Optimisation of methane production and refuse decomposition in landfills by temperature control

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Abstract
The major contributions to the thermal regime of an anaerobic domestic refuse landfill are identified and quantified. These are heat of reaction, specific heat of water/refuse mixtures, heats of neutralisation, heat losses to air and soil, solar radiation and aerobic metabolism. It is shown that even in temperate climates, landfill temperatures can rise to 45°C and above under anaerobic conditions with the concomitant reduction in fatty acid concentrations in leachate. This has been confirmed with field observations. Management requirements for establishing and maintaining temperatures of about 45°C in an anaerobic landfill are identified. Principally these involve allowing water into the site from the bottom and maintaining an insulating layer of refuse of about 4 m above the water‐table in the landfill. The advantages of a bioreactive landfill are briefly discussed.

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