Mitigating landfill gas emissions: the effectiveness of HDPE covers in reducing atmospheric concentrations of H2S, NH3, and PM10

Abstract

We investigated the effectiveness of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) covers in reducing landfill emissions of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), ammonia (NH₃), and inhalable particulate matter smaller than 10 µm in diameter (PM₁₀) at the Waste Management Centre Marišćina by comparing air quality data from 2018, prior to the installation of the HDPE cover, with data from 2021, post-installation. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in H₂S and PM₁₀ concentrations (36.76 % and 24.18 %, respectively). However, NH₃ levels unexpectedly increased by 20.48 %, suggesting the presence of additional sources of ammonia in the vicinity of the centre or changes in landfill microenvironment. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of HDPE covers in controlling specific landfill emissions and the need for a comprehensive environmental management strategy to address all pollutants. Future research should also investigate the long-term effects of HDPE cover on landfill emissions and how they could contribute to broader environmental goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.