Pollution Prevention Strategies Research Articles

Opportunities and challenges in implementing pollution prevention strategies to help revive the ailing carpet manufacturing sector of Nepal

Nepal's carpet sector is one of the main economic contributors that plays a significant role in many areas of the country's well being. However, this sector has seen a major downturn in recent years that is related to resource constraints, environmental problems and management inefficiency. Implementation of pollution prevention strategies has brought significant changes in similar sectors elsewhere in the world. Therefore, Nepal's carpet sector can also benefit from such strategies. This paper is written to provide an overview of the problems that the carpet manufacturing sector of Nepal faces. It also provides recommendations to the government, public and the carpet sector on some of the pollution prevention methods that can be implemented in Nepal to revive the ailing carpet sector. The information presented in this paper will also be useful to similar other industries elsewhere in the world that are directly or indirectly involved in carpet sector.

Application of rough sets for environmental decision support in industry

Practical environmental decision-making in industry is a complex task that often entails a subtle interplay between alternatives and criteria. Quantitative tools are used to aid decision-makers to arrive at rational conclusions. However, conventional decision aids are often limited by the need to define a priori weights for the criteria being considered; identifying the correct weights to use is not a trivial task and has been the subject of considerable research. An alternative approach based on rough set methodology is described in this work. The procedure develops an empirical, rule-based model from example responses derived from an expert panel. The model can then be used for decision-making in cases resembling the example used previously. Rough set theory also provides numerical measures of the reliability of the rule-based model developed. The approach is illustrated with two case studies, the first involving comparison of alternative energy sources, and the second involving the ranking of pollution prevention strategies in manufacturing.

Reduction of phosphorus and other pollutants from industrial dischargers using pollution prevention

During the course of this five-year project, the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) at the University of Minnesota helped industrial wastewater dischargers reduce 65,950 pounds of phosphorus, 7.5 million pounds of organic and solids loading, and 104 million gallons water; and save $3.2 million. Publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) were key partners working with industrial wastewater dischargers in small communities. As industrial users implemented pollution prevention strategies, POTWs could see the impact of those changes reflected in their monitoring data. Some municipalities avoided the need to add treatment capacity and others reduced chemical cost. Some industries had reduced surcharges.

Local governments reduce costs through pollution prevention

The Pollution Prevention 1997: A National Progress Report identifies pollution prevention initiatives as potentially the most effective for reducing risks to human health and the environment, as well as the most cost-effective method of environmental protection. So it is no surprise that much of the implementation of pollution prevention by local governments has been driven due to the cost savings it provides. Pollution prevention initiatives have been proven to reduce costs, improve efficiency, reduce risk, reduce liability, and provide a safer work environment. However, as many local governments have experienced budget and resource reductions, their pollution prevention programs have been impacted. Local governments, working to continue pollution prevention initiatives in spite of declining budgets, have had to change their approaches, be creative, and innovate. Montgomery County, Maryland has implemented a number of pollution prevention strategies for its own County operations. The linkages established between cost savings they achieve and environmental benefits provided have been used to continue to expand the County's pollution prevention efforts. This paper provides an overview of the pollution prevention measures and approaches that have been implemented in Montgomery County for its internal operations.

Hybrid evolutionary computation for the development of pollution prevention and control strategies

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is an evolutionary algorithm based on the behavior of social animals. Its key advantage is its computational efficiency compared to related techniques such as genetic algorithm (GA). Use of a modified PSO algorithm in selecting an optimal array of pollution prevention techniques for clay brick production is described. The model is formulated as a multi-constraint knapsack optimization problem. The optimization technique used in the study is a binary PSO augmented with a GA-based mutation operator.

Simultaneous synthesis of waste interception and material reuse networks: Problem reformulation for global optimization

AbstractRecycling and reuse of materials are among the most important pollution prevention strategies. In many cases, direct recycling/reuse of process and waste streams may not be feasible because of the intolerable levels of contaminants that can be detrimental to the process performance or can build up to unacceptable levels. Therefore, interception may be used to selectively remove pollutants from the process streams using separation devices or interceptors. In this work, we develop a systematic procedure for the simultaneous synthesis of material reuse and interception networks. A structural representation of the solution alternatives is first presented using a source–interception–sink framework. Then, a generally applicable mathematical formulation is developed. Because of the nonconvexities associated with the general mathematical program, we invoke a number of simplifying assumptions to facilitate reformulation of the problem into a linear program. The concepts of source substreams and interceptor decomposition were used to facilitate the problem reformulation. Additionally, the tasks of assessing interceptor performance and cost were transformed into presynthesis calculations that can be conducted a priori without compromising the accuracy of the models. The problem reformulation yields a linear program that can be solved globally. A case study is solved to illustrate the developed procedure. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005

The status of life‐cycle assessment as an environmental management tool

AbstractAs environmental awareness increases, industries and businesses have responded by providing “greener” products and using “greener” processes. Many companies have found it advantageous to explore ways of moving beyond compliance, using pollution prevention strategies and environmental management systems, to improve their environmental performance. One such way is life‐cycle assessment (LCA). This concept considers the entire life cycle of a product, process, or an activity. Evaluating environmental impacts holistically from raw material acquisition, through manufacture, use, and disposal using a life‐cycle perspective is gradually being viewed by environmental managers and decision makers as an important element in achieving environmental sustainability. The use of a holistic, life‐cycle approach can help industry and government avoid the unintended trading of one environmental problem for another. This paper addresses ongoing research in LCA methodology in the US EPA's National Risk Management Research Laboratory. Two key areas of this research include life‐cycle inventory (LCI) data availability and life‐cycle impact assessment (LCIA) modeling.To address the issue of data availability, EPA developed a website entitled LCAccess. Although LCAccess does not itself contain data, it is a searchable global directory to potential data sources. LCAccess also serves as a central source for LCA information. In addition, EPA developed TRACI (the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts), which allows the characterization of ozone depletion, global warming, acidification, eutrophication, tropospheric ozone (smog) formation, ecotoxicity, human particulate effects, human health, fossil fuel depletion, and land use effects. TRACI can be used with life‐cycle inventory to further analyze and understand the data. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2004

The influence of land-use patterns in the Ruvu river watershed on water quality in the river system

This work assessed the impacts of land-use patterns in the Ruvu river basin on water quality in the river system. Seasonal changes in water quality parameters were also investigated. Ten river water-sampling stations were selected and samples were collected and analysed according to standard analytical procedures. The results showed that physico-chemical parameters of river water ranged as follows: pH, from 6.95 ± 0.09 to 8.07 ± 0.23; temperature, from 14.0 ± 0.06 to 31.1 ± 0.4 °C; EC, from 39.8 ± 0.8 to 48,734 306 μs/cm; TDS, from 19.9 ± 0.4 to 24,367 ± 152.9 mg/l; turbidity, from 3.0 ± 0.6 to 840 ± 69.3 NTU and DO, from 6.8 ± 0.02 to 16.78 mg/l. The ranges for nutrient concentrations were NO 3–N, from 0.006 ± 0.0003 to 0.62 ± 0.3 mg/l; NH 4–N, from 0.34 ± 0.17 to 16.2 ± 0.5 mg/l; PO 4–P, from 0.009 ± 0.001 to 1.75 ± 0.2 mg/l and TP, from 0.02 ± 0.003 to 3.56 ± 0.38 mg/l. Generally, water samples from stations with forested catchments had high levels of DO and low levels of NH 4–N and NO 3–N compared to those from farmland, industrial, residential and market places. There were clear seasonal variations showing an increase in the concentrations of nutrients during rainy season. The results show impairment of the water quality of the river by anthropogenic activities in the catchment. Water pollution prevention strategies to ensure prevention of pollution and protection of water resources in the Ruvu river watershed are recommended.

Cleaner production and environmentally sound biotechnology for the prevention of upstream nutrient pollution in the Mexican coast of the Gulf of México

It has been previously established that nutrient pollution is the gravest and most prevalent problem of ocean health. Furthermore, upstream areas and non-point sources of pollution have been found to contribute with the majority of nutrients discharged into estuaries in the United States coastal zone. However, very scattered information is available related to upstream nutrient pollution sources with impact on the Mexican coast of the Gulf of México. The objective of this paper is two-fold. One purpose is to review the information related to the impact of upstream sources of agro-industrial pollution which affect the Mexican coast of the Gulf of México. The second purpose is to discuss the need of promoting cleaner production and environmentally sound biotechnologies as part of a strategy for the pollution prevention of such agro-industrial activities. The sugar industry was found to be by far the largest upstream nutrient pollution source. Coffee, alcohol and pig production were also found to be important pollution sources. A pollution prevention strategy based on water reuse and recycling, water reduction at the source and wastewater recycling by means of cost-effective and environmentally sound biotechnologies is proposed. Such a strategy could be part of the Integrated Coastal Area Management to be implemented for the states bordering the Gulf of México.

Joint Occupational and Environmental Pollution Prevention Strategies: A Model for Primary Prevention

Occupational and environmental health issues are not always considered simultaneously when attempting to reduce or eliminate hazardous materials from our environment. Methods used to decrease exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace often lead to increased exposure in the environment and to the community outside the workplace. Conversely, efforts to control emissions of hazardous chemicals into the environment often lead to increased exposure to the workers inside the plant. There are government regulations in place that ensure a safe work environment or a safe outside environment; however, there is little integration of both approaches when considering the public's health as a whole. This article examines some of the reasons behind this dichotomy, focusing on the regulatory and policy frameworks with respect to workplace and environment that have resulted in the inability of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to coordinate their efforts to protect public health. The components of the Pollution Prevention Act and its potential to serve as a model for integrating occupational and environmental health are discussed. Limitations regarding enforcement of pollution prevention, as well as its disconnection from the work environment are equally highlighted. The article finishes by examining the barriers to integrating the occupational and environmental health paradigms and the promotion of primary prevention in public health.

Environmental education: new paradigms and engineering syllabus

The issue of sustainability places particular demands on engineers to become more ‘connoisseur’ of the roots of the problems, in addition to being ‘trained’ in problem solution techniques that emphasize holistic approaches (for both the social and ecological environment). We have introduced the new E3 model, as outlined here, to chemical engineering students, with an integrated approach to translate ‘generic’ common-sense pollution prevention strategies (design, operation) into definite problems where engineering science can be put into action. New tools (such as minimization hierarchy and life cycle), as well as abilities both to identify and evaluate environmental problems, and to propose, select and implement solutions, provide methods for understanding a problem and for mitigating it through (re)design of a product or process, by emphasizing basic approaches to analysis, synthesis and integration. Additionally, control technologies can be systematized, including the best available selection procedures on which the emission limits are based. Awareness, institutional factors and normative-ethical aspects are also considered.

A Strategic Environmental Management System (SEMS) Innovation—Both Entrepreneurial and Technological—Is the Key

Leading companies in the world are on a path to a new environmental protection strategy based on pollution prevention, clean technologies, and environmentally responsible products. This new strategy requires the full participation of everyone in the organization, supported by an aggressive entrepreneurial and technological innovation effort. In this article, a new model is proposed as an organizational framework for the chemical and process industry (CPI) in order to attain a sustainable development approach in the mid-term. This model is based on a creative strategic environmental management system (SEMS) and is formed by the following key elements: a) Corporate environmental excellence and stewardship philosophies. b) A life cycle analysis approach. c) A pollution prevention focus linked to total quality management. d) Clean technology application through pollution prevention strategies and practices. e) The manufacture of ecological products based on environmental marketing. f) A system supported on entrepreneurial and technological innovation. The proposed SEMS model, designed with a holistic focus, considers that environmentally sound products and manufacturing processes can have many benefits. In other words, a proactive and global environmental management will be the essence of sustainable development in industry.

A Strategic Environmental Management System (SEMS): Innovation—Both Entrepreneurial and Technological—Is the Key

ABSTRACT Leading companies in the world are on a path to a new environmental protection strategy based on pollution prevention, clean technologies, and environmentally responsible products. This new strategy requires the full participation of everyone in the organization, supported by an aggressive entrepreneurial and technological innovation effort. In this article, a new model is proposed as an organizational framework for the chemical and process industry (CPI) in order to attain a sustainable development approach in the mid-term. This a model is based on a creative strategic environmental management system (SEMS) and is formed by the following key elements: a. Corporate environmental excellence and stewardship philosophies.b. A life cycle analysis approach.c. A pollution prevention focus linked to total quality management.d. Clean technology application through pollution prevention strategies and practices.e. The manufacture of ecological products based on environmental marketing.f. A system supported on entrepreneurial and technological innovation. The proposed SEMS model, designed with a holistic focus, considers that environmentally sound products and manufacturing processes can have many benefits. In other words, a proactive and global environmental management will be the essence of sustainable development in industry.

Toxicity Assessment and Identification for Protection of Natural Waters

Conventional pollution prevention strategies for the protection of natural waters usually entail a comparison of analytical results with water quality guidelines. This comparison is often compromised by the inability to identify fully the toxicants in the environment and the need to reference current toxicological databases containing large data gaps. In light of these shortcomings, we describe examples of an alternative approach based on toxicity testing coupled with chemical manipulation and directed chemical analysis. Advantages of this toxicological approach over traditional methods are illustrated for natural water surveys conducted in North America and Mexico. It is demonstrated that toxicity identification evaluation is well suited to the development of water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic ecosystems.

Positive feedback, lock-in, and environmental policy

During the last several decades, modern economic methods have been brought to bear on problems of environmental policy, with powerful and influential results. However, this policy- making paradigm often relies on some of the most restrictive sets of assumptions of microeconom- ics: the convexity conditions required for competitive markets to be Pareto-efficient. When positive feedback or lock-in occurs, these assumptions do not hold, and standard economic analysis of environmental policy may lead to technologically inferior outcomes, e.g., pollution control costs that are higher than necessary. This paper considers positive feedback in several different forms, and argues that it commonly occurs in markets that affect environmental policies, such as markets for energy technologies. The discussion examines how the standard paradigm for environmental economics breaks down in the presence of positive feedback or lock-in, and considers some policy responses to this problem. The case of SO2 trading helps illustrate how the standard paradigm can miss important technological opportunities for lower-cost pollution mitigation. The argument also suggests how the standard paradigm encourages end-of-pipe solutions and tends to overlook options like pollution prevention strategies, which can sometimes provide more economical environmental improvements.

388 Extension Water Quality Training for the Nursery Industry

A comprehensive educational program focusing on water quality protection was developed for the Oklahoma nursery industry. The program focused on best management practices to limit pesticides and nutrients in irrigation runoff and on capture and recycle technology as a pollution prevention strategy. Key professionals from the departments of entomology and plant pathology, biosystems and agricultural engineering, and horticulture formed a multidisciplinary team within the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES). During 1998, water quality workshops were conducted on-site throughout Oklahoma at leading nursery operations. These workshops were designed to highlight best management practices (BMPs) that were already in place as a foundation on which to implement additional BMPs with the assistance of the OCES team. Training workshops were augmented by written publications, by web-based information, and by videotape instruction. These provided for ongoing education beyond the formal grant period. The written materials included a water quality handbook for nurseries and a fact sheet on capturing and recycling irrigation runoff. The water quality handbook was also made available on the web and a website on disease management for nurseries using recycling irrigation was provided. The water quality video, highlighting successful growers, was designed to show aspects of both best management practices and capture and recycle technology. Results of these 3-year extension efforts will be discussed.

Pollution prevention and cleaner production in the mining industry: an analysis of current issues

This paper examines the major pollution prevention and Cleaner production (CP) issues in the mining industry. Past problems with pollution has made waste minimization an issue of enormous importance for many mining companies. Since the advent of the first major environmental legislation circa-1970, there has been substantial improvement in environmental performance at the mine sites of these firms, including a reduction in noxious air emissions, a decrease in levels of toxic contaminants in effluent discharges, and a major upgrading in land management. All of these improvements are directly attributed to a corporate abandonment of conventional, end-of-pipe apparatuses, and subsequent integration of cleaner technologies and strategies, including highly efficient environmental equipment, heavily retrofitted control systems, and comprehensive environmental management plans. Although hundreds of mining districts have already benefited from installing systems that foster pollution prevention and CP, in select instances, these have not proven to be realistic waste management remedies. Major barriers, particularly economic, technologic, and legislative ones, have both individually and collectively impeded the implementation of pollution prevention and CP strategies in such cases. Many of these barriers appear insurmountable but improved planning, employee education, and increased government intervention would spell continued success in an industry that has already made enormous strides in the arena of environmental management.

Toxicity Assessment and Remediation of Industrial Wastewater

Conventional pollution prevention strategies involve chemical analyses of environmental samples for priority pollutants (toxic substances listed by environmental regulatory agencies) followed by data assimilation. The latter usually entails a comparison of analytical results with water quality, sediment and air quality guidelines. In addition, results of chemical analyses may be interpreted based on ecological or human health risk assessments. There are several concerns with these traditional approaches. Total reliance on priority pollutants can erroneously lead to the perception that these anthropogenic chemicals represent the universe of toxic chemicals. Also, there is the misconception that selective and sensitive analytical techniques are capable of detecting all chemicals in the environment. Finally, when it is possible to identify chemicals of concern, it is seldom possible to determine the significance of such findings because of inadequate and imprecise toxicological data bases. In light of these shortcomings, in this paper examples of an alternative approach are described based on toxicity testing coupled with chemical manipulation and directed chemical analysis. We present an overview of this approach, and illustrate advantages over traditional methods for site assessments and remediation pertaining to industrial wastewaters. It is demonstrated that toxicity identification evaluation facilitates the establishment of cost-effective clean-up strategies for protection of aquatic ecosystems.

An aquifer management case study : The Chalk of the English South Downs

The Chalk aquifer of the English South Downs is very heavily utilised. The groundwater resources have enjoyed a formal programme of management which started in the 1950s, although a number of actions had been taken earlier in order to deal with saline intrusion and potential risk to groundwater quality from urbanisation. In the late 1950s the policy of ‘leakage/storage’ boreholes was first adopted, whereby the ‘leakage’ boreholes along the coast were pumped in winter to intercept fresh water discharge to the sea and to maximise the recharge potential inland, and inland ‘storage’ boreholes were used, as much as possible, in the summer months only. A comprehensive monitoring programme supported by aquifer modelling has enabled a gradual increase in overall abstraction to take place without increasing groundwater degradation due to saline intrusion. There have been various pollution prevention strategies over the years, and these have been effective in protecting the groundwater despite the high population density and widespread agricultural activity within the South Downs. The management of the aquifer has clearly been successful; there are many lessons from this experience that can be applied to other regions and other aquifers.

Utilization of publicly owned treatment works to promote pollution prevention

Industrial production processes contribute the most diverse group of emissions to air, water, and land pollution. These forms of pollution were the initial focus of environmental regulations requiring control efforts. Under optimum conditions, industrial waste streams pass through some type of treatment to minimize toxicity prior to being released into the environment. Business, government, and interest groups have previously assumed that industrial productivity and environmental quality were diametrically opposed. In other words, enhanced industrial productivity resulted in environmental damage and, conversely, environmental protection resulted in costs to business. However, companies that have implemented pollution prevention (P2) strategies to address their environmental problems have usually found that their facility's productivity can improve, while at the same time waste and pollution can be reduced. Where previous environmental strategies focused on end-of-pipe control efforts, P2 strategies are implemented at the design or process phase. While there are many examples of individual companies successfully implementing P2, consensus shows P2 adoption by the business community advancing at a rate far slower than expected. Most government agencies that currently promote P2 are not typically viewed as credible sources of innovation by industry. Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), however, may be able to capitalize on their dual status as respected members of the local community as well as experts in waste management thus serving as credible proponents of P2. The paper discusses how POTWs are working with industrial users to promote P2, as well as their interest in doing so and their requirements for technical assistance. Survey results are provided that describe how POTW personnel in the State of Illinois believe they could best promote P2.