanism, a CH4-rich sedimentary basin and a municipal waste landfill. For a comprehensive framework, published data from medium-to-high enthalpy hydrothermal systems were also included. The investigated systems were characterised by peculiar VOC suites that reflected the conditions of the genetic environments in which temperature, contents of organic matter, and gas fugacity had a major role. Differences in VOC patterns between source (gas vents and landfill gas) and soil gases indicated VOC transformations in soil. Processes acting in soil preferentially degraded high-molecular weight alkanes with respect to the low-molecular weight ones. Alkenes and cyclics roughly behaved like alkanes. Thiophenes were degraded to a larger extent with respect to alkylated benzenes, which were more reactive than benzene. Furan appeared less degraded than its alkylated homologues. Dimethylsulfoxide was generally favoured with respect to dimethylsulfide. Limonene and camphene were relatively unstable under aerobic conditions, while α-pinene was recalcitrant. O-bearing organic compounds (i.e., aldehydes, esters, ketones, alcohols, organic acids and phenol) acted as intermediate products of the ongoing VOC degradations in soil. No evidence for the degradation of halogenated compounds and benzothiazole was observed. This study pointed out how soil degradation processes reduce hypogenic VOC emissions and the important role played by physicochemical and biological parameters on the effective VOC attenuation capacity of the soil.

Synergistic effects of vegetation and microorganisms on enhancing of biodegradation of landfill gas

The uncontrolled release of landfill gas represents a significant hazard to both human health and ecological well-being. However, the synergistic interactions of vegetation and microorganisms can effectively mitigate this threat by removing pollutants. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current status of controlling landfill gas pollution through the process of revegetation in landfill cover. Our survey has identified several common indicator plants such as Setaria faberi, Sarcandra glabra, and Fraxinus chinensis that grow in covered landfill soil. Local herbaceous plants possess stronger tolerance, making them ideal for the establishment of closed landfills. Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated that cover plants significantly promote methane oxidation, with an average oxidation capacity twice that of bare soil. Furthermore, we have conducted an analysis of the interrelationships among vegetation, landfill gas, landfill cover soil, and microorganisms, thereby providing a detailed understanding of the potential for vegetation restoration in landfill cover. Additionally, we have summarized studies on the rhizosphere effect and have deduced the mechanisms through which plants biodegrade methane and typical non-methane pollutants. Finally, we have suggested future research directions to better control landfill gas using vegetation and microorganisms.

Surface emission determination of selected trace gases from an active municipal solid waste dumpsite under the surface physicochemical heterogeneity

Karadiyana municipal solid waste (MSW) dumpsite in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has been in operation for over 30 years and was evaluated for its surface Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Ammonia (NH₃), and Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) emissions. Based on the surface conditions and waste characters, the dump surface was divided into eight cells, and multiple samplings were done using static flux chamber methods. The study observed that the average flux rates of VOCs, H₂S, and NH₃ were 137.2 ± 243.8, 6.63 ± 15.9, and 14.2 ± 16.2 mg m^-2h^-1 throughout the dump site. The highest average VOCs and H₂S flux rates (828.6, 24.3 mg m^-2h^-1) were reported from new organic waste with a considerable fraction (62.5, 35.6 %) from the total emission (61.0, 3.1 Kg d^-1). Leachate-flowing trenches produced the highest NH₃ flux rate (36.0 mg m^-2h^-1), while the highest emission fraction (47.5 %) from the total (12.0 Kg d^-1) was reported on old mixed waste with vegetation. The moisture content of the organic waste layers is positively correlated with these trace gas flux rates, and the NH₃ flux rates depend on the pH of the surface. Results showed that the age of the waste determines the trace gas emission rate, and leachate provides an ideal pathway for landfill trace gas migration to the atmosphere. Gas collection and purification systems are essential for the initial waste dumping area and leachate treatment system. The arrangement of a proper drainage system on the dump would reduce trace gas emissions.

Emission behavior and impact assessment of gaseous volatile compounds in two typical rural domestic waste landfills

Landfill sites are sources of gaseous volatile compounds. The dumping area (LDA) and leachate storage pool (LSP) of two typical rural domestic waste landfill sites in north China (NLF) and southwest China (SLF) were investigated. We found that 45, 46, 61 and 68 volatile organic compounds (VOC) were present in the air of NLF-LDA, NLF-LSP, SLF-LDA, and SLF-LSP, respectively. And there were 27, 29, 35 and 37 kinds of odorous compounds being detected. Oxygenated compounds (>48.88%), chlorinated compounds (>6.85%), and aromatics (>5.46%), such as organic acid, 1-chlorobutane, and benzene, were the most abundant compounds in both landfills. The SLF-LDA had the highest olfactory effect, with a corresponding total odor activity value of 29,635.39. The ozone-formation potential analysis showed that VOCs emitted from SLF landfills had significantly higher potential for ozone formation than those from NLF landfills, with ozone generation potentials of 166.02, 225.86, 2511.82, and 1615.99 mg/m³ for the NLF-LDA, NLF-LSP, SLF-LDA, and SLF-LSP, respectively. Higher chronic toxicity and cancer risk of VOCs were found in the SLF according to method of Risk Assessment Information System. Based on the sensitivity analysis by the Monte Carlo method, concentrations of benzene, propylene oxide, propylene, trichloroethylene, and N-nitrosodiethylamine, along with exposure duration, daily exposure time, and annual exposure frequency, significantly impacted the risk levels. We provide a scientific basis, which reflects the need for controlling and reducing gaseous pollutants from landfills, particularly rural residential landfills, which may improve rural sanitation.

Measuring volatile emissions from biosolids: A critical review on sampling methods

As a by-product of wastewater treatment, biosolids are a source of volatile emissions which can lead to community complaints due to odours and other pollution risks. Sampling methods play a significant role in collecting gas emissions from biosolids-related sources (i.e., pure biosolids, landfilling, land application and composting of biosolids). Though a range of different sampling techniques (flux hood, wind tunnel, static chamber, headspace devices) have been explored in many published papers, the management and best practice for sampling emissions from biosolids is unclear. This paper presents a comprehensive review of sampling methods for collecting gaseous emissions from biosolids. To account for the inconsistent terminologies used to describe sampling devices, a standard nomenclature by grouping sampling devices into five categories was proposed. Literature investigating emission sampling from biosolids-related sources was reviewed. Subsequently a critical analysis of sampling methods in terms of design, advantages, and disadvantages were compiled based on literature findings and assumed mechanistic understanding of operation. Key operational factors such as the presence of fans, purge gas flow rates, insertion depth, and incubation conditions were identified and their level of influence on the measurement of emissions were evaluated. From the review, there are still knowledge gaps regarding sampling methods used to collect gases from biosolids-related sources. Therefore, a framework for the management of emission sampling methodologies based on common sampling purposes was proposed. This critical review is expected to improve the understanding of sampling methodologies used in biosolids-related sources, by demonstrating the potential implications and impacts due to different choices in sampling methods.

Quantification and control of gaseous emissions from solid waste landfill surfaces

Landfilling is the most common option for solid waste disposal worldwide. Landfill sites can emit significant quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs; e.g., methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide) and release toxic and odorous compounds (e.g., sulfides). Due to the complex composition and characteristics of landfill surface gas emissions, the quantification and control of landfill emissions are challenging. This review attempts to comprehensively understand landfill emission quantification and control options by primarily focusing on GHGs and odor compounds. Landfill emission quantification was highlighted by combining different emissions monitoring approaches to improve the quality of landfill emission data. Also, landfill emission control requires a specific approach that targets emission compounds or a systematic approach that reduces overall emissions by combining different control methods since the diverse factors dominate the emissions of various compounds and their transformation. This integrated knowledge of emission quantification and control options for GHGs and odor compounds is beneficial for establishing field monitoring campaigns and incorporating mitigation strategies to quantify and control multiple landfill emissions.

Evaluation of Occupational Exposure Risk for Employees Working in Dynamic Olfactometry: Focus On Non-Carcinogenic Effects Correlated with Exposure to Landfill Emissions

This work aims to evaluate the non-carcinogenic health effects related to landfill odor emissions, therefore focusing on workers involved in dynamic olfactometry. Currently, the most common technique to quantify odor emissions is dynamic olfactometry, a sensorial analysis involving human assessors. During the analysis, assessors are directly exposed, at increasing concentrations, to odor samples, and thus to the hazardous pollutants contained therein. This entails the need to estimate the associated exposure risk to guarantee examiners’ safety. Therefore, this paper evaluates the exposure risk for olfactometric examiners to establish the minimum dilution level to be adopted during the analysis of landfills’ odorous samples to guarantee panelists’ safety. For this purpose, an extensive literature review regarding the pollutants emitted by landfill odor sources was conducted, comparing compounds’ chemical concentrations and threshold limit values (TLVs) to calculate the Hazard Index (HI) and thus establish a minimum dilution value. The data collected indicate that a non-negligible non-carcinogenic risk exists for all landfill emissions considered. However, from the data considered, the minimum dilution factor to be adopted is lower than the typical odor concentration observed for these sources. Therefore, the olfactometric analysis of landfill samples can be generally conducted in safe conditions.

Emissions, measurement, and control of odor in livestock farms: A review

Odor emissions from intensive livestock farms have attracted increased attention due to their adverse impacts on the environment and human health. Nevertheless, a systematic summary regarding the characteristics, sampling detection, and control technology for odor emissions from livestock farms is currently lacking. This paper compares the development of odor standards in different countries and summarizes the odor emission characteristics of livestock farms. Ammonia, the most common odor substance, can reach as high as 4100 ppm in the compost area. Sampling methods for point and area source odor emissions are introduced in this paper, and odor analysis methods are compared. Olfactometers, odorometers, and the triangle odor bag method are usually used to measure odor concentration. Odor control technologies are divided into three categories: physical (activated carbon adsorption, masking, and dilution diffusion), chemical (plant extract spraying, wet scrubbing, combustion, non-thermal plasma, and photocatalytic oxidation), and biological (biofiltration, biotrickling, and bioscrubbing). Each technology is elucidated, and the performance in the removal of different pollutants is summarized. The application scopes, costs, operational stability, and secondary pollution of the technologies are compared. The generation of secondary pollution and long-term operation stability are issues that should be considered in future technological development. Lastly, a case analysis for engineering application is conducted.

Impact assessment of odor nuisance, health risk and variation originating from the landfill surface

Many researchers are concerned that municipal solid waste (MSW) threatens public health, causing them to increasingly focus on odor pollution. In this study, the odor nuisance and health risk impacts of landfill surface gas on eight sensitive receptors were assessed. The emission rates of odor and 145 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were acquired by considering various landfilling operations, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane removal (MR), landfill tipping area (TA), temporary HDPE membrane cover (MC), top of the HDPE membrane (LM) and dumping platform (DP). Furthermore, differences in landfill surface geometry, such as emission height and source area, and variations in residential living floors were considered in odor assessment with the air dispersion model. Based on these uncertain factors, normal-, medial-, and worst-case scenarios were defined to elucidate the odor nuisance effect and health risk impact. Four of the eight sensitive receptors, which were 2.6 km away from the landfill surface, basically experienced odor nuisance and health risk impacts. Dichloromethane exerted an indelible and crucial impact on body health based on a comprehensive investigation of aromatics, halocarbons, and other chemicals. The odor nuisance and health risk impacts were notable near the landfill, and the local environment was remarkably damaged.

Chemical and olfactive impacts of organic matters on odor emission patterns from the simulated construction and demolition waste landfills

The explosive increase of construction and demolition waste (CDW) caused the insufficient source separation and emergency disposal at domestic waste landfills in many developing countries. Some organic fractions were introduced to the CDW landfill process and resulted in serious odor pollution. To comprehensively explore the impacts of organic matters on odor emission patterns, five CDW landfills (OIL), with organic matters/ inert CDW components (O/I) from 5% to 30%, and the control group only with inert components (IL) or organics (OL) were simulated at the laboratory. The chemical and olfactive characters of odors were evaluated using the emission rate of 94 odorants content (ER_total), theory odor concentration (TOC_total), and e-nose concentration (ER_ENC), and their correlations with waste properties were also analyzed. It was found that the main contributors to ER_total (IL: 93.0% NH₃; OIL: 41.6% sulfides, 31.0% NH₃, 25.9% oxygenated compounds) and TOC_total (IL: 64.1% CH₃SH, 28.2% NH₃; OIL: 71.7% CH₃SH, 24.8% H₂S) changed significantly. With the rise of O/I, ER_total, TOC_total, and ER_ENC increased by 10.9, 20.6, and 2.1 times, respectively. And the organics content in CDW should be less than 10% (i.e., DOC<101.3 mg/L). The good regressions between waste properties (DOC, DN, pH) and ER_ENC- (r=0.86, 0.86, -0.88, p<0.05), TOC_total- (r=0.82, 0.79, -0.82, p<0.05) implied that the carbon sources and acidic substances relating to organics degradation might result in that increase. Besides, the correlation analysis results (ER_ENC-vs.TOC_total-, r=0.96, p<0.01; vs.ER_total-, r=0.86, p<0.05) indicated that e-nose perhaps was a reliable odor continuous monitoring tool for CDW landfills.

Investigation on the Emission and Diffusion of Hydrogen Sulfide during Landfill Operations: A Case Study in Shenzhen

This study investigated the emission and diffusion of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as one of the odorous gases generated from landfills, in a municipal solid waste landfill of a south Chinese city. To this end, the flux of the H2S emissions in the working area of the landfill and its diffusion in the surrounding area were measured. The diffusion of the H2S was simulated at different wind speeds, wind directions, bare working areas of the landfill, heights of the landfill, and angles between the wind direction and the long side of the working area. The results indicated that the concentration of the H2S around the monitoring point ranged from 0 to 60 µg/m3, and the simulated data were consistent with the measured results. At a uniform wind direction, the pollution range of the H2S was narrow. Furthermore, with an increase in the height of the waste dump, the concentration of the H2S decreased in the working area but rose in the surrounding area. Notably, when the angle between the long side of the working area and the wind direction was 0°, the H2S largely spread along the extension cord of the long side of the working area. When the angle increased to 90°, the influence range of the H2S extended significantly. The working area in the landfill site should be regulated based on the monitored data to reduce the effect of this harmful gas on the living environment, and the health of the landfill staff and nearby residents.

Trace gas emissions from municipal solid waste landfills: A review

Trace gas emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills have received increasing attention in recent years. This paper reviews literature published between 1983 and 2019, focusing on (i) the origin and fate of trace gas in MSW landfills, (ii) sampling and analytical techniques, (iii) quantitative emission measurement techniques, (iv) concentration and surface emission rates of common trace compounds at different landfill units and (v) the environmental and health concerns associated with trace gas emissions from MSW landfills. Trace gases can be produced from waste degradation, direct volatilisation of chemicals in waste products or from conversions/reactions between other compounds. Different chemical groups dominate the different waste decomposition stages. In general, organic sulphur compounds and oxygenated compounds are connected with fresh waste, while abundant hydrogen sulphide, aromatics and aliphatic hydrocarbons are usually found during the methane fermentation stage. Selection of different sampling, analytical and emission rate measurement techniques might generate different results when quantifying trace gas emission from landfills, and validation tests are needed to evaluate the reliability of current methods. The concentrations of trace gases and their surface emission rates vary largely from site to site, and fresh waste dumping areas and uncovered waste surfaces are the most important fugitive emission sources. The adverse effects of trace gas emission are not fully understood, and more emission data are required in future studies to assess quantitatively their environmental impacts as well as health risks.

Determination of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions from a commercial dairy farm with an exercise yard and the health-related impact for residents

Airborne emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) have the potential to pose a risk to human health and the environment. Here, we present an assessment of the emission, dispersion, and health-related impact of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emitted from a 300-head, full-scale dairy farm with an exercise yard in Beijing, China. By monitoring the referred gas emissions with a dynamic flux chamber for seven consecutive days, we examined their emission rates. An annual hourly emission time series was constructed on the basis of the measured emission rates and a release modification model. The health risk of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions around the dairy farm was then determined using atmospheric dispersion modeling and exposure risk assessment. The body mass-related mean emission factors of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were 2.13 kg a^-1 AU^-1 and 24.9 g a^-1 AU^-1, respectively (one animal unit (AU) is equivalent to 500 kg body mass). A log-normal distribution fitted well to ammonia emission rates. Contour lines of predicted hourly mean concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were mainly driven by the meteorological conditions. The concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide at the fence line were below 10 μg m^-3 and 0.04 μg m^-3, respectively, and were 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than the current Chinese air quality standards for such pollutants. Moreover, the cumulative non-carcinogenic risks (HI) of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were 4 orders of magnitudes lower than the acceptable risk levels (HI = 1). Considering a health risk criterion of 1E-4, the maximum distance from the farm fence line to meet this criterion was nearly 1000 m towards north-northeast. The encompassed area of the contour lines of the ambient concentration of ammonia is much larger than that of hydrogen sulfide. However, the contour lines of the ammonia health risk are analogous to those of hydrogen sulfide. In general, the ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions from the dairy farm are unlikely to cause any health risks for the population living in the neighborhood.

Vapor Intrusion Investigations and Decision-Making: A Critical Review

At sites impacted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), vapor intrusion (VI) is the pathway with the greatest potential to result in actual human exposure. Since sites with VI were first widely publicized in late 1990s, the scientific understanding of VI has evolved considerably. The VI conceptual model has been extended beyond relatively simple scenarios to include nuances, such as biological and hydrogeological factors that may limit the potential for VI and alternative pathways, such as preferential pathways and direct building contact/infiltration that may enhance VI in some cases. Regulatory guidance documents typically recommend initial concentration- or distance-based screening to evaluate whether VI may be a concern, followed by a multiple-lines-of-evidence (MLE) investigation approach for sites that do not screen out. These recommendations for detailed evaluation of VI currently focus on monitoring of VOC concentrations in groundwater, soil gas, and indoor air and can be supplemented by other lines of evidence. In this Critical Review, we summarize key elements important to VI site characterization, provide the status and current understanding, and highlight data interpretation challenges, as well as innovative tools developed to help overcome the challenges. Although there have been significant advances in the understanding of VI in the past 20 years, limitations and knowledge gaps in screening, investigation methods, and modeling approaches still exist. Potential areas for further research include improved initial screening methods that account for the site-specific role of barriers, improved understanding of preferential pathways, and systematic study of buildings and infrastructure other than single-family residences.

Differences between selected volatile aromatic compound concentrations in sludge samples in various steps of wastewater treatment plant operations

Sewage sludge, one of the main wastes generated during wastewater treatment, constitutes an important source of emissions of volatile chemical compounds such as volatile aromatic compounds These substances may undergo various changes as a result of operations and unit processes, which affects their concentrations in sewage sludge. An important factor determining the potential hazardousness of volatile organic compounds is the quality of wastewater delivered to wastewater treatment plants and the technical and equipment solutions applied to wastewater. In this study, a rapid and sensitive headspace gas chromatography method, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry using the standard addition method, was developed for the determination of selected volatile aromatic compounds in sewage sludge samples collected at different stages from three wastewater treatment plants located in Poland. This study attempted to assess the relationship between differences in the emissions of representative VACs and the given stage of the technological process within three analysed wastewater treatment plants. Toluene was detected with the highest frequency in analysed samples, at concentrations varying from 0.234 ± 0.035 ng/g of sludge to 28.3*10²±3.2*10² ng/g of sludge. The highest concentration levels were determined for p-cresol, with concentrations ranging from 44.0*10¹±5.6*10¹ ng/g of sludge (sludge from aerobic chamber, wastewater treatment plant no.2) to 47.7*10²±6.9*10² ng/g of sludge (sludge from aerobic chamber, wastewater treatment plant no.1), while the lowest concentration levels were observed for chlorobenzene, with concentrations ranging from 0.1300 ± 0.0030 ng/g of sludge (sludge from anaerobic chamber, wastewater treatment plant no.2), to 0.2606 ± 0.0046 ng/g of sludge (primary sludge, wastewater treatment plant no.1). The repeatability of the method was better than 10%, with accuracy levels in the ranges 89%-108%.Wastewater treatment technologies and residual sludge management in the selected wastewater treatment plantsinfluenced volatile aromatic compounds emission. Furthermore, the diversity of the wastewater quality, depending on the catchment area, is also an important factor determining the differentiation in volatile aromatic compounds emission. The microbial composition of raw wastewater highly influenced not only the treatment effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants but also the production of intermediate products, such as volatile aromatic compounds, which may contribute to odour emissions.

Field investigation of temporal variation of volatile organic compounds at a landfill in Hangzhou, China

Variation of volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration and composition in an active landfill were monitored by a developed static chamber for 2 years. The landfill gas from 82 sampling points including 70 points on working face, 8 points on geomembrane (GMB), and 4 points on final cover were analyzed for VOCs by GC-MS. Twenty-eight types of VOCs were detected, including terpenes, sulfur compounds, aromatics, hydrocarbon, oxygenated compounds, aldehyde compounds, and halogenated compounds. Terpenes were the dominant VOCs recorded in the spring, autumn, and winter seasons, whereas sulfur compounds dominated in the summer season. Limonene, ethyl alcohol, and acetone were identified as the main VOCs emitted from the waste working face of the landfill. Limonene dominated the terpenes with a maximum concentration of 43.29 μg m^-3 in the autumn season. Limonene was also the dominant VOC escaping from the defects of geomembrane temporary cover reaching an average concentration 38 μg m^-3. The defects of geomembranes can be a great emission source of VOCs. Emission rate of limonene was 2.24 times higher than that on the working face. VOC concentrations on the final cover can be 166 times less than those obtained on the working face. VOC emitted from the landfill did not represent a health threat for human health. However, concentrations of methyl mercaptan and ethanethiol on the working face were 3.4-22.8 times greater than their odor threshold, which were the main compounds responsible for odor nuisance. Results obtained from CALPUFF model indicated that methyl mercaptan and ethanethiol would not be a nuisance for the residents around the landfill. However, these compounds are harmful to the workers on the landfill.

Quantification of methane emissions in a Mediterranean landfill (Southern Spain). A combination of flux chambers and geostatistical methods

In this study, landfill gas emissions from a landfill located in southern Spain were estimated using static surface flux chambers and applying and comparing four geostatistical methods; ordinary kriging, lognormal kriging, intrinsic random functions of order K and indicator kriging. This paper presents the methodology used to calculate methane (and carbon dioxide) emissions from a landfill in southern Spain. Static flux chambers were used to estimate emissions through the sealing layer of a landfill assuming that the geospatial mean best expresses the average value of these emissions. This study considers several geostatistical methods for obtaining the corresponding spatial estimation, using measurements obtained from static flux chambers and finding the best proven results. The most appropriate geostatistical analysis method was found to be indicator kriging and lognormal kriging because of the simplicity of its implementation and the transformation of the flux measurements. Methane surface emissions (100 g·m^-2·d^-1) and visualization of the hotspots were significant enough to result in the placement of a new cover across the entire landfill. This additional cover had an immediate impact on the effectiveness of the recovery system and increased LFG collection flow rates by 15% with an increase in CH₄ concentration in the collected gas from 50% to 60%.

Methodologies for measuring fugitive methane emissions from landfills - A review

Fugitive methane (CH₄) emissions from landfills are significant global sources of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere; thus, reducing them would be a beneficial way of overall greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. In Europe, landfill owners have to report their annual CH₄ emissions, so direct measurements are therefore important for (1) evaluating and improving currently applied CH₄ emission models, (2) reporting annual CH₄ emissions and (3) quantifying CH₄ mitigation initiatives. This paper aims at providing an overview of currently available methodologies used to measure fugitive CH₄ emissions escaping from landfills. The measurement methodologies are described briefly, and the advantages and limitations of the different techniques are discussed with reference to published literature on the subject. Examples are given of individual published studies using different methodologies and studies comparing three or more methodologies. This review suggests that accurate, whole-site CH₄ emission quantifications are best done using methods measuring downwind of the landfill, such as tracer gas dispersion and differential absorption LiDAR (DIAL). Combining aerial CH₄ concentration measurements from aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles with wind field measurements offers a great future potential for improved and cost-efficient integrated landfill CH₄ emission quantification. However, these methods are difficult to apply for longer time periods, so in order to measure temporal CH₄ emission changes, e.g. due to the effect of changes in atmospheric conditions (pressure, wind and precipitation), a measurement method that is able to measure continuously is required. Such a method could be eddy covariance or static mass balance, although these procedures are challenged by topography and inhomogeneous spatial emission patterns, and as such they can underestimate emissions significantly. Surface flux chambers have been used widely, but they are likely to underestimate emission rates, due to the heterogeneous nature of most landfill covers resulting in sporadic and localised CH₄ emission hotspots being the dominant emission routes. Furthermore, emissions from wells, vents, etc. are not captured by surface flux chambers. The significance of any underestimation depends highly on the configuration of individual landfills, their size and emission patterns.

Parameter sensitivity to concentrations and transport distance of odorous compounds from solid waste facilities

Treatment facilities dealing with municipal solid waste (MSW) are typical pollution sources of urban odor nuisance which threatens public health and environmental safety. Dispersion simulation with specialized models is an important approach for simulating the concentration distribution and estimating the transport distances of the released odorous compounds. Given that the temporal and spatial distribution are affected by many factors with different variations and functions. This study investigated the influence of key parameters on the dispersion of odor compounds on the basis of a numerical atmospheric dispersion model. The sensitivity analysis was applied to quantitatively identify their influence on the concentration distributions and transport distances. The results reveal that source intensity is a sensitive parameter in the whole domain under the specified dispersion conditions, with the sensitivity ratios around 1 to concentrations and of 1.5-2.5 to transport distances. Wind speed possesses higher sensitivity ratios at the upwind direction than the downwind direction. Horizontal diffusion coefficient is sensitive to concentrations only in the area of a typical radius of 500 m from the source. Degradation reaction constant and wet deposition are not sensitive in either concentration distribution or transport distances. The most sensitive parameters present respective importance to the transport distances when different olfactory thresholds of compounds are applied to determine the protection area of odor pollution. This study thus provides important information to the application of dispersion models and the data collection of the most sensitive parameters in odor pollution evaluation and management.

Assessment of the health risks and odor concentration of volatile compounds from a municipal solid waste landfill in China

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are a source of odorous and toxic compounds. In this work, we present an integrated assessment of the odor concentration and human health risks of volatile compounds to evaluate the environmental quality at a MSW landfill. Air samples were collected seasonally from six areas of the landfill with different functions. The total concentrations of the compounds ranged from 204.0 to 7426.7 μg m^-3, and the concentrations in temporarily and permanently capped areas were 50.3 and 83.4% lower than those in the tipping area, respectively. The odor concentration was greatest at the leachate collection tank (1732-6254 ou_E m^-3) and tipping area (1573-4113 ou_E m^-3) and was mainly caused by hydrogen sulfide (57.9 and 49.1%, respectively). Moreover, the odor concentration was positively correlated with the temperature (r = 0.500, p < 0.05, n = 24). Although the non-carcinogenic (HI) and carcinogenic (R) risks of most compounds were largely below the acceptable levels (HI = 1, R = 1.0E-6), HI values of hydrogen sulfide (2.3), trichloropropane (2.0), and naphthalene (1.2) as well as R values of naphthalene (1.3E-4) and trimethylbenzene (1.2E-4) in the waste areas exceeded acceptable levels. Moreover, the cumulative HI (2.5-5.7) and R (1.0E-04 to 3.4E-04) in the waste areas should receive special attention since they were above acceptable levels during all of the seasons. Aromatic and halogenated compounds dominated the cumulative R, accounting for 79 and 21% of the total, on average, while for the cumulative HI, sulfur compounds contributed the most (67%).

Characterization of volatile organic compounds and the impacts on the regional ozone at an international airport

In this study, the measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was conducted at Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA) and a background reference site in four seasons of 2015. Total concentrations of VOCs were 72.6 ± 9.7, 65.5 ± 8.7, 95.8 ± 11.0, and 79.2 ± 10.8 μg/m³ in winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. The most abundant specie was toluene (10.1%-17.4%), followed by benzene, ethane, isopentane, ethane, acetylene, and n-butane. Seasonal variations of VOCs were analyzed, and it was found that the highest concentration occurring in summer, while the lowest in spring. For the diurnal variation, the concentration of VOCs in the daytime (9:00-15:00) was less than that at night (15:00-21:00) obviously. Ozone Formation Potential (OFP) was calculated by using Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) method. The greatest contribution to OFP from alkenes and aromatics, which accounted for 27.3%-51.2% and 36.6%-58.6% of the total OFP. The WRF-CMAQ model was used to simulate the impact of airport emissions on the surrounding area. The results indicated that the maximum impact of VOCs emissions and all sources emissions at the airport on O₃ was 0.035 and -23.8 μg/m³, respectively. Meanwhile, within 1 km from the airport, the concentration of O₃ around the airport was greatly affected by airport emitted.

Emissions of organic compounds from produced water ponds I: Characteristics and speciation

We measured fluxes of methane, a suite of non-methane hydrocarbons (C2-C11), light alcohols, and carbon dioxide from oil and gas produced water storage and disposal ponds in Utah (Uinta Basin) and Wyoming (Upper Green River Basin) United States during 2013-2016. In this paper, we discuss the characteristics of produced water composition and air-water fluxes, with a focus on flux chamber measurements. In companion papers, we will (1) report on inverse modeling methods used to estimate emissions from produced water ponds, including comparisons with flux chamber measurements, and (2) discuss the development of mass transfer coefficients to estimate emissions and place emissions from produced water ponds in the context of all regional oil and gas-related emissions. Alcohols (made up mostly of methanol) were the most abundant organic compound group in produced water (91% of total volatile organic concentration, with upper and lower 95% confidence levels of 89 and 93%) but accounted for only 34% (28 to 41%) of total organic compound fluxes from produced water ponds. Non-methane hydrocarbons, which are much less water-soluble than methanol and less abundant in produced water, accounted for the majority of emitted organics. C6-C9 alkanes and aromatics dominated hydrocarbon fluxes, perhaps because lighter hydrocarbons had already volatilized from produced water prior to its arrival in storage or disposal ponds, while heavier hydrocarbons are less water soluble and less volatile. Fluxes of formaldehyde and other carbonyls were low (1% (1 to 2%) of total organic compound flux). The speciation and magnitude of fluxes varied strongly across the facilities measured and with the amount of time water had been exposed to the atmosphere. The presence or absence of ice also impacted fluxes.

Using dynamic flux chambers to estimate the natural attenuation rates in the subsurface at petroleum contaminated sites

In this work, we introduce a screening method for the evaluation of the natural attenuation rates in the subsurface at sites contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons. The method is based on the combination of the data obtained from standard source characterization with dynamic flux chambers measurements. The natural attenuation rates are calculated as difference between the flux of contaminants estimated with a non-reactive diffusive model starting from the concentrations of the contaminants detected in the source (soil and/or groundwater) and the effective emission rate of the contaminants measured using dynamic flux chambers installed at ground level. The reliability of this approach was tested in a contaminated site characterized by the presence of BTEX in soil and groundwater. Namely, the BTEX emission rates from the subsurface were measured in 4 seasonal campaigns using dynamic flux chambers installed in 14 sampling points. The comparison of measured fluxes with those predicted using a non-reactive diffusive model, starting from the source concentrations, showed that, in line with other recent studies, the modelling approach can overestimate the expected outdoor concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons even up to 4 orders of magnitude. On the other hand, by coupling the measured data with the fluxes estimated with the diffusive non-reactive model, it was possible to perform a mass balance to evaluate the natural attenuation loss rates of petroleum hydrocarbons during the migration from the source to ground level. Based on this comparison, the estimated BTEX loss rates in the test site were up to almost 0.5kg/year/m². These rates are in line with the values reported in the recent literature for natural source zone depletion. In short, the method presented in this work can represent an easy-to-use and cost-effective option that can provide a further line of evidence of natural attenuation rates expected at contaminated sites.

Unravelling the dissociation pathways of acetic acid upon electron transfer in potassium collisions: experimental and theoretical studies

Electron transfer in alkali-molecule collisions with gas phase acetic acid and its deuterated analogues resulting in OH^- formation requires considerable internal rearrangement in the temporary negative ion. At a collision energy well above the threshold of negative ion formation, electron transfer from potassium to CH₃COOH/CH₃COOD and CD₃COOH results not only in H transfer from CH₃ to COOH/COOD, but also in H release from COOH and subsequent rearrangement to eliminate OH^-. These processes are also investigated by theoretical post-Hartree-Fock and DFT calculations. The combination of both studies reveals that the most favourable intermediate mechanism occurs via diol formation. Such intramolecular H transfer is reported here for the first time in the context of electron transfer induced dissociation experiments in alkali-molecule collisions. A comprehensive fragmentation study is presented and dissociation mechanisms are suggested.

Characterization of odorous gases at landfill site and in surrounding areas

Concentration levels and seasonal variation of odorous gases at landfill site and in surrounding areas within the city of Incheon, South Korea were investigated. Sampling was conducted at 11 points (5 at landfill site and 6 in surrounding areas). The highest concentrations of odorous gases (complex odor, ammonia, acetaldehyde, and VOCs) at landfill site were found in summer, probably due to fast decomposition of waste in high temperature related with more release of ammonia. In addition, specific weather condition of dominant wind direction, humidity and higher atmospheric pressure with no or lower wind speed caused positive effect of higher aldehyde compounds and VOCs concentration. Similar to other studies, sludge-related sampling site S-2, where a couple of odor generating facilities including sludge mixing and drying treatment process are located, showed the highest concentration levels of odorous gases compared to other sites. Odor generation frequency was in the order of acetaldehyde (68.8%) > ammonia (39.4%) > propionaldehyde (21.9%), which means the main substances generating the unpleasant odor at landfill site was recognized as aldehydes and ammonia due to combined effect of sludge-related facilities and meteorological conditions. Offensive odor was not a big pollution issue in most surrounding areas which are located within a circle of 5 km radius of the landfill except high odor generation frequency of acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde. Relative percentage differences (RPD) of odorous gases between day and night times at landfill site were below 10%, which indicates that the concentration differences in day and night were not severe. The relationship between concentrations of complex odor and designated offensive odor substances was analyzed statistically. At landfill site, the analysis shows that the correlation coefficient between the concentration of complex odor and ammonia was quite high (0.833), but it was much lower (0.129) in the surrounding areas due to considerably lower concentrations of these substances.

BTEX Emissions from the Largest Landfill in Operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The emission rates and the ambient air concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylenes (BTEX) were measured over the intermediate cover layer and atmosphere of the Seropédica landfill, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. BTEX were sampled using coconut shell charcoal cartridges, followed by extraction with dichloromethane and analysis by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Thirteen samples were collected in areas with and without cracks in the cover layer, and six samples were collected from the ambient air. The average emission rates were 11.7, 492.2, 153.7, 67.2, and 21.7 µg m^- 2 day^- 1, respectively, for benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, m + p-xylenes and o-xylene. No benzene concentrations above the detection limit were observed in ambient air samples. The average concentrations of toluene, ethyl benzene, m + p-xylenes and o-xylene in ambient air samples were 2.14, 1.35, 0.49 and 0.08 µg m^- 3, respectively. Higher emissions were found in locations containing larger cracks during the collection.

Genotoxicity Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds in Landfill Gas Emission Using Comet Assay in Higher Terrestrial Plant

Genotoxicity model is developed to assess the individual subacute toxicity of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) at very low levels as in a landfill gas. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a higher plant, was tested under variation of benzene 54-5656 ng/L, toluene 10-4362 ng/L, ethylbenzene 28-4997 ng/L, xylene 53-4845 ng/L, for 96 h. DNA fragmentation in plant leaves were investigated via comet assay. The results show that DNA migration ratio increased with the BTEX concentrations, but at different rates. The 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) of DNA fragmentation from the dose-response relationships indicated toluene has the highest EC₅₀ value and followed by benzene, xylene and ethylbenzene. Alternatively, ethylbenzene has the highest toxicity unit and followed by xylene, benzene and toluene as described by toxicity unit (TU). In conclusion, comet assay of Pothos can be used in differentiating DNA fragmentation against very low levels of BTEX in the atmosphere. Pothos is recommended for genotoxicity assessment of a low BTEX contaminated atmosphere.

Atmospheric carbon tetrachloride in rural background and industry surrounded urban areas in Northern Iberian Peninsula: Mixing ratios, trends, and potential sources

Latest investigations on atmospheric carbon tetrachloride (CTC) are focused on its ozone depleting potential, adverse effects on the human health, and radiative efficiency and Global Warming Potential as a greenhouse gas. CTC mixing ratios have been thoroughly studied since its restriction under the Montreal Protocol, mostly in remote areas with the aim of reporting long-term trends after its banning. The observed decrease of the CTC background mixing ratio, however, was not as strong as expected. In order to explain this behavior CTC lifetime should be adjusted by estimating the relative significance of its sinks and by identifying ongoing potential sources. Looking for possible sources, CTC was measured with high-time resolution in two sites in Northern Spain, using auto-GC systems and specifically developed acquisition and processing methodologies. The first site, Bilbao, is an urban area influenced by the surrounding industry, where measurements were performed with GC-MSD for a one-year period (2007-2008). The second site, at Valderejo Natural Park (VNP), is a rural background area where measurements were carried out with GC-FID and covering CTC data a nonsuccessive five-year period (2003-2005, 2010-2011, and 2014-2015years). Median yearly CTC mixing ratios were slightly higher in the urban area (120pptv) than in VNP (80-100pptv). CTC was reported to be well mixed in the atmosphere and no sources were noticed to impact the rural site. The observed long-term trend in VNP was in agreement with the estimated global CTC emissions. In the urban site, apart from industrial and commercial CTC sources, chlorine-bleach products used as cleaning agents were reported as promotors of indoor sources.

Analysis of relative concentration of ethanol and other odorous compounds (OCs) emitted from the working surface at a landfill in China

Estimating odor emissions from landfill sites is a complicated task because of the various chemical and biological species that exist in landfill gases. In this study, the relative concentration of ethanol and other odorous compounds emitted from the working surface at a landfill in China was analyzed. Gas sampling was conducted at the landfill on a number of selected days from March 2012 to March 2014, which represented different periods throughout the two years. A total of 41, 59, 66, 54, 63, 54, 41, and 42 species of odorous compounds were identified and quantified in eight sampling activities, respectively; a number of 86 species of odorous compounds were identified and quantified all together in the study. The measured odorous compounds were classified into six different categories (Oxygenated compounds, Halogenated compounds, Terpenes, Sulfur compounds, Aromatics, and Hydrocarbons). The total average concentrations of the oxygenated compounds, sulfur compounds, aromatics, halogenated compounds, hydrocarbons, and terpenes were 2.450 mg/m³, 0.246 mg/m³, 0.203 mg/m³, 0.319 mg/m³, 0.530 mg/m³, and 0.217 mg/m³, respectively. The relative concentrations of 59 odorous compounds with respect to the concentration of ethyl alcohol (1000 ppm) were determined. The dominant contaminants that cause odor pollution around the landfill are ethyl sulfide, methyl mercaptan, acetaldehyde, and hydrogen sulfide; dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl sulfide also contribute to the pollution to a certain degree.