Estimation of Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Solid Waste Disposal Sites According to the Climatic Context and Demographic Characteristics of Moroccan Regions

Abstract

The amount of biogas that can potentially be generated by municipal solid waste landfills (MSW) in Morocco is estimated using the LandGEM model. The model parameters (annual methane production rate k and annual methane production potential Lo) are determined taking into account the climatic context of 12 Moroccan regions, the annual mass of waste buried in each region and their composition. By analyzing the monthly averages of temperature, rate of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration in 75 Moroccan cities, a classification of the types of climate of the 12 Moroccan regions is carried out. Correlation relationships between changes in the annual production of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the number of inhabitants are established. Different fractions of fermentable waste made up of the four categories of waste most generated in Morocco (paper and textiles, wood, green waste and organic waste) are examined, and several combinations of these fractions are envisioned. The obtained results show that the total emissions of methane, potentially generated over a period of 30 years (2016-2045) by landfills, would produce on average the equivalent of about 4 963 248 tons of CO2e per year. While its combustion by flaring, or by recovery for the cogeneration of heat and / or electricity, should limit its release into the atmosphere, and would produce on average only about 545 911 tons of carbon dioxide per year, i.e. an annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 89%.