Characteristics of H2S emission from aged refuse after excavation exposure.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S(g)) emission from landfills is a widespread problem, especially when aged refuse is excavated. H2S(g) emission from aged refuse exposed to air was investigated and the results showed that large amounts of H2S(g) can be released, especially in the first few hours after excavation, when H2S(g) concentrations in air near refuse could reach 2.00 mg m(-3). Initial exposure to air did not inhibit the emission of H2S(g), as is generally assumed, but actually promoted it. The amounts of H2S(g) emitted in the first 2 d after excavation can be very dangerous, and the risks associated with the emission of H2S(g) could decrease significantly with time. Unlike a large number of sulfide existed under anaerobic conditions, the sulfide in aged municipal solid waste can be oxidized chemically to elemental sulfur (but not sulfate) under aerobic conditions, and its conversion rate was higher than 80%. Only microorganisms can oxidize the reduced sulfur species to sulfate, and the conversion rate could reach about 50%. Using appropriate techniques to enhance these chemical and biological transformations could allow the potential health risks caused by H2S(g) after refuse excavation to be largely avoided.
Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China.
Dong-Sheng
DS
Shen
Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China.
Yao
Y
Du
Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China.
Yuan
Y
Fang
College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
Li-Fang
LF
Hu
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China.
Cheng-Ran
CR
Fang
Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China. Electronic address: longyy@zjgsu.edu.cn.
Yu-Yang
YY
Long
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000737:chemistry*; D064091:Waste Disposal Facilities; D014866:Waste Products
D000393:Air Pollutants; D014866:Waste Products; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide
Aged refuse; Air exposure; Conversion; Hydrogen sulfide; Speciation