Showing papers on "Waste disposal published in 1994"

Impact of long-term land application of broiler litter on environmentally related soil properties

Abstract: The largest portion of Alabama`s rapidly growing poultry industry is geographically concentrated in the Sand Mountain region of northern Alabama. The result is that large amounts of waste are applied to relatively small areas of agricultural soils. A study was conducted to determine the effects of long-term broiler waste (litter) application on environmentally related soil conditions in the region. The region has an average annual rainfall of 1325 mm, which is evenly distributed throughout the year, a thermic temperature regime, and soils in the region are of the Ultisol order. In each of four major broiler-producing counties, three pairs of sites consisting of long-term (15-28 yr) littered and nonlittered fields on matching soil series and maintained under perennial tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were sampled. Soil cores were taken to 3 m or lithic contact and depth-incremented samples (0-15, 15-30, and each subsequent 30-cm interval) were analyzed for organic C, total N, NO{sub 3}-N, pH, electrical conductivity, and acid-extractable P, K, Ca, Mg, Co, and Zn. Litter application increased organic C and total N to depths of 15 and 30 cm, respectively, as compared with nonlittered soils, whereas pH was 0.5 units higher to a depth of 60 cm undermore » littered soils. Significant accumulation of NO{sub 3}N was found in littered soils to or near bedrock. Extractable P concentrations in littered soils were more than six times greater than in nonlittered soils to a depth of 60 cm. Elevated levels of extractable K, Ca, and Mg to depths greater than 60 cm also were found as a result of long-term litter use. Extractable Cu and Zn had accumulated in littered soils to a depth of 45 cm. These findings indicate that long-term land application of broiler litter, at present rates, has altered soil chemical conditions and has created a potential for adverse environmental impacts in the Sand Mountain region of Alabama. 43 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Flintknapping: Making and Understanding Stone Tools

Abstract: Acknowledgments 1 Introduction Using This Book Learning to Knap 2 Flintknapping: Basic Principles Flintknapping Conchoidal Fracture Properties of Material Flakes and Cores 3 A Brief History of Flintknapping Prehistory of Stone Tools Recent "Stone-Age" People Modern Knapping Further Readings Other Resources: Finding Other Knappers 4 Raw Materials Stone Quality Stone Materials Heat-Treating Collecting Material: Ethical and Practical Considerations 5 Safety Proper Technique Eyes Hands Other Body Parts Lungs Waste Disposal Benefits 6 Hard-Hammer Percussion Material and Equipment Percussion-Flaking Principles: An Experiment Percussion Flaking Platforms The Face of the Core Terminations Curvature Starting a Core Summary: Nine Essentials Examples 7 Pressure Flaking Tools Raw Material First Principles Working Position Beginning Platform Preparation Thinning Notching Other Pressure-Flaking Techniques Summary: Six Essentials Application: Small Triangular Points from the Southwest Pressure-Flaking Problems Patterned Pressure Flaking 8 Soft-Hammer Percussion and Bifaces Definitions Tools Beginning Soft-Hammer Principles and Results Biface Thinning Flakes Fracture Theories The Blow Platforms Biface Stages Knapping Strategy and Other Considerations Example: A Basic Biface Biface Problems: Prehistoric Mistakes Summary 9 Blades and Fluting Blades Platforms Holding Punches The Blow Fluting Example: Fluted Point 10 Using Stone Tools Stone vs Steel Edges and Cutting Making a Projectile Foreshaft Going On 11 Archaeological Analysis of Stone Tools Typology Stone Tool Types and Change through Time What People Did with Stones Sources of Variation: Why Stone Tools Are Not All Alike Analyzing Stone Tool Materials Technology and What It Tells Us Figuring Out Function Questions of Style Conclusions Appendix: Resources for Knappers References Index

Market incentives to encourage household waste recycling: Paying for what you throw away

Abstract: This article investigates the use of market incentives to encourage household waste recycling by pricing waste-disposal services according to the quantity of waste generated. We use a natural experiment from an upstate New York county to examine how quantity-based pricing of waste disposal affects reported household recycling behavior, when used by itself or in conjunction with curbside pickup of recyclables or mandatory recycling laws. Curbside pickup was found to have the greatest effect on reported recycling behavior, although higher waste-disposal prices might alter these conclusions. Other concerns about quantity-based pricing of solid waste—distributional effects, public acceptance, and adverse incentives—are also examined.

Electrochemical metal removal technique for planarization of surfaces

Abstract: A high speed electrochemical metal removal technique provides for planarization of multilayer copper interconnection in thin film modules. The process uses a neutral salt solution, is compatible with the plating process and has minimum safety and waste disposal problems. The process offers tremendous cost advantages over previously employed micromilling techniques for planarization.

Groundwater Pollution Microbiology

Abstract: Groundwater Pollution Microbiology: The Emerging Issue. (G. Bitton & C. Gerba). Elements of Soil Science and Groundwater Hydrology. (H. Bouwer). Sources of Groundwater Pollution. (B. Keswick). Microbial Pollutants: Their Survival and Transport Pattern to Groundwater. (C. Gerba & G. Bitton). Microbiological Processes Affecting Chemical Transformations in Groundwater. (P. McCarty, et al.). Microbial Activity in Model Aquifer Systems. (J. Wilson & M. Noonan). Health Aspects of Groundwater Pollution. (G. Craun). Microbiological Aspects of Groundwater Pollution Due to Septic Tanks. (C. Hagedorn). Land Disposal of Sewage Effluents and Residues. (J. Lance). Microorganisms as Groundwater Tracers. (C. Gerba). Microbiological Sampling in the Assessment of Groundwater Pollution. (J. McNabb & G. Mallard). Groundwater Contamination: Data Analysis and Modeling. (I. Cech & R. Harrist). Biochemical Indicators of Goundwater Pollution. (F. Leach). U.S. Federal Legislation Pertaining to Groundwater Pollution. (J. Lehr, et al.). Index.

Monitoring network design to provide initial detection of groundwater contamination

Abstract: The design of a monitoring network to provide initial detection of groundwater contamination at a waste disposal facility is complicated by uncertainty in both the characterization of the subsurface and the nature of the contaminant source. In addition, monitoring network design requires the resolution of multiple conflicting objectives. A method is presented that incorporates system uncertainty in monitoring network design and provides network alternatives that are noninferior with respect to several objectives. Monte Carlo simulation of groundwater contaminant transport is the method of uncertainty analysis. The random inputs to the simulation are the hydraulic conductivity field and the contaminant source location. The design objectives considered are (1) minimize the number of monitoring wells, (2) maximize the probability of detecting a contaminant leak, and (3) minimize the expected area of contamination at the time of detection. The network design problem is formulated as a multiobjective, integer programming problem and is solved using simulated annealing. An application of the method illustrates the configurations of noninferior network solutions and the trade-offs between objectives. The probability of detection can be increased either by using more monitoring wells or by locating the wells farther from the source. The latter case results in an increase in the average area of the detected contaminant plumes at the time of initial detection. If monitoring is carried out very close to the contaminant source to reduce the expected area of a detected plume, a large number of wells are required to provide a high probability of detection. A sensitivity analysis showed that the predicted performance of a given number of wells decreases significantly as the heterogeneity of the porous medium increases. In addition, a poor estimate of hydraulic conductivity was shown to result in optimistic estimates of network performance. In general, the trade-offs between monitoring objectives are an important factor in network design unless the cost (as expressed by the number of monitoring wells) is of limited concern.

Hazardous Waste Facilities: "Environmental Equity" Issues in Metropolitan Areas

Abstract: Recent widely publicized studies claim facilities for treatment, storage, and disposal of hazard ous wastes (TSDFs) are located in areas with higher than average proportions of minorities, thereby ...

Soils in urban and industrial environments

Abstract: Urban areas are expanding rapidly. Therefore the interest in soil science activities on urban and industrial sites grows. The paper gives an overview of the research and mapping activities in Germany. A model of soils in urban ecosystems shows the relationships of development of soils and soil quality to land use. The water regime of soils is influenced by the characteristics of urban landscape and sealing. Of special interest are the typical substrates. Some properties of soils which develop on tipped substrates of natural material are discussed. Of importance are technological substrates as rubble, ash, slag, waste material and sludges in urban environments. Proposals of classification of urban and industrial soils are presented. For proper use by the municipal authorities availability and application of information on urban soils must be a part of research. Boden in der stadtischen und industriellen Umwelt Die Weltbevokerung lebt zunehmend in Stadten. Daher wachst das Interesse an bodenkundlichen Arbeiten in Stadt- und Industriegebieten. Die Arbeit gibt eine Ubersicht uber Kartiervorhaben und einige weitere Forschungsaktivitaten in Deutschland. In einem Modell der Boden im urbanen Okosystem wird die Beziehung der Bodenentwicklung und -qualitat zur Landnutzung aufgezeigt. Stadtlandschaften und Versiegelung beeinflussen den Wasserhaushalt der Boden. Von Interesse sind die stadttypischen Substrate. Dazu werden einige Eigenschaften von Boden auf umgelagerten naturlichen Substraten diskutiert. Von Bedeutung sind auch technogene Substrate wie Bauschutt, Asche, Schlacke, Mull und Schlamme. Vorschlage zur Klassifikation von Stadtboden werden vorgestellt. Fur eine Anwendung durch die Stadte mus sich die Forschung auch auf die Verfugbarkeit und die Umsetzung von Bodeninformationen konzentrieren.

Biological treatment of hypersaline wastewater by a biofilm of halophilic bacteria

Abstract: Each year, billions of gallons of wastewaters containing high concentrations of salt (>3.5% w/v) and waste organics are generated by industry. Biological treatment of these hypersaline waste brines to remove organics could reduce the environmental impact and cost of waste disposal. Unfortunately, the salinity of many waste brines makes them difficult to treat with conventional waste treatment cultures. This paper demonstrates that heterotrophic, halophilic organisms can be used to remove phenol from a synthetic waste brine containing 15% salt. The reactor system used in this study was a novel periodically operated biofilm reactor, the Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor (SBBR). The SBBR uses permeable silicone tubing to supply oxygen to the reactor

Waste Disposal in Rock

Abstract: Part 1 Introduction: scope and approach advantages in storing waste products at depth in rock general principles of waste disposal long-term function examples of planning and design of a repository - the Forsmark case references Part 2 Location of repositories: major factors rock structure factors influencing the location of repositories references Part 3 Design of repositories: major components to be considered in the design design concepts waste containers embedment of containment the nearfield rock repository sealing Part 4 Construction: rock excavation techniques and their disturbing effect on the rock buffers and backfills disposal in deep shafts disposal in very deep boreholes - the VDH concept special techniques for use in mines seals references Part 5 Performance assessment: normal conditions exceptional conditions conclusions concerning performance assessment Part 6 Disposal of radioactive waste: influence of g radiation on canister-embedding clay buffers influence of a radiation on canister-embedding clay buffer performance references Part 7 Quality assurance: what needs to be tested and which are the requirements? the host rock buffers and backfills references Part 8 Instrumentation and recording: general rock displacements temperature recording pressure recording references Part 9 Economy: factors HLW repositories repositories for hazardous chemical waste

Phosphorus Retention by Wetland Soils used for Treated Wastewater Disposal

Abstract: Wetlands function as buffers for nutrients loaded from terrestrial ecosystems through drainage and surface discharges. The objectives of our study were to (1) determine the P retention capacity of representative wetland soils being used for disposal of treated wastewater and (2) relate P retention characteristics to selected physicochemical properties to evaluate likely mechanisms of P removal to the solls. Intact soil cores (0-40cm) and bulk soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from a system of natural and constructed wetlands currently being used for disposal of treated wastewater. Floodwater P concentrations of the intact soil cores were monitored over time to determine the rate of P removal. Batch experiments were conducted to deternime maximum P retention capacity of the soils. Soil samples were analyzed for inorganic P pool sizes, and selected physicochemical properties. During a 21 d hydraulic retention time, the constructed wetlands (sandy, low organic matter solls) retained 52 to 66% of added P, as compared with 46 to 47% retained by the natural wetlands (high organic matter soils). The P retention maximum, as estimated using the Langmuir model, ranged from 196 to 1821 mg P kg{sup -1} (aerobic incubations) and from 32 to 1415 mg P kg{sup -1} (anaerobicmore » incubations). The P sorption maximum for these soils could be predicted by batch equilibration with a single high P solution. Anaerobic conditions increased P solubility Organic P pools and the Fe-Al-bound fraction seemed to control P chemistry in these natural and constructed wetland. 38 refs., 4 figs., 8 tabs.« less

Adsorption of dissolved organic carbon extracted from sewage sludge on montmorillonite and kaolinite in the presence of metal ions

Abstract: The adsorption of dissolved organic carbon extracted from sewage sludge (SSDOC) and its complexes with Cu, Pb, and Cd by montmorillonite and kaolinite was measured at 283, 298, and 308 K. Ex periments were conducted at 2 g L -3 clay suspension concentration in an ionic background of 50 mM NaClO 4 . Sufficient metal ion concentrations were present to saturate the days (92 and 5 cmol(c) kg -1 for montmorillonite and kaolinite, respectively). The pH value of the suspensions was adjusted to 5.5 prior to initiation of the adsorption experiments. Kinetic studies conducted under aseptic conditions indicated that within 2 h the adsorption of the SSDOC by the daysreached an equilibrium value

Environmental Impact Assessment for Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities

Abstract: SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION: The Waste Management System Waste Treatment and Disposal SECTION II - PROJECT DEFINITION: Need and Alternatives Site Identification and Selection SECTION III - ASSESSING IMPACTS: Flora and Fauna Geology and Soils Public Health Traffic Landfill Gas SECTION IV - MANAGEMENT ISSUES: Monitoring, Auditing and EA Case Study - The Seal Sands Incinerator

Modeling of multicomponent reactive transport in groundwater: 2. Metal mobility in aquifers impacted by acidic mine tailings discharge

Abstract: The mobility of potentially toxic dissolved metals discharged from a mine tailings source into an aquifer is investigated by using the multicomponent reactive transport model MINTRAN. A generic aquifer resembling a site in northern Ontario is used as a basis, and a scenario analysis is performed to determine the effect of terminating the source input of acidity and dissolved metals after a finite time. It is found that for most metals the buffering reactions in the carbonate aquifer lower the dissolved metal concentrations substantially, often by several orders of magnitude. In the case of a 12-year source duration, most metals are effectively immobilized by precipitation, and the concentrations of metals remaining in solution are well below drinking water limits. The risk of contamination of water resources by toxic metals can thus be controlled.

Workers' exposure to airborne bacteria and endotoxins at industrial wastewater treatment plants

Abstract: A study of sewage workers' exposure to airborne culturable bacteria and inhaled endotoxins was performed at nine wastewater treatment plants that treat mainly industrial effluents. Airborne endotoxins were collected on glass fiber filters and analyzed using a chromogenic limulus assay. Endotoxin concentrations measured in the immediate vicinity of the wastewater treatment process varied from 0.1 to 350 ng/m3. The eight-hour time weighted average concentrations of endotoxin to which workers were exposed exceeded the suggested exposure limit (30 ng/m3 endotoxin) at four of the plants. Air samples of culturable bacteria concentrations varied between 10 and 105 colony-forming units/m3. Of the particles carrying culturable bacteria, 88% had an aerodynamic diameter of less than 4.7 µm. The most common genera of airborne gram-negative bacteria were acinetobacter, citrobacter, enterobacter, klebsiella, and pseudomonas. High levels of exposure to bacteria and bacterial endotoxin usually were related to certain pha...

Behaviour of the private sector in the health market of Bombay

Abstract: The government of India has been unable to meet the health care needs of its people especially in rapidly expanding urban areas so private sector health services have proliferated. In 1990 for example the private sector in Bombay ran 87.9% of the 602 hospitals and provided 39.8% of the total beds. Members of all socioeconomic groups use the private facilities and the willingness of people to pay for health care heralds the expansion of private sector services yet there is no policy governing such an expansion. A study was undertaken therefore to document the different types of private services offered in Bombay analyze the private sector delivery of health services access the existing control regulations and consider policy options available for private sector regulation. Information was obtained from 15 individuals who hold key positions in the health sector including hospital executives medical school professors hospital managers private practitioners and a social activist. In addition information was obtained from the findings of a committee investigating conditions in private nursing homes as part of a law suit. This committee found that many of the nursing homes were substandard and were operating without regard to antiseptic procedures. Most of the individuals queried reported that private hospitals do not pose the same problems as private nursing homes since the private hospitals are situated outside of residential areas and have a proper waste disposal system. The respondents felt that the private facilities were well equipped and that the use of modern technology was justified in the hospitals but not in the nursing homes or clinics. Most respondents felt that the nursing homes and clinics lacked properly trained medical personnel. It was acknowledged that some private physicians abuse their honorary staff positions in public hospitals by using the facilities to treat private patients or by diverting public patients to their private practices. Charges of medical malpractice were also proffered with examples given of collusion to extort fees from patients or to provide people with false medical documentation for a price. These unethical practices are mirrored by negligent medical practices. Calls for regulation of the private sector have increased. The existing regulation dates from 1949 and its implementation has been far from satisfactory. Public confidence in the Maharashtra Medical Council and the Indian Medical Associations ability to regulate individual doctors has also dwindled. A regulatory policy should be directed toward the expansion of the private sector in Bombay and should include measures that will contribute to the overall improvement of public health. Once formulated the regulations should be implemented by the Public Health Department of the Municipal Corporation with the responsibility vested in a Deputy Executive Health Officer who should also be able to report unethical practices for action. A holistic approach to this problem will result in better health care for the citizens of Bombay.

Locating Hazardous Waste Facilities: The Influence of NIMBY Beliefs

Abstract: The 'Not-In-My-Backyard' (NIMBY) syndrome is analyzed in economic decision making. Belief statements that reflect specific NIMBY concerns are subjected to factor analysis and the structure reveals two dimensions: tolerance and avoidance. Tolerance reflects an acceptance of rational economic arguments regarding the siting of a hazardous waste facility and avoidance reflects a more personal fear-of-consequences. Analysis identifies demographic characteristics of individuals likely to exhibit these two beliefs. These beliefs also are shown to influence the acceptance of a hazardous waste disposal facility in ones neighborhood when compensation is offered.

Remediation of Contaminated Soils by Solvent Flushing

Abstract: Solvent flushing is a potential technique for remediating a waste disposal/spill site contaminated with organic chemicals. This technique involves the injection of a solvent mixture (e.g., water plus alcohols) that enhances contaminant solubility, reduces the retardation factor, and increases the release rates of the contaminants. A simulation model is developed to predict contaminant elution curves during solvent flushing for the case of one‐dimensional, steady flow through a contaminated medium. Column experiments are conducted with a Eustis fine sand that is initially equilibrated with an aqueous naphthalene solution, and then eluted with different methanol‐water mixtures to remove the naphthalene. The model simulations, based on parameter values estimated from literature data, agree well with the measured elution profiles. Solvent flushing experiments, where the soil was initially equilibrated with a solution of naphthalene and anthracene, show that compounds with different retardation factors are separated at low cosolvent contents, while coelution of the compounds occurs at higher contents. In general, the smaller the retardation factor in water and the higher the cosolvent fraction, the faster the contaminant is recovered. The presence of nonequilibrium conditions, soil heterogeneity, and type of cosolvent will influence the time required to recover the contaminant.

Simultaneous Routing and Siting for Hazardous‐Waste Operations

Abstract: This paper presents a mathematical model for the optimal simultaneous siting and routing of hazardous‐waste transport, storage, and disposal operations. Siting hazardous‐waste disposal facilities and the subsequent routing of hazardous waste from multiple points of origin is a complex problem involving environmental engineering, economic, and safety issues. The model presented explicitly considers hazardous‐waste routing and operational costs in the facility siting process. The formulation presented represents a linear flow model driven by both cost and risk considerations. To demonstrate this model, an example using a hypothetical siting and transportation network for a 10‐month planning horizon is presented. In addition, a multiobjective formulation of the model is formulated and solved for incorporating risks associated with the transport, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. The model can be used to aid engineers and local and state agencies in the siting of hazardous‐waste facilities and in eval...

System and method for determining earth fracture propagation

Abstract: Hydraulic fracture extension in earth formation zones of interest may be monitored by placing one or more monitor wells in predetermined positions on opposite sides of an azimuth aligned with the expected fracture plane extending from a fluid waste injection well. The monitor wells are provided with arrays of vertically spaced triaxial geophone units and the signals from the geophones are transmitted to a central processing unit for treatment and analysis to determine the location of micro-earthquake events which occur as the fracture propagates radially and, usually, vertically away from the injection well. Geophone signals are converted to digital format and selectively stored on magnetic tapes or in a shared memory of a central processing unit which is operable to display selected channels for geophone signals in a way so that minimum arrival time of a signal at a particular geophone will indicate the growth of the fracture in real time to control fluid waste disposal, for example. The converted data may be selectively screened by a program which eliminates weak or spurious signals and the screened signals may then be analyzed by a location routine and displayed in a manner which indicates the location of the detected and screened events with respect to the injection well.