Prediction of H2S Concentration in Landfill Gas Resulting from Construction and Demolition Debris and the Selection of Treatment Method

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration in landfill gas (LFG) is predominately dependent on the biodegradation of gypsum drywall, a major component of construction and demolition (C&D) debris. This study focuses on the impacts of sulfur input on the generation of H2S in a landfill environment and proposes a unique method for future prediction of H2S concentration in LFG based on available historical data. The volume of LFG generated was estimated using EPA’s Landfill Gas Emissions Model (LANDGEM). Yearly sulfur input was estimated from the C&D waste landfilled assuming 10%, 20%, and 25% gypsum content and approximately 18.5% sulfur content in gypsum. H2S generation assumed to follow the first-order decay and projected for a series of decay rate (k) range from 0.45 to 0.90 and average H2S generation potential S0 equal to 151.8 m3-H2S/t. Finally, an alternative analysis has been conducted by reviewing the available treatment technologies to select the most preferred treatment system to comply with the Title V air permit.