Domestic Refuse Research Articles

Reclamation of wastes contaminated by copper, lead, and zinc

Waste materials containing toxic levels of copper, lead, and zinc, such as mine and smelter wastes, present difficult conditions for the establishment of vegetation. This article reviews the many attempts which have been made to reclaim these wastes. Inert wastes from mining and quarrying operations, such as slate quarry waste and certain colliery shales, seem to be good materials for reclaiming wastes contaminated by copper, lead, and zinc. Organic wastes, such as sewage sludge and domestic refuse, may provide only a temporary visual improvement and stabilization of the toxic materials. Nontolerant plant materials may often be planted directly on modern waste materials, which are less toxic than they were in the past. However, tolerant plant materials are needed for revegetating waste materials produced by early and more primitive extraction methods.

２１世紀マンション計画にみる環境技術 家庭廃棄物の燃料化機器システムの開発

２１世紀マンション計画にみる環境技術 家庭廃棄物の燃料化機器システムの開発

Production of source-separated domestic waste fractions

The separation of domestic waste materials at source of production is a well-known method which has gained renewed interest in recent years. Projects which have been concluded in the Netherlands, and those still in progress, such as those running at Groningen, Den Bosch, Amersfoort and Woerden, are to be described. The results already available with respect to collectson of domestic refuse and its separation into fractions are also presented. In addition, an indication is given of where outlet markets may be found for these fractions. The research carried out so far has led to the following conclusions: (1) The population can be sufficiently motivated to separate domestic refuse at the source; (2) Subsequent separation into secondary raw materials is technically feasible; (3) A scaling-up process is required to assess the economic feasibility of the proposed separation method.

The agronomic value of the sewage sludge of Tenerife. Composting

One of the most effective ways of recycling the organic and mineral fractions of sludge from the treatment of domestic wastewater is to compost the sludge with the organic fraction of domestic refuse. In the present study, a compost on a semi-industrial scale was obtained from a mixture of domestic refuse and sewage sludge. The evolution of the different parameters throughout the process was noted and the most interesting physico-chemical characteristics from an agricultural point of view determined. The compost, because of its high percentage of total organic matter (43·62%), its relatively high N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents (2·82%, 1·25%, 1·63%, 5·16% and 1·07%, respectively), its balanced oligoelement levels and low content of non-essential heavy metals, can be considered, in principle, a good organic fertilizer with possibilities for use in the agriculture of the island of Tenerife.

２１世紀マンション計画にみる環境技術 家庭用厨芥処理システムの開発

２１世紀マンション計画にみる環境技術 家庭用厨芥処理システムの開発

Groundwater Reclamation Project, Gilson Road Hazardous Waste Disposal Site, Nashua, NH

ABSTRACT A sand and gravel area in southern New Hampshire, was found to have been the dumping site for significant quantities of hazardous wastes and domestic refuse. Groundwater monitoring was conducted which indicated significant contamination of the aquifer underlying the site. Results of a feasibility study called for containment of a 20 acre site within a soil-bentonite slurry wall and treatment of the contaminated groundwater within the wall. The facility would be operated for a two-year period and then discontinued. Pilot plant studies were conducted confirming the recommended treatment process. Construction of the treatment facility is now underway with operation expected in late 1985.

Natural floatation during anaerobic digestion of high strength wastes

The tendency of vegetable fibres to float during the anaerobic digestion process has been studied for two types of substrate, cow dung and domestic refuse. A mathematical model has been developed which, on the basis of a knowledge of the initial dry matter content and the degree of progress of the reaction, enables the reaction volume occupied by the floating phase to be determined accurately. It is thus possible to determine the critical dry matter content beyond which fermentation can no longer take place due to limitations on diffusion, lack of water and other technical reasons.

Anaerobic digestion of a cellulose-rich fraction of domestic refuse

Anaerobic digestion of a cellulose-rich fraction of domestic refuse

Discussion: Some properties of concrete containing sintered domestic refuse as a coarse aggregate

Discussion: Some properties of concrete containing sintered domestic refuse as a coarse aggregate

Changes in the organic fraction of leachate from two domestic refuse sites on the Sherwood Sandstone, Nottinghamshire

Summary Two domestic refuse landfill sites, situated on the outcrop of the Sherwood Sandstone in Nottinghamshire, have been investigated with a view to elucidating possible mechanisms of attenuation in operation within the unsaturated zone. Two cored boreholes have been drilled at each site, separated by a two-year interval, and the pore water analysed for a wide range of parameters. Although acetogenic degradation has been identified within both landfills, and it is postulated that methanogenesis is occurring in the Gorsethorpe site, there is little evidence for attenuation of the organic fraction of the leachate within the 6 m of unsaturated zone penetrated.

Tythegston quarry landfill site

Tythegston quarry lies near Bridgend in South Wales Fig. 1 The quarry covers an area of about 9 hectares and has been used as a waste disposal site since 1968. The maximum depth of the quarry was 38 m, with rock benches along the northwest and south sides about 20 m below ground level. Solid wastes, 50% being crude domestic refuse, have been tipped at the rate of about 86 000 tonnes per annum since December 1968. Initial disposals were into the central, seasonally flooded, depression located just to the right of the area photographed (fig.) In 1971, drums of chemical wastes and motor tyres were codeposited but since 1972 only untreated domestic and paper mill wastes have been tipped. The quarry is excavated into the Main Limestone Series of the Carboniferous Limestone Table 1, at the C 1 and C 2 /S 1 zonal boundary. The limestone is massively bedded (Fig.2) with a northerly dip of 5° (B) but with some cross folding and associated small faults, for example, the zone of intense fissuring visible on the rock face (F), locally increasing dips to between 35° and 55°N. The photograph is of part of the northern wall of the quarry defined by conjugate joints trending 010–190° (J1) and 115–295° (J2). The northerly joints (J2) show evidence of solution widening (karstification) but with Triassic sediment infilling to depths of over 40 m. The widened joints in zone F have been infilled with more recent, possibly Pleistocene, material. The

The Use of Unconventional Fuels in Cement Manufacture

Abstract For more than half a century combustible materials have been used to a limited extent to substitute partially for coal, oil, or gas as the main fuel for cement manufacture, and the continuing increase in price of the conventional fuels is increasing the incentive to do this wherever it is technically practicable and economic. This paper discusses and quantifies the theoretical aspects of this topic, particularly the influence of the properties, continuity of supply, delivered cost and processing cost of possible alternative fuels, the tolerance of the cement-making process according to the type of process and raw materials and cement product quality requirements. Guidelines are developed and are illustrated by reference to the results of research and development and pilot plant work and practical experiences of a number of full-scale applications including a large and novel plant and system for consuming domestic refuse (municipal garbage) in a cement works.

Some properties of concrete containing sintered domestic refuse as a coarse aggregate

Synopsis An artificia1 aggregate has been produced by pelletizing and firing the residues collected from incinerators used to burn domestic refuse. Tests on concretes made with this material as a coarse aggregate have been carried out forperiods of up to 4% years. The properties tested include compressive and tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, shrinkage and creep. The results so far obtained would appear to indicate that, under laboratory conditions, the material performs in a satisfactory manner. Although the material is not commercially available at the moment, it may be possible to produce it at a cost which would make it no more expensive than many lightweight aggregates currently on the market.

Determination of Organic Halogen and Sulphur Compounds in Domestic Refuse Samples by Ion Chromatography

Abstract The aim of this investigation is-the estimation of the impact on the environment caused by organic halogen and sulphur compounds contained in domestic refuse samples. Samples were collected in the whole Federal Republic of Germany under statistical aspects. After sorting, grinding and Wickbold-combustion the compounds chloride, fluoride and sulphate were determined.

The prospects for biogas—A European point of view

In many parts of the world, alternative energy sources are already needed or will be needed to augment fossil fuel supplies. ‘Biogas’, methanol, ethanol and hydrogen are all potentially useful in this respect, as they can be obtained (biologically or thermochemically) from renewable resources like biomass (trees, crops, etc.) and organic wastes (sewage, domestic refuse, animal manure). Some aspects of biofuel research and development in Member States of the European Community are highlighted, and estimates of the contributions that these fuels might make to current and future energy demands are reviewed. Some of the potential uses of biogases and liquid biofuels in a gas industry context are described. In the author's opinion, production of biogases and other biofuels will ultimately play a significant but relatively small rôle in conserving supplies of natural gas and other fossil fuels, and in alleviating or preventing environmental pollution.

The application of enzyme activity measurements to a study of factors affecting protein, starch and cellulose fermentation in domestic refuse

Analysis indicated cellulose to be the principal component of unfermented domestic refuse and the cellulose: lignin ratio to be a constant value of 3.5∶1. Extracellular enzyme determinations were found to be suitable for assessing microbial activity in fermenting refuse but not for quantifying rates of polymer hydrolysis. Initial stages of fermentation were associated with the breakdown of protein and starch. Cellulase activity was low, possibly due to the destructive effect of proteases, and lipases were not detected. Protease and amylase activities were significantly affected by refuse moisture content, and changes in enzyme activities did not correlate with most probable number determinations (mpn) of the different physiological groups.

Methane generation and microbial activity in a domestic refuse landfill site

Carboxylic acid and sulphate concentrations, microbial activity as estimated by extracellular enzyme activities, and biogas production, at Aveley Landfill Site (Essex) were markedly influenced by refuse moisture content, which depended on the level of the water table. Cellulose: lignin ratios were indicative of cellulose disappearance and enzyme activity determinations may be a measure of the potential of landfill sites to produce biogas.

Salmonellae isolated from domestic meat waste.

During 1977 and 1978, 172 samples from 14 batches of domestic meat waste were examined for the presence of salmonellae. Each batch was derived from the domestic refuse collected from approximately 120 houses. Thirty-five strains of ten salmonella serotypes were isolated from 32 samples from 8 batches. The probable origin of these serotypes and their significance when domestic waste is exposed to predation by birds and animals on refuse tips is discussed.

Exploitation of a new food source by the Great Skua in Shetland

There are many records of skuasfeeding on domestic refuse in the southern hemisphere, where there is no large gull competitor. The observations reported here document the first indications that Scottish birds may be adopting this scavenging habit.

Results of municipal waste compost research over more than fifty years at the Institute for Soil Fertility at Haren/Groningen, the Netherlands.

Until about 1950, municipal waste compost in the Netherlands was used principally on agricultural soils (mainly reclaimed cut-over peat and heath soils). Between 1950 and 1970, about equal proportions of compost were utilized in agriculture, horticulture and in amenity areas. Since 1970, amenity areas have demanded more than 90% of the compost. The main producer of municipal waste compost in the Netherlands is the VAM Waste Disposal Company, with a production level of about 100,000 tonnes per year. Its domestic refuse recycling plant recovers about 33% of organic residues suitable for compost production. Microelement contents and Ca and S levels in the compost are high, N, P and K contents and availability are low, and the organic matter content is c. 30% (dry matter basis). Biennial applications of up to 40 t/ha of compost between 1948 and 1975 resulted in large increases in microelement concentrations in crops and especially in soils. The Zn content of crops in a range of compost/soil mixtures increased with increasing compost/soil ratio, and crop growth was greatest in 100% compost. The current tendency in the Netherlands towards large-scale recycling of municipal waste may lead to increased compost production. Because the recreational sector can only absorb limited quantities, this compost would largely be disposed of on agricultural land. In such a situation limits for maximum permissible concentrations of potentially toxic substances in this compost, and maximum permissible application rates, would need to be set: for sewage sludge such limits already exist. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)