The fate of carbon compounds in the landfill disposal of organic matter

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Abstract
Landfill sites containing domestic refuse should be managed so as to optimise methane production when hydrogeological conditions permit. On large sites this would be both economically profitable and environmentally desirable as uncontrolled pollution would be minimised and sites could be reclaimed as quickly as possible. Landfill microbiology has been confined to public health aspects, and clearly, further microbiological studies are required to optimise the degradation of carbon compounds. Knowledge of the fate of synthetic polymers is poor. It is interesting to consider whether they constitute a reservoir of delayed‐potential methane generation. Contrary to previous ideas it is concluded that there is no requirement for added nitrogen and phosphorus sources. The interaction of refuse density and water content is identified as a major factor which must be controlled to optimise methane generation. The high solids content and reactivity of this anaerobic bioreactor coupled with the poor thermal conductivity of refuse enables the landfill to generate and sustain high temperatures. The roles of refuse pretreatment, placement methods and water management techniques in the control and stimulation of refuse fermentation are also discussed.

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