Adsorbable organic halides (AOX), AOX formation potential, and PCDDs/DFs in landfill leachate and their removal in water treatment processes

Adsorbable organic halides (AOX) and AOX formation potential (AOXFP) were investigated in 46 landfill lea-chates as potentially toxic parameters. AOX in landfill leachate was within the range <10–2200 μg Cl/l, and AOXFP was within 51–15 000 μg Cl/l. AOX and AOXFP correlated with chemical oxygen demand (COD). AOX discharge from closed landfills was generally lower than that from operating landfills. The molar ratio of AOXFP/total organic carbon (TOC) suggested that organic compounds in a leachate have a double bond every 15–190 carbons under the supposition that one chlorine would add to one double bond. The five landfills discharging high-level AOXFP (>4000 μg Cl/l) were all landfills where sludge had been dumped. The removal efficiencies of three parameters through leachate treatment processes were as follows: polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins/dibenzo-furans (PCDDs/DFs) > TOC > AOX. PCDDs/DFs were substantially removed at p.p.t. levels, while AOX was hardly removed at relatively low levels. Received: February 14, 2000 / Accepted: January 9, 2001     

Factors affecting the concentration of bisphenol A in leachates from solid waste disposal sites and its fate in treatment processes

 The concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) contained in landfill leachates from solid waste disposal sites were measured. The concentrations of BPA contained in leachates from industrial waste sites were in the range below the detection limit to 2800 μg/l, while those from municipal sites were in the range 26–8400 μg/l. The leachates from ash-rich sites contained relatively lower concentrations of BPA compared with organic-rich leachates. It is suggested that BPA concentration increases with time after the completion of reclamation in the case of ash-rich sites, whereas the concentration of BPA decreases with time in the case of organic-rich sites. A 7-year survey on a site in Japan showed neither a decrease nor an increase in the concentration of BPA during on-going reclamation. A leachate from a site in the Philippines contained high concentrations of BPA. A slight positive correlation was found between BPA concentrations and total organic carbon (TOC). A major portion of the BPA in leachates was found in dissolved and organic unassociated fractions, which cannot be precipitated by coagulation. More than 99.9% of the BPA contained in raw leachates was removed by a conventional series of treatment processes consisting of biological treatment, coagulation, sedimentation, sand filtration, and activated carbon adsorption. Received: May 29, 2002 / Accepted: October 17, 2002     

Environmental contamination from electronic waste recycling at Guiyu, southeast China

The disposal, recycling, and part salvaging of discarded electronic devices such as computers, printers, televisions, and toys are now creating a new set of waste problems. This study is aimed at identifying the sources and quantifying the pollution levels generated from electronic waste (e-waste) activities at Guiyu, Guangdong Province, China, and their potential impacts on the environment and human health. The preliminary results indicate that total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil obtained from a printer roller dump site was 593 μg/kg dry weight (dry wt.) and in sediment from a duck pond, the PAH concentration was 514 μg/kg (dry wt.). Sediment from the Lianjiang River was found to be contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyls (743 μg/kg) at a level approaching three times the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines probable effect level of 277 μg/kg. Total mono- to hepta-brominated diphenyl ether homologue concentrations (1140 and 1169 μg/kg dry wt.) in soils near dumping sites were approximately 10–60 times those reported for other polybrominated diphenyl ether-contaminated locations in the world. In-house study on the open burning of cable wires showed extremely high levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans resulting in 12419 ng toxic equivalents (TEQ)/kg of waste input and 15 610 ng TEQ/kg for two separate tests, respectively, which were about three orders of magnitude higher than those for the open burning of household waste. High levels of Cu (712, 528, and 496 mg/kg), exceeding the new Dutch list action value, were determined for soil near the printer roller dumping area, sediment from Lianjiang River, and soil from a plastic burn site, respectively. A more thorough study is underway to elucidate the extent of contamination of toxic pollutants in different ecological compartments to establish whether these pollutants are bioaccumulated and biomagnified through food chains. Assessments of human health impacts from oral intake, inhalation, and dermal contact will be subsequently investigated. An erratum to this article is available at.     

Substance flow analysis of coplanar PCBs released from waste incineration processes

Previous reports have focused on the emission of coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs) which have a toxic mechanism similar to that of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDDs/DFs) released from municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration. Such emissions accounted for a small percentage of all the dioxins (PCDDs/DFs and Co-PCBs) recorded at the toxicity equivalent (TEQ) level. There is, however, very little information about Co-PCBs, such as the quantities being released and their effect on overall environmental pollution. The aim of this research has been to clarify the substance flow of Co-PCBs from MSW incineration processes. The results reveal that whereas the input of Co-PCBs into the MSW incineration facilities in Kyoto City was 0.13–0.29 μg-TEQ per ton waste, the total output of Co-PCBs (the sum of Co-PCBs released from emission gas, fly ash, and bottom ash) was 4.9 μg-TEQ per ton waste. The total output was therefore found to be higher than the total input. Over 90% of the total PCBs were decomposed in the incineration process. In comparing the profiles of congeners and homologues, those in the MSW were found to be similar to those detected in the atmosphere and products containing PCBs, but different from those in the MSW incineration gas. Received: August 26, 1998 / Accepted: March 2, 1999     

Effects of Liming on the Aquatic Fauna in a Norwegian Watershed: Why Do Crustaceans and Fish Respond Differently?

We studied the effects of liming on fish and crustaceans in a watershed which is in a region known to have one of the highest diversity of aquatic biota in Norway. This watershed, Enningdal, is shared between Norway (1/3) and Sweden (2/3) and includes 61 lakes  >  1.0 ha in Norway. Liming started on a large scale in the 1980s. Currently, a total of 26 of lakes (43%) are limed, covering 93% of the total lake area. The mean value ± S.D. of pH and the concentration of inorganic labile Al in these lakes is 6.62 ± 0.35 and 3 ± 4 μg l⁻¹, respectively. Historical data of fish communities have been obtained from surveys, while test-fishing and sampling of crustaceans were conducted in 24 lakes in recent years (2002–2004). The present study shows that crustaceans to a greater extent than fish has responded to improved water quality after more than 20 years of liming. Of a total of 120 fish populations, 42 (35%) have gone extinct. Only five of the lost fish populations (12%) have been re-established, all due to human re-introductions. Physical barriers are considered to be the main factor preventing fish from invading limed lakes. In contrast, crustaceans have been re-established in most limed lakes. This may be mainly due to their good spreading capacity. However, they might also have survived in refuges within the watershed, or as resting-eggs in the sediment.     

Porous structure of activated carbon prepared from waste newspaper

In an earlier report, we presented a method for preparing activated carbon from waste newspaper as a way to recycle used paper for a purpose other than producing raw material for paper-making. In this article, we consider the porous structure of the activated carbon that affects its adsorption properties for various substances. The specific surface area of activated carbon prepared from waste newspaper was 838 m²/g, the micropore volume was 0.368 ml/g, and the mesopore volume was 0.138 ml/g, which is about the same as commercially available activated carbon. The activated carbon prepared from waste newspaper usually has a high content of ash, which makes little contribution to the adsorption properties. In particular, as compared with reagent-activated carbon, the quantities of mesopores with a pore radius of 3–25 nm and macropores with a pore radius of 25–250 nm were 8 and 14 times larger, respectively. Activated carbon prepared from waste newspaper has a well-developed porous structure, particularly in the mesopore and macropore ranges. Received: July 12, 1999 / Accepted: March 8, 2000     

Mass balance of arsenic and antimony in municipal waste incinerators

The arsenic and antimony balance in two municipal waste incinerators was investigated. Initially, the production rates of ash and wet scrubber effluent were estimated. Then the arsenic and antimony in the ash and wet scrubber effluent were determined, which gave an estimate of the elemental balance. The total amounts of arsenic and antimony in the municipal waste were 0.9 g/t and 30–44 g/t, respectively. The distributions to fly ash were 45–47% and 33–74% for arsenic and antimony, respectively. The distribution mechanisms of arsenic and antimony are discussed from the viewpoints of their thermodynamics as well as their initial valencies, which greatly affect their behaviour. Received: July 2, 1998 / Accepted: February 27, 1999     

PM<Subscript>10</Subscript> and Ultrafine Particles Counts In-Vehicle and On-Road in the Athens Area

This work presents the first results of a study concerning on-road and in-vehicle exposure to particulate matter in the area of Athens. PM₁₀ concentration measurements were conducted by TSI DustTrak, while driving along routes with different characteristics of traffic density, during September 2003–March 2004. Concurrent measurements of the ultrafine particles (UFPs) number concentration were also conducted, by condensation particle counter during part of the days. Pedestrian exposure to PM₁₀ and UFPs was also studied through stationary measurements on the kerbside of selected roads on November 2003 and February 2004. A major avenue, a heavy-trafficked road across a children hospital and two central roads, one in a residential and one in a commercial area were selected for measurement. The results indicate that every day commuters are exposed to significant concentration levels. Higher exposures were observed in heavy-trafficked areas and during rush hours. Mean PM₁₀ in-vehicle and on-road concentrations ranged from 30–320 μg/m³ and 70–285 μg/m³, respectively. The ultrafine particles number concentrations were in the range of 5.0 × 10⁴–17.3 × 10⁴ particles/cm³ in-vehicle and 3.1 × 10⁴–7.3 × 10⁴ particles/cm³ on the kerbside of a central residential road. Both PM₁₀ and UFPs concentrations presented repeated short-term peak exposures. The results clearly point out the importance of the road microenvironment (in-vehicle and on kerbside) for population exposure in urban areas.     

Polyethylene conversion by partial oxidation in supercritical water

This paper gives the results of partial oxidation experiments of polyethylene (PE) in supercritical water (SCW). The experiments were carried out at a reaction temperature of 693K and a reaction time of 30 min using 6 cm³ of a batch-type reactor. The loaded sample weight was 0.3 g and there was 2.52 g water (0.42 g/cm³). The ratio of oxygen atoms to carbon atoms was 0.3. The results show a significant CO formation in O₂–SCW, and the 1-alkene/n-alkane ratio in partial oxidation was higher than that in SCW pyrolysis. These results suggest the possibility of the hydrogenation of hydrocarbon through partial oxidation followed by a water–gas shift reaction. Received: July 19, 2000 / Accepted: September 28, 2000     

Improved quartz furnace method for chlorine and sulfur determination in municipal solid waste

 A method of determining the chlorine (Cl) and sulfur (S) in municipal solid waste (MSW) was studied. The quartz furnace method was improved in two ways: recovery from ash by hot extraction with dilute nitric acid, and avoidance of the volatilization of alkali (earth) metal chlorides by setting the sample combustion temperature at 600°C. In a comparison with the bomb method, using nine sets of kitchen garbage and waste plastics, the bomb method yielded a 15%–25% lower value than the improved quartz furnace method. Combustion in the bomb was frequently incomplete, resulting in recovery losses of Cl and S. The average kitchen garbage involved 5.2 mg Cl/g, of which at least 24.1% would be converted to HCl. Plastics contained 23 mg Cl/g generating 88.1% HCl on average. In the same way, kitchen garbage contained 3.0 mg S/g, generating 52.3% SO _x , whereas plastics contained 1.1 mg S/g with 55.1% SO _x formation. Received: March 20, 2002 / Accepted: October 13, 2002     

The influence of sodium on biohydrogen production from food waste by anaerobic fermentation

Anaerobic fermentation of food waste for hydrogen production was performed in serum bottles with various linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) dosages (7.1–21.4 g/l) and sodium concentrations (5.03–28.7 g/l). LAS can effectively inhibit the activity of hydrogen-consuming bacteria, and the maximum hydrogen yield of 109.2 ml/g volatile solid (VS) was obtained at an LAS dosage of 14.3 g/l without added sodium. The feasible pH for hydrogen production is 5.0–6.0, and the process will slow down or stop when the pH is below 5.0.The hydrogen production potential increased when the sodium concentration increased in the range 5.03–14.41 g/l. The maximum hydrogen yield was 154.8 ml/g VS, and then the hydrogen production began to decrease when the sodium concentration increased further. A sodium chloride concentration of 20 g/l and higher will enhance the osmotic pressure and make bacteria inert. In the effluent, acetic acid is the major by-product. The results indicated that the hydrogen production from the anaerobic fermentation of food waste could clearly be increased with the additives and a sodium concentration less than 20 g/l.     

Transformation of Particle-Bound Phosphorus at the Land–Sea Interface in a Danish Estuary

Danish rivers carry >50% of the phosphorus (P) transport as particulate P (PP). In five of six rivers sampled in November 1998 iron-bound P made up > 59% of PP and loosely adsorbed P ranged between 2% and 13%. This fraction could potentially be released in 14‰ seawater. The behaviour of dissolved and particulate P fractions was studied during seven month in a 2 km long estuary with low freshwater retention time and low tidal range. The river carried ∼10% of PP as loosely adsorbed P but increased concentrations of dissolved inorganic P (DIP) relative to the estuarine mixing line was only observed in the summer month with low freshwater flow and was more likely due to DIP release from the bottom sediment. Instead estuarine particles were always enriched with oxidized iron (ox.Fe) and iron-bound P as well as loosely adsorbed P and during May–September this coincided with increasing concentration of PP in estuary. We suggest that flocculation of ox.Fe and adsorption of DIP onto the particles with subsequent transport seawards is a major loss process for P during the summer month. During winter month where 85% of the run-off occurs the dominant process in the estuary is sedimentation of larger particles, however, a comparison of river particles with surface sediment clearly reveals that most PP is mobilized again from the bottom sediments.     

Fate of Chlorothalonil, Chlorpyrifos and Profenofos in a Vegetable Farm in cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The fate of chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos and profenofos in sandy loam soil under tropical condition was studied in a vegetable plot in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. The plot was treated with chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos and profenofos according to normal agricultural practices of the Cameron Highlands. Water (runoff and lysimeter), soil and bedload sediment samples were taken according to a sampling schedule. Residues in water, soil and bedload sediment samples were laboratory analysed to determine amount. Chlorothalonil residues were detected in the range of < 0.01–0.08 mg/kg in the soil, < 0.01–0.02 ng/mL in the leachate, < 0.01–0.02 ng/mL in the runoff and < 0.01–0.11mg/kg in the sediment. Field studies of chlorpyrifos showed residue levels of < 0.01–0.06 mg/kg in the soil, < 0.01–0.07 ng/mL in the leachate, < 0.01–0.08 ng/mL in the runoff and < 0.01–0.62 mg/kg in the sediment. Residue levels of profenofos were detected in the range of < 0.01–0.02 mg/kg in the soil, < 0.01–0.87 ng/mL in the leachate, < 0.01–0.08 ng/mL in the runoff and < 0.01–0.35 mg/kg in the sediment. The three pesticides dissipated rapidly, with DT50 (time for 50% loss) of less than two days. The study showed that these pesticides dissipated rapidly under the climatic conditions of the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia.     

Characterization of air emissions and residual ash from open burning of electronic wastes during simulated rudimentary recycling operations

Air emissions and residual ash samples were collected and analyzed during experiments of open, uncontrolled combustion of electronic waste (e-waste), simulating practices associated with rudimentary e-waste recycling operations. Circuit boards and insulated wires were handled separately to simulate processes associated with metal recovery. The average emissions of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) were 92 ng toxic equivalency (TEQ)/kg [n = 2, relative standard deviation (RSD) = 98%] and 11 900 ng TEQ/kg (n = 3, RSD = 50%) of the initial mass of the circuit boards and insulated wire, respectively. The value for the insulated wire is about 100 times higher than that for backyard barrel burning of domestic waste. The emission concentrations of polybrominated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/PBDFs) from the combustion of circuit boards were 100 times higher than for their polychlorinated counterparts. Particulate matter (PM) sampling of the fly ash emissions indicated PM emission factors of approximately 15 and 17 g/kg of the initial mass for the circuit boards and insulated wire, respectively. Fly ash samples from both types of e-waste contained considerable amounts of several metallic elements and halogens; lead concentrations were more than 200 times the United States regulatory limits for municipal waste combustors and 20 times those for secondary lead smelters. Leaching tests of the residual bottom ash showed that lead concentrations exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency landfill limits, designating this ash as a hazardous waste.     

Pore structure and adsorption properties of carbonized material prepared from waste paper

We have already reported the adsorptivity and pore structure of activated carbon made from waste newspaper in order to use the waste paper for purposes other than paper-making stock. However, manufacturing the activated carbon may not necessarily be an advantageous method based on environmental concerns and the effective use of the resource because the reaction during the activating process is endothermic and the amount of carbon consumed is significant. Here, we examine the pore structure and adsorption properties of waste newspaper used as an adsorbent in the form of a carbonized material. Waste newspaper was carbonized for 2 h in the temperature range 400°–1000°C. The specific surface area of the carbonized material obtained, 418 m²/g, was highest for the sample carbonized at 800°C, which was equal to or greater than that of commercially available charcoal. Moreover, the iodine adsorption number of 581 mg/g was the highest and the rate of adsorption was the fastest for the sample carbonized at 800°C. However, the humidity control capability was highest for the material carbonized at 600°–700°C. It has been determined that it is advantageous to carbonize waste paper at 800°C in order to use the carbonized material as an adsorbent, while carbonization at 600°–700°C is more advantageous for use as a humidity control material. Received: June 23, 2000 / Accepted: January 17, 2001     

Determination of nitrous oxide, methane, and ammonia emissions from a swine waste composting process

The amounts of harmful gas emissions from the process of composting swine waste were determined using an experimental composting apparatus. Forced aeration (19.2–96.1 l/m³/min) was carried out continuously, and exhaust gases were collected and analyzed periodically. With weekly turning and the addition of a bulking agent in order to decrease the moisture content and increase air permeability, the temperature of most of the contents rose to 70°C and composting was complete within 3–5 weeks. NH₃, CH₄, and N₂O emissions were high in the early stage of composting. About 10%–25% of the nitrogen in the raw material was lost as NH₃ gas during composting. The emission rate of NH₃ mainly depended on the aeration rate, so that as the aeration rate rose, the level of NH₃ emissions increased. The CH₄ and N₂O emissions could be kept lower with adequate treatment at more than 40 l/m³/min aeration. N₂O may be mainly the result of the denitrification of NO _x -N in the additional matured compost used as a composting accelerator. Received: September 11, 1998 / Accepted: November 8, 1999     

Emission inventory of deca-brominated diphenyl ether (DBDE) in Japan

Atmospheric emissions of deca-brominated diphenyl ether (DBDE) in Japan were estimated based on the material flow of DBDE products and their emission factors. In 2002, the demand for DBDE in Japan was 2200 ton/year and the stock level was about 60 000 ton. The DBDE flow into the waste stream was estimated to be about 6000 ton/year and the flow out through second-hand product exports was more than 700 ton/year. Home appliance recycling facilities dismantle and crush domestic wastes containing about 600 ton of DBDE annually. Material recycling of crushed plastics is not commonly practiced as yet. Emission factors from plastics processing (2 × 10⁻⁹–1 × 10⁻⁷), textile processing (9 × 10⁻⁷), home appliance recycling (8 × 10⁻⁹–5 × 10⁻⁶), and waste incineration (1 × 10⁻⁷–2 × 10⁻⁶) were estimated using field measurement data. The DBDE emission rate through house dust during the service life of final products (2 × 10⁻⁷–9 × 10⁻⁷ per year) was estimated using the DBDE concentration in dust and the amount of dust in used televisions. Emission factors from previous studies were also used. The estimated total DBDE emission was 170–1800 kg/year. These results suggest the necessity of characterizing emissions during the service life of products, which is essential information for formulating an appropriate e-waste recycling strategy.     

Synthesis of Short-chain-length/Medium-chain-length Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Copolymers in Peroxisome of the Transgenic Arabidopsis Thaliana Harboring the PHA Synthase Gene from Pseudomonas sp. 61-3

In this paper, the photosynthetic production of short-chain-length/medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers is reported. The wild-type and highly active doubly mutated PHA synthase 1 (S325T/Q481K, abbreviated ST/QK) genes from Pseudomonas sp. 61-3 were introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana. Peroxisome targeting signal 1 (PTS1) was used to target PHA synthases into the peroxisome to synthesize PHA from the intermediates of the β-oxidation pathway. The transgenic Arabidopsis produced PHA copolymers consisting of 40–57 mol% 3-hydroxybutyrate, 21–49 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate, 8–18 mol% 3-hydroxyhexanoate, and 2–8 mol% 3-hydroxyoctanoate. The maximum PHA contents were 220μ g/g cell dry weight (cdw) in leaves, and 36μ g/g cdw in stems, respectively. The expression of the ST/QK mutated PHA synthase in leaves gene did not lead to significant difference in PHA content and monomer composition of PHAs, compared to the wild-type PHA synthase gene, suggesting that the supply of monomers may be a rate-determining step of PHA biosynthesis in the peroxisome. However, in stems, there were significant differences dependent on whether the wild-type or ST/QK mutated PHA synthase was expressed. These results suggest that tissue-specific monomer availability is important in determining the final mol% composition of PHA copolymers produced by the peroxisome in plants.     

Recovery of biomass cellulose from waste sewage sludge

In our previous work, the primary sludge from wastewater treatment plants was shown to contain a considerable amount of cellulose (about 20%, based on suspended solids) owing to the discharge of toilet paper. For the purpose of using the cellulose as a biomass resource, this study examined a simple method for its recovery. When fibrous cellulose was suspended in 0.3% sulfuric acid and autoclaved at 130°C for 60 min, 85%–88% of the initial solids remained without dissolving. Under these conditions, an activated sludge sample not containing cellulose was strongly hydrolyzed and only 7% of the initial solids remained. The prescribed amounts of cellulose added to the activated sludge sample were quantitatively recovered by the autoclaving treatment. In the treatment of primary sludge containing >20% cellulose, residual solids with relatively high levels of cellulose (>69%) could be obtained. The results indicate that the method proposed here could recover cellulose practically from waste sewage sludge for biomass utilization. Received: July 17, 2000 / Accepted: July 4, 2001     

A survey on characteristics of leachate pond in an offshore municipal solid waste disposal site

Leachate from a landfill is collected and flowed in leachate accumulation pond, and sent to treatment facility. However, leachate in the pond can be a source of complaints from residents due to off coloration or odor, particularly near heavily populated urban areas. In this study, for the purpose of appropriate control of leachate pond, pond water and sediment were sampled in an offshore municipal solid waste disposal site 2 years after the disposal site was closed, and analyzed some parameters to estimate their properties. The pond water had high alkalinity due to the disposal of incineration residues, and EC and COD_Mn were also high. On the other hand, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb did not exceed the Japanese effluent water standards. Total sulfide was detected from all sediment samples during the sampling period, and values in the summer were slightly higher than at other times. To investigate the stabilization of targeted disposal site, the relationships among cumulative liquid/solid ratio (L/S) with pH and Cl^? elution after closing the site were examined. Both parameters showed a direct relationship with cumulative L/S ratio, which can be anticipated to continue increasing in the future.