Effect of Nitrogen Supplement on Methanotrophic Activities in Sandy Loam and Organic Compost-based Landfill Cover Soil

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tanthachoon, Nathiya | Chiemchaisri, Chart | Chiemchaisri, Wilai

Affiliations: Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University 50 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Note: [] Corresponding Author. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The use of sandy loam and compost as final landfill cover material promote methanotrophic activities and reduce methane emission. In this study, the effect of nutrient supplement in the form of ammonium and nitrate to sandy loam and organic compost-based landfill cover soil was investigated in batch experiment. The results revealed the addition of ammonium inhibited methane oxidation in sandy loam; however, some stimulatory effect was found in the compost case. The influence of nitrate addition was not observed. Methanotrophic activity in compost-amended material was found five times higher that in sandy loam. The effects of ammonium nitrogen were also confirmed in soil column experiment operated with leachate irrigation.

Keywords: Methanotrophic activity, methane oxidation, nutrients, landfill cover, compost

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 9-14, 2008