Characterization and energy potential evaluation of urban municipal solid waste of Pakistan

Determining the physical and chemical characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) aids in assessing potential environmental impacts any management initiative. The study aimed to determine basic urban MSW from two Pakistani megacities (Lahore Rawalpindi). Physical, proximate, ultimate micronutrient analyses, as well an energy analysis, were performed on sampled MSW. Physically, there was 65–70% biogenic content 40–53% moisture content. Elemental contents found be carbon (38–48%) > oxygen (18–21%) hydrogen (4–4.3%) nitrogen (0.5–0.9%) sulfur (0.4–0.8%). Carbohydrates are most abundant (32–37%) micronutrients. combustible fraction has a high calorific value, indication its potential. generated by Rawalpindi (880 tons per day) Lahore (6100 suitable for production 6213 40,897 MWh, respectively. can generate 49 MW day 341 electricity, valuable renewable source Pakistan if appropriate policies technologies (such thermochemical treatments biochemical treatments) implemented.