Volume 39, 2013
Issue 4, November 2013
GLOBAL RESOURCES RECOVERY, REUSE, RECYCLING AND
CONVERSION: AN OVERVIEW FROM QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA*
Dr. Georgina Davis
ABN 12 744 598 837
Brisbane. QLD 4507
AUSTRALIA
Email: gudavis@cytanet.com.cy
ABSTRACT
This paper presents an overview of the global resources, recovery, reuse, recycling and conversion (GR4C) projects in Queensland, Australia for 2011. The GR4C project is limited in scope to exclude composting technologies. A synopsis of waste management and recycling performance in Queensland is presented, followed by a review of existing Queensland cogeneration, biogas utilisation (from both solid and liquid wastes) and advanced waste treatment facilities. Where available, details of facility capacities and costs have been included. This paper represents the first in a series of global reviews of GR4C projects which seek to provide a definitive database of existing facilities from which data can be disseminated.
A STUDY TO EVALUATE LOW TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE
OF RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT IN HOT MIX ASPHALT
AT DIFFERENT DEGREES OF BLENDING
1Alan Norton, 2Darren Reger, 2Eric DuBois, 2Dan Kehr, 3Aaron Nolan,
*4Yusuf A. Mehta, Ph.D., P.E.
1Graduate Students, 2Undergraduate Students, 3Research Associate, 4Associate Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
Phone: (856) 256-5327; Fax: (856) 256-5242
Email: mehta@rowan.edu
ABSTRACT
Currently New Jersey state specifications limit the percentage of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement to 15 percent for surface courses and 25 percent for the intermediate and base courses. The limitations are placed because the interaction between the virgin and RAP binder is unknown in two ways. First, the amount of residual binder that is active in a mix, known as degree of blending, is currently assumed to be 100 percent. Second, the effect that this blended binder will have on performance still needs to be investigated due to the fact that aged binder has a tendency to be stiffer. The low temperature performance was evaluated through the use of the disc shaped compacted tension test, modified bending beam rheometer, and tensile strength ratio test. These tests were performed on 25 and 35 percent RAP samples as well as a control mix and RAP samples from Delaware to determine if the current specifications for degree of blending should be altered and if the amount of RAP can be increased. It was found that the assumption of full blending could lead to under-asphalting and decreased performance for 25 percent RAP. The use of softer binders to compensate for higher percentages of RAP can raise the fracture energy of a given mixture; however, it will also decrease the stiffness of the mixture due to partial degree of blending. The high RAP mixtures that fractionated the RAP and had an overall finer gradation appeared to have higher fracture energy and higher stiffness in the modified bending beam rheometer.
Keywords: Recycling; Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement; Stiffness, Fracture Energy
UTILIZATION OF COAL/BIOMASS FLY ASH AND GLACIAL TILL
SOIL AS A FLOW-THROUGH REACTIVE BARRIER FOR THE
TREATMENT OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE
Kevin Penney, P. Eng.*
Email: kdpenney@lakeheadu.ca
Eltayeb Mohamedelhassan, Ph.D., P. Eng.
Department of Civil Engineering
Email: emohamed@lakeheadu.ca
Lionel J.J. Catalan, Ph.D., P. Eng.
Department of Chemical Engineering
Email: lcatalan@lakeheadu.ca
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada
ABSTRACT
Mixtures of glacial till soil amended with 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 20%, and 33% (by mass) of coal / biomass fly ash (CBFA) were tested in kinetic columns to investigate their potential as a flow-through reactive barrier to treat acid mine drainage (AMD). Columns were permeated with 120 pore volumes of synthetic AMD while the hydraulic conductivity, effluent pH, and effluent metal concentrations were monitored. The addition of CBFA to the soil was effective in buffering the effluent pH to meet mine effluent regulations with minimal change in hydraulic conductivity. Regulated metal concentrations were reduced by up to three orders of magnitude. Elevated aluminum concentrations above the regulatory limit were measured in the column effluents due to the dissolution of aluminum contained in the CBFA and in the soil.
Keywords: Fly ash; biomass; acid mine drainage (AMD); flow-through reactive barrier; kinetic column; glacial till
SILICON EXCHANGE EFFECTS OF GLASSWARE ON THE RECOVERY OF LiPF6: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO PREPARATION OF Li2SIF6
Oluwatosin Emmanuel Bankolea, b*
Lixu Leia
aSchool of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, CHINA
bDepartment of Chemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences
Crawford University, P.M.B 2001, Atan-Agbara Road, Ogun State, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
An alternative method for preparing lithium hexafluorosilicate regarded as an important anode active material in lithium ion battery is proposed. The compound was obtained from lithium ion battery by washing the electrolyte mixture with ethanol and distillation in a glassware reactor. The investigation showed that there was an exchange reaction between the silicon from the glassware and phosphorus of LiPF6 in the ethanol used as the extractant. Ethanol proved suitable for the synthesis of Li2SiF6 in glassware to enhance water requirement as a condition for the reaction. The compounds obtained from both simple plastic and glassware were characterized using XRD. The results of the X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that both Li2SiF6 and LiF were obtained from glassware and plastic respectively. The lattice parameter analysis has the hexagonal structure with space groups P321 and P-3M1 as well as the orthogonal structure with space groups P222 and P2221. It has been successfully shown that the electrolyte solution from the Li-ion battery can be economically and effectively used for the preparation of Li2SiF6 for immediate demand besides the virgin materials and still re-use the ethanol by distillation.
Keywords: Exchange, lithium ion battery, glassware, ethanol, Li2SiF6
GLOBAL RESOURCES, RECOVERY, REUSE, RECYCLING
AND CONVERSION IN ITALY1
Paola Olimpia Achard*, Massimiliano Fabbricino**, Luca d’Antonio**
*University of L’Aquila
Department of Systems and Institutions for the Economy
Via Giovanni Falcone 25 – 67100 Coppito (AQ) ITALY
**University of Naples Federico II
Department of Hydraulics
Geotechnics and Environmental Engineering, Via Claudio 21 – 80125 Naples ITALY
ABSTRACT
The paper presents an overview of the Global Resources, Recovery, Reuse, Recycling and Conversion in Italy. An initial analysis of municipal and industrial waste management options is carried out, indicating the number of treatment plants existing in Italy for energy recovery, biogas production, compost production and material reuse and recycle. Treated amounts of waste are also specified, referring to the last available official data. Successively two national projects are detailed, concerning the management of used oils and waste packages.
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GRANITE WASTE MATERIAL AS
FLOOR TILES AT LOW TEMPERATURE
B. Adebayo, O.K. Arogundade
Department of Mining Engineering
Federal University of Technology, Akure
Akure, Ondo State, NIGERIA
Email: baayoakinola@yahoo.com
Email: timi2kola@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates the physical and chemical properties of granite rock waste generated by the Crushed rock industries at low temperature for inclusion as raw materials in the production of floor tiles. The granite waste was tested for mineral and chemical composition using X-ray diffractogram and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer respectively. The particle size and pollution potential of the waste were also determined using hydrometer and atomic absorption spectrometer respectively. Floor tiles containing up to 47.5 % wt. waste were prepared at 130o c. The tiles were tested to determine their physical properties (linear shrinkage, density). The result of the chemical composition shows that the granite waste has 58.4% silica and silica ratio of 3.5%. The shrinkage varied from 0.11% for G0W (40% Kaolin + 12.5% Quartz + 47.5% Potash Feldspar + 0% Waste) to 1.71% G47.5W (40% Kaolin + 12.5% Quartz + 0% Potash Feldspar + 47.5% Waste). Solubilization result shows that the concentration of magnesium and lead in the waste are above Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) limit for discharge into the environment and the waste is classified as non-inert waste. Finally, this waste could be used as raw material to substitute expensive potash feldspar for production of floor tiles.
Keywords: Granite, Waste, Temperature, Material, Chemical, Tiles
SPONGE IRON INDUSTRIAL SLUDGE AND ELECTROSTATIC
PRECIPITATOR DUST AMENDMENT OF SOIL: INFLUENCE ON
MICROBIAL LOAD AND CARBON DIOXIDE EVOLUTION
Pradip K. Jena
Department of Chemistry, College of Basic Science and Humanities
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003, INDIA
Email: pradip_callme@yahoo.co.in
C. S. K Mishra*
Department of Zoology and Biotechnology, College of Basic Science and Humanities
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003, INDIA
Email: cskmishra@yahoo.com
D. K. Behera
Chief Environment Management, Tata Steel Ltd, Jamshedpur-831005, Jharkhand, INDIA
Email: dk_behera@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Sponge iron industries generate considerable quantities of sludge and electrostatic precipitator dust. Open dumping of these solid wastes is likely to cause environmental problems. Soil amendment with sludge and electrostatic precipitator dust at 10, 20, 30 and 40% enhanced microbial load and CO2 evolution. Maximum bacterial and fungal counts as well as soil respiration rates were found to occur at 20% sludge and 30-40% electrostatic precipitator dust amendments. Maximum soil microbial load and respiration were observed in winter relative to rainy and summer seasons irrespective of waste types and concentrations. The results of the study indicated that the sludge and electrostatic precipitator dust could be recommended for use as soil amendment at 20% and 30-40% respectively.
Keywords: Sponge iron, ESP dust, sludge, bacteria, fungi and CO2 evolution
INFLUENCE OF NORMAL STRESS ON HYDRATION OF GCLS
FROM SUBSOIL
H. Sarabadani1, M. T. Rayhani2*
1Research Assistant, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, CANADA
2Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University
Ottawa, CANADA K1S 5B6
Email: mrayhani@connect.carleton.ca
ABSTRACT
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are often used as part of a barrier system in modern landfills to prevent the escape of leachate into the surrounding environment. The hydraulic performance of GCLs depends on the degree of hydration from the underlying subsoil. The hydration behaviour of two GCL products from different underlying subsoils was examined under various normal stresses (0 to 8 kPa). The rate of hydration of GCLs significantly increased as the normal stress, provided by the waste or leachate collection system, increased from 0 to 8 kPa. For instance, the final equilibrium moisture content of the GCL was achieved in approximately 8 weeks when placed on sand subsoil under 8 kPa normal stress, while it took about 24 weeks for the same GCL under no normal stress. However, the effect of the normal stress on the final equilibrium moisture content of GCLs was not so significant. A normal stress of 2 kPa was shown to induce slightly higher equilibrium moisture uptake for most GCLs. Nevertheless, results indicated a meagre variation of the equilibrium moisture content as the normal stress increased from 2 to 8 kPa. The GCL manufacturing processes and the grain size distribution of the subsoil were shown to affect both the rate of hydration and the final equilibrium moisture content attained.
Keywords: Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL), hydration, normal stress, landfill barrier system
Issue 3, August 2013
DISTRIBUTION AND BIOAVAILABILITY OF METALS IN GASOLINE
CONTAMINATED SITES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Adebola A. Oketola1, Abimbola A. Adebisi1, Olumide Morakinyo2
1Analytical/Environmental Laboratory, Department of Chemistry
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NIGERIA
2Escravos Laboratory, Chevron, Warri, NIGERIA
Email: bolaoketola@yahoo.com
Phone: +234 803 7763 961
ABSTRACT
Distribution of metals in soil of two gasoline contaminated sites in Lagos were studied. Total Concentrations of twenty-five elements were investigated in composite samples collected at different depths within the sites. The elements were determined by ICP-AES after microwave assisted acid digestion of the samples. Chemical fractionation, mobility and potential bioavailability of some of the toxic and EU priority metals e.g., Pb, Cu, Cd, and Fe were evaluated in the topsoil (0-15 cm) by sequential extraction. There were great variation in the concentrations of the elements in both sites with depth. Speciation analysis showed that Pb and Cd dominated the Fe-Mn oxide fraction while the concentrations of Fe and Cu were higher in the residual fraction in site A. In site B, Pb, Cu and Cd was mainly associated with the Fe-Mn oxide fraction, while Fe was in the residual fraction. Cd has the highest mobility factors, 33.2% (site A) and 29.5% (site B), respectively. The concentrations of most of the toxic heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd etc.) exceed that of the control samples and heavy metal baseline values around the world. Thus, proper management of these potentially contaminated sites is imperative to prevent human health risk.
Keywords: Soil pollution, heavy metals, sequential extraction, contaminated site, mobility factor, gasoline
MOISTURE FLOW IN LANDFILL SIMULATING BIOREACTORS
CONTAINING MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Sapna Sethi1*, NC Kothiyal2, Arvind K Nema3
1Research Scholar, Department of Chemistry
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar-144008, INDIA
Email: sethisapna@yahoo.co.in
2Professor, Department of Chemistry
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, INDIA
3Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, INDIA
ABSTRACT
Heterogeneous nature of municipal solid waste creates complex hydraulic conditions in landfills and leads to non-uniform moisture flow through the waste. Maintenance of uniform moisture in landfills is prerequisite for success of bioreactor technology. The present study focuses on moisture flow conditions in landfill simulating bioreactors containing municipal solid waste and organic solid waste. The organic solid waste was selected with an aim to observe the effects of minimization of heterogeneity of waste on moisture movement. The moisture flow through waste samples was studied with the help of tracer tests. The positively skewed tracer distribution confirmed short circuiting or channelization of moisture flow through both types of waste samples. However, the extent of channelization was found to be less in organic solid waste as compared to municipal solid waste. The hydraulic retention time for pure organic waste was found to be higher due to its lesser heterogeneity and channelization as compared to municipal solid waste. The values of field capacity and wet moisture content indicated that both types of waste samples would require absorbing additional liquids to reach their field capacities for optimum degradation in bioreactor landfills. But the additional liquid requirement would always be higher for municipal solid waste as compared to organic solid waste.
Keywords: Municipal solid waste; organic solid waste; moisture flow; channelized flow; hydraulic retention time
POTENTIAL OF FUNGAL-DEGRADED MAIZE COB AS FEED
FOR WEST AFRICAN DWARF RAMS FED GRADED LEVELS OF
FUNGAL TREATED MAIZE COB
1*A. Akinfemi, 2O. A. Ogunwole
1Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State
University, Shabu-lafia Campus, PMB 135, Lafia, Nasarawa State
2Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan
NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
Maize cobs (MC) were treated with Pleurotus tuber-regium (Pt) and thereafter used for in-vivo studies in which twenty rams were allotted to five groups of four rams per treatment in a completely randomized design. Each group was fed any of the diets in which MC (g/100g) treated with Pt replaced wheat offal at 0 (A), 25 (B), 50 (C), 75 (D) and 100 (E) as supplement to a basal Panicum maximum in an experiment lasting 114 days. Parameters measured were Voluntary Dry Matter Intakes (VDMI), Average Daily Weight Gain (ADWG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), ruminal pH, Total Volatile Fatty Acids (TVFA) and Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N). Fungal-degradation significantly improved the VDMI (g) which increased consistently from 676.8 in rams on control diet to 709.4 for rams on diet E. The ADWG (g/d) recorded for rams ranged from 67.7 for rams on control diet to 88.8 for animals on diet E. Treatment effect on FCR and ruminal-pH was significant. The TVFA (meq/L) ranged from 10.1 in Diet A to 12.8 in Diet B. The NH3-N (mg/ml) also increased from 18.2(A) to 26.4(E). Inclusion of MC treated with (Pt) in the diet of rams improved the voluntary feed intake and digestibility.
Keywords: Pleurotus tuber-regium, Panicum maximum, in-vivo, Supplementation, Biodegraded
EFFECT OF PH ON NICKEL REMOVAL BY LEMNA MINOR
Leela Kaur1*, Kasturi Gadgil2, Satyawati Sharma3
1Department of Environmental Science, Maharaja Ganga Singh University
Bikaner (Rajasthan) – 334004, INDIA
2ABES Engineering College, Ghaziabad, U.P., INDIA
3Centre for Rural Development & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016, INDIA
ABSTRACT
The presence of heavy metals in water is wide spreading all over the world. Aquatic plants are being used to remediate heavy metal contaminated wastewater. The present study evaluated the effect of pH on the uptake of nickel from nickel contaminated water by “Common duckweed” (Lemna minor). Lemna minor demonstrated the ability to remove nickel passively by root absorption and bioaccumulation. 10 mg/l nickel was used through out the experiments. Removal was studied in both the acidic and alkaline ranges of pH, maintained by using HCl and NaOH. The results indicated that Lemna minor grows best at pH 6-8 range. Growth of Lemna plants helped in the accumulation of Ni. The removal of nickel was dependent on the pH parameter. Maximum nickel removal was observed at pH 6. The efficiency of common duckweed for nickel removal was 98.8% at pH 6 for 28 days. At pH >8, the nickel ions get precipitated due to hydroxide anions forming a nickel hydroxide precipitate. Ni accumulation increased with the increasing exposure time. The results revealed that duckweed may efficiently be used for the removal of nickel from industrial effluents with pH around 6.
Keywords: Nickel; pH; Lemna minor; phytoremediation
THE APPLICATION OF SOLID OLIVE WASTE AS REINFORCEMENT
IN CARBOXYLATED NITRILE BUTADIENE RUBBER /ORGANO
NANO LAYERED SILICATES COMPOSITES
A. Mousa1,2, G. Heinrich 2, U. Wagenknecht2
1Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt 19117 JORDAN
2Leibniz-Institut fur Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. Hohe Strasse 6, D-01069 Dresden, GERMANY
ABSTRACT
The surface energy of organic biomaterial based olive solid waste (OSW) was measured and compared with that of organic nano layered silicates (NLS). The measured surface energy value of the OSW was approximately similar to that of the NLS. Such fact provided the organic nature of both compounds were the trigger to produce hybrid filler that is a combination between OSW and NLS. The hybrid filler was incorporated into carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (XNBR). The samples were inspected with respect to their mechanical properties. It has been found that the hybrid filler was able to improve the tensile strength at break and the Young’s Modulus as compared to the pristine control. The improvement in the tensile strength was attributed to: firstly; the exfoliation-intercalation dispersion state of the nanosilicates as evidenced by transmission electron microscope (TEM) pictures. Secondly: the good interaction between the hybrid filler and the matrix being related to the polar nature of the hybrid filler and the matrix had increased the degree of crosslinking. The increased crosslink density was evidenced by the increased state of cure which is the difference between the maximum torque, Smax and minimum torque, Smin, (ΔS) derived from the moving die rheometer (MDR). The increased degree of crosslinking was accompanied by a decreased swelling index data. The cure rate index (CRI ) was increased with the addition of the bio-waste material highlighting the role of the OSW to promote the crosslinking reaction. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the storage Modulus (E`) has been increased after the incorporation of hybrid filler, while the mechanical loss factor i.e. glass transition temperature (tand) has been reduced reflecting the reinforcing efficiency of the bio-waste material.
Keywords: Olive solid waste, Environment, Strength, Hybrid filler, Composite, Elastomer
A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF RECYCLING OF CONSTRUCTION
AND DEMOLITION WASTE FOR STRUCTURAL PURPOSES
Leila Seleme Mariano
Brasilian Air Force – Integrated Air Traffic and Control Center – CINDACTA II
Marienne do Rocio de Mello Maron da Costa
Parana Federal University / Department of Civil Engineering / Civil Engineering Post-Graduate Program
Maria Cristina Borba Braga*
Parana Federal University / Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation / Water Resources and Environmental Engineering Post-Graduate Program
ABSTRACT
The environmental problems related to construction and demolition waste involve their final disposal and the use of raw materials. The main goal of this research was to manage on site construction and demolition waste and generate concrete for structural purposes by processing concrete and mortar wastes. A Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan (CDWMP) was developed for this study and applied by means of the implementation of recycling procedures. This plan included quantifying wastes and analyzing their generation. The concrete and mortar wastes were separated for recycling to produce concrete in which these wastes, respectively, replaced fractions of coarse aggregate (crushed stone) and fine aggregate (sand). Tests were carried out to characterize the resulting concrete and the aggregates used. The strength of the concrete generated varied from 6 MPa to 21.4 MPa, for the same mixture. It was observed that structural concretes can be produced using recycled aggregates, however this cost is higher compared to that of concrete produced with conventional aggregates. It was also concluded that despite the cost of concrete production, there were environmental and economic advantages to performing and applying the CDWMP to this specific construction site.
Keywords: construction and demolition waste, CDW management, CDW recycling, large CDW generators, structural concrete
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON ABRASION RESISTANCE OF
CONCRETE CONTAINING SCRAP RUBBER POWDER
Baomin Wang1*, Yu Han1, Ni Tu1, Hongmei Ai1, Tingting Zhang1,2
1Faculty of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology
Dalian 116024, CHINA
2Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London
London SW7 2AZ, UK
ABSTRACT
The abrasion resistance of cement concrete containing scrap rubber particles by use of the test method specified in Chinese Test Method of Cement and Concrete for Highway Engineering JTGE30-2005 was researched in this paper .The test results showed that rubberized concrete had higher abrasion resistance compared with ordinary concrete, and its abrasion resistance had no inevitable relation with compressive strength. The abrasion resistance of rubberized concrete was reduced along with the increasing of water-cement ratio; the abrasion loss per unit area of rubberized concrete with water-cement ratio of 0.42 was decreased by 27% and 100% respectively compared with the rubberized concrete with water-cement ratio of 0.54 and 0.66. Along with the addition of rubber powder, the abrasion resistance of concrete was improved first and then reduced; when the content of rubber powder was more than 10kg/m3, the abrasion resistance of concrete would be reduced. Among the three different rubber powder with particle size of 80-mesh, 100-mesh and 120-mesh respectively, the concrete containing 100-mesh rubber powder had the best abrasion resistance, with abrasion loss per unit area decreased by 39% and 4% respectively compared with the concrete containing 80-mesh and 120-mesh rubber powder.
Key Words: Rubber powder, concrete, abrasion resistance
Issue 2, May 2013
RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT—THE RELIABILITY AND
SAFETY OF INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES
Carmine Zicari*, Claudio Andenna, Giovanni Felicioni
INAIL – Istituto Nazionale per l’Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro
National Institute for the Accident Insurance at Work
Department for Production Installations and Human Settlements (DIPIA)
INAIL ex ISPESL, Via Urbana, 167, 00184 Rome
ITALY
ABSTRACT
This study discusses some relevant topics regarding new generation nuclear power stations, such as the development of effective and realistic fuel cycles, with an energy balance that is not negative (the criterion of energy self-sustainability). For the purposes of a theoretical possibility of achieving the reduction of the long term risks of nuclear waste, we have attempted to assess the effect of the new fuel cycles in terms of optimising the exploitation of the mineral resources of uranium and thorium, considering nuclear transmutation as the most suitable physical process. The complete recycling of actinides, i.e. a self-supporting complete cycle, and the study of the opportunities provided by transmutation and by innovative fuel cycles, are the objectives targeting the minimisation of nuclear waste production. The transmutation strategies using closed cycles allow for radiotoxicity reductions of at least a factor of 100 for long-life waste.
The appropriate management of radioactive waste arising from the nuclear fuel cycle is considered to be a key issue in the development of future, more sustainable nuclear energy systems. In this context, the partitioning and transmutation of actinides could play an important role through the achievement of very significant reductions in the actinide content and radiotoxicity of the high-level waste requiring geological disposal.
Keywords: Nuclear transmutation, nuclear fuel, radioactive waste, nuclear reactors
ENUMERATION OF BACTERIA FROM LANDFILL BIOREACTOR
LEACHATES USING CULTURE-INDEPENDENT MOLECULAR AND
CLASSICAL CULTURE-DEPENDENT MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS
Robert J. Grossera*, Brian Morrisa,David A. Carsonb, Wendy J. Davis-Hooverc
aPegasus Technical Services, 46 East Hollister Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
bUS Environmental Protection Agency, 5995 Center Hill Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45224, USA
cUS Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
ABSTRACT
Research on the conversion of conventional municipal solid waste landfills to landfill bioreactors and the installation of landfills as bioreactors is ongoing to determine their costs and benefits. The research described in this paper utilized different laboratory methodologies for enumerating microbial populations present in landfill leachate samples. Leachate samples were taken quarterly over a two year period from Outer Loop Landfill in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, a municipal solid waste landfill where three treatment processes are being compared at the field-scale: newly constructed and converted bioreactor treatments, and conventionally managed landfills as a control treatment. Leachate samples were processed using classical microbiological culture-dependent techniques as well as culture-independent molecular techniques to enumerate total Eubacteria, sulfate reducers, denitrifiers, and methanogens. Total community DNA was extracted and bacterial 16s rDNA was subsequently amplified and cloned. Results show that DNA molecular techniques were more variable and gave both higher and lower bacterial numbers than culturing techniques. The concentrations of all microbial groups varied over time, with the most obvious variation found for the methanogens.
Keywords: Landfill bioreactor, leachate, bacteria enumeration, molecular methods, municipal solid waste
EVALUATION OF THE DEGREE OF BLENDING AND POLYMER
DEGRADATION OF RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT (RAP)
FOR WARM MIX ASPHALT
Luis Gaitan1, Yusuf A. Mehta2, Aaron Nolan3, Eric Dubois4
Sean Coffey4, Leslie McCarthy5, Andrea Welker6
1Graduate Research Assistant, 2Associate Professor, 3Research Associate, 4Undergraduate Student
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028 USA
Phone: (856)-256-5327 Fax: (856) 256-5242
Email: mehta@rowan.edu
5Assistant Professor, 6Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
Villanova University, 800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085 USA
ABSTRACT
The paving industry has seen the emergence of a plethora of warm mix asphalt (WMA) technologies and applications in recent years. With most state transportation agencies incorporating a recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) usage requirement, it is necessary for WMA to not only serve as a greener technology, but to work in conjunction with current RAP practices. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for quantifying the degree of blending that occurs in warm mix asphalt-RAP mixtures that include higher percentages of RAP. In addition to the methodology, the degree of blending will be determined for WMA and hot mix asphalt production temperatures as well as other varying pre-paving conditions like mixing time, conditioning time, and WMA type. The degree of blending proved to be sensitive only to the mixing time condition and did not display any trends or significant differences for any of the other conditions tested. Polymer degradation of WMA was also studied to determine whether lower production temperatures could decrease polymer degradation. Polymer degradation was decreased at lower production temperatures; however, greater polymer degradation was observed to occur when warm mix asphalt binders were subjected to hot mix asphalt conditioning.
Keywords: Reclaimed, asphalt, warm, polymer, blending
LANDFILL SITE SELECTION BY INTEGRATING A GIS ANALYSIS
WITH AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS:
A CASE STUDY OF OAHU, HAWAII
Sukwan Jung,1 John Yanagida,2 Tomoaki Miura,2 Michael Robotham,3
Greg Bruland,4 James Moncur5
1Research Institute for Social Criticality (RISC), Pusan National University
Geumjeong-gu, Busan 609-753, SOUTH KOREA, Email: skjung1@pusan.ac.kr
2Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawaii
1910 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA, Email: jyanagid@hawaii.edu and tomoakim@hawaii.edu
3USDA-NRCS, National Soil Survey Center, 100 Centennial Mall North, MS 36 Lincoln, NE 65808 USA
Email: michael.robotham@lin.usda.gov
4Biology & Natural Resource Dept., Principia College, Elsah, IL 62028 USA, Email: greg.bruland@prin.edu
5Department of Economics, University of Hawaii
2424 Maile Way Saunders Hall Room 542 Honolulu, HI 96822 USA, Email: jmoncur@hawaii.edu
ABSTRACT
The primary objective of this study was to develop an integrative methodology for landfill site selection that links a geographic information system (GIS)-based analysis with an economic framework. The basic site selection framework was to minimize social costs given constraints (exclusionary criteria) using a two-part process: (i) a GIS-based analysis that determines potential sites which fulfill certain constraints and (ii) an economic analysis (e.g., meta-analysis and mean transfer value approaches) that ranks the selected sites according to social cost minimization. The integrative approach was applied to the island of Oahu, Hawaii as a case study, and results were compared with a recent City and County of Honolulu study. Social costs were high compared with the City’s direct costs and varied by target sites due to market conditions, different methods used, different models used, and different lengths of landfill life. In terms of sensitivity, validity, and reliability criteria, the meta-analysis models were preferred to the mean transfer value approach. This study provided an alternative method for site selection that is less costly in terms of time and money. Further research is needed to analyze public preferences incorporating various individuals, groups, and minority populations.
Keywords: Site selection; geographic information system (GIS); economic analysis; meta-analysis; benefits transfer methods
DRIVING SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN LOCAL
AUTHORITIES BY LOWERING COSTS WHILST INCREASING
RECYCLING RATE: THE DAVENTRY AND NORTHAMPTON PROJECT
Jo Gilford, Charles Warner, Nicholas Head
University of Northampton, School of Science and Technology
Environmental and Material Sciences
Avenue Campus, St George’s Avenue
Northampton, NN2 6JD
UNITED KINGDOM
Phone: (+44)1604 893814
Email: nicholas.head@northampton.ac.uk
ABSTRACT
The Waste Strategy for England 2007 has emphasised the need for increased partnership working for Local Authorities in moving towards sustainable waste management. This paper focuses upon a highly original development in the East Midlands of England in Local Authority (LA) joint working that markedly drove down costs for waste services and led to enhanced recycling rates. Both Local Authorities are Waste Collection Authorities situated adjacent to each other in the County of Northamptonshire in the East Midlands of England. Daventry District Council (DDC) is a rural authority with a population of 79,000 and Northampton Borough Council (NBC) an urban authority with a population of 210,000, between them there is a total of 124,000 households. Performance for 2009/10 in relation to household waste recycling and composting rates varied between the two councils. DDC achieved a rate of nearly 47.2%, in excess of the nationally set Government Targets, whilst Northampton achieved only 38.2%. In total, between them, the two Authorities sent 64,277 tonnes to landfill for final disposal, some 0.51 tonnes per household. The year 2009/10 saw both councils facing unprecedented financial constraints, with estimated figures for 2014 showing that DDC would incur additional expenditure of £565,216 and NBC £1,513,088 (£2,078,304 combined) based on current performance. In order to continue to deliver a sustainable waste management service, improve performance and reduce costs, a business case was developed for a joint Procurement of Environmental Services (known as project PES) between the two Authorities. It was considered that by going to the marketplace, innovation and partnership working would secure improved performance at a reduced cost.
Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste; Daventry District Council; Northampton Borough Council; partnership; cost-savings
EFFICACY OF EISENIA FOETIDA AND EUDRILUS EUGENIA IN
COMPOSTING HIPPO DUNG AND ITS QUALITY AT BANNERGHATTA
BIOLOGICAL PARK (ZOO), BANGALORE, INDIA
Rinku Verma
Department of Environmental Science
Bangalore University
Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore
Karnataka, 560056
INDIA
ABSTRACT
This paper provides an overview of methodologies used for vermicomposting at Bannerghatta Biological Park (zoo), Bangalore India. The effectiveness of two earthworm species, Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugena in composting zoo waste comprising of hippo dung, leaf litter and vegetable/fruit waste into vermicast and time taken is indicated. The quality of the vermicast is also studied.
Keywords: Earthworms, hippo dung, Eudrilus eugena, Eisenia foetida, leaf litter, biodegradation, vermicast
USE OF WASTE MATERIALS FROM PLANT ORIGINS (YAM) AS A
MAJOR RAW MATERIAL FOR BIO-ETHANOL PRODUCTION—
A PRACTICAL APPROACH
B. N. Okolo1, R. C. Agu2,3*
1University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NIGERIA
2The Scotch Whisky Research Institute, Research North Avenue, Riccarton, EH14 4AP, SCOTLAND
3Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the potential of waste materials from yam as a viable alternative and cheaper source of raw material for bio-ethanol production. In a world where the population continues to expand rapidly and high levels of poverty, there may be a conflict in our application of food quality raw materials. Use of human grade raw materials for bio-ethanol production can limit these resources. Rotten yam will not compete as a human food source. Their conversion into bio-ethanol could provide a more appropriate alternative. Good and rotten parts of yam tuber produced alcohol yields of 533 and 528 litres of alcohol per tonne (LA/t) on a dry weight basis (dwb). Yam with varying degrees of rot – “slight,” “medium” and “excessive” gave alcohol yields of 518 LA/t, 512 LA/t and 478 LA/t (dwb) respectively. Yam peel and extremely rotten yam tuber produced alcohol at 240 LA/t and 300 LA/t respectively. Benefit to be gained from this study is that good quality yam flour will be available as food for humans, while use of rotten yam for bio-ethanol production will provide a cleaner environment by eliminating their dumping into the environment thereby reducing environmental pollution and health hazards associated with their decay.
Keywords: Yam starch, yam rot, yam peel, raw material, bio-ethanol
Issue 1, February 2013
BIOACCUMULATION OF PB, NI AND ZN IN SOME PLANT SPECIES
GROWING IN AND AROUND A MUNICIPAL WASTE DUMPSITE
AT ALLAHABAD, INDIA
Ashutosh Tripathi1, D.R. Misra*2
1Allahabad Institute of Engineering and Technology, Allahabad, U.P., INDIA
2Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA
Email: drmisraau@gmail.com
Tel: +91 9450602555
ABSTRACT
Existence of heavy metal contaminants in environment poses serious threats to living organisms. The extent of soil contamination by some heavy metals and their accumulation in 29 plant samples (12 species) growing on a municipal waste dump site was studied. Plants and their associated soils were collected from different directions and analyzed for total metal concentrations. While total soil Pb, Ni and Zn concentrations varied from 56.05±0.78 to 84.25±1.20, 24.50±0.86 to 96.80±1.12 and 82.36±1.04 to 124.48±1.0 mg/kg, those in plants ranged from not detectable to 55.32±0.72, not detectable to 71.60±1.42, and not detectable to 99.60±1.60 mg/kg respectively. No hyperaccumulator was identified at the site. However, some plants have the potential for the phytostabilization of heavy metals at the site. Plants were categorized as accumulators, indicators and excluders. Urena lobata L., was most efficient plant in accumulating Pb and Ni in its shoots (TF=20.22 and 2.57) while Nepeta hidostana H.ex Roth, is most promising for phytostabilization of the Ni (BCF=1.98). Amaranthus spinosus can be regarded as potential excluder for all three metals tested at this site. Calotropis procera and Urena lobeta served as the Zn indicator plants at the site. Soil Pb-Zn, root-shoot Zn, and root Pb-Ni was significantly correlated. Translocation of Pb and Ni was also significantly correlated. The study also explores some excluder plant species at this site. The present study shows the tolerance of heavy metal pollution in native plant species on this site which have the potential for phytoremediation. Various aspects of the phytoremediation potentials of these plant species should be explored under controlled experimental conditions.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Phytoextraction, Phytoremediation, Phytostabilization
PRODUCTION OF HIGH QUALITY CHARCOAL FROM MUNICIPAL
SOLID WASTE BY DEVELOPING A PYROLYZER
G.H.C.R. Sanjeewa, Environmental Health & Safety (Executive)
Loadstar (Pvt) Ltd., Ekala, SRI LANKA
S.K. Gunatilake*, Senior Lecturer
Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, SRI LANKA
Email: sunethrasum@yahoo.com
S.S. Samaratunga, Senior Lecturer
Department of Chemistry, University of Illorin, NIGERIA
B.F.A. Basnayake, Professor
Energy & Waste Management, Department of Agricultural Engineering
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya
ABSTRACT
Approximately 80-85% of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) produced in Sri Lanka consists of biodegradable materials. More than 85% of the MSW is open dumped and 5% is composted. In Sri Lanka, local authorities are failing to provide efficient waste management systems. Therefore, this study was aimed to develop an efficient pyrolyzer which could produce high quality charcoal. The produced charcoal was graded and the quality of each grade was analyzed. The produced char in comparison to MSW compost was evaluated by using proximate analysis, pH, electrical conductivity, sieve analysis and germinationbioassay. The average charcoal output was 45%and a compost volume reduction was about 55%. The content of volatile matter in MSW compost and charcoal was 40% and 11% respectively, while the ash content of both materials was 38% and 89% . It can be attributed to high ash content in feeding material, thus increases the soil pH. MSW compost has neutral pH, whereas charcoal has higher pH value, which affected the germination of lettuce which was negatively correlated with the substrate variables pH. But this high pH value is an advantage in neutralizing acidic soils. Fixed carbon in charcoal and MSW varied from 3% and 0.24% respectively.
Keywords: Pyrolyzer, charcoal, germination bioassay, Municipal Solid Waste, proximate analysis
BIODEGRADATION OF FOOD WASTE AND RAW VEGETABLE
PEELS THROUGH COMPOSTING AND VERMICOMPOSTING
USING SP.EUDRILUS EUGENIAE
S. Mariraj Mohan*, K. Hafsa**
*Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering, Government College of Engineering
Bodinayakanur, Tamilnadu, INDIA
Email: mari_sundar@yahoo.com
**PG Graduate, Environmental Engineering, A.C. College of Engg. & Tech., Karaikudi, INDIA
ABSTRACT
Comparative study was performed to conclude the high efficient manure production from the food waste and vegetable waste by changing the mixing ratio in nine trays. Composting and vermicomposting was done simultaneously. Vermicomposting using sp.Eudrilus eugenia for 60 days is conducted after 5 days of pre composting. Three different ratios were employed such as 60:40 ; 70:30 and 80:20. For each ratio three trays were used. In 60:40 ratio ; first tray composed of cow dung and food waste ; second tray comprises of cow dung and vegetable waste; in third tray cow dung + food waste + vegetable waste were used as bedding material. This bedding was same for reaming ratios 70:30 and 80:20 . This bedding arrangement was same for composting and vermicomposting. The N P K value of the manure in each tray was estimated after the completion of the experiment in both composting and vermicomposting. The multiplication of earthworms in terms of number was calculated at the end of vermicomposting. The second type of bedding i.e. combination of cow dung and vegetable waste was suitable in vermicomposting. The high cow dung composition (80:20 ratio) suited best for composting and vermicomposting. Vermicomposting was found to be efficient quick degradation method than composting.
Keywords: sp.Eudrilus eugeniae, Food waste, Vegetable waste, Cow dung, N P K, cocoons
REUSABILITY OF SLAG FROM AUTOMOBILE BATTERY
MANUFACTURING IN FIRED CLAY BUILDING BRICKS: A
WASTE-TO-WEALTH INITIATIVE
G.U. Adie* and O. Osibanjo
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science
University of Ibadan
NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
Automobile battery manufacture (ABM) slag is a by-product of smelting operation of ABM. Slag is normally disposed especially in developing countries in an environmentally unfriendly manner. The reusability of ABM slag containing about 66.5% by weight of PbO in clay bricks was investigated. The conventional dry compression method of making laboratory clay bricks was adopted. The physico-chemical, technological and microscopic properties of test probes were assessed. Also toxicity characteristic leaching procedure and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure tests were carried out on some fired test probes to ascertain their environmental safety. Mix proportions of clay and slag ranging from 0% as control to 40% slag were formulated. A 3-zone carbolite split tube furnace was used to fire the test probes to 10000C. Increasing the slag percentage in the mixture improved the total linear shrinkage and water absorption. The aesthetics of fired test probes with ≤ 5% slag were acceptable and met ASTM minimum requirement for building bricks. The XRD patterns of clay impregnated with slag showed presence of crystals of PbO.Al2O3.2SiO2 indicating immobilization of Pb within the fired material. The leaching tests complied with EPA limits, therefore, the fired materials are safe for building.
Keywords: Automobile battery slag, Reusability, Building bricks, Lead, Clay
EFFECT OF OIL SHALE RESIDUE ON THE HYDRATION OF
RED MUD-FLY ASH CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL
Xiaoming Liua,b,* Daqiang Canga,b Henghu Sunc, Yanbing Zong a,b
aState Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy
University of Science and Technology of Beijing, Beijing 100083, CHINA
bSchool of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering
University of Science and Technology of Beijing, Beijing 100083, CHINA
cPacific Resources Research Center, School of Engineering and Computer Science
University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
ABSTRACT
Red mud, fly ash and oil shaleresidue are all industrial solid wastes with a huge discharging throughout the world, causing serious environmental problems. In this paper, the microstructure of red mud-fly ash blended cement during hydration process was observed by NMR, IR and SEM in an attempt to understand the reaction mechanism of the hydrates mixed with oil shale calcined at 400℃ and 700℃. As the reaction progress, the coordination of Al (IV, V, and VI) mostly transfers to IV when the paste mixed with oil shale calcined at 700℃. However, a number of 6-coordinated Al still occur in the hydrated paste mixed with oil shale calcined at 400℃. Under the effect of alkaline, generated from the hydration of clinker, a certain amount of Si and Al atoms are dissolved or hydrolyzed from aluminosilicate to generate geomonomers in solutions and then polycondense to form networks. It is indicated that the distortion degree of [SiO4] and [AlO4] tetrahedra play a significant role during hydration process.
Keywords: Oil shale; Microstructure; Red mud-fly ash based cementitious material (RFC); Hydration; Coordination
ASSESSMENT OF PARAMETERS INVOLVED IN LEACHATE
POLLUTION INDEX AND EVALUATION OF CONTAMINATION
POTENTIAL OF PILOT SCALE LANDFILL LYSIMETER USING LPI
Islam M. Rafizul and Muhammed Alamgir
Departmentof Civil Engineering
Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET)
Khulna-9203
BANGLADESH
Email: imrafizul@yahoo.com and alamgir63dr@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The main focused of this study is to investigate the variability of parameters involved in the estimation of an index known as leachate pollution index (LPI) as well as the contamination potential of pilot scale landfill lysimeter using LPI. LPI is a quantitative tool by which the leachate pollution data of landfill lysimeter can be reported uniformly. The parameters required to calculate LPI from landfill lysimeter were discussed in terms of their variations over time and their significance has been highlighted in the context of LPI by the author. The LPI values of one open dump lysimeter having two distinct operating systems and two sanitary landfill lysimeter had been calculated in this study. Result reveals that among the four lysimeter operating system, collection system of open dump lysimeter had the highest LPI, while detection system had the lowest LPI. Moreover, collection system of open dump lysimeter had the highest LPI than the other lysimeter operating system. Here, it was observed that LPI had been decreased in relation to the increasing of elapsed period of MSW deposited in landfill lysimeter. LPI can be used as a tool to assess the leachate pollution potential from landfill lysimeter particularly at places where there is a high risk of leachate migration and pollution of groundwater. The LPI can be a useful tool to monitor the leachate trends over the lifetime of landfill site, and thus can help to take necessary decisions as deem fit. Moreover, the LPI for this landfill lysimeter has been compared with the LPI estimated for treated leachate as per the Indian Standards. Finally, it can be concluded that LPI for landfill lysimeter was significantly high and proper treatment will be necessary before discharging the lysimeter leachate into the water bodies.
Keywords: Landfill lysimeter, open dump, sanitary landfill, contaminant potential, leachate parameter, leachate pollution index, treated leachate