Assessment of biological activity of fine fraction from Högbytorp landfill by oxygen consumption measurement

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the biological activity of fine fraction excavated from the Ragn-Sells AB landfill site at Högbytorp (40 km north-west of Stockholm, Sweden). For this purpose cumulative oxygen consumption (respiration activity) of the fine fraction was measured with OxiTop^® system. The Högbytorp landfill was sampled from 4 test-pits, each from 4 different depths. Altogether 16 samples were gathered, screened (<10 mm) and analysed in the laboratory. The mean oxygen consumption of fine fraction during 7 days was 7.6±4.1 and during 4 days 5.6±3.0 mgO₂ g^-1. The variability of respiration activity betweenfine fraction samples from the Högbytorp landfill is discussed. The results are compared with the proposed value for material suitable for biocover construction and also with landfill acceptance criteria for waste set in a few countries.