Fugitive Methane Emissions in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills: Identification and Mitigation

• Grant number: 25/13598-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Geotechnical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Antônio Medeiros Marinho
• Grantee: Laura Cunha Rebouças Lessa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01115-0 - CCD - Carbon Neutral Cities, AP.CCD

Abstract

The project proposes an integrated and innovative approach for monitoring and mitigating fugitive methane emissions in municipal solid waste landfills (MSWL), using advanced technologies such as hyperspectral satellites, drones with specialized sensors, flux chambers, and autonomous ground vehicles. The initiative aims to overcome the limitations of conventional methods, which often fail to capture the spatial and temporal variability of emissions, thus hindering the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.The main objectives include mapping critical emission areas using data from the PRISMA satellite, conducting aerial surveys with drones equipped with infrared and spectral sensors, employing flux chambers for direct ground measurements, and developing an autonomous vehicle for continuous field-based detection. The collected data will be integrated into a unified platform for detailed spatial and temporal analysis, with cross-validation among the different methods.This proposal is of high scientific relevance as it synergistically combines "top-down" and "bottom-up" monitoring methodologies, enhancing both the accuracy and representativeness of emission estimates. From a social perspective, the project contributes to climate change mitigation efforts and supports the achievement of international environmental targets. Economically, it enables landfill operators to access carbon credit markets while reducing operational costs associated with biogas management.The project will be implemented in three landfills located in Brazil's Northeast, Southeast, and Central-West regions, accounting for diverse climatic, geological, and socioeconomic conditions. Expected outcomes include: (i) detailed mapping of methane emission hotspots, (ii) more accurate estimates of total methane emissions, (iii) evaluation of the efficiency of gas capture and cover systems, (iv) development of operational decision-support tools, and (v) contributions to public policies and environmental regulations.A partnership with the Institute for Technological Research (IPT) will support the technical development of the autonomous vehicle and the calibration of the sensors used. The project is expected to promote a new paradigm for greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring in tropical countries, with strong potential for international replication. Furthermore, the results will be disseminated through scientific publications, technical reports, and engagement with regulatory bodies.