Study of Biogas Composition at the MSW ‘Streletskoe’ Landfill Site

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to summarize data on the analysis of the composition of biogas produced at the Streletskoye MSW landfill (Belgorod region) from 2017 to the present in order to assess its average composition and its changes. The composition and yield of biogas was studied in an experimental line of three wells and in four gas collection systems with a total area of 1.75 hectares, built at the site in 2017–2020. According to the results of aeration, the methane content without taking into account leaks ranges from 35 to 70% and is constant for each gas collection field. The practice of operating gas collection systems shows the great importance of sealing the body of landfills to prevent atmospheric air suction. Monitoring of the natural release of landfill gas from the landfill body in 471 wells showed an uneven nature of gas formation at different points, so the installation of individual observation and working gas wells may not allow determining the average indicators for the landfill. Studies of the composition and yield of biogas over a long period of time have shown the stability of the indicators and their dependence only on the technical characteristics of the landfill site. Seasonality has little effect on methane output, so surveys for climatic conditions similar to the Belgorod region can be carried out at any time of the year. The conducted studies showed that GOST 59417-2021 does not allow for an effective determination of biogas potential. To solve this problem, an express survey method is proposed with the installation of temporary wells and determination of biogas parameters using portable equipment.