Detection and extinguishment approaches for municipal solid waste landfill fires: A mini review

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is getting more attention in the present scenario. Even though various technologies like incineration, gasification, pyrolysis and waste-to-energy plants have been developed, landfills are still the major disposal option for MSW management. MSW at landfill creates issues that are highlighted at a global level like the fire at Deonar dumping site in Mumbai, India was visible and captured by the space satellites, leading to environmental pollution. Detection and extinguishment of landfill fires at surface and sub-surface in their early stages are the major concern. Thermal imaging camera can be used to know solar radiation effect by identifying the hotspots during the day and the night time for understanding aerobic degradation effect on the surface fire. Sub-surface gas concentrations and its combinations affecting the temperature gradient can be studied for a better understanding of sub-surface fires in their early stages. The use of class ‘A’ foams with water, which reduces the surface tension of water, can be carried out for landfill fire extinguishment. The application of water in the form of water fog will extract a large amount of heat and block the availability of oxygen for the fire. This mini review presents the sources of fuel, heat, oxidant for landfill fire and its development process, associated pollution on air, water, land and human health due to landfill fire and methods for its extinguishment possibilities.