Toxic by-products from the combustion of Kraft lignin

Lignin samples, sub-product in the Kraft process of cellulose from eucalyptus wood, were burnt in a laboratory scale furnace at different residence temperatures and with distinct fuel-rich atmospheres. The yields of CO, CO(2), eight light hydrocarbons (methane, ethylene, ethane, propylene, acetylene, butane, etc.) and 60 semi-volatile+volatile compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, styrene, indene, naphthalene, dibenzofuran, phenanthrene, chrysene, etc.) were determined, with nominal reactor temperatures between 800 and 1100 degrees C and residence times of the volatiles evolved and formed between 4 and 7 s. The collection of the gases and volatiles evolved was carried out with a Tedlar bag and by XAD-4 resin respectively, comparing the data obtained in both cases. The emission factor (mg/kg) of the CO was between 2500 and 90000, and under the poor-oxygen atmosphere, the emission factors of many by-toxic products were greater than 100 mg/kg. A pyrolysis run was also performed, obtaining emission factors between 30 and 3000 mg/kg, facilitating its identification. The behaviour of different compounds in the combustion runs was discussed considering three groups in accordance with their stability vs. oxygen, and two groups vs. temperature.     

Surface emission of landfill gas from solid waste landfill

The surface emission of landfill gas (LFG) was studied to estimate the amount of LFG efflux from solid waste landfills using an air flux chamber. LFG efflux increased as atmospheric temperature increased during the day, and the same pattern for the surface emission was observed for the change of seasons. LFG efflux rate decreased from summer through winter. The average LFG efflux rates of winter, spring and summer were 0.1584, 0.3013 and 0.8597 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹ respectively. The total amount of surface emission was calculated based on the seasonal LFG efflux rate and the landfill surface area. From the estimates of LFG generation, it is expected that about 30% of the generated LFG may be released through the surface without extraction process. As forced extraction with a blower proceeded, the extraction well pressure decreased from 1100 to –100 mm H₂O, and the LFG surface efflux decreased markedly above 80%. Thus, the utilization of LFG by forced extraction would be the good solution for global warming and air pollution by LFG.     

Biological elimination of a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide from landfill biogas

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the main contaminants found in biogas, which is one of the end products of the anaerobic biodegradation of proteins...     

Electricity generation from landfill gas in Turkey

Landfill gas (LFG)-to-energy plants in Turkey were investigated, and the LFG-to-energy plant of a metropolitan municipal landfill was monitored for 3 years. Installed capacities and actual gas engine working hours were determined. An equation was developed to estimate the power capacity for LFG-to-energy plants for a given amount of landfilled waste. Monitoring the actual gas generation rates enabled determination of LFG generation factors for Turkish municipal waste. A significant relationship (R = 0.524, p < 0.01, two-tailed) was found between the amounts of landfilled waste and the ambient temperature, which can be attributed to food consumption and kitchen waste generation behaviors influenced by the ambient temperature. However, no significant correlation was found between the ambient temperature and the generated LFG. A temperature buffering capacity was inferred to exist within the landfill, which enables the anaerobic reactions to continue functioning even during cold seasons. The average LFG and energy generation rates were 45 m³ LFG/ton waste landfilled and 0.08 MWhr/ton waste landfilled, respectively. The mean specific LFG consumption for electricity generation was 529 ± 28 m³/MWhr.

Implications: The paper will be useful for local authorities who need to manage municipal waste by using landfills. The paper will also be useful for investors who want to evaluate the energy production potential of municipal wastes and the factors affecting the energy generation process mostly for economical purposes. Landfills can be regarded as energy sources and their potentials need to be investigated. The paper will also be useful for policymakers dealing with energy issues. The paper contains information on real practical data such as engine working hours, equation to estimate the necessary power for a given amount of landfilled waste, and son on.     

Pore structure of soot deposits from several combustion sources

Soot was harvested from five combustion sources: a dodecane flame, marine and bus diesel engines, a wood stove, and an oil furnace. The soots ranged from 20% to 90% carbon by weight and molar C/H ratios from 1 to 7, the latter suggesting a highly condensed aromatic structure. Total surface areas (by nitrogen adsorption using the Brunauer Emmett Teller, BET method) ranged from 1 to 85 m2 g(-1). Comparison of the surface area and meso-pore (pores 2-50 nm) surface area predicted by density functional theory (DFT) suggested that the soot was highly porous. Total meso-pore volume and surface area ranged from 0.004-0.08 cm3 g(-1) and from 0.33-6.9 m2 g(-1) respectively, accounting for up 33% of the BET surface area. The micro-pore volume (pores <2 nm) calculated from CO2 adsorption data (by DFT) ranged from 0.0009 to 0.013 cm3 g(-1) and micro-pore surface area was 3.1-41 m2 g(-1), accounting for 10-20% of the total intra-particle (meso-plus micro-pores) pore volume and 70-90% of the total intra-particle surface area. Higher pore volume and surface area values were computed using the Dubinin Radushkevich plot technique; ranging from 0.004-0.04 cm3 g(-1) to 11-102 m2 g(-1) for micro-pore volume and surface area, respectively. Comparison of the C/H ratio and the micro-pore structure showed a strong correlation, suggesting a relationship between the condensation of the skeletal structure and micro-porosity of the soot. These data contradict literature reports that soot particles are non-porous and are consistent with recent literature reports that soil organic matter has large micro-pore surface areas.     

Nitrous oxide flux from landfill leachate-sawdust nitrogenous compost

Composted nitrogenous waste has the potential to produce excessive amounts of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas that also contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. In this laboratory study, sawdust was irrigated with varying amounts of landfill leachate with high NH4+-N content (3950 mg l(-1)). Physicochemical properties, including the amount of N2O produced, were monitored during the composting process over 28 days. A rapid decline in NH4+-N in the first 4 days and increasing NO3--N for 11 days was followed by lower but stabilized levels of available-N, even with repeated leachate irrigation. Less than 0.03% of the leachate-applied N was lost as N2O. Higher leachate applications as much as tripled N2O production, but this represented a lesser proportion overall of the total nitrogen. Addition of glucose to the composting process had no significant effect on N2O production. The derived sawdust-leachate compost supported healthy growth of Sesbania rostrata. It is concluded that compost can be produced from sawdust irrigated with landfill leachate without substantial emission of N2O, although excessive flux of N2O remains about high application rates over longer time periods.     

Mercury emissions as landfill gas from a large-scale abandoned landfill site in Seoul

The composition of landfill gas (LFG) was analyzed for vapor-phase mercury (Hg) (primarily in its elemental form, Hg⁰) and relevant environmental parameters from 42 out of 106 ventpipes placed across two different sectors of the Nan-Ji-Do (NJD) landfill site in Seoul, Korea during September/October 2000. Results of our studies showed that large quantities of Hg emanated through these ventpipes which were infiltrated deep into the waste layer. The mean concentration of Hg, computed using the data sets collected from 42 ventpipes, was 420 ng m⁻³ with a range of 3.45–2952 ng m⁻³. Because large differences were apparent in its concentration levels not only between the two sectors of 1 and 2 but also between the plain and slope areas, evaluation of the data was made by dividing them into four different categories, namely plain areas of sectors 1 and 2 and slope areas of sectors 1 and 2. By categorizing the data in such a manner, the emission fluxes of ventilated Hg were estimated for each data group at the NJD site. The flux values of Hg for each data group were distinguished so that the enhanced fluxes were observed in plain compared to slope areas. The computed LFG fluxes of Hg from the whole NJD site were on the order of 23 g on an annual basis. The overall results of our study suggest that the vent emission of Hg from the study site is comparable in magnitude to those reported previously (e.g., the Florida landfill sites in US), while the LFG emissions of Hg may not necessarily be the most dominant source in the NJD site.     

Modeling landfill gas potential and potential energy recovery from Thohoyandou landfill site,South Africa

ABSTRACT

The increase in solid waste generation has been a major contributor to the amount of Greenhouse gases (GHGs) present in the atmosphere. To some extent, a great chunk of these GHGs in the atmosphere is from landfill. This study assesses two theoretical models (LandGEM and Afvalzorg models) to estimate the amount of landfill gas (LFG) emitted from Thohoyandou landfill site. Also, the LFGcost Web model was used to estimate the cost and benefits of the implementation of an LFG utilization technology. The Thohoyandou landfill started operations in the year 2005 and it is proposed to reach its peak at approximately in the year 2026. The LandGEM calculates the mass of landfill gas emission using methane generation capacity, mass of deposited waste, methane generation constant and methane generation rate. Meanwhile, the Afvalzorg model determines the LFG emissions using the Methane correction factor, yearly waste mass disposal, waste composition, Degradation Organic Carbon, methane generation rate constant, LFG recovery efficiency. The study findings indicate that the methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted from the landfill estimated from LandGEM will peak in the year 2026 with values of 3517 Mg/year and 9649 Mg/year, respectively. Results from the Afvalzorg model show that CH₄ emission will peak in the year 2026 (3336 Mg/year). The LandGEM model showed that the total LFG, CH₄ and CO₂ emitted from the landfill between 2005 and 2040 are 293239.3 Mg/year, 78325.7 Mg/year and 214908.6 Mg/year, respectively. The simulation from the Afvalzorg model found that the CH₄ emitted from the years 2005– 2040 is 74302 Mg/year. The implementation of an LFG utilization technology was economically feasible from consideration of the sales of electricity generated and Certified Emission Reductions (CER) (carbon credits).     

非规范生活垃圾填埋场填埋气横向迁移规律及控制

我国城市中尚有大量非规范生活垃圾填埋场存在,对其进行污染整治消除填埋气导致的环境安全隐患刻不容缓.以重庆某垃圾填埋场为例,研究重庆市主城区的非规范生活垃圾填埋场填埋气的横向迁移问题,在垃圾场周边区域布设36个监测井,对监测井中的填埋气进行分析监测,以填埋气特征组分CH4气体的体积浓度变化研究填埋气的横向迁移规律.结果表明,监测井到填埋场边界的距离为监测井中CH4气体浓度的主要影响因素;垃圾场周边距离填埋场场界50 m以外的区域,填埋气的横向迁移已经相当微弱;但是距离填埋场边界50 m以内区域的填埋气的横向迁移明显,需要在距离填埋场边界50 m范围内采取措施与场内填埋气的导排措施配合,进行填埋气的污染控制.     

曝气频率对生物反应器渗滤液与填埋气的影响

传统生物反应器填埋场长期以来存在酸化阶段过长和能源回收利用率低等问题。上层垃圾好氧处理可有效实现垃圾快速降解与集中甲烷化。为探究好氧处理阶段不同曝气频率对生物反应器填埋场运行效果的影响,设置厌氧生物反应器A1作为对照,曝气频率不同的上层曝气式生物反应器C1和C2为实验组进行实验。结果表明,上层垃圾好氧处理可有效改善填埋柱内高浓度挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)累积现象,缩短酸化阶段,促进甲烷化环境建立。至曝气结束,C1和C2填埋柱内渗滤液COD低于30 000 mg/L,VFA浓度降也降低到10 000 mg/L以下。好氧处理阶段,增大曝气频率可提高填埋垃圾对渗滤液pH的缓冲作用,扩大甲烷化面积,促进高浓度甲烷化过程的快速发生。与C1相比,曝气频率较高的C2反应器提前15 d达到pH为7的预处理要求,曝气阶段氨氮浓度经历先上后下,填埋柱日产甲烷量700 mL,约为C1产气能力的2倍。但考虑到实际氧气利用率与经济性能问题,曝气频率的选择不宜过大。     

络合铁法脱除垃圾填埋气中的H2S

建立了以EDTA和柠檬酸为铁盐络合剂的循环脱硫体系,采用络合铁法对垃圾填埋气中的H2S进行脱硫中试实验,结果表明实验所建立的络合铁脱硫体系运行稳定,脱硫效率高,适合应用于垃圾填埋气中硫化氢脱除。     

络合铁法脱除垃圾填埋气中的H_2S

建立了以EDTA和柠檬酸为铁盐络合剂的循环脱硫体系,采用络合铁法对垃圾填埋气中的H2S进行脱硫中试实验,结果表明实验所建立的络合铁脱硫体系运行稳定,脱硫效率高,适合应用于垃圾填埋气中硫化氢脱除.     

Spray-dry desulfurization of flue gas from heavy oil combustion

An experimental investigation on sulfur dioxide removal in a pilot-scale spray dryer from the flue gas generated by combustion of low-sulfur (S) heavy oil is reported. A limewater slurry was sprayed through an ultrasonic two-fluid atomizer in the spray-dry chamber, and the spent sorbent was collected downstream in a pulse-jet baghouse together with fly ash. Flue gas was sampled at different points to measure the desulfurization efficiency after both the spray-dry chamber and the baghouse. Parametric tests were performed to study the effect of the following variables: gas inlet temperature, difference between gas outlet temperature and adiabatic saturation temperature, lime-to-S ratio, and average size of lime particles in the slurry. Results indicated that spray drying is an effective technology for the desulfurization of low-S fuel oil flue gas, provided operating conditions are chosen carefully. In particular, the lowest gas inlet and outlet temperatures compatible with baghouse operation should be selected, as should a sufficiently high lime-to-S ratio. The attainment of a small lime particle size in the slurry is critical for obtaining a high desulfurization efficiency. A previously presented spray-dry flue gas desulfurization model was used to simulate the pilot-scale desulfurization tests, to check the ability of the model to predict the S capture data and its usefulness as a design tool, minimizing the need for pilot-scale experimentation. Comparison between model and experimental results was fairly good for the whole range of calcium/S ratios considered.     

Control of mercury vapor emissions from combustion flue gas

GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: Mercury (Hg) emission from combustion flue gas is a significant environmental concern due to its toxicity and high volatility. A number of the research efforts have been carried out in the past decade exploiting mercury emission, monitoring and control from combustion flue gases. Most recently, increasing activities are focused on evaluating the behavior of mercury in coal combustion systems and developing novel Hg control technologies. This is partly due to the new regulatory requirement on mercury emissions from coal-fired combustors to be enacted under the U.S. Title III of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The aim of this review work is to better understand the state-of-the-art technologies of flue gas mercury control and identify the gaps of knowledge hence areas for further opportunities in research and development. MAIN FEATURES: This paper examines mercury behaviors in combustion systems through a comprehensive review of the available literature. About 70 published papers and reports were cited and studied. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This paper summarizes the mechanisms of formation of mercury containing compounds during combustion, its speciation and reaction in flue gas, as well as subsequent mobilization in the environment. It also provides a review of the current techniques designed for real-time, continuous emission monitoring (CEM) for mercury. Most importantly, current flue gas mercury control technologies are reviewed while activated carbon adsorption, a technology that offers the greatest potential for the control of gas-phase mercury emissions, is highlighted. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Although much progress has been achieved in the last decade, techniques developed for the monitoring and control of mercury from combustion flue gases are not yet mature and gaps in knowledge exist for further advancement. More R&D efforts are required for the effective control of Hg emissions and the main focuses are identified.     

Effects of leachate recirculation on biogas production from landfill co-disposal of municipal solid waste,sewage sludge and marine sediment

Leachate recirculation is an emerging technology associated with the management of landfill. The impact of leachate recirculation on the co-disposal of three major wastes (municipal solid waste, sewage sludge and sediment dredgings) was investigated using a laboratory column study. Chemical parameters (pH, COD, ammoniacal-N, total-P) and gas production (total gas volume, production rates and concentrations of CH4 and CO2) were monitored for 11 weeks. Leachate recirculation reduced waste-stabilization time and was effective in enhancing gas production and improving leachate quality, especially in terms of COD. The results also indicated that leachate recirculation could maximize the efficiency and waste volume reduction rate of landfill sites.     

Nitrogen oxides emissions from the MILD combustion with the conditions of recirculation gas

The nitrogen oxides (NO_x) reduction technology by combustion modification which has economic benefits as a method of controlling NO_x emitted in the combustion process, has recently been receiving a lot of attention. Especially, the moderate or intense low oxygen dilution (MILD) combustion which applied high temperature flue gas recirculation has been confirmed for its effectiveness with regard to solid fuel as well. MILD combustion is affected by the flue gas recirculation ratio and the composition of recirculation gas, so its NO_x reduction efficiency is determined by them. In order to investigate the influence of factors which determine the reduction efficiency of NO_x in MILD coal combustion, this study changed the flow rate and concentration of nitrogen (N₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and steam (H₂O) which simulate the recirculation gas during the MILD coal combustion using our lab-scale drop tube furnace and performed the combustion experiment. As a result, its influence by the composition of recirculation gas was insignificant and it was shown that flue gas recirculation ratio influences the change of NO_x concentration greatly. Implications: We investigated the influence of factors determining the nitrogen oxides (NO_x) reduction efficiency in MILD coal combustion, which applied high-temperature flue gas recirculation. Using a lab-scale drop tube furnace and simulated recirculation gas, we conducted combustion testing changing the recirculation gas conditions. We found that the flue gas recirculation ratio influences the reduction of NO_x emissions the most.     

填埋场沼气发电的温室气体减排效益分析

填埋场沼气是垃圾卫生填埋场产生的可利用资源.以深圳下坪垃圾填埋场为例,定量分析垃圾填埋气体发电的温室气体减排效益.结果表明,填埋场沼气发电具有很好的经济效益和环境效益,可作为与发达国家进行CDM(清洁发展机制)项目合作的优先技术领域.     

络合铁法脱除垃圾填埋气中的H2S

建立了以EDTA和柠檬酸为铁盐络合剂的循环脱硫体系,采用络合铁法对垃圾填埋气中的H₂S进行脱硫中试实验,结果表明实验所建立的络合铁脱硫体系运行稳定,脱硫效率高,适合应用于垃圾填埋气中硫化氢脱除。     

Effect of biogas generation on radon emissions from landfills receiving radium-bearing waste from shale gas development

Dramatic increases in the development of oil and natural gas from shale formations will result in large quantities of drill cuttings, flowback water, and produced water. These organic-rich shale gas formations often contain elevated concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), such as uranium, thorium, and radium. Production of oil and gas from these formations will also lead to the development of technologically enhanced NORM (TENORM) in production equipment. Disposal of these potentially radium-bearing materials in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills could release radon to the atmosphere. Risk analyses of disposal of radium-bearing TENORM in MSW landfills sponsored by the Department of Energy did not consider the effect of landfill gas (LFG) generation or LFG control systems on radon emissions. Simulation of radon emissions from landfills with LFG generation indicates that LFG generation can significantly increase radon emissions relative to emissions without LFG generation, where the radon emissions are largely controlled by vapor-phase diffusion. Although the operation of LFG control systems at landfills with radon source materials can result in point-source atmospheric radon plumes, the LFG control systems tend to reduce overall radon emissions by reducing advective gas flow through the landfill surface, and increasing the radon residence time in the subsurface, thus allowing more time for radon to decay. In some of the disposal scenarios considered, the radon flux from the landfill and off-site atmospheric activities exceed levels that would be allowed for radon emissions from uranium mill tailings.

Implications: Increased development of hydrocarbons from organic-rich shale formations has raised public concern that wastes from these activities containing naturally occurring radioactive materials, particularly radium, may be disposed in municipal solid waste landfills and endanger public health by releasing radon to the atmosphere. This paper analyses the processes by which radon may be emitted from a landfill to the atmosphere. The analyses indicate that landfill gas generation can significantly increase radon emissions, but that the actual level of radon emissions depend on the place of the waste, construction of the landfill cover, and nature of the landfill gas control system.