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An In-Depth Analysis of Physical, Chemical, and Microplastic Parameters of Landfill Fine Fraction for Biocover Construction

Author

Listed:
  • Anastasiia Sholokhova

    (Laboratory of Materials Research and Testing, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos St. 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Inna Pitak

    (Laboratory of Materials Research and Testing, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos St. 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Gintaras Denafas

    (Laboratory of Materials Research and Testing, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos St. 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Regina Kalpokaitė-Dičkuvienė

    (Laboratory of Materials Research and Testing, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos St. 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Marius Praspaliauskas

    (Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos St. 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Juris Burlakovs

    (Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences, Józefa Wybickiego 7 A, 31-261 Kraków, Poland)

Abstract

Landfills pose global challenges, notably in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, pollution release, and extensive land occupation. The transformative practice of landfill mining has redefined these sites as valuable resource reservoirs. The fine fraction (FF), often constituting the majority of excavated waste, is currently underutilized but holds the potential for biocover construction to mitigate methane emissions. This study comprehensively analyzes the FF from the Kuršenai landfill, collecting samples from various depths, reaching up to 10.5 m. The most suitable layers for biocover construction were determined based on basic physical and chemical parameters, along with the concentration of heavy metals and microplastics. The findings unveil significant parameter variations across different depths. Moderate–high correlations (ranging from 0.5 to 0.84) between several parameters were observed. The layer at a depth of 4.5–6 m emerged as the most suitable for biocover construction. However, this layer is characterized by elevated microplastic concentrations (30,208 ± 273 particles/kg), posing a challenge for its use in biocovers as microplastics can be released into the environment during FF extraction and biocover construction. Additionally, microplastics become finer with depth, increasing the associated risks. Therefore, a balanced approach considering material properties and pollution concentrations is vital for sustainable waste management practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Anastasiia Sholokhova & Inna Pitak & Gintaras Denafas & Regina Kalpokaitė-Dičkuvienė & Marius Praspaliauskas & Juris Burlakovs, 2023. "An In-Depth Analysis of Physical, Chemical, and Microplastic Parameters of Landfill Fine Fraction for Biocover Construction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16914-:d:1301724
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kaur-Mikk Pehme & Kaja Orupõld & Valdo Kuusemets & Ottar Tamm & Yahya Jani & Toomas Tamm & Mait Kriipsalu, 2020. "Field Study on the Efficiency of a Methane Degradation Layer Composed of Fine Fraction Soil from Landfill Mining," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Anastasiia Sholokhova & Gintaras Denafas & Justinas Ceponkus & Tetiana Omelianenko, 2023. "Microplastics in Landfill Bodies: Abundance, Spatial Distribution and Effect of Landfill Age," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-12, March.
    3. Korhonen, Jouni & Honkasalo, Antero & Seppälä, Jyri, 2018. "Circular Economy: The Concept and its Limitations," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 37-46.
    4. Burlakovs, Juris & Kriipsalu, Mait & Klavins, Maris & Bhatnagar, Amit & Vincevica-Gaile, Zane & Stenis, Jan & Jani, Yahya & Mykhaylenko, Valeriy & Denafas, Gintaras & Turkadze, Tsitsino & Hogland, Mar, 2017. "Paradigms on landfill mining: From dump site scavenging to ecosystem services revitalization," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 73-84.
    5. Irena Wojnowska-Baryła & Katarzyna Bernat & Magdalena Zaborowska, 2022. "Plastic Waste Degradation in Landfill Conditions: The Problem with Microplastics, and Their Direct and Indirect Environmental Effects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-15, October.
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