Quantification of landfill emission (Hydrogen Sulfide) to air : A case study of the landfill site in northern Malaysia

Abstract

Each landfill produce gases emission to air, Gases are produced in landfills due to the anaerobic digestion by microbes on any organic matter. Landfill gas monitoring can be carried out to alert for the presence of a build-up of gasses to a harmful level. Gases released from landfill sites into atmosphere have the potential to cause olfactory nuisances within the surrounding communities. Landfill gases may migrate from the landfill either above or below ground. Gases can move through the landfill surface to the ambient air. Once in the air, the landfill gases can be carried to the community with the wind. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, flammable and highly toxic gas with a characteristic odor is naturally occurring gases that give the landfill gas mixture its rotten-egg smell. Sulfides can cause unpleasant odors even at very low concentrations were investigated in municipal landfill area (Padang Siding Landfill). Their ambient concentration levels were measured during three time periods from 6 individual spots selected as a function of distance (up to 2 km radius) from the center of landfill site. The sampling data use solvent charcoal tube and analysis lab by IC-MS. Wind speed and wind direction must to be determining to get direction emission gases from landfill. Results of this study are expected to provided for helpful information to develop technical solutions for an effective management of landfill operations, which would reduce odour impacts within surrounding communities.