Temperature-Driven Seasonal Methane Surges from Albanian Landfills: Q10 Corrected IPCC Modeling
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Unmanaged landfills in Mediterranean climates experience increased summer emissions due to the high temperature of decomposition. This study quantifies methane (CH₄) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from Albania’s two largest sites, Sharra (Tirana) and Elbasan, using the IPCC First-Order Decay model adjusted with a Q₁₀ factor of 2.5, which accounts for the temperature sensitivity of microbial decomposition processes. Methane emissions rose by 229% in summer, while VOCs from Sharra generated 508 tons O₃-equivalent ozone formation potential during warm months. Ground-based PM₂.₅ measurements (average 38.8 µg/m³, exceeding WHO guidelines) and satellite data (MODIS AOD, MERRA-2 PM₂.₅) validated these seasonal surges, highlighting contributions to local air quality degradation. Results underscore the need for modeling in Balkan waste management with corrected temperature representation.
Institutions: University of Tirana, Polytechnic University of Tirana
Language: English
Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7155191997