Scenario-based Evaluation of Landfill Methane Emission and Energy Generation Considering Diverse Waste and Seasonal Dynamics

Methane is a major constituent of landfill gas, which is emitted due to the anaerobic decomposition of municipal solid waste, contributing to the climate change impressions and global warming effects. However, it also holds the potential for energy generation, providing an opportunity to utilize this gas as a valuable energy resource. The current study aims to determine the potential methane emissions from the Ariyamangalam dumpsite in Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu taking into account the fresh waste disposal started in 2019. Waste disposal data spanning from 2019 to 2023 were collected, and future disposal will be forecasted, projecting a closure year of 2038. Estimating methane emissions was conducted through LandGEM version 3.03, SWEET version 4.0.3, and Afvalzorg multiphase gas emission tool considering existing waste disposal conditions and various framed waste diversion scenarios. The outcomes for existing waste disposal conditions reveal a peak methane emission in 2039, with values of 3242.32 Mg/year, 3027.29 Mg/year, and 4488.22 Mg/year for SWEET, Afvalzorg multiphase gas emission tool, and LandGEM respectively. Furthermore, the study reveals that diverting organic fractions and implementing effective recycling activities can significantly reduce methane emissions from the dumpsite. seasonal variations were observed through LandGEM, with lower emissions throughout the winter season and higher emissions in the monsoon season. Additionally, the total energy generation potential over 30 years was assessed, showing 187.89 GWh, 187.48 GWh, and 294.66 GWh based on the methane emissions data from the SWEET, Afvalzorg multiphase gas emission tool, and LandGEM tool respectively.