Sulfate produced during anaerobic reduction limits the activity of methanogens but it is not reflected in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodology for estimating CH4 emissions. In this study, CH4 emissions from the Sudokwon landfill site were estimated by adopting a methane correction factor, which was determined through the relationship between the COD/sulfate ratio and CH4 generation. Although the gas originating from the Sudokwon landfill site has not produced any environmental problems in recent years due to gas collection and soil cover maintenance activities, CH4 emissions estimated by the IPCC methodology indicated that only 60% of the CH4 was recovered and the remainder was emitted into the atmosphere, suggesting a potential environmental problem. Accordingly, CH4 estimates determined according to IPCC methodology must be modified by adopting the methane correction factor and considering the effect of sulfate concentration.

• 유경선(광운대학교 환경공학과) | Kyung Seun Yoo (Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University) Corresponding author
• 심명화(수도권매립지관리공사) | Myung Hwa Shim (Research Center, Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation)
• 이경호(수도권매립지관리공사) | Kyeong Ho Lee (Research Center, Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation)