Florencio C. Ballesteros

Bio: Florencio C. Ballesteros is an academic researcher from University of the Philippines Diliman. The author has contributed to research in topics: Wastewater & Membrane fouling. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 49 publications receiving 1101 citations. Previous affiliations of Florencio C. Ballesteros include University of the Philippines.

E-waste recycling processes in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam: A case study of cathode ray tube TVs and monitors

Abstract: The amount of electronic waste (e-waste) is rapidly increasing due to economic growth and the advancement of information technology. End-of-life (EOL) cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs and computer monitors make up the greatest proportion of the total mass of e-waste. Because of international trade in secondhand CRT TVs and monitors and the toxic substances contained in them, the EOL fate of CRTs is an emerging concern in developing countries. In this study, the recycling and treatment techniques of EOL CRT TVs/monitors were investigated in three Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam). The current recycling methods of CRT TVs/monitors in Japan and China were also reviewed for comparison. The process flows and destinations of materials or parts at both formal and informal recycling sites were compared. Among the three countries, only one formal facility in the Philippines has automated processing equipment for CRTs. CRT glass handled by informal sectors was illegally dumped or disposed of with regular municipal solid waste. Some waste CRT glass was also informally recycled as glass materials or exported to China. A number of recommendations are made to improve recycling conditions at both formal and informal recycling sites.

Combination of Electrochemical Processes with Membrane Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment and Fouling Control: A Review

Abstract: This paper provides a critical review about the integration of electrochemical processes into membrane bioreactors (MBR) in order to understand the influence of these processes on wastewater treatment performance and membrane fouling control. The integration can be realized either in an internal or an external configuration. Electrically enhanced membrane bioreactors or electro membrane bioreactors (eMBRs) combine biodegradation, electrochemical and membrane filtration processes into one system providing higher effluent quality as compared to conventional MBRs and activated sludge plants. Furthermore, electrochemical processes, such as electrocoagulation, electrophoresis and electroosmosis, help to mitigate deposition of foulants into the membrane and enhance sludge dewaterability by controlling the morphological properties and mobility of the colloidal particles and bulk liquid. Intermittent application of minute electric field has proven to reduce energy consumption and operational cost as well as minimize the negative effect of direct current field on microbial activity which are some of the main concerns in eMBR technology. The present review discusses important design considerations of eMBR, its advantages as well as its applications to different types of wastewater. It also presents several challenges that need to be addressed for future development of this hybrid technology which include treatment of high strength industrial wastewater and removal of emerging contaminants, optimization study, cost benefit analysis and the possible combination with microbial electrolysis cell for biohydrogen production.

E-waste: An overview on generation, collection, legislation and recycling practices

Abstract: E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world in terms of volume and its environmental impact on the planet. The existence of precious metals in the e-waste stream provides a major economic benefit for recycling industries but due to the presence of hazardous chemicals, a proper recycling technique is required prior to the disposal of the e-waste. This paper presents an overview of the statistics on global e-waste generation and the sales of new electrical equipment and electronics in general. The total amount of e-waste produced has reached approximately 41 million tonnes in 2014 and increasing at a rate of 3–5% every year. A correlation between e-waste generated, gross domestic product and population of the country has also been explored that suggested that the GDP of any country has a direct correlation with the amount of e-waste produced by that country. The population of the country doesn’t have a significant impact. The paper also describes the importance and benefits of recycling are emphasized while presenting the techniques currently used by the recycling facilities.