[en] The degradation processes occurring within landfills are the keys to assessment and control of their environmental impact. This degradation results from different microbial activities interacting all along the landfill lifetime and influenced by several non-biological factors. Approaching these complex biological and chemical processes requires a multidisciplinary pattern. Thanks to Walloon Region support, we have developed a pattern or model combining the evolution of different key parameters. Such parameters qualify biogas (composition, production rate), leachate (pH, BOD5, COD, volatile fatty acids, redox potential, nitrogen balance, humic acids...), or solid waste (moisture, settlement, cellulose content...). This paper presents relationships, including our model, between these parameters. Variations of pH, BOD5/COD ratio, sulphate concentration in leachates and settlement measures allows to predict landfill age since completion. Evaluation of cellulose and water content in refuse as well as settlement degree are useful to estimate the time required for complete biological degradation. The mathematical model has also been applied, with success, to the case of Anton Sclayn site.
Research center :
Centre Wallon de Biologie Industrielle Département Argenco - ULiège
Disciplines :
Life sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Author, co-author :
Steyer, E.
Hiligsmann, Serge ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la vie > Biochimie et microbiologie industrielles
Radu, Jean-Pol ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département Argenco : Secteur GEO3 > Géomécanique et géologie de l'ingénieur
Charlier, Robert ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département Argenco : Secteur GEO3 > Géomécanique et géologie de l'ingénieur
Thonart, Philippe ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech > Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech - Biochimie et microbiologie industrielles
Language :
English
Title :
A biological pluridisciplinary model to predict municipal landfill life
Publication date :
1999
Event name :
Sardinia 99, Seventh International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium
Event organizer :
Eurowaste
Event place :
Cagliary, Italy
Event date :
October
Audience :
International
Main work title :
Proceedings Sardinia 99, Seventh International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium
Editor :
Christensen
Cossu
Stegmann
Pages :
1:37-44
Name of the research project :
Confinement de centres d'enfouissement technique à l'aide de barrières argileuses (projet ARC)
Funders :
Communauté française - Action de recherche concertée DGTRE - Région wallonne. Direction générale des Technologies, de la Recherche et de l'Énergie [BE]