MUKUBA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCE

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

STUDENT NAME: MARY BWALYA

STUDENT ID: 21012596

COURSE CODE: WAM 301

COURSE: WASTE MANAGEMENT

TASK: ASSIGNMENT ONE

QUESTION

Describe the design, operation, biological processes of the following types of landfills:

Anaerobic landfill

The Fukuoka semi-aerobic landfill

A landfill is a waste disposal site where solid waste is buried and undergoes decomposition over
time. Landfills can be classified into different types based on their design and operational
processes. The two primary types of landfills discussed in this assignment are the Fukuoka
Method semi-aerobic landfill system and the anaerobic landfill system. The design and
operational processes of landfills significantly influence the efficiency of waste decomposition
and environmental impact. The Fukuoka Method semi-aerobic landfill system and anaerobic
landfill system employ different approaches to waste biodegradation, affecting gas emissions,
leachate quality, and microbial activity. This assignment compares these two landfill systems,
focusing on their design, operation, and biological processes.

An anaerobic landfill is a type of landfill where waste is biodegraded in the absence of oxygen.
Microbial activity in such landfills relies on anaerobic bacteria to break down organic material,
leading to the production of landfill gas, primarily methane and carbon dioxide. These landfills
require proper gas management systems to capture and utilize or safely dispose of the emitted
gases (Christensen et al., 2011).

The Fukuoka Method semi-aerobic landfill is a landfill system that facilitates aerobic conditions
within waste layers by utilizing a well-structured leachate and gas collection system. It employs
perforated leachate collection pipes that not only drain leachate effectively but also allow fresh
air to flow into the landfill, enhancing microbial activity and waste decomposition. This method
improves waste stabilization and reduces methane emissions, making it a more sustainable waste
management approach (Fukuoka et al., 1997).

Fukuoka Method Semi-Aerobic Landfill System

Design

The Fukuoka Method semi-aerobic landfill system incorporates leachate collection pipes that
efficiently drain leachate from the waste, reducing waterlogging and contamination risks. These
pipes also allow fresh air to circulate through the waste layers, creating aerobic conditions that
promote faster decomposition (Fukuoka et al., 1997).
Operation

This landfill system uses gas venting pipes to remove landfill gases efficiently, reducing
greenhouse gas accumulation. Additionally, the leachate collection system prevents excessive
moisture buildup, improving leachate quality and minimizing treatment costs (Hanashima,
2002).

Biological Processes

The semi-aerobic conditions enhance microbial activity, particularly aerobic bacteria, which
accelerate waste decomposition and reduce methane production compared to anaerobic systems.
This results in a more environmentally friendly waste management process (Yamada et al.,
2010).

Anaerobic Landfill System

Design

Anaerobic landfills are designed with a recirculated leachate system that maintains optimal
moisture levels to facilitate microbial activity. The system lacks direct air circulation, creating an
oxygen-deficient environment that promotes anaerobic decomposition (Christensen et al., 2011).

Operation

Waste in anaerobic landfills undergoes degradation in the absence of oxygen, leading to the
production of landfill gas composed mainly of methane and carbon dioxide. This gas can be
captured for energy production or flared to minimize environmental impact (Bogner & Spokas,
2007).

Biological Processes

Biodegradation in anaerobic landfills occurs in distinct stages, beginning with hydrolysis,

Waste decomposition in landfills follows several biological processes:

Hydrolysis

The breakdown of complex organic materials into simpler molecules such as sugars, amino
acids, and fatty acids (Pohland & Kim, 1999).

Fermentation

Conversion of simple molecules into organic acids and alcohols (Reinhart & Townsend, 1998).

Acidogenesis/Acetogenesis

The transformation of organic acids and alcohols into acetic acid, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide
(Christensen et al., 2011).

Methanogenesis

The production of methane and water from acetic acid and hydrogen by methanogenic bacteria
(Barlaz et al., 2010).

Oxidation

The breakdown of organic matter under aerobic conditions, reducing methane emissions
(Hanashima, 2002).

Leachate and Gas Collection Systems in Landfills

Leachate and gas collection systems play a critical role in landfill management. The leachate
collection system removes excess liquid waste, preventing groundwater contamination and
reducing treatment costs. Gas collection systems capture methane and other landfill gases for
energy recovery or safe disposal, minimizing environmental hazards (Bogner & Spokas, 2007).

Conclusion

The Fukuoka Method semi-aerobic landfill system offers several advantages over anaerobic
landfills, including improved leachate quality, reduced methane emissions, and faster waste
decomposition due to aerobic microbial activity. In contrast, anaerobic landfills rely on oxygen-
free conditions for waste degradation, producing significant amounts of methane and requiring
long-term gas management. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing sustainable
waste management strategies that minimize environmental impact and enhance efficiency.
References
Barlaz, M. A., Ham, R. K., & Schaefer, D. M. (2010). Methane production from landfill samples.
Environmental Science & Technology, 44(12), 471-478.

Bogner, J., & Spokas, K. (2007). Landfill methane: Rates, fates, and impacts. Waste
Management, 27(5), 745-756.

Christensen, T. H., Kjeldsen, P., Bjerg, P. L., Jensen, D. L., Christensen, J. B., Baun, A., &
Albrechtsen, H. J. (2011). Biogeochemistry of landfill leachate plumes. Applied Geochemistry,
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Fukuoka, M., Koga, Y., & Matsufuji, Y. (1997). Semi-aerobic landfill technology for
sustainable waste management. Waste Science & Technology, 36(2), 123-129.

Hanashima, M. (2002). Control of landfill gas migration and its environmental effects. Journal
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Pohland, F. G., & Kim, J. C. (1999). In situ anaerobic treatment of leachate in landfill
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Reinhart, D. R., & Townsend, T. G. (1998). Landfill bioreactor design & operation. CRC Press.

Yamada, M., Matsufuji, Y., & Hanashima, M. (2010). Enhancement of waste stabilization by
semi-aerobic landfill systems. Environmental Engineering Research, 52(3), 275-283.