Numerical analysis of moisture and gas transport in earthen final covers considering effects of vapor and temperature gradient

Biochemical decomposition of high kitchen wastes in landfills in China results in (i) a high content of vapor in landfill gas (LFG) and (ii) a noticeable temperature gradient across the earthen final cover (EFC). Yet, it is unclear how vapor and temperature gradients affect moisture and gas transport through EFC and microbial aerobic methane oxidation (MAMO). A theoretical model of moisture-gas-heat reactive transport considering MAMO and effects of vapor flow and temperature gradients was developed, and a series of parametric studies were included. The model was verified by published test results. The parametric simulation results show that vapor from landfill wastes can replenish water to EFCs in dry seasons, which results in (i) the relief of water shortage of vegetation and MAMO and (ii) LFG emission reduction. Effects of vapor inflow become more significant under larger temperature gradient. In cold seasons, temperature gradients can promote MAMO to reduce methane emissions, and enhance evaporation to reduce percolation. When evaporation rate at the surface exceeds 30 times vapor influx, vapor inflow has negligible effects on moisture and gas transport in EFCs. Neglecting effects of vapor and temperature gradient can lead to misjudgments on anti-seepage performance and methane emission reduction performance of EFCs.