Mitigating Landfill Gas Emissions from Open Dumpsites Using Bio-Cover

Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the primary greenhouse gases released due to the open dumping of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Studies have proved that continuous emission of these greenhouse gases may result in a significant climate change over a long term. The overall percentage ratio of these gases ranges from 40 to 60% of CH4 and the remaining being CO2. CH4 causes environmental issues such as air pollution and landfill fire. In developed countries, 14.1% of all CH4 emissions are from landfill sites. Therefore, it is essential to reduce emissions of these gases from open dumpsites to prevent the risk of global warming and human health. The capping of these dumpsites with an appropriate bio-cover (also called as final cover) is one of alternative method towards a sustainable management of environment. The present review represents lab-scale and field-scale studies carried across the globe to develop an efficient bio-cover layer. The scope of the study includes the impact of physical parameters such as type of material, particle size, permeability, soil texture, moisture content, density, nutrients, temperature, and pH on bio-cover. Finally, the adaptability of different waste materials such as sewage sludge, bio-compost, crushed wood, gravel sand, rice husk, soil, bio char and wood pellets etc. for choosing appropriate design of bio-cover has been presented.