Statistical assessment of dumpsite soil suitability to enhance methane bio-oxidation under interactive influence of...

Biocovers are considered as the most effective and efficient way to treat methane (CH₄) emission from dumpsites and landfills. Active methanotrophs in the biocovers play a crucial role in reduction of emissions through microbiological methane oxidation. Several factors affecting methane bio-oxidation (MOX) have been well documented, however, their interactive effect on the oxidation process needs to be explored. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the suitability of a dumpsite soil to be employed as biocover, under the influence of substrate concentrations (CH₄ and O₂) and temperature at variable incubation periods. Statistical design matrix of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) revealed that MOX rate up to 69.58μgCH₄g^-1_dwh^-1 could be achieved under optimum conditions. MOX was found to be more dependent on CH₄ concentration at higher level (30-40%, v/v), in comparison to O₂ concentration. However, unlike other studies MOX was found in direct proportionality relationship with temperature within a range of 25-35°C. The results obtained with the dumpsite soil biocover open up a new possibility to provide improved, sustained and environmental friendly systems to control even high CH₄ emissions from the waste sector.