Satellite Based Estimation of Methane from Selected Dumpsites in Benin City

Urban solid waste is a significant source of methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas with serious implications for climate change and public health. This study presents a multi-source estimation of methane emissions from two active dumpsites in Benin City, Nigeria. The dumpsites are Otofure Waste Disposal Site (Oluku, Benin Bypass) and the Jubilant Citizen Resources Limited dumpsite (Omo-Imasuen Street, Avbiama). The research adopted satellite-based remote sensing data covering the period from November 2024 to August 2025. Results revealed distinct temporal variations in methane emissions across the two sites, with significant peaks corresponding to seasonal waste generation patterns and meteorological conditions. CH₄ buildup was generally higher in the dry season months compared to levels observed in the rainy season months. Results also revealed a substantial drop in methane buildup between June–July (~1,820–1,821ppbv) and which can be liked to the dominant role of atmospheric sinks and transport, essentially the hydroxyl radicals (OH) and the effects of the West African monsoon which encourages deep boundary-layer development and vigorous convection, enhancing vertical mixing and dilution of methane columns. Findings show that tropospeheric methane concentration value around Otofure Waste Disposal Site located near Oluku, Benin Bypass stood at 1,831.16 - 1,831.52ppbv (176.3km²) whereas that of Jubilant Citizen Resources Limited dumpsite situated in Omo Imasuen Street, Avbiama range from 1,830.41 - 1,830.77ppbv (194.9km²). the differences in methane level between the sampled dumpsites suggest the effects of population density coupled with socio-economic variables such as household income level, urban lifestyle expanding commercial land use on total waste generation and hence methane production in Benin City. Since methane emission from dumpsites is proportional to organic waste there is need polices and practices aimed to support food waste prevention, organic waste diversion through composting, dumpsite rehabilitation, optimize the capture of landfill gas through biogas technologies etc.