Congratulations to Mississippi’s own Jackson State University’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology for placing 3rd in SWANA’s 2022 International Solid Waste Design Competition (SWDC).
The SWDC is a student team competition to solve “real world” problems faced by solid waste professionals. The competition aims at providing design experience to the students interested in pursuing an education and/or career in solid waste management. The program encourages student involvement in SWANA, provides students real world experience in solving complex solid waste management issues in a supportive and fun environment, provides students an opportunity to display their talents, and provides a networking opportunity for students to connect with potential employers.
This year’s competition focused on the Problem Statement: Evaluating the limitations of the EPA’s Gas Emission Model (LandGEM) and developing an alternative method for landfill gas emissions estimation. Those familiar with landfill air permitting or LFG collection and controls systems are aware of LandGEM and its use for estimating the quantities of landfill gases emitted from a landfill over time. The model utilizes standard landfill gas emissions equations and provides estimations on the volume and rate of landfill gas and its components emitted from a municipal solid waste landfill, and it has been one of the primary tools utilized both by the solid waste industry and regulatory agencies in determining regulatory compliance and the need/eligibility for the installation of landfill gas collection and control systems.
This year’s teams included representatives form the following universities:
- Iran University of Science and Technology
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Clemson University
- Jackson State University
- Florida State University
JSU’s team consisted of Ph.D. students Rakesh Salunke and Avipriyo Chakraborty and advising faculty Associate Professor Mohammad Sadik Khan, Ph.D, P.E. within the Civil and Environmental Engineering Programs. The team gathered information from both local and out-of-state landfills to compare output date from LandGEM to that from actual field measurements of LFG. Their study revealed wildly varying comparisons, and the team concluded that the model relies on too limited a set of variables than necessary to provide accurate generalizations. Their resulting alternative model included additional factors such as average rainfall and concentration of organic waste.
The MS “Magnolia” Chapter of SWANA was thrilled to see JSU participate in this year’s competition and looks forward to seeing their SWDC participation in the future. On behalf of the Chapter Board of Directors and out proud Chapter members and associates, congratulations to Dr. Khan, Rakesh, and Avipriyo on their hard work, performance, and placing in this year’s competition. Those interested in learning more about their research, conclusions, and experience can hear them present next week during the 2022 Fall Conference in Natchez, MS. The Board also congratulates Iran University of Science and Technology as well as Clemson University who’s teams took 1st and 2nd place, respectively, in the competition.
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