Which of the following is not a constituent of gases coming out of Municipal Solid Waste landfill?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Ozone. Ozone is not typically emitted from municipal solid waste landfills. Instead, landfills produce gases like methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), ammonia (NH₃), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) due to the decomposition of organic matter under anaerobic conditions.
Explanation:
1. Carbon dioxide (CO₂):
· A major gas produced during the aerobic and anaerobic decomposition of organic waste.
· Accounts for approximately 30% to 40% of landfill gas emissions.
2. Ammonia (NH₃):
· Produced during the decomposition of nitrogen-rich organic materials like food waste and yard waste.
· Contributes to odor issues in landfills.
3. Methane (CH₄):
· Produced under anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) conditions by methanogenic bacteria.
· A potent greenhouse gas, accounting for about 50% to 60% of landfill gas.
4. Ozone (O₃):
· Not produced in landfills.
· Ozone forms in the atmosphere through photochemical reactions involving pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Information Booster:
1. Landfill gas composition:
· Methane (CH₄): 50% to 60%
· Carbon dioxide (CO₂): 30% to 40%
· Trace gases: Ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
2. Environmental Impact:
· Methane contributes significantly to global warming.
· Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.
· Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide cause odor problems and can be hazardous.
3. Ozone (O₃):
· A secondary pollutant, found in the stratosphere (protective layer) and troposphere (ground-level smog).
· Harmful at ground level, causing respiratory problems and environmental damage.
Additional Knowledge:
· (a) Carbon dioxide (CO₂):
· Produced by both aerobic and anaerobic decomposition processes.
· (b) Ammonia (NH₃):
· Released from decomposing proteins and organic nitrogen compounds.
· (c) Ozone (O₃):
· Not generated by landfill processes. Forms through photochemical reactions in the atmosphere.
· (d) Methane (CH₄):
· A byproduct of anaerobic decomposition and a significant contributor to landfill gas.
Key Points:
1. Methane and carbon dioxide are the primary landfill gases.
2. Ozone is not emitted from landfills; it forms in the atmosphere.
3. Landfill gases can be captured and used for energy generation.
4. Proper management of landfill gases reduces greenhouse emissions.
5. Odor control in landfills requires managing gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.