Problem
Methane gas emissions from landfill sites
Nature:
Putrescible matter producing methane gas in landfills has caused explosions resulting in damaged property, caused injury and death. The danger may present from 10 to 20 years for any given site.
Landfill gas (LFG) is a natural byproduct of decomposing landfill waste. Without adequate controls, LFG can pollute the environment surrounding a landfill. In addition to emitting directly into the atmosphere, the gas can percolate through surrounding soils, penetrating nearby buildings and affecting vegetation growth.
Incidence:
Landfills were the number one source of Canadian emissions of methane in 1990 - 38% of a total of 3.7 megatonnes.
Broader Problems:
Organic wastesHazardous wastesUnderutilized wastesGaseous air pollutantsIncrease in atmospheric concentration of methaneOverproduction of atmosphere-destabilizing gasesShortage of waste landfill sites Aggravates:
Environmental pollutionPolluted drinking water Strategies:
Reducing methane emissions from landfill sitesReducing atmospheric methane concentrationsUsing methane emissions from landfill sites for energyDeveloping sustainable landfill practices Subject(s):
Fundamental Sciences → Gaseous stateFundamental Sciences → Organic chemical compounds
Societal Problems → Effluent
Societal Problems → Waste
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST