Modeling of Biodegradation in an Old Unregulated European Landfill

Abstract

In this note an example of modeling of biodegradation processes of an old abandoned municipal solid waste landfill for its simulation is illustrated using the landfill dynamic simulation tool MODUELO. In this program the waste biodegradation model is based on the quantification of organic matter, its chemical composition, biodegradability, accessibility to microorganisms, and the ratio nonbiodegradable leachable organic matter to gasifiable matter. Data from a characterization campaign, presented elsewhere, were used to determine these parameters. The experimental information was completed with safety factors (to compensate for sampling uncertainty) and literature values. The degradation rates were determined, after having calibrated the hydrological model, by fitting the temporal series of pollutants’ concentration measured in the leachate and the biogas composition. The achieved fit of the simulated series compared to the measured data is reported as the result of this work. Given the limited information available, the obtained simulation model is considered an acceptable tool to study the future evolution of the landfill in different circumstances.