Release of non-methane organic compounds during simulated landfilling of aerobically pretreated municipal solid waste

Characteristics of non-methane organic compounds (NMOCs) emissions during the anaerobic decomposition of untreated (APD-0) and four aerobically pretreated (APD-20, APD-39, APD-49, and APD-63) samples of municipal solid waste (MSW) were investigated in laboratory. The cumulative mass of the NMOCs of APD-20, APD-39, APD-49, and APD-63 accounted for 15%, 9%, 16%, and 15% of that of APD-0, respectively. The intensities of the NMOC emissions calculated by dividing the cumulative NMOC emissions by the quantities of organic matter removed (QVS) decreased from 4.1 mg/kg QVS for APD-0 to 0.8–3.4 mg/kg QVS for aerobically pretreated MSW. The lipid and starch contents might have significant impact on the intensity of the NMOC emissions. Alkanes dominated the NMOCs released from the aerobically pretreated MSW, while oxygenated compounds were the chief component of the NMOCs generated from untreated MSW. Aerobic pretreatment of MSW prior to landfilling reduces the organic content of the waste and the intensity of the NMOC emissions, and increases the odor threshold, thereby reducing the environmental impact of landfills.

► We investigate NMOCs from landfilling of MSW with and without aerobic pretreatment. ► Both mass and intensity of NMOCs decrease as aerobic pretreatment degree increases. ► Oxygenated compounds dominate NMOCs from raw MSW. ► Alkanes dominate NMOCs from aerobically pretreated MSW. ► Aerobically pretreated MSW produces fewer odors during anaerobic landfilling.