Methane oxidation in a landfill cover with capillary barrier

The methane oxidation potential of a landfill cover with capillary barrier was investigated in an experimental plant (4.8 m × 0.8 m × 2.1 m). The cover soil consisted of two layers, a mixture of compost plus sand (0.3 m) over a layer of loamy sand (0.9 m). Four different climatic conditions (summer, winter, spring and fall) were simulated. In and outgoing fluxes were measured. Gas composition, temperature, humidity, matrix potential and gas pressure were monitored in two profiles. CH4 oxidation rate within the investigated top cover ranged from 98% to 57%. The minimum was observed for a short time after irrigation. Temperature distribution, gas concentration profiles and lab-scaled batch experiments indicate that before irrigation the highest oxidising activity took place in a depth of about 30 cm. After irrigation the oxidising horizon seemed to migrate upwards since methanotrophic bacteria develop better there due to an adequate supply with oxygen. It can be assumed that the absence of oxygen is one of the most important limiting factors for the CH4 oxidation process. Abrupt cross-overs between horizons of different soil material may lead to zones of increased water saturation and decreased soil respiration.