Anthropocene Geochemical and Technological Signatures of an Experimental Landfill Bioreactor in the Central Valley of California

Abstract

The geochemical signatures of a 12-year-old experimental bioreactor at a California landfill are used to identify elemental concentrations and ratios that characterize the landfill and relate it to the age and state of technology of the deposited waste. The bioreactor was constructed and sealed with a synthetic liner during 2001–2002 and operated and monitored as an anaerobic digester to enhance methane production. In 2013, the bioreactor was sampled and trace element concentrations of the extracted fine fractions were determined. The concentrations normalized to a regional soil composition, reveal systematic peaks for transition metals, alkali metals, heavy metals, and various metalloids and non-metals. A group of potential solder elements (Cu, Zn, Cd, In, Sn, Pb, Bi, and Sb) shows moderate to strong co-variations and is largely attributed to household electronic components and other similar products, while elements that correlated well with rare-earth and other elements are related to the diluting effect of a soil component used as cover. Batteries show modest to little effects on the overall concentrations. Circulating fluids (recycled leachate) in the controlled reactor did not completely redistribute and homogenize the elemental signatures within the time frame of the bioreactor. It is concluded that the present experimental landfill defines an Anthropocene marker identifiable by building material (plaster), PVC plastic, and household electronic components (Pb–Sn solder). These marker elements and ratios are variably diluted by soil components identified by alkali metals, rare-earths, and high field-strength elements (Hf, Zr, Nb, and Ta).