Endogenous mitigation of H2S inside of landfills

Vast quantities of H2S emitted from landfill sites require urgent disposal. The current study focuses on source control and examines the migration and conversion behaviour of sulfur compounds in two lab-scale simulated landfills with different operation modes. It aims to explore the possible strategies and mechanisms for H2S endogenous mitigation inside of landfills during decomposition. It is found that the strength of H2S emissions from the landfill sites depends on the municipal solid waste (MSW) degradation speed and vertical distribution of sulfide. Leachate recirculation can shorten both the H2S influence period and pollution risk to the surrounding environment. H2S endogenous mitigation may be achieved by chemical oxidation, biological oxidation, adsorption and/or precipitation in different stages. Migration and conversion mainly affects H2S release behaviour during the initial stabilization phase in the landfill. Microbial activities related to sulfur, nitrogen and iron can further promote H2S endogenous mitigation during the high reduction phase. Thus, H2S endogenous mitigation can be effectively enhanced via the control of the aforementioned processes.