Estimation of methane gas by LandGEM model from Yasuj municipal solid waste landfill, Iran

Abstract CH 4 has a high potential for energy production and by utilizing the proper technology, large amounts of energy can be extracted from it. This study aimed to estimate the amounts of methane emissions from the municipal solid waste landfill in Yasuj city using LandGEM software. The LandGEM model which is used for this aim is based on input data of open landfill year, land closure year, methane production rate, potential methane production capacity, and waste acceptance rate. According to the results, methane gas production during the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was obtained to be 250, 275, 303, and 330 m 3 /h respectively. The results also showed that maximum methane production rate occurred during the years 2010–2012 and then reduced with a soft slope from 2012. The method and results of this research can be used for design and execute of methane gas collection systems and also, control of greenhouse gases emission for the landfills.