Helen French
Senior Research Scientist
Abstract
Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is widely used to characterize subsurface structures and to monitor dynamic processes through time-lapse measurements. Its multiscale applicability has enabled laboratory investigations of solute and gas transport in rocks and sediments, as well as field-scale imaging of landfill interiors based on contrasts in moisture content and waste composition. Landfill gas production, primarily CO₂ and CH₄ generated by organic waste degradation, remains difficult to monitor using ERT due to the highly heterogeneous and dynamic nature of waste bodies. To address this challenge, we built a small-scale cylindrical laboratory column, equipped with 64 electrodes to systematically investigate the sensitivity of ERT to gas presence and migration in waste. The experimental setup allows independent control of key parameters including waste grain size, chemistry, saturation, gas volume, flow velocity, and gas composition. This contribution presents the first stage of the project, focusing on the design, optimization, and validation of the ERT column. Using a combination of forward modeling and preliminary laboratory measurements, we assess the system’s spatial resolution, sensitivity distribution, and error sources related to both data acquisition and inversion. The results highlight the importance of pre-optimizing laboratory ERT configurations and provide practical guidelines for the design of similar experimental systems, a step that is often only briefly documented in previous studies.
Abstract
Landfilling remains a widely used and economically viable waste disposal method, particularly in regions with limited access to advanced treatment technologies. However, once these sites reach capacity and are closed, their long-term environmental management becomes a critical concern for municipalities and stakeholders. This study explores post-closure landfill management strategies by examining three closed landfill cases in Norway. A literature review was conducted to establish a baseline understanding of current practices and gaps. Despite previous research on landfill gas utilization and waste-to-energy technologies, there is a lack of empirical, site-specific studies addressing the long-term aftercare and post-closure management of closed landfills in European contexts. Therefore, this study addresses this gap by providing a case-based assessment of closed landfill management practices in Norway. Findings were synthesized using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analytical framework to assess both internal and external influencing factors. The results highlight key strengths, including existing gas monitoring systems and recycling efforts, as well as critical weaknesses, such as infrastructure instability and limited historical assessment data. Opportunities are found in areas such as methane mitigation, circular economy integration, and land reuse planning, while threats include financial constraints and long-term maintenance concerns. Drawing on these insights, the study emphasizes the importance of developing integrated aftercare strategies that incorporate environmental monitoring, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses tailored to site-specific conditions. These insights are valuable for stakeholders, including municipalities, policymakers, landfill owners, national authorities, industries, and waste management companies, in shaping future initiatives for repurposing landfills.
Abstract
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