Aproveitamento energético dos resíduos sólidos urbanos da cidade de Xangri-lá

Abstract

The production of energy from municipal solid waste (MSW), known as waste-to-energy (WTE), is a potential solution for the correct management and treatment of these wastes. Therefore, the present study proposes to evaluate the characteristics of the MSW in Xangri-lá-RS, located in Brazil, and to evaluate the most appropriate WTE for the local reality. For this purpose, (i) determination of the gravimetric composition of the waste was carried out, (ii) analysis qualitative and (iii) analysis quantitative of the same, added to (iv) theoretical analysis of the city's management data. The residues are being studied for their applicability in anaerobic digestion (AD) (organic fraction) and thermochemicals processes (total MSW and fuel fraction). The analysis of the gravimetric composition showed that such MSW are composed mainly of organic residues. Results of biochemical potential of methane suggest that the AD technique may be a viable option for the city. The best results were obtained with the low season residue (235.1 mL of biogas/g of SV with a maximum methane concentration of 69.8%), possibly due to the influence of the microbial community present in these residues. Thermal analyzes, in turn, show that the residue has potential for application in thermochemical processes. Preliminary tests of pyrolysis generate products (biochar, bio-oil and gases) with combustible characteristics. The process with the fuel fraction maximized the production of bio-oil and with the mix of MSW the production of combustible gases. In addition, data analysis (using the waste reduction model - WARM) shows that increasing the recycling rate is the best option, followed by incineration and AD, for Xangri-lá. Thus, the results of this study indicate that the sustainable management of the MSW can be implemented through environmental education programs and the application of WTE technologies.