Landfill aeration within the scope of post-closure care and its completion

The time frame required for post-closure care of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfills is often assessed over several decades or centuries. One possibility to significantly shorten this period and, at the same time, improve the emission behavior exists with in situ aeration. Positive effects in connection with this method for biological stabilization have been investigated and published elsewhere. However, until today neither generally accepted monitoring guidelines nor completion criteria have been defined. With the paper on hand the authors propose a methodology for the assessment of both, total and remaining stabilization periods for aerated landfills. The central component of this methodology is a carbon balance. The latter is based on a detailed waste characterization in combination with online monitoring of the emissions (gas and leachate). The methodology is exemplarily demonstrated by means of data derived from a full scale project in Northern Germany. Here it could be shown that the predicted aeration period of approximately 6.4 years was sufficient to bio-stabilize the landfill.Furthermore, proposals for the completion of landfill aeration are presented. In this connection, carbon balance is of particular importance since the amount of biodegradable organic carbon mainly determines the emission potential. Additional parameters, aiming at a validation of the state of biological stabilization achieved during aeration are proposed and described.     

A systematic approach to estimating the assessment phase of a remediation project

Environmental assessment consists of scientific studies to define contamination at a potential release site or sites and to evaluate the risk posed to human health and the environment. These studies are performed within a prescribed regulatory framework. There is a high degree of uncertainty associated with preparing cost and schedule estimates for activities such as site characterization, risk assessment, and evaluation of remediation alternatives. This article describes the approach that Sandia National Laboratories is using to meet the challenge of estimating the assessment phase of its Environmental Restoration Project. Emphasis is placed on lessons learned, with examples given to illustrate the approach.     

Knowledge based ranking algorithm for comparative assessment of post-closure care needs of closed landfills

Post-closure care (PCC) activities at landfills include cap maintenance; water quality monitoring; maintenance and monitoring of the gas collection/control system, leachate collection system, groundwater monitoring wells, and surface water management system; and general site maintenance. The objective of this study was to develop an integrated data and knowledge based decision making tool for preliminary estimation of PCC needs at closed landfills. To develop the decision making tool, 11 categories of parameters were identified as critical areas which could affect future PCC needs. Each category was further analyzed by detailed questions which could be answered with limited data and knowledge about the site, its history, location, and site specific characteristics. Depending on the existing knowledge base, a score was assigned to each question (on a scale 1-10, as 1 being the best and 10 being the worst). Each category was also assigned a weight based on its relative importance on the site conditions and PCC needs. The overall landfill score was obtained from the total weighted sum attained. Based on the overall score, landfill conditions could be categorized as critical, acceptable, or good. Critical condition indicates that the landfill may be a threat to the human health and the environment and necessary steps should be taken. Acceptable condition indicates that the landfill is currently stable and the monitoring should be continued. Good condition indicates that the landfill is stable and the monitoring activities can be reduced in the future. The knowledge base algorithm was applied to two case study landfills for preliminary assessment of PCC performance.     

锐钛矿-金红石混合晶型TiO2降解气相苯

用溶胶-凝胶法并通过控制煅烧温度合成不同晶相比的混合晶型纳米TiO_2,在紫外光光照下降解气相苯。考察了苯初始质量浓度、紫外灯光照强度和催化剂加入量对苯去除率的影响;探究了光催化降解气相苯的动力学特征。结果表明:450℃煅烧制备的催化剂降解苯效率最高,此催化剂金红石相质量分数为6.30%;在苯初始质量浓度为74.39 mg/m~3、催化剂加入量为7 g、光照强度为2.18 klux的最佳条件下反应84 min,苯去除率达99.73%;光催化降解率与光照强度之间符合0.5级动力学特征;当催化剂加入量为3 g时,单位时间单位质量催化剂降解苯的质量最多;苯的光催化降解反应均符合一级动力学方程。     

Probabilistic approach for estimating the release of contaminants under field management scenarios

A probabilistic approach is presented for estimating the release of contaminants by leaching, when wastes are being considered for disposal in a class of landfills but the specific landfill disposal site is uncertain. A simple percolation and equilibrium-based release model is used in conjunction with laboratory testing results and observations of field leachate characteristics for municipal solid waste landfills, hazardous waste landfills and industrial co-disposal landfills. The approach is applied for assessing the efficacy of potential treatment processes for mercury contaminated soils. For each landfill scenario, historical values of leachate pH and annual leachate generation quantities were used to derive the probability distribution functions of the field pH and LS ratio that may be expected to contact the disposed material over an estimated time period of 100 years. For each potential treatment process, laboratory testing was used to establish the treated material's leaching characteristics as a function of pH LS ratio. This approach allowed determination of distribution frequencies and limit values for release estimates instead of single point estimates. The probability of the mass of a constituent of interest released exceeding a hypothetical threshold was examined for each treatment process and landfill system. Results of the probabilistic analysis allowed for integration of a range of data and provided a good basis for assessing the efficacy of the examined treatment processes over the three assumed disposal scenarios.     

A planning-level model for estimating quantities of wastes generated by the demolition of structures during remediation

A model is presented to estimate quantities of wastes generated by the demolition of various types of industrial structures. It is intended to be used for preliminary planning purposes in the absence of any detailed structure-specific information. Detailed material quantity estimates compiled for structures at the U.S. Department of Energy's Fernald site in Ohio were used to develop the statistical relationships in the model. The model provides estimates of the total quantity of wastes, the quantities of waste concrete, and the quantities of wastes that originate from at-, below-, and above-grade portions of a structure.     

Comparison of several maturity indicators for estimating phytotoxicity in compost-amended soil

Compost can provide a rich organic nutrient source and soil conditioner for agricultural and horticultural applications. Ideal compost amendment rates, however, vary based on starting material and compost maturity or their interaction, and there is little consensus on appropriate methods to gauge maturity. In this study, electrical conductivity, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and carbon mineralization measurements were made on compost-amended soils and compared to phytotoxicity measured as cress (Lepidium sativum) germination. Cress germination in soil and compost mixtures incubated for 8-10 days significantly decreased with increasing electrical conductivity and carbon mineralization rate of the mixture and with carbon mineralization rate and mineralizable carbon associated with the compost. Cress germination was not related to carbon-to-nitrogen ratio or pH of soil and compost mixtures. The electrical conductivity of the soil and compost mixtures significantly decreased with decreasing mineralizable carbon suggesting that compounds contributing to electrical conductivity were present in the compost and decomposed upon soil amendment. The results of this study indicate that measurements of mineralizable carbon and mineralization rate of composts in soil, and electrical conductivity and mineralization rate of soil and compost mixtures, can be used as indicators of compost maturity.     

相变溶剂捕集CO2技术的研究进展

化学溶剂吸收法是目前应用最广泛的燃烧后CO₂捕集技术。介绍了化学溶剂吸收法的基本原理,综述了化学溶剂吸收法的研究现状,比较分析了几种常用CO₂吸收剂的优缺点。重点阐述了两类新型相变吸收剂（液-液相变溶剂和液-固相变溶剂）的研究进展。指出：新型相变溶剂是理想的CO₂吸收剂,用其捕集CO₂可有效降低吸收剂的再生能耗;相变溶剂吸收CO₂的传质反应动力学以及不同类型相变溶剂的挥发和降解特性应作为今后该领域的研究重点。     

Environmental and Cost Assessment of a Polypropylene Nanocomposite

This paper describes a study on the use of a polypropylene (PP)/layered silicate nanocomposite as packaging film, agricultural film, and automotive panels. The study’s main question was “Are the environmental impacts and costs throughout the life cycle of nanocomposite products lower than those of products manufactured from conventional materials?” The conventional (benchmark) materials studied were pure polypropylene as packaging film, pure polyethylene as agricultural film, and glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene as automotive panels. In all three cases, the use of the PP nanocomposite resulted in a reduction of the amount of material used, while ensuring the same functionality. Material reduction was estimated using Ashby’s material indices and amounted to ?9% for packaging film, ?36.5% for agricultural film, and ?1.25% for automotive panels. It goes without saying that a product’s impact on the environment will decrease when less material is used. The production and incorporation of nanoparticles, however, may have additional impacts. We found clear environmental benefits throughout the entire life cycle when the PP nanocomposite is used in the manufacture of agricultural film. We noted some cost benefits when the nanocomposite is used in the production of agricultural film and automotive panels. If the price of nanoclay is at most €5,000 tonne then the cost of nanocomposite packaging film is also lower than that of the conventionally produced product.     

Cost effectiveness of recycling: A systems model

Financial analytical models of waste management systems have often found that recycling costs exceed direct benefits, and in order to economically justify recycling activities, externalities such as household expenses or environmental impacts must be invoked. Certain more empirically based studies have also found that recycling is more expensive than disposal. Other work, both through models and surveys, have found differently. Here we present an empirical systems model, largely drawn from a suburban Long Island municipality. The model accounts for changes in distribution of effort as recycling tonnages displace disposal tonnages, and the seven different cases examined all show that curbside collection programs that manage up to between 31% and 37% of the waste stream should result in overall system savings. These savings accrue partially because of assumed cost differences in tip fees for recyclables and disposed wastes, and also because recycling can result in a more efficient, cost-effective collection program. These results imply that increases in recycling are justifiable due to cost-savings alone, not on more difficult to measure factors that may not impact program budgets.     

Update to the light nonaqueous phase liquid infiltration conceptual model

The 1970s oil spill model described the infiltration of oil (light nonaqueous phase liquid or LNAPL) into the subsurface, resulting in an oil pancake depressing the water table within the capillary fringe. An update to the 1970s model is needed because, according to the discussion by Lenhard et al. on the work of Lenhard and Parker and Farr et al., “A key concept of their efforts was that LNAPL-saturated ‘pancakes’ do not exist.” Lenhard and Parker and Farr et al. showed that the distribution of water, LNAPL, and air in the subsurface was a function of the LNAPL, water, and air pressures; fluid properties; and the pore-size distribution of the porous medium, and that the fluid saturations can be calculated from fluid levels in a monitoring well. The 1970s oil spill infiltration model described that spilled LNAPL migrates downward through the vadose zone under the force of gravity with some lateral spreading. The vadose zone, where all of the liquid pressures are less than atmospheric pressure, becomes a three-fluid zone consisting of variable saturations of air, water, and LNAPL, which together fully saturate the pore spaces. One important update to the 1970s model is that instead of the infiltrating LNAPL stopping at and depressing the water table, LNAPL penetrates the water table to a depth consistent with the gravitational and capillary forces experienced during LNAPL infiltration and creates a two-fluid zone below the water table where LNAPL and water pressures are greater than atmospheric pressure. After the LNAPL release stops, LNAPL infiltration and migration will cease after reaching equilibrium. The updated LNAPL infiltration conceptual model, like the 1970s model, describes the situation where the LNAPL release has stopped and LNAPL infiltration and migration have ceased after reaching equilibrium. The volume of LNAPL released is also assumed to be sufficient to pass through the vadose zone and enter the saturated zone.     

An Updated Cost Study for Enhanced Sludge Washing of Radioactive Waste

This article updates previous cost savings studies conducted to evaluate the use of enhanced sludge washing (ESW) of high‐level radioactive waste at the United States Department of Energy Hanford Site. The cost savings estimate was updated using stochastic analysis based on new information from the Independent Review of Hanford High Level Waste Volume and the more recent Tank Waste Remediation System Operation and Utilization Plan. It is estimated that implementation of ESW in the tank waste remediation system (TWRS) at the Hanford Site can save approximately $4.8 billion compared to the use of an alternative, simpler water wash. The simpler water wash dissolution was found to be 85 percent as effective as the ESW dissolution. Further, the updated remediation cost estimate of $4.8 billion savings is uncertain only within ±$1.6 billion at the 95 percent confidence interval. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Soil attenuation of acid phase landfill leachate

Groundwater contamination is the major environmental risk related to landfilling of wastes. In order to evaluate the migration of leachate from uncontrolled dumps and to establish efficient groundwater monitoring systems at sanitary landfills, basic information about the behaviour of pollutants in soil-groundwater systems is needed. A series of saturated laboratory soil columns loaded with acid phase leachate under anaerobic CO₂-saturated conditions were studied in terms of solute breakthrough curves and final pollutant soil profiles. The four soils studied exhibited significantly different capacities for attenuating leachate pollutants. In general, ammonia, sodium and boron were attenuated only by adsorption and organic matter by a combination of adsorption and degradation. Dissolved solids, specific conductivity, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese were, besides adsorption, subject to precipitation-dissolution processes. For iron and manganese the latter process was in combination with redox processes. Zinc and cadmium were extensively attenuated probably due to a combination of adsorption and sulphide precipitation. With a few exceptions, chloride, dissolved solids, specific conductivity, organic matter (COD) and sodium are the most mobile constituents of the leachate exhibiting migration velocities of 80–100% of the water flow velocity.     

Cost effectiveness of abatement options for emissions control in Egyptian iron foundries

This study focuses on an evaluation of the cost effectiveness of abatement options for controlling emissions in existing iron foundries in Egypt. It is expected that such a study will enable decision by identifying concrete measures for abating total solid emissions (TSP). The structure of iron foundries in the country have been surveyed and the variant types of furnaces, the TSP emission level without any abatement options and data of the annual turnover of these foundries have been obtained. Possible market based instruments (MBI) options that might encourage these firms to seek the most efficient control measures have also been examined. Different abatement options such as updating burner design, switching heavy fuel oil to kerosene or natural gas, installing cleaning systems and/or updating the process technology were tested in terms of emission level and the overall turnover. The effect of installing different cleaning systems such as wet scrubbers and filter bags on the running cost of abating TSP was also investigated. Results obtained reveal that crucible (CrF) and short rotary (SRF) furnaces are the most numerous types of plants in Egypt. The concentration of TSP emissions exceeds the standards as specified in Law. Poor quality scrap input adversely affects the operation of the furnace, and impairs product quality and causes excessive TSP emissions. TSP emissions per ton of cast iron produced are relatively low for induction furnaces (EIFs), (about 0.04 kg) and very high in the dirtier technologies, particularly CrF and SRF, (29.95 and 32.2 kg, respectively). Cost analysis shows that the cost of abating one ton of TSP emitted amounts to 3000–5000 L.E and this cost represents a high percentage of turnover to plants abating emissions. A program for technical assistance and training would help iron foundries solving difficulties in reducing TSP emissions and encourage them to implement and operate effective pollution control measures. The work suggests structural changes such as: updating equipment; design of furnaces and cleaning of dirty scrap before use. Unification of small foundries in larger plants may provide funding to successfully abate TSP emissions. Financial support or assistance for pollution abatement by firms have had no impact so far. This is because such help has little effect on operating costs. In this context, a proposal for relocating iron foundries in new industrial areas seems to be immaterial if plants move without implementing acceptable abating options.     

Statistical analysis in estimating probable concentrations of representative chemical species in leachate: a solution for the source term of new or unmonitored landfills

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Leakage modeling can be crucial for environmental management and control of waste landfills. However, defining boundary conditions for these models...     

On the Curing of ESO/MTHPA/DEH 35 and ESO/MTHPA/DEH 35/TIN

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) compounds were cured with methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) as hardener and 2,4,6-tris (dimethylaminomethyl) phenol...     

嘉兴电厂二期工程的节水优化设计

介绍了嘉兴发电厂二期工程设计中采用的节水优化措施.经过优化后的实际淡水取水量仅为0.11 m3/s,低于《火力发电厂设计技术规程》要求的0.12 m3/s指标,且系统运行正常.     

A Cost Comparison of Organic versus Inorganic Ion Exchange Resin for Remediation of High-Level Waste

Ion exchange (IX) can be used to aid in the remediation of underground storage tank (UST) radioactive waste at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford site in the state of Washington. In particular, IX can be used to concentrate the radionuclides in liquid-based waste prior to immobilization for final disposal. Concentration of the radionuclides can significantly reduce the final immobilized high-level waste volume and consequent overall remediation cost. Organic and inorganic IX resins each have unique advantages and disadvantages regarding the remediation process. This study presents a comparison of the remediation cost for UST waste at Hanford for a phenol-formaldehyde type organic resin versus crystalline silico-titanate inorganic resin. It was determined that with optimum processing conditions such as waste blending and sludge washing, remediation with the inorganic resin would be less expensive than the organic resin. Assuming baseline remediation conditions, the use of inorganic rather than organic IX resin for UST remediation at Hanford can save approximately $383 million. A limited sensitivity analysis was performed as pan of this study and is reported in the following. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Cost comparison between private and public collection of residual household waste: Multiple case studies in the Flemish region of Belgium

The rising pressure in terms of cost efficiency on public services pushes governments to transfer part of those services to the private sector. A trend towards more privatizing can be noticed in the collection of municipal household waste. This paper reports the findings of a research project aiming to compare the cost between the service of private and public collection of residual household waste. Multiple case studies of municipalities about the Flemish region of Belgium were conducted. Data concerning the year 2009 were gathered through in-depth interviews in 2010. In total 12 municipalities were investigated, divided into three mutual comparable pairs with a weekly and three mutual comparable pairs with a fortnightly residual waste collection. The results give a rough indication that in all cases the cost of private service is lower than public service in the collection of household waste. Albeit that there is an interest in establishing whether there are differences in the costs and service levels between public and private waste collection services, there are clear difficulties in establishing comparisons that can be made without having to rely on a large number of assumptions and corrections. However, given the cost difference, it remains the responsibility of the municipalities to decide upon the service they offer their citizens, regardless the cost efficiency: public or private.