A review on tertiary recycling of high-density polyethylene to fuel

Plastics have become an indispensable ingredient of human life. They are non-biodegradable polymers of mostly containing carbon, hydrogen, and few other elements such as chlorine, nitrogen etc. Rapid growth of the world population led to increased demand of commodity plastics. High density poly ethylene is one of the largest used commodity plastics due to its vast applications in many fields. Due to its non bio degradability and low life, HDPE contributes significantly to the problem of Municipal Waste Management. To avert environment pollution of HDPE wastes, they must be recycled and recovered. On the other hand, steady depletion of fossil fuel and increased energy demand, motivated the researchers and technologists to search and develop different energy sources. Waste to energy has been a significant way to utilize the waste sustainably, simultaneously add to meet the energy demand. Plastics being petrochemical origin have inherently high calorific value. Thus they can be converted back to useful energy. Many researches have been carried out to convert the waste plastics into liquid fuel by thermal and catalytic pyrolysis and this has led to establishment of a number of successful firms converting waste plastics to liquid fuels. This paper reviews the production and consumption HDPE, different methods of recycling of plastic with special reference to chemical degradation of HDPE to fuel. This also focuses on different factors that affect these degradations, the kinetics and mechanism of this reaction.     

Analysis of the recycling potential of used automotive oil filters using the Life Cycle Assessment approach

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a specific recycling system for used oil filters (UOFs) is environmentally viable by considering all steps of the product's life cycle. In that aspect an analysis of the environmental impacts regarding different waste management scenarios of UOFs in Greece is presented using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. Waste scenarios varied from maximum feasible recycling and recovery of metals and used lubricant oil, to disposal of UOFs to landfills without any prior treatment. In order to perform this analysis, the principles of ISO 14040 were followed and a relevant LCA software was used (SimaPro 7.2). Additionally, the results of a previous work conducted by the authors were deployed, including some experimental measurements undertaken so as to evaluate and quantify the factors affecting the recovery of the lubricant oil contained in used automotive filters. Indicatively, it was estimated that a maximum of 1340 tons of used oil and 1810 tons of steel are disposed every year in Greece, as a result of the non-effective management of used automotive filters.     

Waste separation at home: Are Japanese municipal curbside recycling policies efficient?

Recent studies have predicted that the costs and benefits of curbside recycling programs will vary considerably across municipalities. In this paper, we examine how the characteristics of municipalities are reflected in curbside recycling policies. Our analysis of Japanese municipal data reveals that municipalities implement recycling programs that fit the demographic profiles of their residents. Municipalities with a considerable number of single-recycler households tend to implement simple waste separation programs. The labor market positions of spouses have different impacts on recycling policies. We further find that the municipalities implementing comprehensive recycling programs collect plastic bottles and containers more frequently than do other municipalities. This implies that the municipalities need to take measures to effectively execute comprehensive recycling programs after implementing them.     

Construction and demolition waste generation and management in Lisbon (Portugal)

The management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is essential in the formation, growth and renovation of urban areas. This paper presents part of a study on CDW generation and management in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA). CDW generation was estimated for 2006 and 2007 based on construction activity and waste load movements. The results revealed that in the municipality of Lisbon, remodeling construction activity prevailed, with CDW generation indicators of 954 t/day and a per capita rate of 0.60 t/year. Both values are above the average for the LMA and its two sub-regions (Greater Lisbon and the Setúbal Peninsula). The installed infrastructure for CDW management identified in the LMA is situated within a maximum distance of about 23 km from the geometric center of the city of Lisbon. Despite the fact these locations favor the municipality of Lisbon, the occurrence of illegal dumps is still a reality. A notable effort towards environmental education addressing CDW management is under way so as to make involved citizens aware of the recent CDW legislation, Decree-Law Nr. 46/2008, as well as of the problems arising from scenarios of environmental degradation and uncontrolled use of natural resources in the civil construction sector. Policies are outlined aiming to move towards the more judicious management of CDW.     

Technological behaviour and recycling potential of spent foundry sands in clay bricks

The feasibility of recycling spent foundry sand in clay bricks was assessed in laboratory, pilot line and industrial trials, using naturally occurring sand as a reference. Raw materials were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, particle size distribution, and leaching and combined to produce bodies containing up to 35% wt. sand. The extrusion, drying and firing behaviour (plasticity, drying sensitivity, mechanical strength, bulk density, water absorption, and shrinkage) were determined. The microstructure, phase composition, durability and leaching (EN 12457, granular materials, end-life step, European Waste Landfill Directive; NEN 7345, monolithic materials, use-life step, Dutch Building Material Decree) were evaluated for bricks manufactured at optimal firing temperature. These results demonstrate that spent foundry sand can be recycled in clay bricks. There are no relevant technological drawbacks, but the feasibility strongly depends on the properties of the raw materials. Spent foundry sand may be introduced into bricks up to 30% wt. Most of the hazardous elements from the spent foundry sand are inertized during firing and the concentrations of hazardous components in the leachates are below the standard threshold for inert waste category landfill excepting for chromium and lead; however, their environmental risk during their use-life step can be considered negligible.     

紫外差示分光光光度法直接测定废水中苯胺

苯胺在不同酸度溶液中具有不同的结构和紫外吸收光谱.以苯胺的酸溶液为参比液,以等浓度的苯胺水溶液为测定液,在280nm处测定苯胺含量.结果表明,当苯胺浓度为1～100mg/L时,吸光度与浓度之间存在良好的线性关系,据此建立了紫外差示分光光度法.该法不需分离可直接测定工业废水中苯胺含量,简便快速,回收率高于96.7％.     

高效液相色谱法测定水中甲醛

以2,4-二硝基苯肼(2,4-DNPH)为衍生试剂,在柠檬酸-柠檬酸钠缓冲溶液(pH值约为3)条件下,使甲醛转化为相应稳定的甲醛-2,4-二硝基苯腙,0.45 μm过滤头过滤后,在360nm处紫外检测,其检出限5.0μg/L,加标回收率为88.0％～115％.     

络合物吸附波法测定废水中微量铜

本文介绍了Cu-CNS-HSCH_2COOH底液测定废水中微量铜的新方法,该法灵敏度较高,选择性较好,抗干扰强,简便、快速,与8羟基喹啉-铜络合物吸附波法对照,结果满意.     

大中型城市医疗废物集中处置中心工程建设探索

结合具体工程实践 ,对建设我国地区级城市医疗废物集中处置中心的总体规划、处置工艺以及经济运作等方面进行系统的研究 ,提出了一些具有可操作性的实施依据。     

城市垃圾资源利用前景的分析

总结了垃圾资源利用技术的发展现状；分析了我国城市垃圾的组成状况和变化趋势。以此为基础对其利用潜力进行了估计，并以流程为依据作了下世纪初城市垃圾资源利用系统的经济分析。认为资源利用是节约城市垃圾处理、处置费用和节省自然资源的有效途径；以生物和热化学转化利用城市垃圾中的能量是我国城市垃圾资源利用的主要方向。