From waste hot-pot oil as carbon precursor to development of recyclable attapulgite/carbon composites for wastewater treatment

The utilization of waste products as valuable materials was a technical imperative for waste management. In this study, the cost-effective attapulgite/carbon(APT/C) composite was developed for wastewater treatment using waste hot-pot oil as a carbon precursor through a facile one-step calcination process. The APT/C composite prepared at 300°C exhibited the excellent adsorption capacity and rapid equilibrium rate over a broad p H range for the removal of various pollutants. More importantly, the removal ratios of the composites toward Methyl Violet and tetracycline still remained 77.6% and 60.2% of the initial adsorption capacity after ten adsorption–regeneration cycles via a facile thermal regeneration strategy, respectively.Beyond all doubt, this research provided a feasible and economical way for the sustainable utilization of waste hot-pot oil in wastewater treatment, achieving the concept of disposal waste with waste and recycling.     

Acceleration of floc-water separation and floc reduction with magnetic nanoparticles during demulsification of complex waste cutting emulsions

Waste cutting emulsions are difficult to treat efficiently owing to their complex composition and stable emulsified structure. As an important treatment method for emulsions, chemical demulsification is faced with challenges such as low flocs–water separation rates and high sludge production. Hence, in this study, Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were used to enhance chemical demulsification performance for treating waste cutting emulsions under a magnetic field. The addition of MNPs significantly decreased the time required to attain sludge–water separation and sludge compression equilibrium, from 210 to 20 min. In addition, the volume percentage of sludge produced at the equilibrium state was reduced from 45% to 10%. This excellent flocculation–separation performance was stable over a pH range of 3–11. The magnetization of the flocculants and oil droplets to form a flocculant–MNP–oil droplet composite, and the magnetic transfer of the composite were two key processes that enhanced the separation of cutting emulsions. Specifically, the interactions among MNPs, flocculants, and oil droplets were important in the magnetization process, which was controlled by the structures and properties of the three components. Under the magnetic field, the magnetized flocculant–MNP–oil droplet composites were considerably accelerated and separated from water, and the sludge was simultaneously compressed. Thus, this study expands the applicability of magnetic separation techniques in the treatment of complex waste cutting emulsions.     

Removal of high concentrated ammonia nitrogen from landfill leachate by landfilled waste layer

The landfill of municipal solid waste(MSW) could be regarded as denitrification reactor and involved in ammonia nitrogen biological removal process. In this research, the process was applied to municipal solid waste collected in Shanghai, China, which was characterized by high food waste content. The NH4^ removal efficiency in the system of SBR nitrifying reactor followed by fresh and matured landfilled waste layer in series was studied. In the nitrifying reactor, above 90% of NH4^ in leachate was oxidized to NO2^- and NO3^- . Then high concentrated NO2^- and NO3^- were removed in the way of denitrification process in fresh landfilled waste layer. At the same time, degradation of fresh landfilled waste was accelerated. Up to the day 120, 136.5 gC/(kg dry waste) and 17.9 gN/(kg dry waste) were converted from waste layer. It accounted for 50.15 % and 86.89 % of the total carbon and nitrogen content of preliminary fresh waste, which was 4.42 times and 5.17 times higher than that of reference column respectively. After filtering through matured landfilled waste, BOD5 concentration in leachate dropped to below 100 mg/L, which would not affect following nitrification adversely. Because the matured landfilled waste acted as a well methanogenic reactor, 23% of carbon produced accumulatively from fresh landfilled waste degradation was converted into CH4.     

Microwave-assisted regeneration of hypercrosslinked polymeric adsorbent saturated with nitrophenols

Thermal regeneration ofhypercrosslinked polymeric adsorbent （HPA） was performed at 67℃. Experiments were carried out using a multimode microwave oven operating at 2450 MHz and a thermostatic water bath so as to compare the effect of the different heating mechanisms on the regeneration efficiency of the HPA saturated with nitrophenols. The temperature rise action of the heterogeneous regeneration system under microwave irradiation was described. Additionally, a complete structure and chemical characterization of the regenerated HPA was also carried out in order to study the influence of the subsequent regeneration cycles on the structure and the adsorption capacities of the adsorbents. Structure characterization of the regenerated HPA was accomplished by means of the analysis of FTIR spectra.     

A novel strategy of tannery sludge disposal –converting into biochar and reusing for Cr(Ⅵ)removal from tannery wastewater

Tannery sludge with high chromium content has been identified as hazardous solid waste due to its potential toxic effects.The safety disposal and valorization of the tannery sludge remains a challenge.In this study,the chromium stabilization mechanism was systematically investigated during chromium-rich tannery sludge was converted to biochar and the removal performance of the sludge biochar (SBC) for Cr(Ⅵ) from tannery wastewater was also investigated.The results showed that increase in pyrolys...     

Emissions of particulate matter and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from agricultural diesel engine fueled with degummed, deacidified mixed crude palm oil blends

Mixed crude palm oil(MCPO),the mixture of palm fiber oil and palm kernel oil,has become of great interest as a renewable energy source.It can be easily extracted from whole dried palm fruits.In the present work,the degummed,deacidified MCPO was blended in petroleum diesel at portions of 30% and 40% by volume and then tested in agricultural diesel engines for long term usage.The particulates from the exhaust of the engines were collected every 500 hr using a four-stage cascade air sampler.The 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameters for the first three stages were 10,2.5 and 1μm,while the last stage collected all particles smaller than 1μm.Sixteen particle bounded polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) were analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatography.The results indicated that the size distribution of particulate matter was in the accumulation mode and the pattern of total PAHs associated with fine-particles(< 1μm) showed a dominance of larger molecular weight PAHs(4-6 aromatic rings),especially pyrene.The mass median diameter,PM and total PAH concentrations decreased when increasing the palm oil content,but increased when the running hours of the engine were increased.In addition,Commercial petroleum diesel(PB0) gave the highest value of carcinogenic potency equivalent(BaP eq) for all particle size ranges.As the palm oil was increased,the BaP eq decreased gradually.Therefore the degummed-deacidified MCPO blends are recommended for diesel substitute.     

Test of membrane bioreactor for waste water treatment in a petrochemical complex

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) used in water and waste water treatment is a developing technique for water pollution control and water reuse. This paper describes a membrane-bioreactor for treatment of waste water in a petrochemical complex. The experimental MBR was a lab scale one composed of an activated sludge bioreactor unit and an ultrafiltration membrane unit. The relationship of COD removal with MLSS and HRT in this MBR was studied. The effects of crossflow velocity, backwash interval and volume of flush liquid on the flux were discussed. The results showed that average removal of COD, oil, SS and turbidity in petrochemical waste water by the MBR was 91%, 86%, 92% and 99% respectively. The average removal of NH₃-N and total phosphorous was 85% and 82%. A coefficient of COD removal, k, was 0.017-0.080 L/(mg.d). The membrane flux maintained higher than 60 L/hm2 bar for 34 days without chemical cleaning when the velocity of crossflow was 3.5-3.9 m/s and the backwash interval was 30 minutes and backwash duration at 20 seconds. The results indicated that it is feasible for MBR technology to be used in petrochemical waste water treatment. The treated water could be considered as a source used to make up water for industrial cooling system or to be reused for other purposes.     

Regenerable adsorbent for removing ammonia evolved from anaerobic reaction of animal urine

The waste gas evolved from biodegradation of animal urine contains ammonia causing environmental concerns. A new and effective method for removing ammonia from such waste gas using reactive adsorption is presented. In the process, activated carbon impregnated with H2SO4（H2SO4/C） is employed. Ammonia in the waste gas reacts with H2SO4 on the adsorbent instantaneously and completely to form （NIL）2SO4. The H2SO4/C adsorbent is high in NH3 adsorption capacity and regenerable. The NH3 removal capacity of this regenerable adsorbent is more than 30 times that of the adsorbents used normally in the industry. The spent H2SO4/C is regenerated by flowing low-pressure steam through the adsorbent bed to remove the （NH4）2SO4 from the adsorbent. The regeneration by-product is concentrated （NH4）2SO4 solution, which is a perfect liquid fertilizer for local use. Re-soaking the activated carbon with H2SO4 solution rejuvenates the activity of the adsorbent. Thus the H2SOJC can be reused repeatedly. In the mechanism of this reactive adsorption process, trace of H20 in the waste gas is a required, which lends itself to treating ammonia gas saturated with moisture from biodegradation of animal urine.     

An environmental approach for used oil management in Asian cities: a Bangkok' s experience

This paper addresses increasing concern about the pollution threat of used oil being illegally dumped and the impact of oil on air pollution and freshwater ecosystems in Asian countries. Used oil is a very serious waste management problem. These results call for management action such as maximising the collection and recovery of used oil. The Thai government recognizes the need to recycle used oil and has been active in encouraging programs to accomplish this goal. Thus unless new approaches and incentives are developed, used oil generation may become an increasing serious problem to our environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the technical and economic feasibility, of recycling used oils. In addition, this paper briefly discusses the problems to be overcome and outlines potential mechanisms for providing the necessary disposal controls in order to maximize the protection to public health and environmental quality from potential hazards posed by used lube oil disposal.     

Adsorption behavior of sulfamethazine in an activated sludge process treating swine wastewater

Swine wastewater is an important pollution source of antibiotics entering the aquatic environment. In this work,the adsorption behavior of sulfamethazine(SMN),a commonlyused sulfonamide antibiotic,on activated sludge from a sequencing batch reactor treating swine wastewater was investigated. The results show that the adsorption of SMN on activated sludge was an initially rapid process and reached equilibrium after 6 hr. The removal efficiency of SMN from the water phase increased with an increasing concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids,while the adsorbed concentration of SMN decreased. Solution pH influenced both the speciation of SMN and the surface properties of activated sludge,thus significantly impacting the adsorption process. A linear partition model could give a good fit for the equilibrium concentrations of SMN at the test temperatures(i.e.,10,20 and 30°C). The partition coefficient(Kd) was determined to be 100.5 L/kg at 20°C,indicating a quite high adsorption capacity for SMN. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that SMN adsorption on activated sludge was an exothermic process. This study could help to clarify the fate and behavior of sulfonamide antibiotics in the activated sludge process and assess consequent environmental risks arising from sludge disposal as well.     

典型废矿物油中苯系物的污染特性及其再生利用中的迁移转化

分别对6种不同的废矿物油、废矿物油再生中的原料油、半成品油、成品油和废弃物中的苯系物(全称苯及衍生物,简称BTEX)污染特征进行了系统分析.结果表明,6种不同的废矿物油中,苯系物总含量大小为:废机油(3569.8 mg·kg~(-1))废淬火油(531.9 mg·kg~(-1))废铸造用油(314.8 mg·kg~(-1))废防锈油(96.5 mg·kg~(-1))废液压油(42.3 mg·kg~(-1))废润滑油(11.7 mg·kg~(-1)),这与苯系物的来源及油品的工作环境有关.再生利用过程中的原料及产品中,苯系物总含量大小为:半成品油(5516.2 mg·kg~(-1))成品油(2692.5 mg·kg~(-1))原料油(756.3mg·kg~(-1)),这与原料油催化裂解过程中新的苯系物的生成,以及半成品油吸附精制过程中部分苯系物被吸附有关.再生过程中产生的废弃物中,苯系物总含量大小为:酸渣(1368.9 mg·kg~(-1))废白土(382.1 mg·kg~(-1))沉淀油渣(145.3 mg·kg~(-1))废吸附沙(121.0 mg·kg~(-1))裂解残渣(25.7 mg·kg~(-1)),这与废矿物油再生处理工艺和方法有关.     

Characteristics of particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emitted from industrial grade biomass boilers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) are carcinogenic or mutagenic and are important toxic pollutants in the flue gas of boilers. Two industrial grade biomass boilers were selected to investigate the characteristics of particulate-bound PAHs: one biomass boiler retro-fitted from an oil boiler(BB1) and one specially designed(BB2) biomass boiler. One coal-fired boiler was also selected for comparison. By using a dilution tunnel system, particulate samples from boilers were collected and 10 PAH species were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS). The total emission factors(EFs) of PAHs ranged from 0.0064 to0.0380 mg/kg, with an average of 0.0225 mg/kg, for the biomass boiler emission samples. The total PAH EFs for the tested coal-fired boiler were 1.8 times lower than the average value of the biomass boilers. The PAH diagnostic ratios for wood pellets and straw pellets were similar.The ratio of indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene/[indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene + benzo(g,h,i)perylene] for the two biomass boilers was lower than those of the reference data for other burning devices, which can probably be used as an indicator to distinguish the emission of biomass boilers from that of industrial coal-fired boilers and residential stoves. The toxic potential of the emission from wood pellet burning was higher than that from straw pellet burning, however both of them were much lower than residential stove exhausts.     

Seasonal variations in the concentration and removal of nonylphenol ethoxylates from the wastewater of a sewage treatment plant

In this study, we investigated the occurrence and fate of nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO) and nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO) in a full scale sewage treatment plant, which applied an Anaerobic/Oxic process. Concentrations of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO in the wastewater were measured during the period spanning a whole year. The results showed remarkable seasonal variation in the concentrations of the compounds. The NPnEO compounds were most abundant in winter, with the total concentrations of influent NP, NP1EO and NP2EO ranging from 3900 to 7000 ng/L, 4000 to 4800 ng/L and 5200 to 7200 ng/L, respectively. Regarding the total removal efficiencies of the three types of short-chain NPnEO compounds, different trends were exhibited according to different seasons. The average removal efficiency of NP for the different seasons ranked as follows: winter > summer > autumn > spring; NP2EO concentrations decreased as follows: summer > autumn > winter > spring, while NP1EO concentrations reduced according to: spring > summer > autumn > winter. We also investigated the contribution ratio of individual treatment units in the A/O process, with the findings suggesting that the anaerobic treatment unit plays an important role in the elimination of short-chain NPnEOs from the wastewater.     

Importance of storage time in mesophilic anaerobic digestion of food waste

Storage was used as a pretreatment to enhance the methanization performance of mesophilic anaerobic digestion of food waste. Food wastes were separately stored for 0, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 12 days, and then fed into a methanogenic reactor for a biochemical methane potential(BMP) test lasting up to 60 days. Relative to the methane production of food waste stored for 0–1 day(285–308 m L/g-added volatile solids(VSadded)), that after2–4 days and after 5–12 days of storage increased to 418–530 and 618–696 m L/g-VSadded,respectively. The efficiency of hydrolysis and acidification of pre-stored food waste in the methanization reactors increased with storage time. The characteristics of stored waste suggest that methane production was not correlated with the total hydrolysis efficiency of organics in pre-stored food waste but was positively correlated with the storage time and acidification level of the waste. From the results, we recommend 5–7 days of storage of food waste in anaerobic digestion treatment plants.     

Profiles and removal efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by two different types of sewage treatment plants in Hong Kong

Sewage discharge could be a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in the coastal waters. Stonecutters Island and Shatin Sewage Treatment Works(SCISTW and STSTW)in Hong Kong, adopted chemically enhanced primary treatment and biological treatment,respectively. This study aimed at(1) determining the removal efficiencies of PAHs,(2) comparing the capabilities in removing PAHs, and(3) characterizing the profile of each individual PAHs, in the two sewage treatment plants(STPs). Quantification of 16 PAHs was conducted by a Gas Chromatography. The concentrations of total PAHs decreased gradually along the treatment processes(from 301 ± 255 and 307 ± 217 ng/L to 14.9 ± 12.1 and 63.3 ± 54.1 ng/L in STSTW and SCISTW, respectively). It was noted that STSTW was more capable in removing total PAHs than SCISTW with average total removal efficiency 94.4% ± 4.12% vs. 79.2% ± 7.48%(p 0.05). The removal of PAHs was probably due to sorption in particular matter, confirmed by the higher distribution coefficient of individual and total PAHs in solid samples(dewatered sludge contained92.5% and 74.7% of total PAHs in SCISTW and STSTW, respectively) than liquid samples(final effluent-total contained 7.53% and 25.3% of total PAHs in STSTW and SCISTW, respectively).Despite the impressive capability of STSTW and SCISTW in removing PAHs, there was still a considerable amount of total PAHs(1.85 and 39.3 kg/year, respectively for the two STPs) being discharged into Hong Kong coastal waters, which would be an environmental concern.     

低环多环芳烃异位热脱附行为分析

随着我国工业和城镇的快速发展,化石能源的大量使用使得环境中多环芳烃(PAHs)残留量不断增加,给环境和人体健康带来严重危害.以2～4环PAHs为研究对象,探讨了热脱附温度、时间以及PAHs自身结构对热脱附效果的影响,简要分析了热脱附处理对土壤性质的影响,评估了管式炉热脱附的能耗.结果表明:低环PAHs的脱附率随着脱附温...     

Emission of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) during the aerobic decomposition of orange wastes

Oxygenated volatile organic compounds(OVOCs) emitted from orange wastes during aerobic decomposition were investigated in a laboratory-controlled incubator for a period of two months. Emission of total OVOCs(TOVOCs) from orange wastes reached 1714 mg/dry kg(330 mg/wet kg). Ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, 2-butanone and acetaldehyde were the most abundant OVOC species with shares of 26.9%, 24.8%, 20.3%, 13.9%, 2.8%and 2.5%, respectively, in the TOVOCs released. The emission fluxes of the above top five OVOCs were quite trivial in the beginning but increased sharply to form one "peak emission window" with maximums at days 1–8 until leveling off after 10 days. This type of "peak emission window" was synchronized with the CO2 fluxes and incubation temperature of the orange wastes, indicating that released OVOCs were mainly derived from secondary metabolites of orange substrates through biotic processes rather than abiotic processes or primary volatilization of the inherent pool in oranges. Acetaldehyde instead had emission fluxes decreasing sharply from its initial maximum to nearly zero in about four days,suggesting that it was inherent rather than secondarily formed. For TOVOCs or all OVOC species except 2-butanone and acetone, over 80% of their emissions occurred during the first week, implying that organic wastes might give off a considerable amount of OVOCs during the early disposal period under aerobic conditions.     

CO2 sequestration utilizing basic-oxygen furnace slag: Controlling factors, reaction mechanisms and V–Cr concerns

Basic-oxygen furnace slag(BOF-slag) contains 35%CaO,a potential component for CO_2sequestration.In this study,slag-water-CO_2 reaction experiments were conducted with the longest reaction duration extending to 96 hr under high CO_2 pressures of 100-300 kg/cm2 to optimize BOF-slag carbonation conditions,to address carbonation mechanisms,and to evaluate the extents of V and Cr release from slag carbonation.The slag carbonation degree generally reached the maximum values after 24 hr slag-water-CO_2 reaction and was controlled by slag particle size and reaction temperature.The maximum carbonation degree of 71%was produced from the experiment using fine slag of0.5 mm under 100℃and a CO_2 pressure of 250 kg/cm~2 with a water/slag ratio of 5.Vanadium release from the slag to water was significantly enhanced(generally 2 orders) by slag carbonation.In contrast,slag carbonation did not promote chromium release until the reaction duration exceeded 24 hr.However,the water chromium content was generally at least an order lower than the vanadium concentration,which decreased when the reaction duration exceeded 24 hr.Therefore,long reaction durations of 48-96 hr are proposed to reduce environmental impacts while keeping high carbonation degrees.Mineral textures and water compositions indicated that Mg-wustite,in addition to CaO-containing minerals,can also be carbonated.Consequently,the conventional expression that only considered carbonation of the CaO-containing minerals undervalued the CO_2 sequestration capability of the BOF-slag by~20%.Therefore,the BOF-slag is a better CO_2 storage medium than that previously recognized.     

Comparative composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sea water-soluble fractions of different Kuwaiti crude oils

The sea water-soluble fractions (WSFs) of 10 different crude oils, produced from Kuwaiti oil fields, were investigated for the composition of their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their methylated homologs. The results indicate that the total PAHs in the WSFs ranged from 171 to 2176 μg/l. The WSFs prepared from the oil from northern oil fields generally contained higher levels of PAHs. Naphthalene and its homologs formed the bulk of the PAHs (ranging from 88.4 to 97.5% of the total PAHs). Significant levels of fluorene, phenanthrene and their homologs were also present in all of the WSFs. PAHs higher than phenanthrene were also detected at very low concentrations. The PAHs in the WSFs of the crude oils were compared with those in Kuwaiti crude oil (export), and the crude export was found to contain relatively lower levels of PAHs.     

设施栽培对土壤与蔬菜中PAHs污染特征及其健康风险评价

利用现场设施栽培试验,研究了大棚内外土壤、蔬菜(生菜、苋菜、空心菜和青菜)及蔬菜生长期内湿沉降样品中16种PAHs的含量特征、可能来源以及对人的健康风险.结果表明,大棚内外蔬菜中PAHs含量平均值分别为99.27 ng·g~(-1)和109.11 ng·g~(-1);棚内外土壤中PAHs含量分别为128.01 ng·g~(-1)和173.07 ng·g~(-1).棚内PAHs含量明显低于棚外,棚内外土壤与蔬菜体内的PAHs均以低环为主.湿沉降颗粒态与溶解态PAHs含量分别为2 986.49 ng·g~(-1)和61.9 ng·L~(-1).通过分析蔬菜对土壤中PAHs的生物富集系数发现蔬菜对低环PAHs富集系数较大.土壤与蔬菜中PAHs主要来源为石油排放和草、木和煤的燃烧;湿沉降颗粒态中PAHs主要来源为油类排放与草、木和煤的燃烧;溶解态主要来源为化石燃料的燃烧和汽油排放.分析终身暴露致癌风险,儿童与成人食用不同种类蔬菜的终身暴露致癌风险值ILCR在10-6~10-4(排除苋菜)之间,都存在潜在致癌风险,棚外蔬菜致癌风险高于棚内,相比较其他3种蔬菜食用苋菜(ILCR10-6)的致癌风险最低,青菜的终身暴露风险ILCR10-5,有较高的致癌风险.