Assessing MSW degradation by BMP and fibre analysis

Zheng, B., Richards, D.J., Smallman, D.J. and Beaven, R.P. (2007) Assessing MSW degradation by BMP and fibre analysis. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Waste and Resource Management, 160 (4), 133-139. (doi:10.1680/warm.2007.160.4.133).

Abstract

Samples of fresh and partly composted municipal solid waste (MSW) were placed in 1 l reactors under conditions designed to promote rapid anaerobic degradation of the available organic fraction. The solids composition, leachate volatile fatty acids (VFA) content, pH and residual gas yields (CO2 and CH4) were measured at the beginning and at various stages of degradation through the sacrifice of reactors at various times. The degree of decomposition was quantified by the biogas yield (a procedure commonly referred to as the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test) and further characterised through the ratio of cellulose (C) plus hemicellulose (H) to lignin (L) of the remaining non- degraded material measured using a novel fibre analysis method. The consistency of the fibre measurements enabled a quantitative relationship to be established between biogas yields and measured (C + H)/L ratios at different stages of biodegradation for the partly degraded refuse. Fibre analysis of a mechanically pre-treated waste (from which the mass of C, H and L and consequently the (C + H)/L ratio can be determined) provides a useful indication of the degradation potential and has an obvious application in demonstrating diversion of the degradable fraction from landfill following biological treatment processes.

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Contributors

Author: R.P. Beaven

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