bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Destruction of cyanides by alkaline hydrolysis in a pipeline reactor
Authors: Midler M. , Bagner C. M. , Wildman A. S. , Venkataramani E. S.
Published: February 2007

Free as well as organically‐bound cyanides in a waste stream have been destroyed by alkaline hydrolysis in a simple pipeline reactor. This process has been running successfully at plant scale since 1969. Kinetic analysis shows that the hydrolysis is (pseudo) first order, but with two activation energies depending on temperature: 15.5 and 10.5 kcal/gm mole, for temperatures below and above 170°C, respectively. At lower temperatures (below 170°C), the rate limiting step is destruction of free and loosely bound cyanide, and at higher temperatures, the rate limitation is cyanide release from the more resistant organic entities. Design of plant scale reactors, based on laboratory kinetic data, requires estimation of the extent of backmixing. This has been estimated successfully using literature reported values of axial diffusion coefficients for various geometries considered. Plant performance data have been found to correlate very close to the design estimates.

The pipeline hydrolysis reactor offers a novel and simple solution and should be applicable to cyanide disposal problems in a number of industries.
Plant experience using hydrogen peroxide for enhanced fat flotation and bod removal
Authors: Steiner Norbert , Gec Robert
Published: February 2007

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is known in the food processing industry to reduce COD, BOD, to prevent anaerobic conditions in pipes, tanks and lagoons and to remove malodorous sulfides in effluents from anaerobic wastewater treatment. It has recently been shown to also provide effective solids removal from food processing wastewater. The wastewater of food processing plants often contains a very high loading of organic material consisting of fat, oil and grease (FOG), resulting in unacceptable BOD and COD levels. Since many wastewater treatment systems are being pushed to the limit of their capacity or are already overloaded, the high FOG loading cannot be removed well by the conventional means of treating the wastewater with dissolved air flotation or grease traps. As a result, many food processors are paying surcharges for not being in compliance with the tight discharge limits. To overcome these problems, a process has been developed using H2O2 for enhanced FOG recovery and BOD removal. The process is based on the formation of microbubles which attach themselves to the FOG particles and float them to the surface where they can be easily skimmed off. In addition to meeting effluent standards, the process has been able to yield a material that is very renderable and suitable for reuse. Technical and operational data of several industrial applications in the U.S. and Canada are presented, together with process costs. H2O2 treatment will generally be most applicable when improvement of solids removal is required without major investment costs, e.g. emergency situations, during seasonal peaks or increased production.
Removal of creosote from soil by bioslurry reactors
Authors: Lauch Richard P. , Herrmann Jonathan G. , Mahaffey William R. , Jones Alan B. , Dosani Majid , Hessling Judy
Published: February 2007

Biological slurry reactors were tested for removal of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from creosote contaminated soil. Five bioslurry reactors, operated in parallel, kept the soil aerated, partially suspended and well mixed.

The reactors were inoculated with indigenous microbes of the Genus Pseudomonas. Nutrients were added to maintain the optimum ratio of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Temperature within the reactors was approximately 25°C. The slurry consisted of approximately 30% contaminated soil.

Results of pilot studies showed that approximately 90% of the total PAHs were removed in the first two weeks. Total PAH concentration in the soil was reduced from approximately 10,973 mg/kg to 1,097 mg/kg. Two and three ring PAHs, such as naphthalene, fluorene, and phenanthrene were approximately 96% removed in the first two weeks and higher ring compounds such as chrysene, benzo‐a‐pyrene, and benzo(b) fluoranthene were approximately 83% removed in the first two weeks.
NOx removal on a coal‐fired utility boiler by selective non‐catalytic reduction
Authors: Jødal Morten , Lauridsen Tove Linding , Dam‐Johansen Kim
Published: February 2007

A plant for Selective Non‐catalytic Reduction (SNR) of NOx emissions by NH3 (ammonia) injection has been designed, installed and successfully tested on a 135 MWe coal‐fired utility boiler. The final 2000 hours test was performed with the plant automatically controlled.

The NOx level in the untreated flue gas is typically 400–700 ppm, and NH3 is injected at a molar ratio to NO between 0.6 and 1.8. Through most of the load range 50–70% reduction of the NOx emission was achieved.

The temperature window for the process is 850–1050°C, with an optimum at 950°C.

In order to minimize the emission of unburnt NH3, natural gas was added in a molar ratio to NOx of about 1 in part of the load range. The plant met a demand of no more than 15 ppm NH3 in the flue gas.

The research and development work needed for adoption of the SNR‐process to coal‐firing has been in progress through five years in a cooperation between Alborg Ciserv International, The Technical University of Denmark, and the Danish power plant association ELSAM. The research program included basic laboratory research on the chemical kinetics of the process, pilot scale research on the reducing capacity and emissions of ammonia and urea, testing in laboratory scale and pilot scale of several additives for widening the temperature window and minimizing the NH3 emission, and development of nozzles for good mixing of NH3 into the flue gas.

The resulting concept is applicable for NOx‐removal on several types of boilers.
Anaerobic/aerobic biological activated carbon (BAC) treatment of a high strength phenolic wastewater
Authors: Weber A. Scott , Lai Ming‐Shen , Lin Wei , Goeddertz John G. , Ying Wei‐Chi , Duffy James J.
Published: February 2007

As a result of manufacturing operations at the Durez Division of Occidental Chemical Corporation (OCC) located in North Tonawanda, New York, a highly phenolic wastestream is produced. At the time of this study, average phenols and total COD concentrations of the wastestream averaged 35,000 and 10,000 mg/L. Studies were conducted at the Durez Facility to assess sequenced anaerobic/aerobic biological activated carbon (BAC) process treatment of this wastestream. The first stage anaerobic BAC process achieved significant organic conversion with minimal solids production, and near stoichiometric methane production. Excellent polishing of the AnBAC process effluent was achieved in the aerobic BAC unit even under variable influent conditions. Effluent filterable COD from the aerobic BAC process averaged 165 mg/L and was speculated to be primarily non‐biodegradable soluble metabolic endproducts. Effluent phenols from the process typically were below 0.01 mg/L and averaged 0.04 mg/L. Overall process efficiency for total COD, filterable COD, and phenols were > 97, > 99, and approximately 100 percent, respectively.
Effects of fine powder addition on the sludge unit of a chemical wastewater
Authors: Kwelle C. Hart
Published: February 2007

Equilibrium powdered activated carbon (PAC) concentrations of 20, 160, and 280 mg/L in bench‐scale activated sludge units treating cellulose acetate processing wastewater were found to enhance substrate removal. The mean improved COD removal was 20 percent. The apparent mechanism of enhanced substrate removal was the stimulation of greater biomass growth.

PAC addition increased the oxygen uptake rate (OUR), the observed cell yield coefficient (Yobs) and the pseudo‐first order substrate removal coefficient (Kb), of the activated sludge system, which was operated at a temperature of 18° C and at a mean cell residence time (MCRT) of 14 days. The addition of PAC also improved the sludge settleability, but this resulted in higher effluent SS concentration because zone settling velocity (ZSV) was the primary factor affecting effluent SS.
Biocatalytic desulfurization of petroleum and middle distillates
Authors: Monticello D. J.
Published: February 2007

Biocatalytic Desulfurization (BDS) represents an alternative approach to the reduction of sulfur in fossil fuels. The objective is to use bacteria to selectively remove sulfur from petroleum and middle distillate fractions, without the concomitant release of carbon. Recently, bacteria have been developed which have the ability to desulfurize dibenzothiophene (DBT) and other organosulfur molecules. These bacteria are being developed for use in a biocatalyst‐based desulfurization process. Analysis of preliminary conceptual engineering designs has shown that this process has the potential to complement conventional technology as a method to temper the sulfur levels in crude oil, or remove the recalcitrant sulfur in middle distillates to achieve the deep desulfurization mandated by State and Federal regulations.

This paper describes the results of initial feasibility studies, sensitivity analyses and conceptual design work. Feasibility studies with various crude oils and middle distillates achieved unoptimized desulfurization levels of 40–80%. Sensitivity analyses indicate that total desulfurization costs of about $3.00 per barrel for crude oil and less than $2.00 per barrel for diesel are possible. Key criteria for commercial success of the process include the cost and half‐life of the biocatalyst, residence time in the reactor, oil/water ratios required to extract the sulfur and the disposition of the separated sulfur products.
Fluorescence monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation and effect of surfactants
Authors: Putcha Rajesh V. , Domach Michael M.
Published: February 2007

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that are suspected to be carcinogenic. Because some PAHs can undergo metabolic degradation, an interest has emerged in bioremediating contaminated sites and incorporating surfactants into treatment processes because the release of slowing desorbing, soil‐bound PAH may be promoted. We employed fluorescence spectroscopy and quenching experiments to investigate micelle‐naphthalene interaction and the dynamics of biodegradation in the presence and absence of micelles. These experiments were envisioned to provide some molecular‐level insights as well as constitute the basis for subsequent work where realistic model systems will be investigated in a noninvasive manner. In the absence of micelles, naphthalene was observed to be degraded within three days and intermediates were detected. Micelles protected naphthalene against copper quenching and also suppressed biodegradation. Additionally, the emission spectrum of the naphthalene associated with the micelles changed over the course of days. Based on prior quenching and polarization studies, this finding suggests that micelle maturation may occur over the time scale of the days resulting in increased sequestering of naphthalene in the micellar phase.
A screening protocol for bioremediation of contaminated soil
Authors: Rogers Jean A. , Tedaldi Dante J. , Kavanaugh Michael C.
Published: February 2007

A bioremediation treatability protocol for soil is presented which can provide feasibility study and remedial action engineers maximum information with respect to the viability and efficiency of bioremediation. The protocol, divided into two main phases, progressively evaluates the viability of biodegradation and the requirements for optimization of the process once implemented. Chemical and microbiological baseline conditions and the potential for contaminant degradation are assessed during Phase I screening. During Phase II the endpoint achievable and kinetics of the biodegradation reactions can be established with pan and slurry reactor tests for ex‐situ systems or column tests for in‐situ systems. Models are reviewed which can predict the rate of removal of organic constituents, and these data in conjunction with the Phase I and II may be used to estimate the potential time required to achieve cleanup standards, assess the relative importance of biological versus chemical removal mechanisms, and compare expected performance of alternative bioremediation methods.
Removal of arsenic from groundwater using reagent binding/membrane separation
Authors: Legault Anne S. , Volchek Konstantin , Tremblay André Y. , Whittaker Harry
Published: February 2007

A hybrid method incorporating selective polymeric binding and membrane separation was used for the removal of arsenic from contaminated groundwater. Two types of polymers, polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly‐diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) and an ultrafiltration membrane were used at various concentrations and pH. Bench‐scale tests demonstrated a high degree of arsenic removal. The retention of arsenic was also determined in the presence of various background salts such as NaCl, NaNO3, Na2SO4, Na2CO3. Retention was found to depend on the concentration and type of anion present in solution.
MX‐2500 thermal processor for the treatment of petroleum refining wastes and contaminated soils
Authors: Swanberg Christopher
Published: February 2007

Separation and Recovery Systems, Inc. (SRS) of Irvine, California is the market leader in supplying hazardous waste and secondary material dewatering and drying services to the petroleum refining industry. In late 1991, SRS introduced the new generation of dryer technology, the MX‐2500. The MX‐2500 is an electrically heated dryer system that recovers virtually all of the hydrocarbon value of refinery wastes and secondary materials, while producing a solid residue meeting EPA Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) treatment levels which allows the refinery to land dispose of the solids, thereby realizing two objectives: waste minimization and oil recovery/recycling.
Chemical barriers for controlling groundwater contamination
Authors: Morrison S. J. , Spangler R. R.
Published: February 2007

Chemical barriers are being explored as a low‐cost means of controlling groundwater contamination. The barrier can intercept a contaminant plume and prevent migration by transferring contaminants from the groundwater to immobile solids. A chemical barrier can be emplaced in a landfill liner or in an aquifer cutoff wall or can be injected into a contaminant plume. Chemical barriers can be classified as either precipitation barriers or sorption barriers depending upon the dominant mode of contaminant extraction. In a precipitation barrier, contaminants are bound in the structures of newly formed phases; whereas, in a sorption barrier, contaminants attach to the surfaces of preexisting solids by adsorption or some other surface mechanism. Sorption of contaminants is pH dependent. A precipitation barrier can control the pH of the system, but alkaline groundwater may dominate the pH in a sorption barrier. A comparison is made of the characteristics of precipitation and sorption barriers. Experimental data on the extraction of uranium and molybdenum from simulated groundwater are used to demonstrate these concepts.
Field testing solar photocatalytic detoxification on TCE‐contaminated groundwater
Authors: Mehos Mark S. , Turchi Craig S.
Published: February 2007

The Solar Detoxification Field Experiment was designed to investigate the photocatalytic decomposition of organic contaminants in groundwater at a Superfund site at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The process uses ultraviolet (UV) energy available in sunlight in conjunction with a photocatalyst, titanium dioxide, to decompose organic chemicals into nontoxic compounds. The destruction mechanism, as in many other advanced oxidation processes, involves hydroxyl radicals. The field experiment was developed by three federal laboratories: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The United States Department of Energy funded the experiment. Groundwater at the test site was contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE). A factorial test series examined four separate process variables: pH, catalyst loading, flow velocity, and solar intensity. Lowering the pH from pH 7 to pH 5 had the largest single effect, presumably by minimizing interference by bicarbonate. The catalyst was found to operate more efficiently at low, e.g. ambient sunlight, UV light levels. Information from these field tests suggest that treatment costs for the solar process would be similar to those for more conventional technologies.
Rate controlling model for bioremediation of oil contaminated soil
Authors: Li K. Y. , Annamalai S. N. , Hopper J. R.
Published: February 2007

A mathematical model of bio‐remediation of hydrocarbons in a soil matrix has been developed to predict the rate controlling step and the remediation rate during the bioremediation of a contaminated soil. The model is based on mass transfer of oxygen and oil into the aqueous solution in the soil matrix and the biodegradation of the hydrocarbons in the aqueous solution. Monod's equation was used to describe the biodegradation rate in aqueous solution while the mass transfer equations were used to describe the mass transfer rates of oxygen and oil in the soil matrix. Results from model calculations indicate that the bio‐remediation rate increases and approaches a limiting value when one of the rates becomes controlling. When the parameters of the site soil samples are measured and the solubilities of oxygen and oil in aqueous solution are obtained, the bioremediation rate can be predicted by this model. The rate controlling step of the bioremediation site may be identified quickly and steps to improve the bioremediation rate can be recommended.
Simultaneous NOx–SOx removal by ammonia using methanol injection and partial flue gas condensation
Authors: Hjuler Klaus , Dam‐Johansen Kim
Published: February 2007

The feasibility of combining selective reduction of nitric oxide by ammonia, or nitric oxide oxidation by methanol, with partial flue gas condensation has been studied in the laboratory. It was demonstrated that both combinations may result in high removal efficiencies for nitric oxide and sulfur dioxide.

High‐temperature reactors (600–900°C) and low‐temperature (20–40°C) tubular condensers were applied in series, and each one was tested individually. The flow of simulated flue gas ranged from 1 to 5 Nl/min. In the condenser simultaneous absorption of ammonia, sulfur dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen dioxide took place. At certain conditions large quantities of aerosols were formed, particularly when NO2 was present.
Adsorption and desorption studies in the aqueous phase for the toluene/activated carbon system
Authors: Chatzopoulos Dimitrios , Varma Arvind , Irvine Robert L.
Published: February 2007

The activated carbon adsorption and desorption of toluene in single‐component aqueous solutions were investigated. Adsorption equilibrium and batch rate studies were conducted to measure the capacity of Filtasorb‐300 (F‐300) for toluene and to determine the effects of the initial toluene concentration, the F‐300 particle size, and the hydrodynamic conditions in the liquid phase on the rate of toluene adsorption on F‐300. The results of the adsorption rate experiments were successfully fitted with the homogeneous surface diffusion (HSD) model and a surface diffusion coefficient which varies exponentially with surface coverage. The model also accounted for the dependence of the external toluene mass transfer coefficient on the hydrodynamic conditions in the liquid phase. The reversibility of toluene adsorption on F‐300 was addressed in desorption equilibrium experiments which indicated that only about five percent of the toluene molecules adsorb irreversibly on the surface of F‐300. Batch desorption rate studies were conducted for different initial toluene surface concentrations, F‐300 particle sizes, and liquid/solid ratios. Use of the previously determined toluene transport parameters in the HSD model allowed for successful prediction of the experimental desorption rates.
Experimental and modeled results describing the adsorption of acetone and benzene onto activated carbon fibers
Authors: Cal Mark P. , Larson Susan M. , Rood Mark J.
Published: February 2007

Activated carbon fibers (ACF) were used to adsorb ppmv concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from laboratory generated gas streams. VOCs considered were benzene and acetone because the VOC are commonly found in indoor air and have potential to increase health risks to humans. ACF were used as the adsorbent because they typically exhibit higher adsorption capacities and faster adsorption kinetics than commercially available granular activated carbons (GAC) and show potential as an adsorbent to effectively remove VOCs from indoor air.

Adsorption models by Dubinin and coworkers (Dubinin, 1975), based on the theory of volume filling of micropores, and an empirical model by Freundlich were used to fit the measured adsorption isotherms. Agreement between the modeled and experimental results for acetone and benzene using the Dubinin‐Radushkevich equation generally improved with increasing BET surface area and produced reasonable fits of the adsorption isotherms for both acetone and benzene. The Freundlich equation produced values for correlation coefficients (R) between modeled and experimental data from 0.980 to 0.997, indicating the validity of using the Freundlich equation to model the adsorption isotherms over the concentration range of interest.

These results indicate that ACF show potential as an adsorbent for removing low concentrations of VOCs from indoor air.
Comparison of adsorption characteristics for VOCs on activated carbon and oxidized activated carbon
Authors: You J. H. , Chiang H. L. , Chiang P. C.
Published: February 2007

In this investigation, the selected activated carbon is treated in NaOH solution or gas fluid with ozone from an ozone generator. FTIR, BET specific surface area and element analysis instruments were used to identify the difference in the chemical and physical characteristics between the activated carbon and oxidized activated carbon. The system of adsorption apparatus consists of a fixed adsorption column, quartz pan, electronic balance, and data acquisition system to measure the adsorption capacities and adsorption rates for VOCs under various operating conditions. VOCs, n‐hexane, methyl‐ethyl‐ketone, and benzene were selected to evaluate the effect of adsorption characteristics on the activated carbon and oxidized activated carbon.

The results of chemical analysis with the FTIR instrument indicate the absorption bands and peaks measured at 1632 cm−1 on the oxidized activated carbons (AOHO3 and AO3) are much stronger than on the activated carbon (AC). This shows that carbonyl (conjugated CO) of the functional group is predominantly found to increase on the oxidized activated carbons (AO3 and AOHO3). Significant changes were observed for BET‐specific areas for AOHO3 and AO3 but the carbon contents of AOHO3 decreased slightly. Moreover, the oxidized activated carbons showed greater affinity for polar adsorbate than did AC, and the overall effective mass transfer coefficients, kD, of AO3 for various VOC adsorption were larger than those of AC and AOHO3.
Supercritical extraction of organic contaminants from soil combined with adsorption onto activated carbon
Authors: Madras Giridhar , Erkey Can , Akgerman Aydin
Published: February 2007

A novel process is proposed for remediation of soils contaminated with heavy molecular weight organic compounds. In this process, the organics are continuously extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide and then deposited on activated carbon. The feasibility of this process is investigated on a laboratory scale for remediation of soils contaminated with naphthalene, phenanthrene, hexachlorobenzene, and pentachlorophenol. The desorption profiles of the organics from soil and the adsorption isotherms of these organics on activated carbon were determined in presence of supercritical carbon dioxide using an experimental technique based on frontal analysis chromatography. The desorption profiles from soil indicated that the organics can be completely extracted from soil in a short time. The adsorption isotherms of the organics on carbon indicated that the adsorptive capacity of carbon was very high and approached monolayer coverage. An economic analysis using these results indicated that the proposed process is feasible for soils contaminated with low levels of these organics.
Removing lead in drinking water with activated carbon
Authors: Taylor Roy M. , Kuennen Roy W.
Published: February 2007

A point‐of‐use (POU) granular activated carbon (GAC) fixed bed adsorber (FBA) was evaluated for reduction of soluble and insoluble lead from drinking water. Some of the factors which affect lead removal by GAC were evaluated, such as carbon type, solution pH, and a limited amount of work on competitive interactions. The design criteria for lead reduction by a POU device are also addressed. Minicolumns were used to evaluate the capacity of carbon for lead under a variety of conditions. The importance of surface chemistry of the carbon and the relationship with the pH of the water for lead reduction was demonstrated. Results indicate that a properly designed POU‐GAC‐FBA can reduce lead in drinking water to below the EPA action level of 15 ppb while being tested under a variety of conditions as specified under the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International Standard 53 test protocol.
Abatement of N2O emissions produced in the adipic acid industry
Authors: Reimer R. A. , Slaten C. S. , Seapan M. , Lower M. W. , Tomlinson P. E.
Published: February 2007

Apidic acid (AA) manufacture results in the production of ca. 1 mole of nitrous oxide (N2O) per mole of AA. Emissions of N2O by the AA industry currently account for about 5–8 percent of the worldwide anthropogenic N2O emissions (after accounting for N2O abated by some manufacturers). Even though this N2O does not make a major contribution to global warming and ozone depletion, major AA producers worldwide have agreed to substantially reduce these emissions by 1996–98. Producers have formed an inter‐industry group to share information on technologies being developed for N2O control. Technology options being studied by DuPont (and by others) include thermal destruction, recycling, and catalytic decomposition.
Comparison of air dispersion modeling results with ambient air sampling data: A case study at Tacoma Landfill, a national priorities list site
Authors: Griffin Leif R. , Rutherford Thomas L.
Published: February 2007

Air dispersion modeling, ambient air sampling, and emissions testing of landfill sources have been performed to evaluate the effects of remedial activities on ambient air surrounding the Tacoma Landfill. In 1983, the Tacoma Landfill was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) as part of the Commencement Bay/South Tacoma Channel Superfund site. Remedial activities completed, or near completion, at the 190 acre (768,903 m2) Tacoma Landfill include a groundwater extraction system and air stripping units used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from groundwater, landfill gas extraction and flare system to control gas migration from the landfill, landfill liner and leachate collection system for an active section of the landfill, and a landfill cap that covers the inactive portions of the landfill.

Dispersion modeling was performed with measured stack emission data using Industrial Source Complex (ISC) to determine the groundlevel concentrations of VOCs from the air stripper, flares, and active portion of the landfill for comparison with the measured ambient air data collected during 1992.
Using evaporators to achieve zero effluent at a BCTMP pulp mill
Authors: Fosberg Ted , Sweet Bill
Published: February 2007

Pulp‐making is a very water‐intensive enterprise, but the water recovery system at Millar Western Pulp allows the plant to use eight times less water than a conventional mill of its type (68 m3 / hr makeup water vs. 568 m3 / hr for the same size conventional mill) and eliminates any effluent discharge to the local river. The plant is the first pulp mill in the world to operate a successful zero liquid discharge system.

Effluent from the thermomechanical pulping process is concentrated from 2 percent solids to 35 percent solids by three falling film vapor compression evaporators, followed by two steam‐driven concentrators which further concentrate the effluent to about 70 percent solids. Of the 400 m3 / hr of effluent sent to the system, 391 m3 / hr is recovered as high purity water for reuse in the pulping process. Solids are burned in the boiler; the smelt is cast into ingots and stored on site for future chemical recovery.
Ex‐Situ forced aeration of soil piles: A physical model
Authors: Battaglia Alessandro , Morgan David J.
Published: February 2007

This paper presents a physcial model of a technology in its early stages of development, which is here referred to as “ex‐situ forced aeration of soil piles,” or, briefly, “soil pile aeration,” The model can be used in a dual capacity. First, it can be used to screen the technology; that is, to determine if, based on soil characterstics and contamination levels, the technology is at all applicable. Second, if the technology is deemed applicable, the model can be used as a design tool to optimize the basic design parameters, which are the pile radius and lenght, and the vacuum blower characterstics. The physical model presented in this paper provides an useful framework for understanding the influence that the design and soil parameters have on the effectiveness and/or viability of the technology, and can be useful tool for preliminary design of aeration piles.
Application of material balance concept in waste minimization assessment of a metal finishing process
Authors: Smith Edward H. , Schurig Angela C.
Published: February 2007

Microscale application of the material balance concept on a chrome‐bearing metal finishing rinse tank was demonstrated to be a useful tool for evaluating waste minimization alternatives for plating rinses. Although more focused, the approach is easy to implement and once calibrated, the material balance model can predict process sensitivity for variables that are relevant to achieving waste minimization goals. In this case, substantial savings can be achieved in water usage and sludge generation by reducing flow‐through rinse rates and installing mist spray rinses above concentrated finishing tanks.
CO2 Capture from the flue gas of conventional fossil‐fuel‐fired power plants
Authors: Wolsky A. M. , Daniels E. J. , Jody B. J.
Published: February 2007

Research has been conducted at Argonne National Laboratory to identify and evaluate the advantages and deficiencies of several technologies, both commercially available and alternative technologies, for capturing CO2 from the flue gas of utility boilers that use air as an oxidant (the current universal practice). The technologies include chemical solvent, cryogenic, membrane, physical absorption, and physical adsorption methods. In general, technologies for capturing CO2 are expensive and energy‐intensive. Therefore, they result in a substantial overall increase in the cost of power generation. Research to improve the performance and economics of these technologies is discussed.
Remediation of a VOC‐contaminated superfund site using soil vapor extraction, groundwater extraction, and treatment: A case study
Authors: McCann Michael , Boersma Paul , Danko Joseph , Guerriero Margaret
Published: February 2007

A case history of remedial action taken at the primary contaminant source area within the Verona Well Field Superfund Site in Battle Creek, Michigan. Included is a site description, a description of the soil and groundwater treatment systems, plus a summary of the lessons learned through six years of active remediation.
A “Mark I” measurement methodology for pollution prevention progress occurring as a result of product design decisions
Authors: Stephan David G. , Knodel Robert M. , Bridges James S.
Published: February 2007

A methodology for assessing progress in pollution prevention resulting from product redesign, reformulation or replacement is described. The method compares the pollution generated by the original product with that from the modified or replacement product, taking into account, if desired, the various lifecycle stages of the product. The pollution prevented (or sometimes increased) as a consequence of the redesign is delineated with respect to the media affected (water, air, or soil/groundwater) and with respect to three “categories” of pollution impact (human health impacts, use impairment impacts and disposal capacity impacts). The method also provides information as to the specific “classes” of pollution prevented such as toxic organics, heavy metals, global warmers, nutrients, aquatic life toxicants or hazardous wastes. The methodology is extendable to pollution prevention projects of all types, not just product redesign.
Mercury removal from aqueous streams utilizing microemulsion liquid membranes
Authors: Larson Karen A. , Wiencek John M.
Published: February 2007

The goal of this work is the removal of mercury ion from wastewater using thermodynamically stable microemulsions as liquid membranes. The research focuses on identification and modeling of the appropriate aqueous and organic phase equilibrium reactions for mercury extraction and stripping, comparison of extraction kinetics between coarse emulsions and microemulsions, and demulsification and recovery of the emulsion components. An oleic acid microemulsion liquid membrane (water‐in‐oil) containing sulfuric acid as the internal phase reduces the feed phase mercury concentration from 460 mg/l to 0.84 mg/l in a single contacting. This compares favorably with a control extraction (oleic acid/no internal phase) which results in a final concentration of 20 mg/l Hg+2. Microemulsions can be demulsified using butanol as an additive. The demulsification kinetics are proportional to butanol concentration and temperature and inversely proportional to surfactant concentration. The demulsification rate is second order with respect to water concentration which implies that the rate‐limiting step in the process is the rate of internal phase droplet encounters. Proof‐of‐principle experiments demonstrate the ability to extract mercury ion using microemulsions formulated with recycled organic phase, albeit at a somewhat reduced efficiency. The reduced efficiency is attributed to increased internal phase leakage due to residual butanol in the oil phase. Finally, the cycle is brought around full circle by recovering metallic mercury from the internal phase by electroplating.
Enhancement ofin situmicrobial degradation of chlorinated organic waste at the petro processors superfund site
Authors: Constant W. David , Pardue John H. , Delaune Ronald D. , Blanchard Kyle , Breitenbeck Gary A.
Published: February 2007

The use of bioremediation for hazardous waste sites is a promising technology, particularly when the clean‐up isin situand therefore, does not require removal of the waste material. This study was initiated to investigate the application of this technology to the Petro Processors, Inc. (PPI) Superfund site. Primary contaminants at the PPI site are chlorinated organics such as hexachlorobenzene and hexachlorobutadiene, among others. The objectives of the experiments conducted in this study were to determine if PPI target organics would degrade if proper environmental conditions are provided and secondly, to determine the nature of organisms present. A third component is design of a field pilot of the technology, bothex situandin situ, to further define operating parameters and limits of the degradation system before full‐scale implementation.

As work proceeds to the field, which is described along with the characteristics of the site and the field pilot, it appears that application of this technology will provide an effective site‐specific remediation process for certain sections of the PPI site, reducing the time required for overall remediation and promoting degradation of lower levels of contamination in an adjacent bayou‐swamp area.
Integration of chemical and biological oxidation processes for water treatment: Review and recommendations
Authors: Scott Jon P. , Ollis David F.
Published: February 2007

The literature of studies which used a combination of chemical and biological degradation (usually oxidative) of organic contaminants in water is reviewed. Beneficial effects of such two‐step treatments are commonly reported; these results, primarily from laboratory studies, suggest potential advantages for water treatment via process integration rather than single technology processing.

Four wastewater contaminant types are identified which can benefit from combined processes: 1.) recalcitrant compounds 2.) biodegradable wastes with small amounts of recalcitrant compounds 3.) inhibitory compounds and 4.) intermediate dead‐end products. The design key for such two‐step systems lies in choosing processes that complement each other and lead to a synergistic effect. Predicting this performance outcome requires knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the major reaction intermediates and their susceptibility to degradation by each process.

Economic, physical and technological limitations of the individual processes should be recognized for design of more effective and economical integrated processes. The ultimate treatment goal, whether specific pollutant removal or reduction of a global parameter such as TOC, must be known so that appropriate and complementary processes can be utilized. More work is needed concerning the degradation kinetics within the combined process, from initial attack of the primary compound through dynamics of intermediates and on to total mineralization.
Physical conditioning to enhance bioremediation of excavated hydrocarbon contaminated soil at McClellan Air Force Base
Authors: Stefanoff James G. , Garcia Marcelo B.
Published: February 2007

McClellan Air Force Base conducted an evaluation of an aerated‐pile composting process and a slurry bioreactor process for biologically treating excavated hydrocarbon‐contaminated soils while controlling emissions of volatile organic compounds. A large aspect of process evaluation was development of soil conditioning steps prior to biological treatment. The conditioning steps evaluated were: soil washing, using trommel and attrition scrubbers; and milling, using rod and hammer mills. Scrubbing was not effective at producing a consistently clean oversize fraction. Milling was effective at reducing the size of larger material and breaking agglomerates. Bioremediation results indicated both processes capable of greater than 90 percent reduction in hydrocarbon levels within 90 days. Aerated‐pile composting was the preferred process because it required less operation and maintenance and more easily handled varying soil characteristics. A full‐scale treatment process was developed and is described.
Results of a two‐year in situ bioventing demonstration
Authors: Downey Douglas C. , Guest Peter R. , Ratz John W.
Published: February 2007

A full‐scale bioventing demonstration was recently completed at a large diesel spill site located at a major railroad facility in Nebraska. An estimated 11,500 cubic meters of soil are being treated in this demonstration. During this two‐year demonstration, both in situ respiration rates and volatilization were routinely monitored to estimate total fuel removal rates. This paper discusses the relative contributions of biodegradation and volatilization in this bioventing application and presents two‐year soil sampling results which indicate that significant fuel remediation has occurred at the site. Both capital and operating costs for this system are very competitive and will be detailed in this document.
Stormwater management in industrial facilities: An integrated approach
Authors: Oubre Edgar J. , Howe Robert M. , Keating J. David
Published: February 2007

Numerous existing and proposed regulations have forced owners/operators of industrial facilities to reevaluate current methods for management of stormwater which falls within the confines of their facilities. Most have found it necessary to integrate their current stormwater and wastewater management practices into a comprehensive environmental compliance program. The development of an integrated stormwater management program should focus on the following objectives:

compliance with state and federal regulations.

the minimization of the volume of stormwater requiring treatment.

the minimization of the impacts on process/production unit operations

the minimization of the impacts on wastewater treatment unit operations.

A well designed and properly implemented stormwater management program can reduce capital and operating costs and enhance effluent quality.
A methodology for obtaining air emission factors at point sources containing a combustion process
Authors: Phillips J. B.
Published: February 2007

Preparation of air permits generally involves estimating emission rates of point sources. At point sources where combustion is occurring, the EPA's AP‐42 emission factors can be used to estimate emissions resulting from combustion of fuel oil, gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. Emission factors for the combustion of other substances are the subject of this work. The method developed herein is based on the kinetics of the combustion reaction, and involves the formulation of a novel dimensionless group. This dimensionless group, which is referred to as ϕ in this work, is defined as the ratio of the log‐mean reaction rate (normalized by the log‐mean fuel concentration) to the space velocity of the materials passing through the reaction locus. This dimensionless group takes the value of 530 to 780 for the typical combustion of light hydrocarbons in a boiler or similarly‐operating point source. The method provides emission factors which are in good agreement with those in the AP‐42 compilation of emission factors.
Nitrification in single‐stage trickling filters
Authors: Surampalli Rao Y. , Scheible O. Karl , Banerji Shankha K.
Published: February 2007

An assessment of nitrification of municipal wastewater in trickling filters was performed using operating data from wastewater treatment facilities currently in operation. A survey of trickling filter use in the United States found twenty‐seven plants accomplishing some degree of nitrification. Of the twenty‐seven plants ten were identified as having operating data sufficient for further analysis. Although most of the plants evaluated were not designed as single‐stage systems they all provided sufficient data to evaluate trickling filter performance as a single‐stage system. The evaluated plants were generally meeting their permit requirements, including ammonia‐nitrogen limits when applied. Analysis of the data compared favorably with the BOD5 loading rates suggested by the EPA Process Design Manual for Nitrogen Control.
Case study of waste water minimization at a general electric manufacturing plant
Authors: Shapiro A. P. , Thornton R. F. , Kim B. M. , John F. E.
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the process of converting an existing industrial water system at a General Electric manufacturing plant towards zero discharge. A plan to significantly reduce waste water to the publicly owned treatment works (POTW) is presented. The first phase, which should reduce water discharge by 90% compared to 1992 rates, involves three major steps. First, a vibrating membrane filter machine will be used to treat the tumbler machine waste water, which accounts for about half of the plant's total water usage. The suspended solids in the waste water will be removed and disposed of as non‐hazardous waste. The water will be reused in the tumbler room and in other processes throughout the plant. Second, effluent from the waste water treatment plant will be recycled to the maximum extent possible. Third, steps will be taken to minimize water usage in rinsing operations. When the first phase is completed, the water quality in the plant will be expected to change. In particular, the salt concentration will increase, and the temperature of the water may rise. With careful monitoring of the water quality, input rates of city water, and discharge rates, a zero‐discharge system can be defined. The key to achieving zero‐discharge will be selecting a technology to remove salts from the water. The likely candidates are reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, or ion exchange, perhaps followed by evaporation to reduce the brine volume. A preliminary design for a zero‐discharge system is presented; however, the first phase of the project will be implemented and studied before the appropriate salt‐removing technology is selected.
Life cycle inventory analysis of chemical processes
Authors: Aelion Vital , Castells Francesc , Veroutis Agis
Published: February 2007

Effective pollution prevention is greatly facilitated by identifying and quantifying adverse effects to the environment during the product's life cycle, including raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, use, recycling, and ultimate disposal. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) analysis is a thorough procedure accounting for the environmental loads during the product's life cycle. Through the detailed information gathered in LCI's one can identify the aspects of their plant/process that create the most significant environmental loads, and act to either substitute raw materials or modify process steps to reduce the generated environmental loads. In this paper, an LCI methodology which is generalized to account for environmental loads generated in all periods of operation (e.g., production, startup, shutdown, maintenance), as well as risk related events (e.g., accidents, off‐spec. production, disposal of perishable materials) is presented. This methodology utilizes the eco‐vector approach for tracking environmental loads. Recognizing that the scope and coverage of an LCI can vary substantially depending on goals and financial resources, our general LCI framework provides guidance for focusing on these aspects which are expected to contribute the most significant environmental loads. The approach is demonstrated through a simplified example.
Preparing for an unannounced inspection: What to do when an inspector shows up
Authors: Rice James A.
Published: February 2007

Since Federal and State laws and regulations provide for unannounced inspections and records reviews, preparation is the best way to handle an inspection. Self auditing can help insure that only minor problems will be encountered during an inspection. The right personnel, training programs, funding, and organizational atmosphere are also important. Knowing what to expect and what regulators look for can help make the preparation easier and the inspection process go smoother.
Pollution prevention: The U.S. experience
Authors: Freeman Harry M.
Published: February 2007

The article summarizes selected pollution prevention activities and programs at the U.S. EPA, within the private sector, and within various state governments during the period 1988 through 1995 when interest in pollution prevention has been on the rise in the U.S. Included are discussions of various voluntary programs such as the 33/50 Program and the Green Lights Program supported by the EPA. A list of EPA P2 manuals and reports available to the public is included.