Estimating Energy Content of Municipal Solid Waste by Multiple Regression Analysis

The ultimate disposal of Municipal Solid Waste is the landfill and when not properly disposed of can contribute to environmental pollution. However, energy can be recovered from solid waste through thermal processes. Two empirical models -a linear model and an exponential model - are proposed for use in estimating the energy content (kJ/kg) of solid waste generated from Rumuokoro market in Port Harcourt Nigeria. These models are derived from statistical multiple regression analysis of the percentage waste composition from the waste stream. The linear model H = ao + a1 (F) + a2 (L) + a3 (Mo) + a4 (P) + a5 (Pl) + a6 (T) + a7 (W) gave a coefficient of correlation as 0.999 and the exponential model H = ao W^ (a_1) F^ (a_2) L^ (a_3) Mo^ (a_4) P^ (a_5) Pl^ (a_6) T^ (a_7) gave a coefficient of correlation as 0.994. At 95 % confidence level for both models, the results were within acceptable limits and the null hypothesis is accepted.