Methane and volatile organic compounds emission and distribution from solid waste disposal activities in Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the emission and distribution of methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solid waste disposal site in Thailand. Gaseous emissions from solid waste piles with and without soil cover were determined. Highest average methane emission rate was found to be 53.51 g/m2 .d from solid waste pile with cover soil during rainy season. This rate was significant higher than 20.87 g/m2 .d under dry season and 5.23 g/m2 .d and 3.99 g/m2 .d from open waste pile under rainy and dry conditions respectively. The emission of BTEX compounds was found highest from the waste pile with cover soil under dry condition at 7.11x10-2, 9.76x10-2, 4.8x10-2 and 7.62x10-2 g/m2 .d. The sources of VOCs were identified in fresh waste samples. The dispersion of methane and BTEX compounds in ambient air was modeled. The risk of BTEX compounds to workers and nearby communities was at low level as determined by hazard index.