Attenuation of non methane organic compounds (NMOCs) in landfill gas

Landfill gas contains besides high concentrations of methane also aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, etc.), which by emission to the ambient air can be a health threat to workers and local inhabitants, chlorinated solvents which besides health effects may influence the ozone layer, and CFC compounds which may influence the ozone layer.
The potential of attenuation of these compounds in top cover soil or soils adjacent to landfills is studied by laboratory experiments both on natural systems and engineered system where the degradation of the compounds is beeing optimized.
Investigations on soil formerly affected by landfill gas showed revealed large attenuation potentials especially for the aromatic hydrocarbons.
In 1999 laboratory experiments with degradation in landfill gas affected soils of CFCs and chlorinated solvents was started.