Infrared studies of the decomposition products from a controlled sanitary landfill

This study indicates that infrared spectroscopy can be a useful analytical tool in the analysis of the decomposition of gases of sanitary landfills. The presence of NH₃ gas or N₂O gas, depending on the condition of the soil, would be difficult to ascertain quickly by other conventional means and with such simple sampling procedures. Further, simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis may be performed on a sample. The availability of commercial portable gas analyzers permits on site analysis for the decomposition gases of sanitary landfills.