Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment

Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment (한국대기환경학회)
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Methane Oxidation in Landfill Cover Soils: A Review

  • Abushammala, Mohammed F.M. (Department of Civil Engineering, Middle East College) ;
  • Basri, Noor Ezlin Ahmad (Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) ;
  • Irwan, Dani (Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) ;
  • Younes, Mohammad K. (Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
  • Received : 2013.11.25
  • Accepted : 2014.02.25
  • Published : 2014.03.31
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Abstract

Migration of methane ($CH_4$) gas from landfills to the surrounding environment negatively affects both humankind and the environment. It is therefore essential to develop management techniques to reduce $CH_4$ emissions from landfills to minimize global warming and to reduce the human risks associated with $CH_4$ gas migration. Oxidation of $CH_4$ in landfill cover soil is the most important strategy for $CH_4$ emissions mitigation. $CH_4$ oxidation occurs naturally in landfill cover soils due to the abundance of methanotrophic bacteria. However, the activities of these bacteria are influenced by several controlling factors. This study attempts to review the important issues associated with the $CH_4$ oxidation process in landfill cover soils. The $CH_4$ oxidation process is highly sensitive to environmental factors and cover soil properties. The comparison of various biotic system techniques indicated that each technique has unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the best technique for a specific application depends on economic constraints, treatment efficiency and landfill operations.

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References

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