Narrow Results

The recent methodological developments and particularly the recent applications of nuclear analytical techniques (mainly PIXE and INAA) for measuring minor and trace elements in various types of environmental samples are reviewed. The sample types covered range from atmospheric aerosols over miscellaneous air topics (e.g., emissions, wet and dry deposition) to various solid environmental materials and samples from the aqueous environment. A fairly comprehensive overview is given of the research on atmospheric aerosols. For the other sample types, the trends in the research are indicated and selected examples of applications are presented. It is shown that the nuclear analytical techniques are very valuable for the multielement analysis of solid environmental samples. Furthermore, PIXE is particularly suitable for analyzing atmospheric aerosol samples.

In nature, microbes are involved in weathering of rocks, in mobilization of metals from minerals, and in metal precipitation and deposition. These microbiological principles and processes can be adapted to treat particulate solid wastes. Especially the microbiological solubilization of metals from solid minerals (termed bioleaching) to obtain metal values is a well-known technique in the mining industry. We focus here on non-mining mineral wastes to demonstrate the applicability of mining-based technologies for the treatment of metal-containing solid wastes. In the case study presented, microbial metal mobilization from particulate fly ash (originating from municipal solid waste incineration) by Acidithiobacilli resulted in cadmium, copper, and zinc mobilization of >80%, whereas lead, chromium, and nickel were mobilized by 2, 11 and 32%, respectively. In addition, the potential of HCN-forming bacteria (Chromobacterium violaceum, Pseudomonas fluorescens) was investigated to mobilize metals when grown in the presence of solid materials (e.g., copper-containing ores, electronic scrap, spent automobile catalytic converters). C. violaceum was found capable of mobilizing nickel as tetracyanonickelate from fine-grained nickel powder. Gold was microbially solubilized as dicyanoaurate from electronic waste. Additionally, cyanide-complexed copper was detected during biological treatment of shredded printed circuit-board scraps. Water-soluble copper and platinum cyanide were also detected during the treatment of spent automobile catalytic converters.

With the substantial increase in solid waste due to industrialization and urbanization, the environmental damage has also aggravated, making the management of solid waste an important issue throughout the world. Global warming, species extinction, imbalance in nutrient cycle and random disposal of hazardous waste are some environmental problems threatening sustainable development. The solid waste from the study area mainly consists of organic waste (66%), recyclables (25%) and miscellaneous waste (9%). About 10% of the organic waste is composted by public facilities funded by the government; whereas the entire miscellaneous waste is dumped at dumping sites without going through any treatment. About 41% of the recyclables are sold to junk shops by households, and 28% are sorted out by scavengers at dumping sites. An EASEWASTE model is used to evaluate the impacts of existing solid waste management system on environment. The major gases which contribute to life cycle impact assessment are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), CFCs (CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114 and CFC-115), HCFCs (HCFC-22, HCFC-123, HCFC-124 and HCFC-141b), HFCs (HFC-125, HFC-134a and HFC-152a), halons, tetra chloromethane (CCl${}_4)$, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (CCl₃CH₃) and carbon monoxide (CO), and global warming potential is calculated by the EASEWASTE model at different timelines, i.e. 20, 100 and 500 years, respectively. Human toxicity via water and air is also evaluated and it found that the existing system is polluting the environment in many ways.

Ecological impact of sanitary landfill is discussed in this chapter. Landfill design, leachate control, and landfill gas (LFG) management are developed and their applications are illustrated. Landfill pollution control, collection, and treatment of LFG, and utilization of LFG energy are discussed in detail. Cost data and practical examples for planning, LFG management, and operation are presented.

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), located in southern New Jersey, is responsible for treating and managing waste in Atlantic County. At both its solid waste facility (Egg Harbor Township) and wastewater treatment facility (Atlantic City), the ACUA has successfully implemented initiatives including renewable energy projects to reduce emissions. These projects have also saved the Authority money. ACUA’s ability to carry out these projects as a government entity demonstrate that opportunities are available for businesses of all types to have an impact.

This paper discusses a conceptual model for integrated waste management based on an improved ‘spatial’ understanding of Kathmandu's waste management system. The proposed system is based on a transfer of technology and waste management strategies between Regional Victoria, Australia, and Nepal, and aims to determine if the waste management strategies employed in Regional Victoria can be scaled up to address the waste management concerns of a large metropolitan city such as Kathmandu. The waste management challenges in Kathmandu and Regional Victoria are similar, local landfills nearing capacity and a rapidly expanding population, though the approaches to combating these challenges differ significantly. The proposed model could be implemented in a developing country such as Nepal, while still having direct relevance to a developed country such as Australia.