Volatile organic compound emissions from a landfill, plume dispersion and the tropospheric ozone modeling

Abstract

This work evaluated the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by a landfill located in Niterói City, RJ, Brazil. Twenty six samples were collected in 2009 using a 30 L cylindrical polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flux chamber. The results indicated an elevated emission of 1980 kg km-2 h-1. A Gaussian plume dispersion model was used to evaluate the transport of pollutants and values of 525 μg m-3 for VOC were found at ca. 500 m from the landfill. The emissions were also compiled with meteorological data, using the OZIPR (Ozone Isopleth Package for Research) trajectory model coupled with SAPRC (Statewide Air Pollution Research Center) chemical mechanism to demonstrate the impact on tropospheric ozone. The results indicated a 1000% increase in ozone in the region of the landfill when compared to the ozone values for the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. The results show that it is necessary greater attention to the political management of municipal solid waste in Brazil. © 2012 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.