Developing Effective Decision Support for the Application of “Gentle” Remediation Options: The GREENLAND Project

Gentle remediation options (GRO) are risk management strategies/technologies that result in a net gain (or at least no gross reduction) in soil function as well as risk management. They encompass a number of technologies, including the use of plant (phyto‐), fungi (myco‐), and/or bacteria‐based methods, with or without chemical soil additives or amendments, for reducing contaminant transfer to local receptors by in situ stabilization, or extraction, transformation, or degradation of contaminants. Despite offering strong benefits in terms of risk management, deployment costs, and sustainability for a range of site problems, the application of GRO as practical on‐site remedial solutions is still in its relative infancy, particularly for metal(loid)‐contaminated sites. A key barrier to wider adoption of GRO relates to general uncertainties and lack of stakeholder confidence in (and indeed knowledge of) the feasibility or reliability of GRO as practical risk management solutions. The GREENLAND project has therefore developed a simple and transparent decision support framework for promoting the appropriate use of gentle remediation options and encouraging participation of stakeholders, supplemented by a set of specific design aids for use when GRO appear to be a viable option. The framework is presented as a three phased model or Decision Support Tool (DST), in the form of a Microsoft Excel‐based workbook, designed to inform decision‐making and options appraisal during the selection of remedial approaches for contaminated sites. The DST acts as a simple decision support and stakeholder engagement tool for the application of GRO, providing a context for GRO application (particularly where soft end‐use of remediated land is envisaged), quick reference tables (including an economic cost calculator), and supporting information and technical guidance drawing on practical examples of effective GRO application at trace metal(loid) contaminated sites across Europe. This article introduces the decision support framework. ©2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

SITE Program Success: Cost Savings to Government and Increased Revenue for Technology Vendors

The Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program is a program mandated by Congress through the 1986 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The original Superfund allowed no provisions for research and development of needed remediation technologies. Problems arose when the demand for involved, complex treatment could not be met by the traditional contain, haul, and dispose process that hazardous waste handlers had become familiar with. In response to the increasing complexity of hazardous waste site remediation, SARA called for an “Alternative or Innovative Treatment Technology Research and Demonstration Program.” As a result, EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response and the Office of Research and Development established the SITE program. This article is a historical analysis of the unique cost savings of the SITE program.     

某化工园区废水处理工程设计实例

采用“分质调节—混凝沉淀—厌氧水解—缺氧生物处理—好氧生物处理”工艺处理某化工园区以氟化工和精细化工废水为主的工业废水。工程运行结果表明：废水经处理后,COD=35 mg/L,TN=5.2 mg/L,ρ（NH₃-N）=3.1 mg/L,TP=0.15 mg/L;COD,TN,NH₃-N,TP的去除率分别为91.1％,67.1％,70.5％,89.3％;出水达到DB 32/T1072—2007《太湖地区城镇污水处理厂及重点工业行业主要水污染物排放限值》中的排放标准。工程设计规模1.0×10⁴ m³/d,工程总投资约5 000 万元,直接运行费用1.50 元/m³。每年减少COD,TN,NH₃-N,TP的排放量分别约为1 324.6,38.69,11.05,4.56 t。该工程的实施明显改善了区域水环境,为太湖流域污染的治理提供了技术支撑。     

Smoldering Combustion (STAR) for the Treatment of Contaminated Soils: Examining Limitations and Defining Success

Smoldering combustion, commercially available as the Self‐sustaining Treatment for Active Remediation (STAR) technology, is an innovative technique that has shown promise for the remediation of contaminant source zones. Smoldering combustion is an exothermic reaction (net energy producing) converting carbon compounds and an oxidant (e.g., oxygen in air) to carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Thus, following ignition, the smoldering combustion reaction can continue in a self‐sustaining manner (i.e., no external energy or added fuel input following ignition) as the heat generated by the reacting contaminants is used to preheat and initiate combustion of contaminants in adjacent areas, propagating a combustion front through the contaminated zone provided a sufficient flux of air is supplied. The STAR technology has applicability across a wide‐range of hydrocarbons in a variety of hydrogeologic settings; however, there are limitations to its use. Impacted soils must be permeable enough to allow a sufficient flux of air to the combustion front and there exists a minimum required concentration of contaminants such that the soils contain sufficient fuel for the reaction to proceed in a self‐sustaining manner. Further limitations, as well as lessons learned and methods to mitigate these limitations, are presented through a series of case studies. In summary, the successful implementation of STAR will result in >99 percent reduction in contaminant concentrations in treated areas, limited residual contaminant mass, reduced groundwater contaminant mass flux which can be addressed through monitored natural attenuation; and an enhanced site exit strategy, reduced lifecycle costs, and reduced risk. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effective low-temperature thermal aeration of soils

Low-temperature thermal aeration (LTTA) is a remedial technology developed by Canonie Environmental Services Corp. (Canonie) for use on soils containing nonchlorinated hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorinated pesticides, and low levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The LTTA system separates these hazardous constituents from excavated soils and allows the treated soils to be redeposited on-site without restriction. This article describes the various components and operation of LTTA systems for the remediation of soils contaminated with chlorinated and nonchlorinated constituents. The article also details the results of projects completed to date, principally for soil impacted with chlorinated hydrocarbons, and discusses the general characteristics and results of systems used for soils contaminated with nonchlorinated hydrocarbons (gasoline, etc.).     

浅谈太阳能电池生产用超纯水的工程设计

宜兴某太阳能电池生产厂以市政自来水作为太阳能电池生产用的纯水水源,该工程以超滤( UF )、反渗透( RO)和电除盐( EDI)的全膜法工艺为主,投产运行3年的结果表明,系统性能稳定,出水水质大大优于太阳能电池生产用水水质标准,可达到超纯水水质标准。     

Cost‐Effective Sediment Dredge Disposal Options for Small Craft Harbors in Canada

Sediment dredge disposal options were reviewed to improve cost‐effectiveness and environmental safety for dredging of coastal sediments at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Small Craft Harbours (DFO‐SCH) program in Canada. Historically, contaminated dredge sediments exceeding federal guidelines were disposed of in nearby landfills. Recent federal regulatory changes in sediment quality guidelines adopted by provincial regulators in Canada has resulted in updates to guidelines for disposal of contaminated solids in landfills. Updates now require specific and general disposal options for contaminated dredge material destined for land‐based disposal, resulting in more expensive disposal in containment cells (if contaminated sediments exceed federal guidelines). However, as part of this study, a leachate testing method was applied to contaminated sediments to simulate migration of potential contaminants in groundwater. Using this approach, leachate quality was compared to federal freshwater criteria and drinking water quality guidelines for compliance with new regulations. Leachate testing performed on the highest sediment contaminant concentrations triggered less than 2 percent potable water exceedances, meaning that most dredge spoils could be disposed of in privately owned or provincially operated landfill sites, providing less expensive disposal options compared to containment cell disposal. Current dredge disposal practices were reviewed at 35 harbor sites across Nova Scotia and their limitations identified in a gap analysis. Improved site management was developed following this review and consultation with interested marine stakeholders. New disposal options and chemical analyses were proposed, along with improvements to cost efficiencies for management of dredged marine sediments in Atlantic Canada. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effective dialogue: Enhanced public engagement as a legitimising tool for municipal waste management decision-making

The complexity of municipal waste management decision-making has increased in recent years, accompanied by growing scrutiny from stakeholders, including local communities. This complexity reflects a socio-technical framing of the risks and social impacts associated with selecting technologies and sites for waste treatment and disposal facilities. Consequently there is growing pressure on local authorities for stakeholders (including communities) to be given an early opportunity to shape local waste policy in order to encourage swift planning, development and acceptance of the technologies needed to meet statutory targets to divert waste from landfill. This paper presents findings from a research project that explored the use of analytical–deliberative processes as a legitimising tool for waste management decision-making. Adopting a mixed methods approach, the study revealed that communicating the practical benefits of more inclusive forms of engagement is proving difficult even though planning and policy delays are hindering development and implementation of waste management infrastructure. Adopting analytical–deliberative processes at a more strategic level will require local authorities and practitioners to demonstrate how expert-citizen deliberations may foster progress in resolving controversial issues, through change in individuals, communities and institutions. The findings suggest that a significant shift in culture will be necessary for local authorities to realise the potential of more inclusive decision processes. This calls for political actors and civic society to collaborate in institutionalising public involvement in both strategic and local planning structures.     

Thermally Stable Pyrolytic Biocarbon as an Effective and Sustainable Reinforcing Filler for Polyamide Bio-composites Fabrication

Natural fibers are limited in their use as reinforcement to commodity polymers. They cannot be used to reinforce engineering polymers due to their low thermal stability at high processing temperatures. This study presents an approach to successfully reinforce polyamides using a derivative of natural fibers as reinforcement without the effects of thermal degradation during melt processing. Biocarbon from miscanthus fibers was used to reinforce polyamide 6 up to 40 wt%. At 40 wt% filler content, the tensile and flexural strengths increased by 19.6 and 47% respectively in comparison to the neat polyamide. The moduli were also increased by 31.5 and 63.7% respectively. A maximum increase in impact strength of 43.7% was achieved at 20 wt% biocarbon loading. The morphology of the tensile fractured samples showed stretched polyamide ligaments attached to the biocarbon particles, indicating the presence of interaction between filler and matrix. Interestingly, more bonded interfaces were observed between the polyamide and biocarbon particles with increasing biocarbon content possibly stemming from increased biocarbon surfaces with functional groups. These composites show great potential to substitute in part or whole, some particulate filled polyamides currently used in the automotive industry.     

Effective pine bark composting with the dome aeration technology

In South Africa garden refuse is primarily disposed of in domestic landfills. Due to the large quantities generated, any form of treatment would be beneficial for volume reduction, waste stabilization and resource recovery. Dome Aeration Technology (DAT) is an advanced process for aerobic biological degradation of garden refuse and general waste [Paar, S., Brummack, J., Gemende, B., 1999a. Advantages of dome aeration in mechanical-biological waste treatment. In: Proceedings of the 7th International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium, Cagliari, 4-8 October 1999; Paar, S., Brummack, J., Gemende, B., 1999b. Mechanical-biological waste stabilization by the dome aeration method. Environment Protection Engineering 25 (3/99). Mollekopf, N., Brummack, J., Paar, S., Vorster, K., 2002. Use of the Dome Aeration Technology for biochemical stabilization of waste prior to landfilling. In: Proceedings of the Wastecon 2002, Waste Congress and Exhibition, Durban, South Africa.]. It is a non-reactor open windrow composting process, with the main advantage being that the input material needs no periodic turning. A rotting time of only 3-4 months indicates the high efficiency. Additionally, the low capital/operational costs, low energy inputs and limited plant requirements provide potential for use in aerobic refuse stabilization. The innovation in the DAT process is the passive aeration achieved by thermally driven advection through open windrows caused by temperature differences between the degrading material and the outside environment. This paper investigates the application of Dome Aeration Technology to pine bark composting as part of an integrated waste management strategy. A full-scale field experiment was performed at the Bisasar Road Landfill Site in Durban to assess the influence of climate, waste composition and operational conditions on the process. A test windrow was constructed and measurements of temperature and airflow through the material were taken. The process monitoring revealed that prevailing climatic conditions in a subtropical location do not affect the high efficiency of this technology. However, the composition of the input material can be detrimental for production of high quality compost because of a lack of nitrate.     

Effective contaminant detection networks in uncertain groundwater flow fields

A mass transport simulation model tested seven contaminant detection-monitoring networks under a 40 degrees range of groundwater flow directions. Each monitoring network contained five wells located 40 m from a rectangular landfill. The 40-m distance (lag) was measured in different directions, depending upon the strategy used to design a particular monitoring network. Lagging the wells parallel to the central flow path was more effective than alternative design strategies. Other strategies allowed higher percentages of leaks to migrate between monitoring wells. Results of this study suggest that centrally lagged groundwater monitoring networks perform most effectively in uncertain groundwater-flow fields.     

Effective Waste Management: Understanding And Dealing With Public Concerns

Effective waste management is dependent upon achieving informed consensus amongst interested parties. Public concerns and opposition present a challenge to this consensus which must be tackled. This paper reviews our understanding of the basis of public concerns about waste management activities and suggests some means for dealing with these. The paper identifies a need for better understanding of the complexity of concerns, which are based not only upon risk perceptions but also a lack of trust and credibility in waste managers, decision-makers, and the decision processes and control mechanisms for waste facility siting and operation. Suggestions for dealing with these concerns are discussed relating to risk communication, improving decision processes, the control and management of waste activities, and improvement in "expert" understanding of the risks.     

氟化工建设项目清洁生产评价

针对某大型氟化工项目,从氟化工产业链的发展、清洁生产控制指标、持续清洁生产等方面分析评价了该企业所采取的清洁生产措施。指出企业在以后的生产过程中应密切关注产品生产新工艺的进展,研究对原有工艺参数的优化,完善环境管理制度,不断探索先进的管理经验,从源头消减污染物的产生量,提高企业经济效益。     

环境治理工程评标的双基点模型及应用

动用多指标综合排序的双基点法，建立了环境治理工程评标的数学模型。应用实例表明，该模型可以为环境治理工程评标提供客观、合理的方法。     

Effective Removal of Dyes from Aqueous Solutions by a Gelatin Hydrogel

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Adsorptive removal of dyes from industrial wastewater has attracted intensive interests in recent years. Hydrogels is a kind of promising adsorbent in dyes...     

Injectable Methylcellulose and Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Containing Silver Nanoparticles for Their Effective Anti-microbial and Wound Healing Activity After Fracture Surgery

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Currently, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was utilized for various life-saving biomedical applications. Herein, we report the synthesis and...     

Economical Method for Producing Nascent Iodine Products with Aprotic Solvents (NMP,DMSO) Possessing Highly Effective Antimicrobial Properties

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polar and aprotic solvents when used as solvents separately on the antimicrobial activity of nascent...     

Why Critical Loads of Acidity and N for Soils Should be Based on Pollutant Effective Concentrations Rather Than Deposition Fluxes

Numerous assumptions have been made over the past 17 years when calculating critical loads for soils, both for acidity (based upon base cation steady state mass balances (SMB)) and for N (eutrophication, based upon N mass balances), often without all the assumptions being explicitly stated. The tacit assumptions that the author believes to be implicit in the SMB approach are critically reviewed, with particular reference to upland regions where slope processes are highly significant. It is concluded that many of them cannot be justified, especially those that involve ignoring many key processes known to be important to biogeochemical cycling and soil evolution in upland catchments. The evidence presented suggests that critical loads of acidity and of N for soils should be based upon effective pollutant and, for acidity, also effective base cation deposition concentrations, rather than upon pollutant deposition fluxes. This is because of the dominant role of cation exchange equilibria, rather than weathering rate, in regulation of the pH and base status of the more acidification-sensitive soils, and because of the importance of transport down slope of base cations, alkalinity and N species.     

水杨酸甲酯废水及水杨酰胺废水处理工程实例

水杨酸甲酯废水及水杨酰胺废水有机物浓度高、难以直接生物降解.采用"树脂吸附—吹脱—UASB—A/O"组合工艺处理该类废水,实际运行结果表明,出水水质能达到GB 8978—1996《污水综合排放标准》中第二类污染物的三级标准,运行经济可靠且能回收水杨酸甲酯及水杨酰胺.