Integrated environmental assessment and pollution prevention in Vietnam: the case of anthracite production

Using the concept of life cycle analysis, the whole life cycle of anthracite production in Vietnam was assessed and the environmental “hot-spots” were identified. These include (i) dust pollution at coal transfer points or piles in storage; (ii) noise pollution resulting from the usage of heavy equipment, and (iii) high volume of acid and turbid mine water discharged into the environment.Pollution prevention and treatment options were identified and discussed in this study which consists of wet treatment of dust, planning, collection and treatment of mine water, planting of trees for dust and noise reduction as well as minimization of erosion. Some recommendations are made for pollution abatement from coal production and improvement of anthracite production in the region.     

Towards cleaner technologies in small and micro enterprises: a process-based case study of foundry industry in India

In 1991, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) established a program to support developing countries in protecting the global environment. In collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, SDC India selected the foundry industry as one of the prominent areas in which to introduce environment-friendly technologies. In this paper, we focus on the process by which the SDC–TERI partnership developed and demonstrated an energy-efficient divided-blast cupola (DBC) and a highly effective pollution control device. We also discuss the measures taken to aid replication of these technologies, and to improve the socio-economic conditions of foundry workers.     

Factors to consider before production and commercialization of aquatic genetically modified organisms: the case of transgenic salmon

Many genetically modified plants have been developed, and four of them (soya, maize, cotton, and colza) representing more than 99% of commercial crops, are widely distributed, mainly in the United States and in America [ISAAA, 2006. Report on global status on biotech/GM crops, Brief 35. International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications organization, US]. Yet all over the world policy is still in development in regard to authorization of modified plants and modified and/or cloned animals for food or feed and for their environmental release. The most advanced animal commercial projects concern various fish species, more easy to genetically transform, notably because conception and development take place in water and easy access to numerous eggs. A request for authorization to introduce genetically modified (GM) salmon onto the market has been presented to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US. In the interim, questions have been raised concerning the impacts of transgenic salmon, modified for productivity, on aquaculture, wildlife, ecosystems and on human health. Herein we review these scientific studies and sanitary, environmental, social and economic arguments. This paper analyses current gaps in the knowledge of the impacts of transgenic fish and proposes legislation orientations necessary for environmental and sanitary protection, should the marketing of animal genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be authorized.     

A process integration approach to industrial water conservation: a case study for an Indian starch industry

A case study for water using network of a Starch industry in the state of Gujarat, India, is undertaken with an aim to reduce demineralised water and freshwater flow rates and consequently the wastewater flow rate. The problem was identified as a multi contaminant, reuse and recycle problem. The freshwater consumption and demineralised water consumption were 100 t/h and 51 t/h respectively before modification and the network was dealing with three major contaminants such as total organic content, total dissolved solids and total suspended solids. A program was developed in MATLAB for analysis using Water Pinch. The improved water using network designed for the present work consumed less demineralised and freshwater. The reductions are of the tune of 28% and 64.38% for demineralised and fresh water respectively. Due to alteration in piping, there will be a saving of 406 026 INR per year, which will be utilized for development of efficient environment policy for the company. The entire concept had been implemented on plant level on 1st February-2009 and the reductions are of the tune of 25% and 60% for demineralised and fresh water respectively.     

Innovation cycles,niches and sustainability in the shrimp aquaculture industry in Thailand

In this paper we explain how a shift from culture of the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) to the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) took place during 2002–6 in Thailand. We use system innovation theory to help explain how niche substitution led to a regime change within a Thai aquaculture industry trying to maintain international competitiveness but under pressures from a global landscape in which consumers are increasingly concerned with health and ecological sustainability. Support from a vertically integrated major firm, an extensive foundation of learning networks within the industry, and early profitability made the scaling-up and embedding of the experiment with white shrimp very rapid once the formal ban on import of exotic broodstock was lifted. Disease management with domesticated, specific pathogen-free strains of white shrimp has proven much easier than with black shrimp still dependent on capture of wild broodstock. Moreover relative production costs are lower. The switch in species had significant consequences for the environment and firms. Using life cycle analysis we found that rearing white shrimp requires less resource and produces less waste than black shrimp. The shift in regime, however, also made it more difficult for small farms and hatchery businesses.     

Cleaner production measures in small-scale slaughterhouse industry – case study in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The goal of this project was to demonstrate to Bosnian and Herzegovinian industries that significant reductions in water use, wastewater discharge and pollution load can be obtained at little or no cost and that efficient use of resources and reduction of waste generation at source are clearly preferable compared with the end-of-pipe wastewater treatment. The project was performed on a small-scale slaughterhouse industry “Sahbaz” using a methodology prescribed by the Regional Activity Center for Cleaner Production from Barcelona and the Ministry of Environment of Spain. Upon detailed diagnosis of the industrial process and waste flows generated, the opportunities for environmental improvement were identified and CP measures were recommended and implemented. In the first three months of project implementation the amount of water saved and BOD reduced was 32 percent while salt consumption was reduced by 40 percent. Total annual net savings resulting from the application of selected measures were 669 €/year.     

Product-service systems in the automotive industry: the case of micro-factory retailing

Solutions to the economic and environmental impacts of the automotive industry have largely focused on technological innovation at the level of products or processes. This paper argues that, in order to achieve sustainability, change processes must be undertaken at the functional and systemic level.The concept of product-service systems (PSS) represents a valuable opportunity to introduce such changes. PSS is predicated on new forms of product ownership, stewardship, design and producer–consumer interaction. The challenge now is to investigate ways in which the PSS concept might be introduced at the empirical level.The paper suggests that the adoption of micro-factory retailing (MFR) ideas offer a means of introducing such a system-level change in the automotive industry. MFR is based on novel approaches to vehicle design that facilitate the economic viability of small-scale localised manufacturing sites. It is argued that such an approach to vehicle production, allows the adoption of a full scale PSS at local levels. Furthermore, via aspects such as the unification of the commerce and manufacturing function, and the proximity of manufacturing and servicing sites to users, the MFR approach may also offer distinct advantages compared with prevailing visions of PSS.     

Cleaner industrial production practice in Ethiopia: problems and prospects

In this article, cleaner industrial production (CIP) from the Ethiopian perception, the conditions for implementation, the barriers encountered during implementation and the strategies used are discussed. In addition, the outcome of the project is highlighted.The barriers related to the implementation of Industrial CIP in Ethiopia are mainly due to:

• the lack of awareness on the part of the industrial sector;

• the lack of commitments from the high level management;

• the nature of the existing factories.

Cleaner production as a concept is not yet fully understood in Ethiopia and for this a vigorous awareness campaign has to continuously be conducted through all possible media. So far, awareness seminars, workshops and demonstration projects have been held and proved to be effective in facilitating the implementation of National Cleaner Industrial Production Project of Ethiopia (NACIPPE 1 and 2). It was, however, sad to note that at the time of the campaign, government promulgated a decree to the effect that state-owned factories were going to be privatized any time, which, to a considerable extent lowered the management's commitment towards the CIP projects.The first and second phases of NACIPPE 1 and 2 were implemented in 1997 and 1998 respectively. Forty industries from public and private sectors participated in the training and waste audit exercises and a total of 61 audit experts and 156 audit assistants were trained. The package was divided into three technical training components and three waste audit practices. The technical support was extended by hiring a private enterprise, Chem. Tech. Center Sh. Co.     

Towards zero emission pulp and paper production: the BioRegional MiniMill

Growing demand for paper is putting pressure on the World's forests, and although paper made from agricultural residues could meet global demand five times over, today less than 10% is made using these resources. The primary reason for this is the absence of cost effective, small-scale (∼10,000 tonnes per annum), environmentally sound pulping technology. The BioRegional MiniMill was developed in response to this problem. The MiniMill is a modular, regional scale, sustainable pulping process designed for straw and other non-wood feedstocks. The MiniMill innovates in two key areas: (i) preparation, feeding and pulping of straw using a twin screw extruder to reduce energy use, produce pulp in a shorter time and improve pulp quality, and (ii) the inclusion of a small-scale black liquor chemical and energy recovery system, based upon novel fluidised bed technology. The MiniMill is projected to be cost competitive at less than one-tenth the size of the smallest conventional wood-based pulping mill. As with conventional pulp mills, the MiniMill recovers enough renewable energy from the effluent to power the mill and qualifies for carbon emissions credits in accredited countries. In this work we report on some of the key research and development activities, at laboratory, pilot and semi-industrial scale, that have underpinned the design and development of the MiniMill. The ultimate goal of the project is to make available a technically and economically viable process for small-scale cellulose pulp production, that will facilitate the uptake of alternative uses of wheat straw, hemp or flax into the market place.     

海上石油生产水的水生生态毒性

采用水生生态毒理学常用的大型蚤(Daphnia magma)和斑马鱼(Brachydaniorerio)以及毒性单位(Tua)法对渤海海上油田的石油生产水进行生态毒性评价和分级.结果表明,这些石油生产水对大型蚤和斑马鱼均表现出一定的毒性效应.其中,水样1和水样3的毒性较大,对大型蚤的Tua分别为151.52和70.96.而对斑马鱼的Tua分别为2.41和2.12.水样3虽经处理,但其生态毒性并未得到明显的改善.水样2对大型蚤和斑马鱼都属于低毒等级,其Tua依次分别为4.39和1.97.可见,大型蚤和斑马鱼可以作为海上石油生产永生态毒性的监测指标,但在生态风险评价中大型蚤比斑马鱼更为灵敏.     

Improving eco-efficiency in the steel industry: The ArcelorMittal Gent case

In addition to CO₂ released by the combustion of fossil fuel and leading to climate change, large steelworks emit pollutants that have other environmental impacts. ArcelorMittal Gent, an integrated steelwork producing ca. 5 × 10⁶ tons of steel per year, not only decreased its specific energy consumption and CO₂-emissions, but also reduced the environmental impact of its other emissions. This is illustrated by means of the evolution of 6 partial eco-efficiency indicators for the impact categories acidification, photo-oxidant formation, human toxicity, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, eutrophication and water use. The partial eco-efficiency indicators are eco-intensities, defined as the environmental impact in the respective impact category, divided by the amount of liquid steel produced. In the period 1995 – 2005 these indicators decreased by 45, 4, 52, 9, 11 and 33% respectively, whereas the steel production increased by 17%. The net impact of discharges of wastewater is negligible for human toxicity and is negative (concentrations lower than in the canal water used) for freshwater aquatic toxicity and eutrophication. For acidification, human toxicity (only emissions to air) and water use, the decoupling between environmental impact and production was absolute; for photo-oxidant formation, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity (only emissions to air) and eutrophication, it was relative.     

A socio-economic analysis of rice production systems in the uplands of northern Vietnam

Production of upland rice under shifting cultivation system is an important economic activity in the mountainous areas of northern Vietnam. A comparative study of two districts with differential market access and population pressure was conducted to highlight the effect of these variables on upland rice systems in northern Vietnam. Farmers in the district with a greater population pressure have a shorter cropping and a shorter fallowing cycle than in the district with lower population pressure. Farmers reported a high incidence of food shortage in both districts. Income from livestock and wages are important for food purchases, especially in the district with a better access to market. Even in these upland districts, access to lowland fields is a critical determinant of food security.     

Counting biodiversity waste in industrial eco-efficiency: fisheries case study

The foundation for the creation of eco-efficiency metrics for industrial impacts on biodiversity is considered. Because biodiversity is the essence of life itself, these metrics are essential for effectiveness in the theory and practice of eco-efficiency, particularly in the case of primary natural resource extraction industries such as fishing and forestry. The case of fishing is examined, with particular attention to by-catch, lost nets, and habitat damage caused by mobile fishing gears. It is appropriate to examine fishing because industrial era impacts on marine biodiversity have been severe and are driving large and deleterious changes in marine ecosystems. For discarded by-catch, it is proposed that an eco-efficient metric for the value per unit mass of discarded fish can be set to be equivalent to that of the market value of the utilized catch. In estimating the eco-efficient value of the catch, the value of the discarded fish is then subtracted from the market value of the catch. Fish killed in lost nets can be treated similarly. It is more difficult to address marine habitat damage by mobile fishing gear, which has the highest potential for ecological injury.By using the approach proposed, negative eco-efficiencies are obtained under circumstances in which the collateral damage to biodiversity exceeds the economic benefit obtained. This is a logical outcome given the long-term effects of biodiversity decline. A metric is also proposed for assessing whether avoidance of harm to biodiversity, in the form of switching fishing gear, is required. Lastly it is proposed that metrics might be developed to provide eco-efficiency credit for companies taking effective actions to improve, or actively participate in, ecosystem-based fisheries management.     

The intermediary role of an industry association in policy-making processes: the case of the Dutch paper and board industry

In the policy-making process concerning energy and environmental issues, cooperation between government and firms is a means to create a more efficient energy and environmental policy. Intermediary organizations can play an important role in this policy-making process. Aim of this study is to get insight into the role of one specific intermediary organization: the industry association. In this paper, we focus on the Dutch paper and board industry. Important policy themes for this industry are waste water, waste, and energy efficiency. We distinguished four types of governmental policy instruments: top-down regulation, interactive regulation, negative economic instruments, and positive economic instruments. We analyzed the role of the industry association in the policy-making process for all of these four instruments. The results clearly show different (relative) roles of the industry association in different steps of the policy-making processes and for different types of instruments.     

Promoting cleaner production in the Indian small-scale mining industry

India is among the top ten mineral producing nations in the world and its economy depends on the value of minerals produced. Although mineral production has increased significantly since the country’s independence, what continues to be overlooked in is the contribution of resident small-scale mines to national mineral output. Approximately 90% of India’s mines are operating on a small-scale, employing some 0.5 million people. However, because of their rudimentary and highly migratory nature, these operations feature poor environmental management practices and safety conditions. This paper examines the unique techno-economic and socio-cultural characteristics of selected small-scale mining regions in India. It furthermore underscores the need for cleaner production in these regions, and outlines a series of legislative measures pertinent to the industry. The paper concludes by identifying educational- and training-related initiatives, which, if undertaken, could facilitate additional environmental improvement at sites.     

Identification of best available techniques in the seafood industry: a case study

A Best Available Techniques (BAT) analysis of a mussel canning processing facility in northwest Spain was undertaken to investigate potential cleaner production and efficiency improvements. Potential techniques were identified from the literature and from our experience in the seafood sector. BATs were then assessed for possible implementation in a mussel canning facility. This work describes, in considerable detail, the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques discussed.     

Green project partnership in the supply chain: the case of the package printing industry

By interacting with their suppliers and their customers, manufacturing organizations can potentially develop and implement more effective solutions to environmental challenges they are facing. This paper explores the outcome, in terms of operational performance, of green project partnership in the supply chain. Green project partnership, defined here as the degree of interaction between organizations in the supply chain regarding pollution prevention, can take place upstream with the suppliers and downstream with the customers. Using the data from a survey of the Canadian and United States package printing industry, the linkage between green project partnership and five performance indicators was tested. The results indicate that green project partnership with customers was positively linked to quality, flexibility and environmental performance while partnership with suppliers was associated with better delivery performance.     

广州市32种水产品的Se含量特征分析

通过酸消解,原子荧光-氢化物发生法测定了广州市部分市售水产品中Se的含量,由标准物质(GBW 08551猪肝)和回收率控制检测质量.结果表明,不同水产品中Se含量有较大差异,含量范围为(34.-1117.)×10-9,平均含量为(345.±149.)×10-9,不同类型水产品中Se含量变化特征是:甲壳类(544.±107.)×10-9＞海水鱼类(392.±86.)×10-9＞软体类(244.±89.)×10-9＞淡水鱼类(238.±97.)×10-9.     

亚热带河口陆基养殖塘底泥甲烷产生动力学研究

河口区陆基围垦养殖塘是重要的温室气体排放源,但其底泥甲烷产生动力学特征目前尚未厘清.本研究对我国东南沿海亚热带闽江河口、木兰溪河口和九龙江河口的6个南美白对虾（Penaeus vannamei）养殖塘底泥进行了为期60 d的室内厌氧培养,并对甲烷累积产量曲线利用一阶动力学模型及改进的岡珀茨模型进行拟合和分析.结果表明,所有河口陆基养殖塘底泥产甲烷过程是一个动态变化过程,可分为延滞、产生和稳定3个阶段.延滞期发生在培养初期1~4 d,产生期主要集中在4~25 d,在培养25 d后,所有养殖塘底泥的甲烷累积产量曲线趋于平衡.盐度和孔隙水DOC浓度均能够影响养殖塘底泥甲烷产生动力学拟合参数.随着养殖塘底泥盐度的增加,甲烷最大产生潜力由5961 ng·g^-1减少至559 ng·g^-1,甲烷最大产生速率由674 ng·g^-1·d^-1减少至84 ng·g^-1·d^-1.研究表明,一阶动力学模型更适合低盐养殖塘底泥甲烷产生动力学过程的拟合,而改进的岡珀茨模型更适合高盐养殖塘底泥甲烷产生动力学过程的拟合.选择近海养殖塘进行南美白对虾养殖及在甲烷产生期来临之前清除底泥可极大程度地减少养殖塘底泥温室气体CH₄的产生潜力.