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Advanced Technologies in Landfills
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Advanced Technologies in Landfills

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecology Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 3510

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shi Shu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Geotechnical Engineering Research Institute, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
Interests: landfill liner; municipal solid wastes; slope stability; pollutant transport; dredged silt
Dr. Yuping Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Geotechnical Engineering Research Institute, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
Interests: MSW landfills; soil remediation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past few decades, the rapid increase in the global annual production of solid wastes has occupied large areas of land, with its increasing rate exceeding the growth rate of treatment capacity. The solid wastes usually have scattered sources, large production, complex composition, variable forms and properties, and may contain hazardous materials or pollutants, leading to harmful effects on the environment and public health. Up to now, sanitary landfills have been the main method of solid waste disposal all around the world. There are currently hundreds of thousands of active, closed, and abandoned landfills worldwide, all associated with potential environmental risks. Advanced landfill technologies have been developed to ensure the safe and stable operation of landfills, and to effectively process the leachate, gas and heat generated by landfills, thereby realizing resource utilization. Overall, the field of advanced technologies in landfills is advancing towards sustainable waste management and resource recovery, offering a huge development space and application prospects.

This Special Issue concerning the advanced technologies in landfills is therefore proposed. We welcome both fundamental research and practical approaches to the problems and challenges faced by researchers, practitioners, and/or government policymakers. Well-documented case studies are also welcome when the authors indicate the wider application of their results. This Special Issue is expected to provide a forum for the discussion and presentation of solutions with respect to advanced technologies in landfills around the world. The following are some of the major areas which could be addressed in this Special Issue:

  • Composite liner performance;
  • Closure cover;
  • Cutoff wall;
  • Slope stability;
  • Stabilization of solid wastes;
  • Leachate treatment;
  • Gas collection;
  • Heat recovery;
  • Resource utilization;
  • Land contamination and remediation;
  • Laboratory and field testing methods;
  • Field monitoring;
  • Environmental assessment;
  • New and emerging issues and technologies.

Dr. Shi Shu
Dr. Yuping Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • landfill
  • municipal solid waste
  • fly ash
  • composite liner
  • slope stability
  • closure cover
  • leachate treatment
  • gas collection
  • heat recovery

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2915 KiB  
Article
An Integrated DEM–FEM Simulation Framework for Preferential Flow Path Evaluation in Waste Landfill Composed of Non-Spherical Particles
by Hiroyuki Ishimori, Kazuto Endo and Masato Yamada
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5798; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115798 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 82
Abstract
A numerical experimental method combining the discrete element method (DEM) and the finite element method (FEM) is proposed to analyze water channel flow in heterogeneous porous media such as landfill layers. In this study, non-spherical particles —thin plates and rods—are introduced into DEM-FEM [...] Read more.
A numerical experimental method combining the discrete element method (DEM) and the finite element method (FEM) is proposed to analyze water channel flow in heterogeneous porous media such as landfill layers. In this study, non-spherical particles —thin plates and rods—are introduced into DEM-FEM coupling for the first time, which allows for the virtual reconstruction of complex pore structures beyond the capability of traditional experimental approaches, such as soil tanks or X-ray CT. Fluid flow simulations performed on three types of virtual porous media showed that only the case with non-spherical particles generated water channels. Tortuosity analysis was used to quantify the complexity of the flow paths and showed median values of 1.258 and 1.218 for homogeneous and particle size-distributed cases, respectively. In contrast, the case simulating waste media had a significantly lower median tortuosity of 1.051, with a skewed distribution toward shorter paths, indicating dominant water channels. This shift in tortuosity, coupled with higher variance, serves as quantitative evidence of water channel formation. The results demonstrate that tortuosity analysis complements streamline visualization and provides a reliable means to detect and compare water channel flow behavior. The proposed DEM-FEM framework enables both qualitative and quantitative understanding of flow dynamics in large-scale, highly heterogeneous porous systems and is expected to support further research and practical design in landfill and drainage engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Landfills)
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17 pages, 3615 KiB  
Article
A Strength–Permeability Study of Steel Slag–Cement–Bentonite Barrier Walls Effect of Slag Substitution Rate and Bentonite Dosage
by Haoran Li, Haoqing Xu, Wenyang Zhang, Linhong Gao and Aizhao Zhou
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4544; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084544 - 20 Apr 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
A barrier wall is a vertical engineered layer designed to block contaminated soil, thereby controlling pollution sources, preventing pollutant migration to groundwater, and limiting pollution spread. Cement–bentonite barrier walls, widely adopted for their seepage control capability, structural strength, and cost-effectiveness, face sustainability challenges [...] Read more.
A barrier wall is a vertical engineered layer designed to block contaminated soil, thereby controlling pollution sources, preventing pollutant migration to groundwater, and limiting pollution spread. Cement–bentonite barrier walls, widely adopted for their seepage control capability, structural strength, and cost-effectiveness, face sustainability challenges due to high cement consumption. This study systematically investigates the coupled effects of steel slag substitution rate and bentonite dosage on the mechanical–permeability of barrier materials for the first time and proposes steel slag (containing dicalcium silicate (C2S) and tricalcium silicate (C3S) phases similar to cement clinker) as a partial cement substitute in steel slag–cement–bentonite barrier materials, aiming to reduce cement usage and utilize industrial waste. Through unconfined compressive strength tests, direct shear tests, and variable head permeability tests, the effects of steel slag substitution rates (0~50%) and bentonite dosages (46~54%) on material performance were systematically investigated. Key findings include (1) unconfined compressive strength decreases linearly with increasing steel slag substitution but grows exponentially with bentonite dosage; (2) cohesion exhibits a negative exponential relationship with steel slag substitution and a linear positive correlation with bentonite content—the unconfined compressive strength of the materials with bentonite dosage of 50% and 54% were 1.51 and 2.84 times higher than those with bentonite dosage of 46%, respectively; (3) cohesion and unconfined compressive strength conform to c = (0.23~0.39)qu; (4) permeability decreases with higher steel slag substitution and bentonite dosage, achieving controlled low permeability (<1 × 10−7 cm/s). This research provides a sustainable solution for barrier wall construction by integrating waste recycling and performance optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Landfills)
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13 pages, 5576 KiB  
Article
Study on the Stability of High and Steep Slopes of Open-Air Dump with Various Slope Ratios Under Rainfall Conditions
by Feng Zi, Long Tang, Yunjiang Cao and Yongjun Xiao
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 2965; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15062965 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 499
Abstract
As a crucial component in mining engineering, the instability of waste dumps can lead to severe engineering accidents and significant economic losses. This study focuses on the stability of steep slopes in open-pit waste dumps, particularly under short-duration heavy rainfall conditions, and analyzes [...] Read more.
As a crucial component in mining engineering, the instability of waste dumps can lead to severe engineering accidents and significant economic losses. This study focuses on the stability of steep slopes in open-pit waste dumps, particularly under short-duration heavy rainfall conditions, and analyzes the stability performance of slopes with different slope ratios. Using a manganese mine waste dump in Guangxi Province as a case study, a 2D numerical model was developed using GeoStudio software (2022.1). The model incorporated local soil parameters and rainfall data to calculate the safety factors of single-step slopes with heights ranging from 5 to 30 m under the maximum local rainfall, which lasted for 10 h. The slope ratios considered were 1:1.5, 1:1.75, 1:2.0, and 1:2.25. The study found that as the slope ratio and rainfall duration increased, the stability of the slope significantly decreased. For slope ratios of 1:1.5, 1:1.75, and 1:2.0, the safety factors dropped below 1.1 as the step height increased. However, for slopes with a ratio of 1:2.25 and step heights ≤ 30 m, the safety factors remained above 1.1, meeting the stability requirements. This research provides a theoretical basis for addressing the stability issues of waste dumps in rainfall-prone regions and for the implementation of stabilization measures in single-step waste dump slopes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Landfills)
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24 pages, 10783 KiB  
Article
Stability Analysis of the Landfill Slope with an Engineered Berm Under Composite Failure Mode
by Xiaobo Ruan, Yulong Li, Yu-Shan Luo, Hongwei Wang, Jiajia Chen and Zhongjun Ding
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11515; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411515 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 913
Abstract
In order to increase the capacity of landfills while ensuring a certain degree of stability of such structures, an engineered berm is typically constructed at the front slope of the landfill. For this type of landfill slopes, this paper primarily focuses on the [...] Read more.
In order to increase the capacity of landfills while ensuring a certain degree of stability of such structures, an engineered berm is typically constructed at the front slope of the landfill. For this type of landfill slopes, this paper primarily focuses on the construction and verification of stability assessment models for such structures. Initially, the calculation models of the safety factor were established, considering over and under berm failure modes separately. Subsequently, through error analysis, it was determined that it is feasible to evaluate the stability of this type of landfills by substituting the true safety factor with the average safety factor obtained from the calculation model. The analysis for parameters and slip surfaces was then conducted to investigate the impact of parameters associated with the engineered berm on the landfill slope stability. Finally, a visual comparison and brief discussion were conducted on the average safety factors under translational and composite failure modes. Thus, the critical failure modes under specific working conditions can be reasonably ascertained, which holds significant practical implications for enhancing the reliability of stability assessment of such landfill slopes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Landfills)
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16 pages, 3979 KiB  
Article
Analytical Model for Contaminant Transport in the CGCW and Aquifer Dual-Domain System Considering GMB Holes
by Long Ran, Guijun Wan, Hao Ding and Haijian Xie
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10280; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210280 - 8 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 753
Abstract
Composite geomembrane cut-off walls (CGCW) have been widely used for the remediation of polluted sites, especially where the environmental conditions are complex. Accurate predictions of the GMB hole leakage and CGCW performance are essential for engineering design and cost control. This paper establishes [...] Read more.
Composite geomembrane cut-off walls (CGCW) have been widely used for the remediation of polluted sites, especially where the environmental conditions are complex. Accurate predictions of the GMB hole leakage and CGCW performance are essential for engineering design and cost control. This paper establishes empirical equations to predict the leakages through the CGCWs based on the numerical models. Additionally, an analytical solution for contaminant migration through the CGCW is proposed considering the effects of GMB holes. The accuracy of the established equations and analytical solution is verified by the numerical models. The key effects of the GMB thickness (TG), head loss (HG), cut-off wall hydraulic conductivity (kG), hole radius (rG) and shape on the leakage and CGCW performance are investigated. The results show that compared with other hole shapes, the leakage through the circular hole is lowest. This is mainly because the shape factor for the circular hole is 1.15–1.3 times lower than that for other shapes of holes with the same area. Additionally, the effects of the hole geometric properties and head loss on the CGCW performance can be more significant when the cut-off wall hydraulic coefficient is small. For example, the breakthrough time differences between the cases with rG = 0.005 m and 0.05 m are 0.8 and 5.0 years when kG = 10−10 and 10−9 m/s, respectively. This is because the impermeability of the CGCW is good when kG is small. This will weaken the impacts of the hole geometric properties on the leakage. The proposed empirical equations and analytical solution can provide effective suggestions for the design of the CGCW in different GMB hole cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Landfills)
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