Microbiological characterization and specific methanogenic activity of anaerobe sludges used in urban solid waste treatment

This study presents the microbiological characterization of the anaerobic sludge used in a two-stage anaerobic reactor for the treatment of organic fraction of urban solid waste (OFUSW). This treatment is one alternative for reducing solid waste in landfills at the same time producing a biogas (CH(4) and CO(2)) and an effluent that can be used as biofertilizer. The system was inoculated with sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (Río Frío Plant in Bucaramanga-Colombia) and a methanogenic anaerobic digester for the treatment of pig manure (Mesa de los Santos in Santander). Bacterial populations were evaluated by counting groups related to oxygen sensitivity, while metabolic groups were determined by most probable number (MPN) technique. Specific methanogenic activity (SMA) for acetate, formate, methanol and ethanol substrates was also determined. In the acidogenic reactor (R1), volatile fatty acids (VFA) reached values of 25,000 mg L(-1) and a concentration of CO(2) of 90%. In this reactor, the fermentative population was predominant (10(5)-10(6)MPN mL(-1)). The acetogenic population was (10(5)MPN mL(-1)) and the sulphate-reducing population was (10(4)-10(5)MPN mL(-1)). In the methanogenic reactor (R2), levels of CH(4) (70%) were higher than CO(2) (25%), whereas the VFA values were lower than 4000 mg L(-1). Substrate competition between sulphate-reducing (10(4)-10(5)MPN mL(-1)) and methanogenic bacteria (10(5)MPN mL(-1)) was not detected. From the SMA results obtained, acetoclastic (2.39 g COD-CH(4)g(-1)VSS(-1)day(-1)) and hydrogenophilic (0.94 g COD-CH(4)g(-1)VSS(-1)day(-1)) transformations as possible metabolic pathways used by methanogenic bacteria is suggested from the SMA results obtained. Methanotrix sp., Methanosarcina sp., Methanoccocus sp. and Methanobacterium sp. were identified.     

Mechanically-biologically treated municipal solid waste as a support medium for microbial methane oxidation to mitigate landfill greenhouse emissions

The residual fraction of mechanically-biologically treated municipal solid waste (MBT residual) was studied in the laboratory to evaluate its suitability and environmental compatibility as a support medium in methane (CH(4)) oxidative biocovers for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. Two MBT residuals with 5 and 12 months total (aerobic) biological stabilisation times were used in the study. MBT residual appeared to be a favourable medium for CH(4) oxidation as indicated by its area-based CH(4) oxidation rates (12.2-82.3 g CH(4) m(-2) d(-1) at 2-25 degrees C; determined in CH(4)-sparged columns). The CH(4) oxidation potential (determined in batch assays) of the MBT residuals increased during the 124 d column experiment, from <1.6 to a maximum of 104 microg CH(4) g(dw)(-1) h(-1) (dw=dry weight) at 5 degrees C and 578 microg CH(4) g(dw)(-1) h(-1) at 23 degrees C. Nitrous oxide (N(2)O) production in MBT residual (<15 microg N(2)O kg(dw)(-1) d(-1) in the CH(4) oxidative columns) was at the lower end of the range of N(2)O emissions reported for landfills and non-landfill soils, and insignificant as a greenhouse gas source. Also, anaerobic gas production (25.6 l kg(dw)(-1) during 217 d) in batch assays was low, indicating biological stability of the MBT residual. The electrical conductivities (140-250 mS m(-1)), as well as the concentrations of zinc (3.0 mg l(-1)), copper (0.5 mg l(-1)), arsenic (0.3 mg l(-1)), nickel (0.1 mg l(-1)) and lead (0.1 mg l(-1)) in MBT residual eluates from a leaching test (EN-12457-4) with a liquid/solid (L/S) ratio of 10:1, suggest a potential for leachate pollutant emissions which should be considered in plans to utilise MBT residual. In conclusion, the laboratory experiments suggest that MBT residual can be utilised as a support medium for CH(4) oxidation, even at low temperatures, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.     

Influences of chemical activators on incinerator bottom ash

This research has applied different chemical activators to mechanically and thermally treated fine fraction (<14 mm) of incinerator bottom ash (IBA), in order to investigate the influences of chemical activators on this new pozzolanic material. IBA has been milled and thermally treated at 800 degrees C (TIBA). The TIBA produced was blended with Ca(OH)(2) and evaluated for setting time, reactivity and compressive strength after the addition of 0.0565 mole of Na(2)SO(4), K(2)SO(4), Na(2)CO(3), K(2)CO(3), NaOH, KOH and CaCl(2) into 100g of binder (TIBA+Ca(OH)(2)). The microstructures of activated IBA and hydrated samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry (TG) analysis. Thermal treatment is found to produce gehlenite (Ca(2)Al(2)SiO(7)), wollastonite (CaSiO(3)) and mayenite (Ca(12)Al(14)O(33)) phases. The thermally treated IBA samples are significantly more reactive than the milled IBA. The addition of Na(2)CO(3) can increase the compressive strength and calcium hydroxide consumption at 28-day curing ages. However, the addition of Na(2)SO(4), K(2)SO(4), K(2)CO(3), NaOH and KOH reduces the strength and hydration reaction. Moreover, these chemicals produce more porous samples due to increased generation of hydrogen gas. The addition of CaCl(2) has a negative effect on the hydration of TIBA samples. Calcium aluminium oxide carbonate sulphide hydrate (Ca(4)Al(2)O(6)(CO(3))(0.67)(SO(3))(0.33)(H(2)O)(11)) is the main hydration product in the samples with activated IBA, except for the sample containing CaCl(2).     

Characterization of alkali-activated thermally treated incinerator bottom ash

The fine fraction (<14mm) of incinerator bottom ash (IBA) obtained from a UK energy from waste plant has been milled and thermally treated at 600, 700, 800 and 880 degrees C. Treated materials have been activated with Ca(OH)(2) (10wt%) and the setting times and compressive strengths at different curing times measured. In addition to decomposition of CaCO(3) to CaO, thermal treatment increases the content of gehlenite (Ca(2)Al(2)SiO(7)), wollastonite (CaSiO(3)) and mayenite (Ca(12)Al(14)O(33)). Thermally treated samples were significantly more reactive than milled IBA and heating to 700 degrees C produced a material which rapidly set. Silica, gehlenite and wollastonite were the main crystalline phases present in hydrated samples and a mixed sulphate-carbonate AFm-type phase (Ca(4)Al(2)O(6)(CO(3))(0.67)(SO(3))(0.33).11H(2)O) formed. Significant volumes of gas were generated during curing and this produced a macro-porous microstructure that limited strength to 2.8MPa. The new materials may have potential for use as controlled low-strength materials.     

Enhanced methane production from ultrasound pre-treated and hygienized dairy cattle slurry

The effect of hygienization (70 °C, 60 min) and ultrasound (6000 ± 500 kJ/kg total solids (TS)) pre-treatments on hydrolysis and biological methane (CH(4)) potential (BMP) of dairy cattle slurry was studied. The BMP of the untreated slurry (control) was 210 ± 10 Nm(3) CH(4)/ton volatile solids (VS) added; after ultrasound pre-treatment it was 250 ± 10 Nm(3) CH(4)/ton VS(added) and after hygienization 280 ± 20 Nm(3) CH(4)/ton VS(added). The specific methanogenic activity (SMA) of the inoculum increased from 22 (untreated) to 26 (ultrasound treated) and up to 28 N ml CH(4)/g VS d, after hygienization. However, only hygienization achieved a positive net energy balance. Both pre-treatments increased the VS-based hydrolysis of slurry (10-96%), soluble nitrogen (N(sol)) content in digestates (20 ± 5%) and biodegradability of the slurry (8 ± 3%) as estimated via elevated VS removal.     

Analysis of methanogenic activity in a thermophilic-dry anaerobic reactor: use of fluorescent in situ hybridization

Methanogenic activity in a thermophilic-dry anaerobic reactor was determined by comparing the amount of methane generated for each of the organic loading rates with the size of the total and specific methanogenic population, as determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization. A high correlation was evident between the total methanogenic activity and retention time [-0.6988Ln(x)+2.667] (R(2) 0.8866). The total methanogenic activity increased from 0.04x10(-8) mLCH(4) cell(-1)day(-1) to 0.38x10(-8) mLCH(4) cell(-1)day(-1) while the retention time decreased, augmenting the organic loading rates. The specific methanogenic activities of H(2)-utilizing methanogens and acetate-utilizing methanogens increased until they stabilised at 0.64x10(-8) mLCH(4) cell(-1)day(-1) and 0.33x10(-8) mLCH(4) cell(-1)day(-1), respectively. The methanogenic activity of H(2)-utilizing methanogens was higher than acetate-utilizing methanogens, indicating that maintaining a low partial pressure of hydrogen does not inhibit the acetoclastic methanogenesis or the anaerobic process.     

Study on Properties of Poly(urethane-ester) Synthesized from Prepolymers of ε-Caprolactone and 2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-Propanediol Monomers and Their Biodegradability

Poly(urethane-ester) was prepared by polymerization of 4,4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) and prepolymers of ε-caprolactone and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol monomers P(CL-DP) with various chain lengths as polyol sources. Characterizations of poly(urethane-ester) were carried out by analysis of functional groups (FTIR), thermal properties (DTA/TGA), mechanical properties (Tensile tester), crystallinity (XRD), and biodegradability. The chain length of prepolymers used in polymerization has a significant effect in properties of poly(urethane-ester) as well as their biodegradability. The formation of poly(urethane-ester) was indicated by the presence of new absorption peaks at wave number of 3,348.2 and 1,596.9 cm^?1 for urethane (–NH–) and aromatic groups in chain of polymers, respectively. The increase chain length of prepolymer used in polymerization with 4,4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) was observed the increase thermal property and crystallinity of poly(urethane-ester). However, the maximum mechanical property and also biodegradability in activated sludge were observed in poly(urethane-ester) prepared by polymerization of 4,4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) and P(CL-DP) prepolymers with DP/CL ratio of 1/20. Apparently, the amorphous parts of polymers are rapidly decomposed by enzymes of microorganisms, so the crystallinity on the whole of poly(urethane-ester) increases after incubation time of 30 days.     

Insight into the Adsorption Properties of Chitosan/Zeolite-A Hybrid Structure for Effective Decontamination of Toxic Cd (II) and As (V) Ions from the Aqueous Environments

Chitosan/zeolite-A hybrid structure (CS/Z.A) was synthesized and characterized as a multifunctional and environmental adsorbent for the Cd (II) and As (V) ions. The adsorption capacities of CS/ZA for Cd (II) and AS (V) are 170 mg/g and 125 mg/g, respectively which are higher values than several adsorbents in literature. The kinetic study demonstrates Pseudo-First-order behavior for the Cd (II) adsorption process and Pseudo-second order for the As (V) uptake reactions. The Cd (II) and As (V) uptake reactions follow the Freundlich equilibrium behavior with heterogeneous and multilayer adsorption properties. The kinetic and equilibrium studies in addition to the Gaussian energy {6.35 kJ/mol [Cd (II)] and 9.44 kJ/mol [As (V)]} demonstrate physical properties for the Cd (II) adsorption mechanism and more chemical behavior for the As (V) adsorption mechanism. The thermodynamic study declares exothermic, spontaneous, and favorable adsorption reactions for Cd (II) and As (V) by CS/Z.A composite. The CS/Z.A is of significant capacity for Cd (II) and As (V) ions in the existence of other competitive dissolved anions (PO₄^3?, NO₃^?, and SO₄^2?) and other metals [Zn (II), Co (II), and Pb (II)]. Finally, the CS/Z.A composite is a recyclable product and can be applied in effective Cd (II) and As (V) decontamination processes for five runs.

     

Composition and production rate of pharmaceutical and chemical waste from Xanthi General Hospital in Greece

The objective of this work was to determine the composition and production rates of pharmaceutical and chemical waste produced by Xanthi General Hospital in Greece (XGH). This information is important to design and cost management systems for pharmaceutical and chemical waste, for safety and health considerations and for assessing environmental impact. A total of 233 kg pharmaceutical and 110 kg chemical waste was collected, manually separated and weighed over a period of five working weeks. The total production of pharmaceutical waste comprised 3.9% w/w of the total hazardous medical waste produced by the hospital. Total pharmaceutical waste was classified in three categories, vial waste comprising 51.1%, syringe waste with 11.4% and intravenous therapy (IV) waste with 37.5% w/w of the total. Vial pharmaceutical waste only was further classified in six major categories: antibiotics, digestive system drugs, analgesics, hormones, circulatory system drugs and "other". Production data below are presented as average (standard deviation in parenthesis). The unit production rates for total pharmaceutical waste for the hospital were 12.4 (3.90) g/patient/d and 24.6 (7.48) g/bed/d. The respective unit production rates were: (1) for vial waste 6.4 (1.6) g/patient/d and 13 (2.6) g/bed/d, (2) for syringe waste 1.4 (0.4) g/patient/d and 2.8 (0.8) g/bed/d and (3) for IV waste 4.6 (3.0) g/patient/d and 9.2 (5.9) g/bed/d. Total chemical waste was classified in four categories, chemical reagents comprising 18.2%, solvents with 52.3%, dyes and tracers with 18.2% and solid waste with 11.4% w/w of the total. The total production of chemical waste comprised 1.8% w/w of the total hazardous medical waste produced by the hospital. Thus, the sum of pharmaceutical and chemical waste was 5.7% w/w of the total hazardous medical waste produced by the hospital. The unit production rates for total chemical waste for the hospital were 5.8 (2.2) g/patient/d and 1.1 (0.4) g/exam/d. The respective unit production rates were: (1) for reagents 1.7 (2.4) g/patient/d and 0.3 (0.4) g/examination/d, (2) for solvents 248 (127) g/patient/d and 192 (101) g/examination/d, (3) for dyes and tracers 4.7 (1.4) g/patient/d and 2.5 (0.9) g/examination/d and (4) for solid waste 54 (28) g/patient/d and 42 (22) g/examination/d.     

Effects of dry bulk density and particle size fraction on gas transport parameters in variably saturated landfill cover soil

Landfill sites are emerging in climate change scenarios as a significant source of greenhouse gases. The compacted final soil cover at landfill sites plays a vital role for the emission, fate and transport of landfill gases. This study investigated the effects of dry bulk density, ρ(b), and particle size fraction on the main soil-gas transport parameters - soil-gas diffusivity (D(p)/D(o), ratio of gas diffusion coefficients in soil and free air) and air permeability (k(a)) - under variably-saturated moisture conditions. Soil samples were prepared by three different compaction methods (Standard and Modified Proctor compaction, and hand compaction) with resulting ρ(b) values ranging from 1.40 to 2.10 g cm(-3). Results showed that D(p) and k(a) values for the '+gravel' fraction (<35 mm) became larger than for the '-gravel' fraction (<2mm) under variably-saturated conditions for a given soil-air content (ε), likely due to enhanced gas diffusion and advection through less tortuous, large-pore networks. The effect of dry bulk density on D(p) and k(a) was most pronounced for the '+gravel' fraction. Normalized ratios were introduced for all soil-gas parameters: (i) for gas diffusivity D(p)/D(f), the ratio of measured D(p) to D(p) in total porosity (f), (ii) for air permeability k(a)/k(a)(,pF4.1), the ratio of measured k(a) to k(a) at 1235 kPa matric potential (=pF 4.1), and (iii) for soil-air content, the ratio of soil-air content (ε) to total porosity (f) (air saturation). Based on the normalized parameters, predictive power-law models for D(p)(ε/f) and k(a)(ε/f) models were developed based on a single parameter (water blockage factor M for D(p) and P for k(a)). The water blockage factors, M and P, were found to be linearly correlated to ρ(b) values, and the effects of dry bulk density on D(p) and k(a) for both '+gravel' and '-gravel' fractions were well accounted for by the new models.     

Chemical sequential extraction of heavy metals and sulphur in bottom ash and in fly ash from a pulp and paper mill complex

A five-stage sequential extraction procedure was used to determine the distribution of 11 metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn, As, Co, V, Ni, Ba), and sulphur (S) in bottom ash and in fly ash from a fluidized bed co-combustion (i.e. wood and peat) boiler of Stora Enso Oyj Oulu Mill at Oulu, Northern Finland, into the following fractions: (1) water-soluble fraction (H2O); (2) exchangeable fraction (CH3COOH); (3) easily reduced fraction (NH2OH-HCl); (4) oxidizable fraction (H2O2 + CH3COONH4); and (5) residual fraction (HF + HNO3 + HCl). Although metals were extractable in all fractions, the highest concentrations of most of the metals occurred in the residual fraction. From the environmental point of view, this fraction is the non-mobile fraction and is potentially the least harmful. The Ca concentrations of 29.3 g kg(-1) (dry weight) in bottom ash and of 68.5 g kg(-1) (dry weight) in fly ash were correspondingly approximately 18 and 43 times higher than the average value of 1.6 g kg(-1) (dry weight) in arable land in Central Finland. The ashes were strongly alkaline pH (approximately 12) and had a liming effects of 9.3% (bottom ash) and 13% (fly ash) expressed as Ca equivalents (dry weight). The elevated Ca concentrations indicate that the ashes are potential agents for soil remediation and for improving soil fertility. The pH and liming effect values indicate that the ashes also have a pH buffering capacity. From the environmental point of view, it is notable that the heavy metal concentrations in both types of ash were lower than the Finnish criteria for ash utilization.     

Above- and below-ground methane fluxes and methanotrophic activity in a landfill-cover soil

Landfills are a major anthropogenic source of the greenhouse gas methane (CH(4)). However, much of the CH(4) produced during the anaerobic degradation of organic waste is consumed by methanotrophic microorganisms during passage through the landfill-cover soil. On a section of a closed landfill near Liestal, Switzerland, we performed experiments to compare CH(4) fluxes obtained by different methods at or above the cover-soil surface with below-ground fluxes, and to link methanotrophic activity to estimates of CH(4) ingress (loading) from the waste body at selected locations. Fluxes of CH(4) into or out of the cover soil were quantified by eddy-covariance and static flux-chamber measurements. In addition, CH(4) concentrations at the soil surface were monitored using a field-portable FID detector. Near-surface CH(4) fluxes and CH(4) loading were estimated from soil-gas concentration profiles in conjunction with radon measurements, and gas push-pull tests (GPPTs) were performed to quantify rates of microbial CH(4) oxidation. Eddy-covariance measurements yielded by far the largest and probably most representative estimates of overall CH(4) emissions from the test section (daily mean up to ～91,500μmolm(-2)d(-1)), whereas flux-chamber measurements and CH(4) concentration profiles indicated that at the majority of locations the cover soil was a net sink for atmospheric CH(4) (uptake up to -380μmolm(-2)d(-1)) during the experimental period. Methane concentration profiles also indicated strong variability in CH(4) loading over short distances in the cover soil, while potential methanotrophic activity derived from GPPTs was high (v(max)～13mmolL(-1)(soil air)h(-1)) at a location with substantial CH(4) loading. Our results provide a basis to assess spatial and temporal variability of CH(4) dynamics in the complex terrain of a landfill-cover soil.     

Influence of Carbon Sources on The Production and Characterization of The Exopolysaccharide (EPS) by Bacillus sphaericus 7055 Strain

In this study, EPS produced by five Bacillus spp. strains was determined. The only one strain (B. sphaericus 7055) was selected due to its high EPS production and it was investigated by growing this strain in LB broth medium containing various carbon sources. The highest EPS production of this strain was found in medium containing fructose. However, the effect of different concentrations of fructose and molasses on EPS production by the strain was studied. The maximum EPS yield of the strain 7055 was recorded with 2.5% (w/v) fructose, also the highest EPS production was found in 2.5% (w/v) molasses. The strain 7055 was found to contain (98.6%) galactose and (1.4%) glucuronic acid in control medium whereas the composition of the strain 7055 (2.5% (w/v) fructose) was found to be (99.9%) neutral sugar and (0.1%) Glucuronic acid while the strain 7055 (2.5% (w/v) molasses) was found to contain (65.9%), neutral sugars and (34.1%) glucuronic acid.     

Adsorption of SO2 and NO from incineration flue gas onto activated carbon fibers

Activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were used to remove SO(2) and NO from incineration flue gas. Three types of ACFs in their origin state and after pretreatment with HNO(3), NaOH, and KOH were investigated. The removal efficiencies of SO(2) and NO were determined experimentally at defined SO(2) and NO concentrations and at temperatures of 150, 200 and 260 degrees C. Experimental results indicated that the removal efficiencies of SO(2) and NO using the original ACFs were <56% and <27%, respectively. All ACFs modified with HNO(3), NaOH, and KOH solution could increase the removal efficiencies of SO(2) and NO. The mesopore volumes and functional groups of ACFs are important in determining the removal of SO(2) and NO. When the mesopore volumes of the ACFs are insufficient for removing SO(2) and NO, the functional groups on the ACFs are not important in determining the removal of SO(2) and NO. On the contrary, the effects of the functional groups on the removal of SO(2) and NO are more important than the mesopore volumes as the amount of mesopores on the ACFs is sufficient to remove SO(2) and NO. Moreover, the removal efficiencies of SO(2) and NO were greatest at 200 degrees C. When the inlet concentration of SO(2) increased to 600ppm, the removal efficiency of SO(2) increased slightly and the removal efficiency of NO decreased.     

Electrokinetic remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils under reducing environments

This paper describes the migration of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), nickel, Ni(II), and cadmium, Cd(II), in clayey soils that contain different reducing agents under an induced electric potential. Bench-scale electrokinetic experiments were conducted using two different clays, kaolin and glacial till, both with and without a reducing agent. The reducing agent used was either humic acid, ferrous iron, or sulfide, in a concentration of 1000 mg/kg. These soils were then spiked with Cr(VI), Ni(II), and Cd(II) in concentrations of 1000, 500 and 250 mg/kg, respectively, and tested under an induced electric potential of 1 VDC/cm for a duration of over 200 h. The reduction of chromium from Cr(VI) to Cr(III) occurred prior to electrokinetic treatment. The extent of this Cr(VI) reduction was found to be dependent on the type and amount of reducing agents present in the soil. The maximum reduction occurred in the presence of sulfides, while the minimum reduction occurred in the presence of humic acid. The concentration profiles in both soils following electrokinetic treatment showed that Cr(VI) migration was retarded significantly in the presence of sulfides due both to the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) as well as an increase in soil pH. This low migration of chromium is attributed to: (1) migration of Cr(VI) and the reduced Cr(III) fraction in opposite directions, (2) low Cr(III) migration due to adsorption and precipitation in high pH regions near the cathode in kaolin and throughout the glacial till, and (3) low Cr(VI) migration due to adsorption in low pH regions near the anode in both soils. Ni(II) and Cd(II) migrated towards the cathode in kaolin; however, the migration was significantly retarded in the presence of sulfides due to increased pH through most of the soil. Initial high pH conditions within the glacial till resulted in Ni(II) and Cd(II) precipitation, so the effects of reducing agenets were inconsequential. Overall, this study demonstrated that the reducing agents, particularly sulfides, in soils may affect redox chemistry and soil pH, ultimately affecting the electrokinetic remediation process.     

Biodegradable Chitosan-g-Poly(methacrylamide) Microspheres for Controlled Release of Hypertensive Drug

Chitosan-g-poly(methacrylamide) (CS-g-PMAAm) was synthesized by redox polymerization. The synthesized graft copolymers were used to prepare microspheres (MS) by water/oil (W/O) emulsion technique and cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA). Developed microspheres were encapsulated using enalapril maleate (ENAM) as a model drug (hypertension) and characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The physico-chemical properties of the microspheres were studied by calculating drug entrapment efficiency, and drug release kinetics. % of encapsulation efficiency (% EE) increased with increase in drug loading and methacrylamide (MAAm) content. The minimum % EE (65.2 ± 1.6) was observed in case of microsphere containing 40 % MAAm, 5 % ENAM and 10 mL glutaraldehyde. The release profiles indicate that formulation containing highest (10 mL) crosslinking agent microspheres has the slow release.     

Case study: Conducting an accelerated cleanup at a superfund site in a mixed residential and industrial area

This article presents a case study of an accelerated cleanup conducted by EPA at the Adams Plating Company (APC) Superfund site near Lansing, Michigan. The APC site remediation was a Superfund EPA-lead project under the remedial program in Region 5. An accelerated cleanup was possible at the APC site by consistently identifying, evaluating, and implementing opportunities to streamline the remedial investigation (RI) and remedial design (RD) process. Streamlining opportunities were discovered and implemented in both the technical and administrative aspects of the project. Streamlining components used to accelerate the remedial process included: (1) extensive use of field screening techniques during the Phase II RI; (2) a focused feasibility study (FS) that evaluated only practical alternatives; (3) maintaining project momentum by initiating the RD concurrent with the issuance of the Record of Decision (ROD); (4) a highly accelerated RD with limited predesign work; (5) elimination of the transition period between RD and remedial action (RA) project phases; (6) frequent and effective communication, coordination, and cooperation between all parties involved (EPA, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), technical contractor, PRC Environmental Management, Inc. (PRC), and the public); (7) maintaining a consistent project team throughout project duration; and (8) the setting of aggressive project goals.     

Biostabilization of municipal solid waste

A mechanical-biological process for municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment was monitored for one year. Mechanical pre-treatment provided two fractions. The oversize fraction (diameter > 50 mm) (yield of 600 g kg(-1) ww) (46 Mg day(-1)) was used for refuse derived fuel production, after undergoing a mechanical refining processes, because of low moisture content (200-250 g kg(-1)) and high calorific value (2500-2800 kcal kg ww(-1)). The undersize fraction (diameter < 50 mm) (yield 400 g kg(-1) ww) (30 Mg day(-1)) contained about 800 g kg(-1) of the MSW organic matter. This fraction was biologically treated using an aerobic process with an organic waste fraction from separate collection (77 Mg day(-1)) and recycled stabilized material (62 Mg day(-1)) obtained from end-product sieve (diameter < 20 mm) used as bulking agent. A retention time of three weeks was sufficient to obtain stabilized products in agreement with up-dated rules of the Lombardy Region (North Italy) regarding biostabilization and composting processes. Dynamic Respiration Index (DRI), such as required by both Lombardy Region rules and suggested by the European Community, was chosen in preference to other indices in order to assess the degree of biological stability of the end products. A mean DRI value of 1164 mg O2 kg SV(-1) h(-1) was obtained and is in agreement with the proposed limit of 1000+/-200 mg O2 kg SV(-1) h(-1). Self-heating test, potential biogas production and fermentable volatile solids were also used as parameters to describe the potential impact of treated waste, providing further useful information. Nevertheless, all of these methods revealed analytical or interpretative limits. A complete mass balance of the biological treatment section showed that, from a net input of 107 Mg day(-1), only 250 g kg(-1) (27 Mg day(-1)) of the waste needed to be landfilled, with 750 g kg(-1) (80 Mg day(-1)) being lost as CO2 and H2O.     

Fe(Ⅱ)、Fe(Ⅲ)和Fe(Ⅵ)活化过硫酸盐氧化降解水中的菲

分别采用Fe(Ⅱ)、Fe(Ⅲ)和Fe(Ⅵ)活化过硫酸盐(PS)氧化降解水中的菲,考察了反应pH、药剂投加量及氧化时间等因素的影响,并对比了不同价态铁活化PS对菲的氧化降解效果.在反应pH为8、n(菲):n(Fe):n(PS)为1:2:2的优化条件下,反应60 min后Fe(Ⅱ)-PS和Fe(Ⅲ)-PS体系对菲的去除率分...     

Vacuum pyrolysis of waste tires with basic additives

Granules of waste tires were pyrolyzed under vacuum (3.5-10kPa) conditions, and the effects of temperature and basic additives (Na(2)CO(3), NaOH) on the properties of pyrolysis were thoroughly investigated. It was obvious that with or without basic additives, pyrolysis oil yield increased gradually to a maximum and subsequently decreased with a temperature increase from 450 degrees C to 600 degrees C, irrespective of the addition of basic additives to the reactor. The addition of NaOH facilitated pyrolysis dramatically, as a maximal pyrolysis oil yield of about 48wt% was achieved at 550 degrees C without the addition of basic additives, while a maximal pyrolysis oil yield of about 50wt% was achieved at 480 degrees C by adding 3wt% (w/w, powder/waste tire granules) of NaOH powder. The composition analysis of pyrolytic naphtha (i.b.p. (initial boiling point) approximately 205 degrees C) distilled from pyrolysis oil showed that more dl-limonene was obtained with basic additives and the maximal content of dl-limonene in pyrolysis oil was 12.39wt%, which is a valuable and widely-used fine chemical. However, no improvement in pyrolysis was observed with Na(2)CO(3) addition. Pyrolysis gas was mainly composed of H(2), CO, CH(4), CO(2), C(2)H(4) and C(2)H(6). Pyrolytic char had a surface area comparable to commercial carbon black, but its proportion of ash (above 11.5wt%) was much higher.