ABSTRACT

The sorptive characteristics between trace organic compounds found in landfill gas and the materials in landfills are important in the study of the movement of these compounds through landfills. Trace organic compounds that are not completely sorbed to waste or soil particles and subsequently concerted either biotically or abiotically, can later become available for transport by gas or water that moves through the landfill. This chapter quantifies the sorptive characteristics of solid waste and landfill cover materials. The experimental methodology developed to study the sorption phenomena involves passing radiolabeled Trichloroethylene (TCE) through a sorbing medium and capturing the residual TCE. The key laboratory procedures followed in this study are: preparation of gases; preparation of sorbing medium; leak testing; determination of trace vapor concentrations; sampling analysis; and clean-up/safety procedures. An understanding of sorption phenomena of trace organic chemicals found in landfill gas is important to the design of effective landfills.