Maximize Energy Recovery from Waste Cells and Minimize GHG Emissions

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The proposed research program deals with two aspects; operation of waste cells as biocells, or in anaerobic and aerobic bioreactor modes and subsequent mining for recovery of resources and space; and methanotrophic biofiltration to control methane emissions form engineered and/or fugitive sources. The concept of biocell has originated, in part, from the realization that operation of "entombed" landfills for the sole objective of controlling groundwater contamination is not sustainable, and could be counter-productive in relation to landfill gas related problems (e.g., global warming caused by greenhouse gases such as methane) and resource (e.g. material and space) conservation. Although this sustainable waste processing approach has the potential to solve a number of environmental and social problems associated with conventional landfilling, a number of technical obstacles prevent its adoption in a large scale. In the past, we have conducted leading edge research to investigate the possibility of applying methanotrophy to control methane, a key greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Further research work will be conducted in this area to ensure this concept is converted to a technology to control both diffuse- and point-source emissions in developed and developing countries. Training of graduate student and other HQPs is a key component of this project, with more than 90% of the project funds used for this purpose. The proposed research will be undertaken by ten graduate students (seven PhD and four MSc), five Postdoctoral Fellows and several research associates/summer students. The HQPs are expected to complement their academic training with hands on experience and will go on to contribute richly to the Canadian knowledge and economy.