STRIVE 124 - Summary of Findings

STRIVE 124 - Web-based monitoring of gas emissions from landfill sites using autonomous sensor platforms

Summary: Autonomous sensor platforms were developed by the research team in Dublin City University (DCU) allowing for long-term continuous monitoring of greenhouse gases and extraction pressure. Web-based accessibility via integrated telemetry facilitated data access and visualisation from remote deployments. These platforms were employed principally on landfill sites.

Published: 2014

Pages: 2

Filesize: 137 KB

Format: pdf

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The increased awareness of environmental monitoring as driven by international legislation has led to the development of autonomous platforms for the real-time monitoring of gases in the environment. Such monitoring is applicable to the mandatory licensing terms of landfill sites. The extensive wealth of data acquired by this research enabled the analysis of gas behaviour with respect to local environmental conditions, hence leading to a greater understanding of gas dynamics. This is becoming more relevant because of the numerous landfill closures brought by Europe-wide changes in waste-management policy. Even for landfills no longer actively receiving waste, substantial gas generation remains on-going for years and even decades.

Autonomous sensor platforms were developed by the research team in DCU for long-term continuous monitoring of greenhouse gases methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), and extraction pressure.  These low-cost remotely deployable sensor platforms offer a valuable complementary service to operators and the EPA. They enable easier adherence to their licence criteria, the prevention of expensive remediation measures and the potential boost in revenue from increasing energy production through the use of biogas. These platforms were employed principally on landfill sites, though applicability was demonstrated also for emissions from peatlands and wastewater treatment plants. The commercial prospect of this work has been affirmed with positive feedback from landfill operators, regulators and private consultancies.