Evaluation of the biological stability of waste during landfill stabilization by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

This study seeks to assess the biological stability of landfilled municipal solid waste (MSW) based on the changes in organic matter, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Derivate thermogravimetry profiles (DTG) showed a reduction in peak intensity at 200–350 °C (DTG2), while an increase in peak intensity and a shift towards higher temperature at 400–600 °C (DTG3). The decrease in the peak intensity of the aliphatic methylene at 2920 and 2850 cm−1, and the increase of aromatic substances and polysaccharide at 1640 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra also confirm the changes. Well-fitted correlations of the peak intensity ratio (2920/1640) and peak area ratio (DTG2/DTG3) to C/N ratio were also established, confirming that the 2920/1640 and the DTG2/DTG3 ratios can be considered as reliable parameters for tracking the biological stability of MSW during landfill stabilization.