bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reparations for ‘America’s Holocaust’: Activism for Global Justice
Authors: Martin Michael T. , Yaquinto Marilyn
Published: September 2004

The enslavement of blacks in America lasted 246 years. It was followed by a century of legal racial segregation and discrimination. The two periods, taken together, constitute the longest running crime against humanity in the world over the last 500 years.

– Randall Robinson

Reparations are the central issue of race relations in America in the twentyfirst century. Until we address it seriously, we will continue to make only modest progress with some of the larger issues.

– Charles J. Ogletree Jr
Speciation of Heavy Metals in Landfill Leachate: A Review
Authors: Baun Dorthe L. , Christensen Thomas H.
Published: September 2004

The literature was reviewed with respect to metal speciation methods in aquatic samples specifically emphasizing speciation of heavy metals in landfill leachate. Speciation here refers to physical fractionation (particulate, colloidal, dissolved), chemical fractionation (organic complexes, inorganic complexes, free metal ions), as well as computer-based thermodynamic models. Relatively few landfill leachate samples have been speciated in detail (less than 30) representing only a few landfills (less than 15). This suggests that our knowledge about metal species in landfill leachate still is indicative. In spite of the limited database and the different definitions of the dissolved fraction (< 0.45 μm or <0.001 μm) the studies consistently show that colloids as well as organic and inorganic complexes are important for all heavy metals in landfill leachate. The free metal ion constitutes less than 30%, typically less than 10%, of the total metal concentration. This has significant implications for sampling, since no standardized procedures exist, and for assessing the content of metals in leachate in the context of its treatment, toxicity and migration in aquifers.
Thermal Treatment of Stabilized Air Pollution Control Residues in a Waste Incinerator Pilot Plant. Part 1: Fate of Elements and Dioxins
Authors: Bergfeldt Brita , Jay Klaus , Seifert Helmuth , Vehlow Jürgen , Christensen Thomas H. , Baun Dorthe L. , Mogensen Erhardt P. B.
Published: September 2004

Air pollution control (APC) residues from municipal solid waste incinerator plants that are treated by means of the Ferrox process can be more safely disposed of due to reduction of soluble salts and stabilization of heavy metals in an iron oxide matrix. Further stabilization can be obtained by thermal treatment inside a combustion chamber of a municipal solid waste incinerator. The influence of the Ferrox products on the combustion process, the quality of the residues, and the partitioning of heavy metals between the various solids and the gas have been investigated in the Karlsruhe TAMARA pilot plant for waste incineration. During the experiments only few parameters were influenced. An increase in the SO2 concentration in the raw gas and slightly lower temperatures in the fuel bed could be observed compared with reference tests. Higher contents of Fe and volatile heavy metals such as Zn, Cd, Pb and partly Hg in the Ferrox products lead to increased concentration of these elements in the solid residues of the co-feeding tests. Neither the burnout nor the PCDD/F formation was altered by the addition of the Ferrox products. Co-feeding of treated APC residues seems to be a feasible approach for obtaining a single solid residue from waste incineration.
Assessment of the Methane Oxidation Capacity of Soils
Authors: Maurice Christian , Lagerkvist Anders
Published: September 2004

Methane oxidation capacity of three soil matrices was assessed using a new method based on the pressure fall resulting from methane oxidation. The effects of incubation temperature, moisture and methane content on the oxidation capacity were studied. Parameters observed were non-methanotrophic oxygen consumption, methane assimilation, length of the lag period before steady pressure fall was reached, initial pressure fall and maximum pressure fall. Filling material taken from a biofilter was tested. The length of the lag period was an index of prior exposure of the soil to methane emissions. Incubation temperature of 30°C and soil moisture at the water-holding capacity were chosen to standardize the test. Oxygen depletion by non-methanotrophs varied between 40 and 60% of the total oxygen consumption while methane assimilation was at 40 to 50% of the total methane consumption.
Oyster Shell as Substitute for Aggregate in Mortar
Authors: Yoon Hyunsuk , Park Sangkyu , Lee Kiho , Park Junboum
Published: September 2004

Enormous amounts of oyster shell waste have been illegally disposed of at oyster farm sites along the southern coast of Korea. In this study to evaluate the possibility of recycling this waste for use as a construction material, the mechanical characteristics of pulverized oyster shell were investigated in terms of its potential utilization as a substitute for the aggregates used in mortar. The unconfined compressive strengths of various soil mortar specimens, with varying blending ratios of cement, water and oyster shell, were evaluated by performing unconfined compression tests, and the results were compared with the strengths of normal cement mortar made with sand. In addition, the effect of organic chemicals on the hardening of concrete was evaluated by preparing ethyl-benzene-mixed mortar specimens. The long-term strength improvement resulting from the addition of fly ash was also examined by performing unconfined compression tests on specimens with fly-ash content. There was no significant reduction in the compressive strength of the mortars containing small oyster shell particles instead of sand. From these test data, the possible application of oyster shells in construction materials could be verified, and the change in the strength parameters according to the presence of organic compounds was also evaluated.
Efficiency of the Anaerobic Treatment of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste: Collection and Pretreatment
Authors: Hartmann Hinrich , Møller Henrik B. , Ahring Birgitte K.
Published: September 2004

This report is based on several years of co-operation between our research groups and Danish biogas plants. Throughout the years, there has been a fruitful exchange of know-how and experiences in laboratory scale on the one hand and large scale on the other, leading to a better understanding of the principles of the anaerobic digestion process and to an optimization of its large-scale implementation. In order to get an overview of the current situation concerning the treatment of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) in Denmark, interviews were carried out with operators of the biogas plants where OFMSW is treated and the municipality staff responsible for waste management. With the aim of fulfilling the governmental goal to treat 150 000 tons of OFMSW by the year 2004 mainly by anaerobic digestion, the different municipalities are investigating different concepts of waste collection and treatment. The quality of the OFMSW treated is the key to smooth operation of the biogas process including a high biogas yield and production of an effluent that is feasible for use as fertilizer on agricultural land. Comparison of the different concepts leads to the conclusion that source-sorting of OFMSW in paper bags is preferable to collection in plastic bags and successive separation of plastics in a waste processing treatment plant.
Numerical Analysis of the Anaerobic Co-Digestion of the Organic Fraction from Municipal Solid Waste and Wastewater: Prediction of the Possible Performances at Olmeto Plant in Perugia (Italy)
Authors: Viotti Paolo , Di Genova Paolo , Falcioli Francesca
Published: September 2004

Anaerobic digestion is mainly used for sewage sludge stabilization and for treatment of waste that has a high organic content. It also represents a powerful method for obtaining energy by means of natural gas production. Co-digestion particularly combines different organic substrates to generate a homogeneous mixture as input to the anaerobic reactor in order to increase process performance. Reactions kinetics and knowledge of process analysis represent the keys for good planning and correct management. In this paper a model to simulate the main reactions involved in anaerobic co-digestion is presented. The model was created to analyse the possible performance of the treatment plant in Olmeto, Marsciano (Perugia) in Italy. The plant is still in an experimental phase with regard to the co-digestion process and numerical simulations represent a useful tool during development of the correct management procedures for the operational phase and a good methodoly for addressing further pilot plant experiments.
Microbial Biomass in a Soil Amended with Different Types of Organic Wastes
Authors: Jedidi Naceur , Hassen Abdennaceur , van Cleemput Oswald , M’Hiri Ali
Published: September 2004

Application of different types of organic wastes may have a marked effect on soil microbial biomass and its activity. The objective of this study was to quantify the amount of microbial biomass in a loamy-clayey soil, amended with different types of organic waste residues (composts of municipal solid waste of different ages, sewage sludge and farmyard manure) and incubated for 8 weeks at 25°C and two-thirds of field capacity, using the fumigation–extraction method. Both microbial biomass-C and -N ( BC and BN, respectively) appeared to be dependent on the type of organic waste residues, on their degree of stability, and on their chemical characteristics. In general, organic wastes increased the microbial biomass-C content in the soil and the microbial BC was positively correlated with the organic C content, the C/N, neutral detergent fibre/N (NDF/N) and acid detergent fibre/N (ADF/N) ratios. The microbial biomass content decreased according to the period of incubation, especially when the compost used was immature. The microbial biomass-N was positively correlated with the total N and percentage of hemicellulose. The microbial biomass-C was linearly related with the microbial biomass-N and the ratio BC/ BN was exponentially related with the BC.
Preparation of Briquettes from the Golden Horn Bottom Sediments by Hydro-Thermal Agglomeration Process
Authors: Çelik Özlem , Elbeyli I[UNKNOWN]ffet Yakar
Published: September 2004

The Golden Horn (GH) sediments, which consist mainly of clay, organic substances and heavy metals, are formed with the contribution of industrial and domestic wastes released in the Golden Horn Estuary. On account of their mineralogical and chemical composition, these sediments may be regarded as a suitable raw material for briquette production. In this study, the utilization of GH dredged bottom sediments was investigated for preparation of briquettes. Dried GH sediments were mixed with lime and sand in different percentages, moulded at various squeezing pressures and hardened under several steam pressure values by autoclaving. The briquettes produced through these different process conditions were tested for compressive strength according to the Turkish standards (TS705). It was found that variations in compressive strength were dependent on the amount of lime (Ca(OH)2) and sand (SiO2) added. Results show that the compressive strength increased with increasing lime and decreasing sand in the mixtures prepared for briquettes. It is concluded that briquettes with a compressive strength value of 294 kgf cm–2 can be produced. This allows the GH sediments to be taken into account as a raw material in brick production, as far as compressive strength requirements are concerned. This possibility may represent an important way either for reducing environmental pollution or for recycling waste materials in industrial applications.
Percolation of Clay Liners of Ash Landfills in Short and Long Time Perspectives
Authors: Pusch Roland , Kihl Anders
Published: September 2004

Top covers of waste landfills conventionally contain a drain layer over a low-permeable clay liner usually containing smectite minerals. The rate of percolation of the clay liner, which may require tens of years to become water-saturated, determines the downward transport of ions released from the underlying waste to and through the bottom clay liner. The percolation rate is controlled by the composition and density of the upper liner, which should be as tight as possible. This implies a high density and therefore a high swelling potential which must be moderated by proper design. The bottom clay liner is a less effective and reliable barrier since cation exchange will increase the hydraulic conductivity and cause a significant rise in percolation rate and risk of chemical attack by the percolate. The top liner will undergo very moderate strain if the ash fill is effectively compacted and undergoes little self-compaction. Processes that may cause degradation are freezing and drying and require proper design. In this paper the authors examine the performance of ash-fills isolated by clay liners and conclude that the most important issue is to design and construct the top liner to be as impermeable as possible paying less attention to the tightness of the bottom layer.
Modelling Leachate Quality and Quantity in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills
Authors: Yildiz Ebru Demirekler , Ünlü Kahraman , Rowe R. Kerry
Published: September 2004

The operational phase of landfills may last for 20 years or more. Significant changes in leachate quality and generation rate may occur during this operational period. A mathematical model has been developed to simulate the landfill leachate behaviour and distributions of moisture and leachate constituents through the landfill, taking into consideration the effects of time-dependent landfill development on the hydraulic characteristics of waste and composition of leachate. The model incorporates governing equations that describe processes influencing the leachate production and biochemical processes taking place during the stabilization of wastes, including leachate flow, dissolution, acidogenesis and methanogenesis. To model the hydraulic property changes occurring during the development stage of the landfills, a conceptual modelling approach was proposed. This approach considers the landfill to consist of cells or columns of cells, which are constructed at different times, and considers each cell in the landfill to consist of several layers. Each layer is assumed to be a completely mixed reactor containing uniformly distributed solid waste, moisture, gases and micro-organisms. The use of the proposed conceptual model enables the incorporation of the spatial changes in hydraulic properties of the landfill into the model and also makes it possible to predict the spatial and temporal distributions of moisture and leachate constituents. The model was calibrated and partially verified using leachate data from Keele Valley Landfill in Ontario, Canada and data obtained from the literature. Ranges of values were proposed for model parameters applicable for real landfill conditions.
Towards a Cleaner Production in Developing Countries: A Case Study in a Chilean Tannery
Authors: Rivela Beatriz , Méndez Ranón , Bornhardt Cristian , Vidal Gladys
Published: September 2004

A Chilean leather tanning industry (tannery) was studied in terms of input/output (I/O) analysis of beam house, tanyard and retanning processes. The physical-chemical characterization of 19 streams were investigated. Streams from the beamhouse process and some streams from the retanning process were found to have high organic contents ranging from 2.5 to 18.1 g COD L-1. The pH ranged between 3.45 and 12.28. Sulphur was found in most of the streams whereas chromium was detected in two wastewaters from the tanyard and in seven streams from the retanning process. Pollution prevention opportunities were evaluated and an appropriate treatment strategy was proposed. The main emphasis was on determining waste reduction measures that can be easily implemented and are not particularly expensive. Measures for reduction at source were proposed to reduce water and chemicals consumption and wastewater pollution. A so-called Sindex strategy was used to evaluate proposals on segregation and specific treatment of the main chromium- and sulphur-containing waste-waters. It was suggested that some streams may be re-used, but it is necessary to apply anaerobic or aerobic treatment first, depending on their organic load. Solid wastes were also evaluated and a proposal for their reduction and disposal was made.
The Effect of Advanced Oxidation Processes on Leachate Biodegradation in Recycling Lysimeters
Authors: Ledakowicz Stanislaw , Kaczorek Katarzyna
Published: September 2004

Landfill processes were simulated in laboratory-scale bioreactors - lysimeters. The changes in leachate characteristics as well as the influence of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) on the processes taking place in the sanitary landfill were investigated. Lysimeters were filled with material simulating municipal waste in the city of Lodz, Poland. Compost in the amount of 30% w/w and the methanogens inoculum were added in order to enhance development of a methanogenic phase. The leachate produced in lysimeters was recirculated. In order to investigate the influence of AOPs implementation on processes taking place in landfills two runs in lysimeters were performed, each lasting about 250 days. The leachate composition and biogas composition and production changes showed trends that confirmed that the bench-scale lysimeters appeared suitable to simulate processes taking place in the landfill. The application of AOPs to the leachate recirculated into the lysimeters did not bring about unequivocally positive effects. The ozonation of the leachate, implemented at the beginning of the methanogenic phase, caused slight acceleration (about 2 weeks) of the bio-degradation, whereas employment of H2O2/UV led to the inhibition of anaerobic processes.
Process Control in Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators: Survey and Assessment
Authors: el Asri R. , Baxter D.
Published: September 2004

As there is only rare and scattered published information about the process control in industrial incineration facilities for municipal solid waste (MSW), a survey of the literature has been supplemented by a number of waste incineration site visits in Belgium and the Netherlands, in order to make a realistic assessment of the current status of technology in the area. Owing to the commercial character, and therefore, the confidentiality restrictions imposed by plant builders and many of the operators, much of the information collected has either to be presented in a generalized manner, and in any case anonymously. The survey was focused on four major issues: process control strategy, process control systems, monitors used for process control and finally the correlation between the 850°C/2 s rule in the European waste incineration directive and integrated process control. The process control strategies range from reaching good and stable emissions at the stack to stabilizing and maximizing the energy output from the process. The main indicator to be monitored, in cases in which the focus is controlling emissions, is the oxygen content in the stack. Keeping the oxygen concentration in a determined range (usually between 8 and 12 vol.%) ensures stable and tolerated concentrations of the gaseous emissions. In the case for which stabilization of energy production is the principal aim, the main controlled parameter is the steam temperature and flow-rate, which is usually related to the fuel energetic input. A lot of other parameters are used as alarm criteria, the most common of which is the carbon monoxide concentration. The process control systems used most commonly feature partially automated classical proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers. New and innovative process control systems, such as fuzzy-logic control systems, are still unknown to most plant managers while their performance is reported to be unsatisfactory in plants in which such systems have been tested or are in use. Monitoring components used in process control are still based on classical tools such as thermocouples. The use of modern and more reliable sensors is very limited due to the high initial investment cost or simply the fear of using non-standard technologies. Complying with the 850°C/2 s rule in the European waste incineration directive generally is seen to be a handicap for the process control, either in terms of cost, or flexibility of reaction, or both, particularly in old incineration facilities where such restrictions were not planned in the design.
Management of Packaging Waste in Poland - Development Agenda and Accession to the EU
Authors: Grodzińska-Jurczak Małgorzata , Żakowska Hanna , Read Adam
Published: September 2004

In recent years the issue of the municipal waste in Poland has become increasingly topical, with a considerable rise in the waste generation, much of which can be attributed to a boom in product packaging (mainly plastic). The annual production of plastics packaging has been constantly increasing over the last 20 to 30 years, and now exceeds 3.7 million tons. Due to a lack of processing technologies and poorly developed selective segregation system, packaging waste is still treated as a part of the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream, most of which is landfilled. As a result of Poland's access to the European Union, previous legal regulations governing municipal waste management have been harmonized with those binding on the member countries. One of the main changes, the most revolutionary one, is to make entrepreneurs liable for environmental risks resulting from the introduction of packaging to the market, and for its recycling. In practice, all entrepreneurs are to ensure recovery, and recycling, of used packaging from products introduced to the market at the required level. In recent year, the required recycling levels were fulfilled for all types of materials but mainly by large institutions using grouped and transport packaging waste for that matter. Household packaging gathered in the selective segregation system at the municipalities was practically left alone. This paper is an attempt to describe the system and assess the first year of functioning of the new, revamped system of packaging waste management in Poland. Recommendations are made relating to those features that need to be included in packaging waste management systems in order to maximize their sustainability and harmonization with the EU legal system.
Gas Permeability and Tortuosity for Packed Layers of Processed Municipal Solid Wastes and Incinerator Residue
Authors: Kallel Amjad , Tanaka Nobutoshi , Matsuto Toshihiko
Published: September 2004

To make a proper evaluation of gas component movement inside a landfill site, it is important to investigate the different parameters related to gas flow. In this work gas-filled porosity, intrinsic permeability, tortuosity and equivalent pore radius were determined for various packed wastes, such as incineration ash, shredded bulky waste and shredded incombustible waste. These parameters were measured/inferred for samples packed in a column and exposed to a controlled gas flow. The effect of waste conditions, especially the moisture content, on these parameters was also investigated. The intrinsic permeability of such packed wastes was generally in the order of 10-10 to 10-9 m2, except for some ash that was one to two orders lower. The tortuosity of waste layer was greater than that of a particulate material and ranged between 2 and 10. The equivalent pore radius was generally in the order of 10-4 m, which means that gas diffusion is still ordinary in such packed waste layer. The obtained results will be utilized when simulating gas flow inside a landfill site for biogas extraction or site aeration.
Tradable Permits without Legislative Targets: A Review of the Potential for a Permit Scheme for Sterilized Clinical Waste in the UK
Authors: Bailey Ian , Haug Brigitte , O’Doherty Richard
Published: September 2004

Tradable-permit schemes are becoming an increasingly popular technique for encouraging materials recovery and the diversion of waste from landfill. Such schemes operate using various forms of market-based trading of waste permits between polluters but usually rely on mandatory recycling targets to provide an incentive for trading. Using the UK’s Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) scheme as a template, this paper examines the potential for permit trading where mandatory targets are absent and schemes must be driven solely by the financial benefits of reduced landfill costs and permit/material sales. The case examined is sterilized clinical waste, which has considerable recycling potential but suffers from health concerns and a poor public image. Interviews with healthcare and waste-management representatives indicate that although elements of the PRN scheme might prove appropriate for encouraging materials recovery, the absence of government targets and uncertain end markets for sterilized clinical waste present major obstacles to trading. Alternative incentives would therefore be required to catalyse schemes and develop recycling infrastructure. In the final analysis, thermal processing may be a more practical alternative to landfill than materials recovery for this particular waste stream.
Detection and Enumeration of Cryptosporidium sp. Oocysts in Sewage Sludge Samples from the City of Florianópolis (Brazil) by Using Immunomagnetic Separation Combined with Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay
Authors: Iacovski Roniele Balvedi , Barardi Célia Regina Monte , Simões Cláudia Maria Oliveira
Published: September 2004

In the last few decades, agricultural reclamation of sewage sludge has increased in many countries. However, this practice must be adopted under recommended conditions to limit the risks associated with the presence of potential pathogens, including protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidium. In the present work, we evaluated immunomagnetic separation (IMS) combined with an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in order to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts in sewage sludge samples obtained from the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (MWTP) operating in the city of Florianópolis, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Integrated application of spontaneous sludge sedimentation and centrifugation of the supernatant, purification and concentration of oocysts through immunomagnetic separation as well as detection and quantification by means of indirect immunofluorescence using highly specific monoclonal antibodies, proved to be an effective multiple-analysis tool for monitoring the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in urban sewage sludge samples. Among 27 samples collected from MWTP, 20 (74.07%) were positive for Cryptosporidium sp. The efficiency of recovery by using the internal control ColorSeed® (Biotechnology Frontiers Inc., Sydney, NSW, Australia) was medially 39.96 ± 11.20%. Actually, oocysts were recovered from 100% of the positive samples tested and the number of Cryptosporidium oocysts found in the samples ranged from one to four. These results demonstrated a high recovery rate of Cryptosporidium oocysts in sewage sludge samples by using IMS-IFA analysis. In conclusion, such an approach can be applied to monitor the presence of the parasite and to determine the potential contamination of sludge destined for soil application.
Recent Trends and Current Practices for Secondary Processing of Zinc and Lead. Part I: Lead Recovery from Secondary Sources
Authors: Agrawal Archana , Sahu Kamala Kanta , Pandey Banshi Dhar
Published: September 2004

Implementation of stricter environmental laws and economic reasons has forced all the metallurgical industries to go for eco-friendly technologies to produce metal and other related products. However, generation of wastes is an integral part of metallurgical industries. If the wastes/residues are hazardous in nature, they generally have to be treated or/and disposed of in safe and designated dumping sites. If these wastes/residues are non-hazardous in nature, then they may be suitable for use as secondary raw material to recover metals such as lead, copper etc., which are in growing demand all over the world. The processing of lead secondaries is important because of their relative high metal content, as well as the low energy and cost involved in recovering the metal. This paper mainly focuses on the current practices and recent trends in the secondary processing of lead. Various processes, particularly hydrometallurgical ones, already developed or in the development stages, are discussed. Attempts made by various Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Laboratories including the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) and industries such as Binani Zinc to develop eco-friendly processes for the recovery of lead from secondary raw materials are also described.
Sampling Household Waste at Source: Lessons Learnt in Gaborone
Authors: Bolaane Benjamin , Ali Mansoor
Published: September 2004

Municipal solid waste (MSW) quantity and composition analysis is fundamental for the planning of municipal waste management services. The purpose of this paper is to report the results and experiences of sampling household waste at the source of generation in Gaborone, Botswana. The average generation rate, in kg capita-1 day-1, and percentages of various components of waste in Gaborone were determined using a statistically designed household sampling survey. The survey covered 47 households with different socio-economic characteristics over 21 days with 893 samples obtained. The results showed that the average waste generation rate for Gaborone was 0.33 kg capita-1 day-1. Contrary to common belief, the waste generation rate measured as in weight units was found not be directly related to household income. However, the packaging fractions of plastic and paper measured as volume had a direct relationship with household income. Across all income groups, the putrescible waste fraction constituted the highest proportion of the waste stream at approximately 68%. The main general conclusion is on the importance of practical considerations. As much as statistically designed sampling procedures provide a useful means of estimating the quantity and composition of household waste at source of generation, there are some practical issues that should be carefully considered during sampling to improve the accuracy and relevance of the results.
Operational and Meteorological Influence on the Utilized Biogas Composition at the Barycz Landfill Site in Cracow, Poland
Authors: Meres Matgorzata , Szczepaniec-Cieciak Elzbieta , Sadowska Anna , Piejko Krzysztof , Szafnicki Konrad
Published: September 2004

The aim of the present investigation was to determine time variation of biogas composition at the gas collection network on the ‘Barycz’ landfill site in Cracow, Poland, as well as the influence of operational and meteorological conditions on the biogas composition. The study of biogas composition at selected gas wells and gas collectors was conducted using a portable IR landfill gas analyser. The methane concentration in biogas on the part of the landfill site currently in operation varied in the range 59-63% vol. and on the reclaimed part of the landfill, in the range 42-62% vol. It was found that biogas composition is significantly affected by operational conditions and meteorological parameters. For example, methane concentrations were more constant when the pressure in the installation was above the ambient atmosphere than when it was below, where fluctuations of 15% vol. were seen. Low air temperature, high precipitation and high atmospheric pressure, which lower the permeability of the outer layer of the landfill, result in higher quality of the biogas getting to the gas collection system.
Incorporation of Sewage Sludge in Clay Brick and its Characterization
Authors: Liew Abdul G. , Idris Azni , Wong Calvin H. K. , Samad Abdul A. , Noor Megat Johari M. M. , Baki Aminuddin M.
Published: September 2004

This study reports the use of sewage sludge generated from sewage treatment plant (STP) as raw material in a clay brick-making process. The physico-chemical and mineralogical characterization of the sewage sludge and clay were carried out in order to identify the major technological constraints and to define the sludge pretreatment requirements if necessary. Moreover, the effects on processing conditions and/or on changes of typical final characteristics are also evaluated. Bricks were produced with sewage sludge additions ranging from 10 to 40% by dry weight. The texture and finishing of the surface of sludge-amended clay bricks were rather poor. As for the physical and chemical properties, bricks with a sludge content of up to 40 wt.% were capable of meeting the relevant technical standards. However, bricks with more than 30 wt.% sludge addition are not recommended for use since they are brittle and easily broken even when handled gently. A tendency for a general degradation of brick properties with sludge additions was observed due to its refractory nature. Therefore, sludge bricks of this nature are only suitable for use as common bricks, which are normally not exposed to view, because of poor surface finishing.
Recent Trends and Current Practices for Secondary Processing of Zinc and Lead. Part II: Zinc Recovery from Secondary Sources
Authors: Sahu Kamala Kanta , Agrawal Archana , Pandey Banshi Dhar
Published: September 2004

Almost all metallurgical processes are associated with the generation of wastes and residues that may be hazardous or non-hazardous in nature depending upon the criteria specified by institutions such as the US Environment Protection Agency, etc. Wastes containing heavy and toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead, copper, mercury, zinc, etc., that are present beyond permissible limits deemed to be treated or disposed of, and non-hazardous wastes can be utilized for metal recovery or safe disposal. Zinc is in growing demand all over the world. In India, a major amount of zinc is imported and therefore processing of zinc secondaries will assist in satisfying the gap between demand and supply to some extent. This report mainly focuses on the current practices and recent trends on the secondary processing of zinc. Attempts made by various laboratories to develop ecofriendly processes for the recovery of zinc from secondary raw materials are also described and discussed.
Assessing the Use of Poplar Tree Systems as a Landfill Evapotranspiration Barrier with the SHAW Model
Authors: Preston G. M. , McBride R. A.
Published: September 2004

The use of poplar tree systems (PTS) as evapotranspiration barriers on decommissioned landfills is gaining attention as an option for leachate management. This study involved field-testing the Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model for its ability to reliably estimate poplar transpiration, volumetric soil water content, and soil temperature at a landfill located in southern Ontario, Canada. The model was then used to estimate deep drainage and to ascertain the influence of a young PTS on the soil water balance of the landfill cover. The SHAW model tended to underestimate poplar transpiration [mean difference (MD) ranged from 0.33 to 3.55 mm on a daily total basis] and overestimate volumetric soil water content by up to 0.10 m3 m-3. The model estimated soil temperature very well, particularly in the upper 1 m of the landfill cover (MD ranged from -0.1 to 1.6 ×°C in this layer). The SHAW model simulations showed that deep drainage decreased appreciably with the presence of a young PTS largely through increased interception of rainfall, and that PTS have a good potential to act as effective evapotranspiration barriers in northern temperate climate zones.
Degradation of Fats during Thermophilic Composting of Organic Waste
Authors: Nakasaki Kiyohiko , Nagasaki Kazuki , Ariga Osamu
Published: September 2004

The degradation of fats during thermophilic composting was investigated by adding lard of four different mixing ratios (0, 33.3, 42.9 and 50% on a dry weight basis) to dog food used as a model substrate for organic waste. The lard added at the mixing ratio of 33.3% did not inhibit the decomposition of organic matter in the dog food, with lard itself beginning decomposition after decay of more easily decomposable organic compounds of the dog food, 84 h from the start of composting. The percentage of lard decomposition reached as high as 29.3% by the end of 8 days of composting. By contrast, the decomposition of organic matter in the processed dog food was apparently inhibited when the portion of lard was greater than 33.3%, especially at the earliest stage of composting. It is possible, however, that lard would decompose vigorously once decomposition has begun, even when the ratio of lard is as high as 50%. The percentages of lard decomposition in composting mixtures with 42.9 and 50% lard were 15.7 and 9.50%, respectively, thus the higher the mixing ratio of lard, the lower the percentage of lard decomposition. However, it was found that the maximum decomposition rate of the lard was similar for all of the ratios tested; that is, approximately 5.0 × 10-3 g carbon h-1.
Functional Relationships of Landfill and Landraise Capacity with Design and Operation Parameters
Authors: Aivaliotis Vassilis , Dokas Ioannis , Hatzigiannakou Maria , Panagiotakopoulos Demetrios
Published: September 2004

Solid waste management presses for effective landfill design and operation. While planning and operating a landfill (LF) or a landraise (LR), choices need to be made regarding: (1) LF-LR morphology (base shape, side slopes, final cover thickness, LR/LF height/depth); (2) cell geometry (height, length, slopes); and (3) operation parameters (waste density, working face length, cover thicknesses). These parameters affect LF/LR capacity, operation lifespan and construction/operation costs. In this paper, relationships are generated between capacity ( C, space available for waste) and the above parameters. Incorporating real data into simulation runs, two types of functions are developed: first, C = kγ A1.38, where A is the LF/LR base area size and kγ a base shape-dependent coefficient; and second, C = αp,γ, A+ δp,γ, A Xp for every parameter p, where Xp is the value of p and αp,γ, A and δp,γ,A are parameter-and base (shape/size)-specific coefficients. Moreover, the relationship between LF depth and LR height that balances excavation volume with cover material, is identified. Another result is that, for a symmetrical combination of LF/LR, with base surface area shape between square and 1: 2 orthogonal, and final density between 500 and 800 kg m-3, waste quantity placed ranges from 1.76 A1.38 to 2.55 A1.38 tons. The significance of such functions is obvious, as they allow the analyst to investigate alternative LF/LR schemes and make trade-off analyses.
Characteristics Variation of Coal Combustion Residues in an Indian Ash Pond
Authors: Asokan Pappu , Saxena Mohini , Aparna Asokan , Asoletar Shyam R.
Published: September 2004

Coal-fired power plants all over the world are cited as one of the major sources that generate huge quantities of coal combustion residues (CCRs) as solid wastes. Most frequently CCRs are collected through electrostatic precipitators, mixed with bottom ash by hydraulic systems and deposited in ash ponds. The quality of the CCRs at different locations in one of the ash ponds in Central India was evaluated to understand the variation in characteristics with a view to effective utilization. Results revealed that the presence of fine particles (< 50 μm) increased with increasing distance from the ash slurry inlet zone in the ash pond. Wide variations in the bulk density (800-980 kg m-3), porosity (45-57%) and water-holding capacity (57.5-75.7%) of CCRs were recorded. With increasing distance the pH of the CCRs decreased (from 9.0 to 8.2) and electrical conductivity increased (from 0.25 to 0.65 dS m-1). The presence of almost all the heavy metals in CCRs exhibited an increase with distance from the ash slurry discharge zone due to the increase in surface area (from 0.1038 to 2.3076 m2 g-1) of CCRs particles. The present paper describes the variation of characteristics of CCRs deposited in the ash pond and their potential applications.
A Positive Domestic Violence Screen Predicts Future Domestic Violence
Authors: Houry Debra , Feldhaus Kim , Peery Benjamin , Abbott Jean , Lowenstein Steven R. , al-Bataa-de-Montero Sameerah , Levine Saul
Published: September 2004

The objective of this study was to determine if a brief screen for domestic violence (DV) predicts future violence. We conducted a cohort study of adult women who presented to an inner-city emergency department during an 8-week study period. Participants were screened for DV using the Partner Violence Screen (PVS). At 4 months, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted: rates of verbal and physical violence were measured using the modified Conflict Tactics Scale. Relative risks of violent events (physical and verbal) were calculated.Of the 215 women who enrolled,36 (16%) had an initial screen positive for DV. Ninety-six women participated in the follow-up phase; of these women, 9% had screened positive for DV. At 4 months, women with DV were 11.3 times more likely to experience physical violence and 7.3 times more likely to experience verbal aggression. The study’s screen identified women at high risk for subsequent physical violence and verbal aggression.
The Help-Seeking Strategies of Female Violent-Crime Victims
Authors: Kaukinen Catherine
Published: September 2004

The author used national data to examine the help-seeking strategies of female crime victims. The research has two objectives. First, to determine whether help seeking exists as isolated choices or whether there is a discernable set of help-seeking strategies used by victims. Second, the author examined the effects of race and the victim-offender relationship on these help-seeking decisions. Findings identify three help-seeking strategies: (a) minimal or no help seeking, (b) family and friend help seeking, and (c) substantial help seeking (includes help from family, friends, psychiatrists, social service providers, and police). The author found that White women and victims of intimate partner violence are more likely to engage in increasing levels of help seeking. She also found that White women victimized by an intimate partner or other known offender are more likely (as compared to other victims) to seek increasing levels of help and social support.
Making a Case for Personal Safety
Authors: David Wendy S. , Cotton Ann J. , Simpson Tracy L. , Weitlauf Julie C.
Published: September 2004

We assessed perceptions of vulnerability and the desire for personal safety/selfdefense (PS/SD) training among 67 female veterans receiving outpatient mental health treatment, primarily for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from sexual and/or physical trauma. Consistent with the literature on the impact of such training on nonclinical populations and on individuals with visual impairments, the results of this study indicate that traumatized female veterans believe that PS/SD training would be an effective and powerful additionto more traditional treatments for PTSD. Study participants indicated they believe such training would positively affect their sense of personal safety; promote increased competencein thwarting future assaults; improve their self-esteem, confidence, and assertiveness; and reduce avoidant and agoraphobic behaviors. These pilot results support the development of an adjunct intervention to augment current PTSD treatments for women veterans with histories of sexual and physical trauma.
Specifying the Influence of Family and Peers on Violent Victimization
Authors: Schreck Christopher J. , Fisher Bonnie S.
Published: September 2004

The fact that crime and victimization share similar correlates suggests that family and peer contexts are potentially useful for explaining individual differences in violent victimization. In this research, we used routine activities and lifestyles frameworks to reveal how strong bonds of family attachment can promote more effective guardianship while simultaneously making children less attractive as targets and limiting their exposure to motivated offenders. Conversely, the routine activities perspective suggests that exposure to delinquent peers will enhance risk. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we found that family and peer context variables do correspond with a higher risk of violent victimization among teenagers, net controls for unstructured and unsupervised activities and demographic characteristics. The role of family and peer group characteristics in predicting victimization risk suggests new theoretical directions for victimization research.
Is Domestic Violence Relevant?
Authors: Tishler Carl L. , Bartholomae Suzanne , Katz Bonnie L. , Landry-Meyer Laura
Published: September 2004

Mediation is an essential component of custody evaluation and reconciliation services in domestic courts. Data from 306 couples with and without a reported history of domestic violence (DV) who were ordered to attend an assessment for mediation were analyzed to determine differences in the mediation process. More than one third reported a history of DV. Chi-square analysis showed that differences in the mediation process exist between couples reporting DV and couples reporting no DV. A greater proportion of couples with reported DV (a) actually attended the court-mandated assessment session, (b) were deemed unsuitable to participate in the mediation process, (c) were in default of child-support payments, and (d) reported drug and alcohol abuse. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the measured mediation outcomes. Implications for the use of mediation with couples who reported DV and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Applying a Forensic Actuarial Assessment (the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide) to Nonforensic Patients
Authors: Harris Grant T. , Rice Marnie E. , Camilleri Joseph A.
Published: September 2004

The actuarial Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG) was developed for male offenders where it has shown excellent replicability in many new forensic samples using officially recorded outcomes. Clinicians also make decisions, however, about the risk of interpersonal violence posed by nonforensic psychiatric patients of both sexes. Could an actuarial risk assessment developed for male forensic populations be used for a broader clientele? We modified the VRAG to permit evaluation using data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study that included nonforensic male and female patients and primarily self-reported violence. The modified VRAG yielded a large effect size in the prediction of dichotomous postdischarge severe violence over 20 and 50 weeks. Accuracy of VRAG predictions was unrelated to sex. The results provide evidence about the robustness of comprehensive actuarial risk assessments and the generality of the personal factors that underlie violent behavior.
Assessing the Effect of Batterer Program Completion on Reassault Using Propensity Scores
Authors: Jones Alison Snow , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Gondolf Edward W. , Heckert Alex
Published: September 2004

Recent experimental evaluations have suggested little or no effect of batterer programs on reassault but are compromised by methodological and analytical issues. This study assesses program effect using propensity score analysis with a quasi-experimental sample in an attempt to address these issues. The sample consisted of 633 batterers and their partners from three geographically dispersed batterer programs and a 15-month follow-up with their female partners. Subclassification on propensity scores was used to balance program completers and program dropouts. The propensity score was estimated as the probability of completing the batterer program conditional on observable characteristics. Direct adjustment indicates that program completion reduced the probability of reassault during the 15-month follow-up by 33% for the full sample, and by nearly 50% for the court-ordered men.