Estimation of the biogas generated in final disposal sites in the state of Mexico

Abstract

Currently, the specific information on the management of most of the final disposal sites (FDS) in Mexico is unknown, as well as the volumes of biogas produced by the natural degradation of the organic matter contained in the disposed municipal solid waste (MSW). Biogas is mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide, both considered greenhouse gases (GHGs). Several models have been developed for the calculation of GHG emissions from FDS, among which the Mexican Biogas Model 2.0 (MBM) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change model can be found. The aim of the present work was to estimate the amount of biogas generated in FDS of the State of Mexico by using the aforementioned models, to project the generation of biogas for a period of 50 years since the opening of the sites. To this aim, 30 FDS located in the SM comprised in a 50 km radius from the center of Mexico City were identified and data collected through visits and interviews were entered into the model’s spreadsheet. The annual generation of biogas was estimated for 15 landfills, six controlled sites and nine uncontrolled sites, classified according to the Official Mexican Standard NOM-083-SEMARNAT-2003. Biogas generation was calculated for the studied sites as 198 kt CH4 in 2017, 193 kt CH4 in 2020, 85 kt CH4 in 2030, and 12 kt CH4 for 2050. The results were used to evaluate their possible environmental impact in Mexico City and the adjacent municipalities.