Methane Production from Municipal Solid Waste

Introduction Archaeological investigations of landfills have revealed that biodegradable wastes can be found — virtually intact — 25 years after burial. We know that landfills contain bacteria with the metabolic capability to degrade many of the materials that are common components of municipal refuse. The persistence for decades of degradable materials in the presence of such organisms appears somewhat paradoxical. In this experiment students will explore the factors that influence biodegradation of waste materials in landfills. Although recycling has significantly reduced the amount of landfill space dedicated to paper and other lignocellulosics, paper products are still a significant fraction of the solid waste stream. In this laboratory students will measure the rate and extent of anaerobic degradation of newsprint, Kraft paper, coated paper, and food scraps.