Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Waste sample'

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:28:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0<br>Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:56:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0<br>Dissertacao (Mestrado)<br>IPEN/D<br>Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Samtidigt som världens energiproduktion till stor del baseras på förbränning av fossila bränslen behandlas enorma mängder avfall genom deponering. Ökad energiåtervinning av avfall kan bidra till att minska världens utsläpp av växthusgaser. Då avfall bör ses som en resurs är det dock viktigt med en effektiv energiåtervinning. Förbränning i fluidbäddspanna möjliggör god förbränning och hög verkningsgrad men kräver ett finfördelat avfall med lågt innehåll av inert (icke brännbart) material, så kallat RDF. Därför behöver avfallet beredas innan förbränning. En effektiv och välfungerande beredning av avfallsbränsle möjliggör resurseffektiv avfallshantering av utsorterade fraktioner samt effektiv förbränning genom hög bränslekvalitet. Mälarenergis panna 6 på kraftvärmeverket i Västerås är en avfallseldad CFB-panna med bränsleeffekt på omkring 170 MW, vilket motsvarar omkring 50 ton avfall per timme. På den tillhörande bränsleberedningen produceras avfallsbränsle, RDF, i tre beredningslinjer genom att avfallet krossas och olika typer av inert material avskiljs och bildar rejekt från anläggningen.  Magnetisk metall avskiljs med magnetavskiljare, icke-magnetisk metall avskiljs med virvelströmsavskiljare och en tungfraktion bestående av bland annat sten och glas avskiljs med vindsikt. Kvaliteten på avskiljningen är dock bristfällig vilket leder till högt innehåll av inert material i bränslet och högt innehåll av brännbart material i de avskilda fraktionerna. Dessa två problem orsakar kostnader och miljöpåverkan som skulle kunna minskas. Syftet med detta examensarbete var att undersöka vilka faktorer som påverkar avskiljningen av inert material från avfallsbränsle för förbränning i fluidbäddspanna samt ge förslag på åtgärder som kan leda till förbättrad avskiljning. Detta har undersökts genom en fältstudie på den aktuella bränsleberedningen. För att insamla kunskap om bränsleberedningsprocessen och problembilden genomfördes en kartläggning av avskiljningen. Utifrån detta identifierades faktorer som kan påverka avskiljningen. För att ytterligare undersöka vad som påverkar avskiljningsprocessen genomfördes ett antal provtagningar av avskiljningen. En anpassad metod för provtagning av kvaliteten på avskiljningen genom plockanalys togs fram. Sammanlagt genomfördes nio provtagningar under olika förutsättningar. En ny typ av vindsikt testades också för att undersöka hur en investering skulle kunna förbättra avskiljningen. Vindsikten testades utifrån två alternativ av placering. Utifrån resultatet av kartläggningen identifierades fem faktorer som tros påverka avskiljningen. Dessa faktorer är det inkommande avfallet och dess egenskaper, materialflödets storlek genom produktionslinjen, ojämnt materialflöde genom magnetavskiljaren, tillbakakastande turbulens i vindsikten och fastnande material på spjället i vindsikten. Resultatet från de genomförda provtagningarna av kvaliteten på avskiljningen bekräftar att det inkommande avfallet samt materialflödets storlek genom produktionslinjen tros ha stor påverkan på samtliga avskiljare. Då den nya typen av vindsikt testades för att placeras i beredningslinjen visades ingen utmärkande förbättring jämfört med de befintliga vindsiktarna. Då den testades som andra steget i en två-stegs vindsiktning visade däremot resultatet potential att uppnå förbättrad avskiljning. Resultatet visade att två-stegs vindsiktningen har potential att minska mängden tungfraktionsrejekt med cirka 30 – 50 %. Det inerta innehållet i utgående lättfraktion var dock 6 – 8 % vilket motsvarar en höjning av det inerta innehållet i den totala mängden RDF på cirka 0,5 procentenheter. Dock medför en två-stegs vindsiktning att mer material kan siktas ut i vindsiktarna i beredningslinjerna vilket därmed skulle kunna ge en minskning av den totala mängden inert material i RDF. Som slutsats dras att investeringen i ny vindsikt för att skapa en två-stegs vindsiktning skulle kunna ge förbättrad avskiljning. Den nya vindsikten kan med fördel efterföljas av ytterligare avskiljning eftersom mängden inert material i RDF är relativt koncentrerat där. Dock bör en vidare utredning om kostnader och besparingspotential genomföras innan investeringen kan föreslås som åtgärd. Två typer av enklare konstruktioner föreslås för att åtgärda tre av de faktorer som identifierats. En konstruktion för att jämna ut materialflödet innan magnetavskiljaren samt en konstruktion för att förändra luftflödet i vindsikten. Att minska materialflödet genom linjerna föreslås som en viktig åtgärd för att förbättra avskiljningen. Detta kan åstadkommas genom att fördela RDF-produktionen så jämnt som möjligt på produktionslinjerna samt att sprida ut produktionen jämnt över tid. Detta kräver en mer aktiv planering av produktionen samt minimering av stopptider. En viktig slutsats som har dragits är att det inkommande avfallet varierar kraftigt och har stor inverkan på avskiljningsprocessen. En åtgärd som föreslås för att ge förbättrad avskiljning är att en regelbunden kontroll och variation av processen bör införas. Detta föreslås ske genom uttag och kontroll av RDF och rejekt från beredningslinjerna tillsammans med en bedömning av det inkommande avfallet. Informationen bör sedan ligga till grund för ett beslut om hur processen ska styras för att säkerställa en stabil kvalitet på avskiljningen.<br>Energy recovery of waste got huge potential of decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Combustion in fluidized bed boilers gives high resource efficiency but demands a comminuted fuel with low content of inert (non-combustible) materials, a so called refuse derived fuel (RDF).  A well-functioning separation process as part of the RDF-production allows efficient combustion as well as efficient treatment of the separated materials. The purpose of this degree project is to investigate what factors that influences on the separation of inert material from waste for combustion in a fluidized bed boiler and how the separation can be improved. This is investigated through a field study of a fuel-preparation plant in Sweden. The separation process has been examined visually and by experiments based on sampling and manual sorting of waste fractions. The results show five factors that are assumed to influence on the sorting. Three of them are suggested to be solved by simple constructions. One factor that shows to have a great impact is the input waste to the process which is varying to a large extent. A measure that is suggested to give improved separation is a recurrent check of the RDF quality and the reject quality. Combined with information about the input waste this should be basis for recurrent adjustments of the plant to achieve a more stable quality of the separation output. Another measure that is suggested is to decrease the size of the material flow through the production line. This is suggested since the size of the flow is assumed to have an important impact on the separation. The decrease can be achieved by more evenly distribute the production over time and over the production lines. This will though require a more active planning of the production and minimization of production stops. As part of the work a new wind sifter has also been tested.  The wind sifter show good potential of improving the separation if it would be installed to create a two-step wind sifting. However, since the investment of a new wind sifter implies a high investment, a study of the costs and saving potential is required before the investment can be suggested as a measure.

The mechanisms and kinetics of combustion of waste wood as well as the phases during combustion processes are important to eliminate these wastes without any possible damage to environment. In the present study, combustion mechanisms, activation energy and pre-exponential constants, and phases of combustion were investigated for untreated natural pine and treated Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), plywood and particleboard samples that involve some chemicals and additives. Waste wood samples were heated in air at 10, 20 and 30oC/min heating rates in a Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) from room temperature to 900oC. Thermogravimetry (TG) and Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) curves for all samples were obtained. The gases formed during combustion reactions were directly fed to a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) instrument coupled to TGA. Emission characteristics of the samples were determined in-situ by using the FTIR spectrums. As a result of TG analysis, thermal decomposition of treated samples was observed at lower temperatures as compared to the untreated pine sample because of the catalyzing effects of the chemicals in the treated samples. Therefore, there were less flammable products, lower weight losses in the main oxidation region, decrease in the max. weight loss temperatures and formation of more char for treated samples as compared to untreated pine sample. In other words, chemicals used during production of these samples lead to decrease in the combustibility of the treated samples. Thermal kinetic constants for the samples were calculated by using Coats Redfern and Broido Methods. In order to find out the mechanisms responsible for the oxidation of the waste wood samples in different regions, six solid state mechanisms of Coats Redfern Method were tested. As a result of FTIR analysis of the emitted gases from TG analysis, several chemical groups were detected from pine and treated samples. Combustion of all samples revealed some gases containing aromatics, C-H groups, CO2 and CO. However, there were some toxic and carcinogenic gases like formaldehyde, isocyanate group, ammonia, phenyl group and benzoylbromide among the emissions of treated samples which need utmost attention when recovering energy from treated waste woods.

Colloids are small particles (with one dimension less than 1 μm) that are meta-stable. Colloids are ubiquitous in natural waters, and due to their relatively large surface areas, they may combine with pollutants and contaminants making these mobile through the terrestrial environment. A large amount of research is currently directed at understanding the role colloids in contaminant transport and modelling the interaction of these systems. This understanding is particularly important when considering the disposal of nuclear waste. Currently, low-level nuclear wastes are disposed of by shallow burial at the BNFL owned site at Drigg, Cumbria, UK. Predictive modelling of radionuclide transport, in and around the Drigg site, is an essential part of the safety case for continued disposal. However, colloids are not yet included in predictive modelling and the work described in this report attempts to determine whether colloids should, or should not, be included in the models.

Arsenic and selenium distributions in coal-fired plant samples are studied. This research includes arsenic and selenium concentrations in samples of coal, fly ash, bottom ash, economizer ash, Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) slurry and flue gas taken from four power plants with the goal being to examine the distribution of these metals in these materials and calculate a materials balance for the system. All samples were analyzed using ICP-ES. This research shows that 60-80% of the arsenic in coal-fired plant samples will be associated with the fly ash. Approximately 35-55% of the selenium will be associated with the fly ash and approximately 30-40% will be associated with the FGD slurry materials. The amount of arsenic and selenium present in the flue gases escaping the stack is very little, 6-7% or less. Hopefully, research in this area will be helpful when setting emissions limits, identifying and disposing of hazardous wastes and improving air pollution control devices for maximum metal removal.

A Ni(II)-dimethylglyoxime ion imprinted polymer {Ni(II)-DMG IIP} was synthesized by the trapping method using the bulk polymerisation format. The structures of the imprinted and non-imprinted polymer were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and the morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The Ni(II)-DMG IIP was optimised for pH, mass, time and by the uniform design experimental method for the molar ratios of monomer to crosslinker to porogen and template to ligands as well as keeping these parameters constant and varying the quantities of initiator, 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The optimum pH was 8.5, optimum mass was 50 mg, optimum time was 1 min and the optimum molar ratios of crosslinker to monomer, monomer to template and nickel(II) sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO₄.6H₂O) to 4-vinylpyridine to dimethylglyoxime were found to be 3.3:1.0, 0.6:1.0 and 1.0:0.6:3.6 respectively with 30 mg and 8 mL as the optimum amounts of initiator and porogen respectively. Through this optimisation, recovery of Ni(II) was increased from 98 to 100%. Selectivity of the ion imprinted polymer was evaluated by analysing, using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer, for Ni(II) ions that were spiked with varying concentrations of Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II), Fe(II), Ca(II), Mg(II), Na(I) and K(I) in aqueous samples. Selectivity studies also confirmed that the ion imprinted polymer had very good selectivity characterised by % RSD of less than 5 %. Co(II) was the only ion found to slightly interfere with the determination of Ni(II). The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 3x10⁻⁴ μg/mL and 9x10⁻⁴ μg/mL respectively. The method was evaluated by a custom solution of ground water certified reference material (SEP-3) and sandy soil reference material (BCR-142R) and the concentrations of Ni(II) obtained were not significantly different to the certified ones. The Ni(II)-DMG IIP was then evaluated in aqueous and soil samples where recoveries of 93 to 100% and 98 to 99% respectively were obtained with enrichment factors ranging from 2 to 18 in aqueous and 27 to 40 in soil samples. Finally, the Ni(II)-DMG IIP was used to analyse mine tailings samples and Ni(II) recovery of 99% was obtained with an enrichment factor of 2.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been used broadly in industries, firefighting foams, surfactant materials and consumer products. These compounds are very resistant to degradation in the environment and high exposure to these compounds may cause health issues such as cancer and immunosuppression. Many of the consumer products will end up as waste and later end up in landfills where the leachate will be contaminated by these compounds. The leachate can be dispersed to the surrounding environment, and it is therefore necessary to investigate and reduce the concentrations of PFAS in the landfill leachates. This study examined eight composite samples from eight different sample sites; the samples was originally from eight samples per sample site at a hazardous waste management facility collected at different time points, where 23 PFASs and extractable organic fluorine (EOF) were analysed. The concentrations of the total target PFASs ranged from 676-11 800 ng/L and the dominating compounds were short-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), where perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) had the highest concentration in most samples. These results were compared with another on-going study that analysed the same sample sites with grab samples collected at different time points. The comparison was made on the average of three grab samples from each sample site and it showed that the results from the grab samples and composite samples were similar in terms of number of detected compounds but not exact in concentrations. Depending on the objective of the monitoring, it is possible to use composite samples to save money and time. The study also showed that 80% of the EOF in all samples, except one, were unidentified which implies that the water samples might consist of high amounts of PFASs not in the target list, or other fluorinated compounds with similar properties to PFAS, which needs to be investigated, monitored and might be reduced in the environment.

Methods for the determination of the actinide elements in water, biological, soil and sediment samples have been developed using on-line solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Initial applications utilised a commercially available resin, namely TRU-Spec resin, for efficient removal of the matrix prior to elution of uranium and thorium analytes. Comparative analyses of reference materials and natural water samples from Plymouth and Dartmoor demonstrated significant improvement in precision and speed of analysis by using TRU-Spec coupled to ICP-MS compared with alpha spectrometry. Further applications of the TRU-Spec resin for the determination of the transuranic actinide elements neptunium, plutonium and americium, resulted in the successful determination of 239Pu and 237Np in biological reference materials. Detection limits were 700, 850, and 600 attograms (ag) for 237Np, 233Pu, and 241Am, respectively, for a 0.5 ml sample injection, and better than 200 ag/g with 50 ml pre-concentration when sector field (SF) ICP-MS was used. A method for the selective sequential elution of uranium and plutonium was also developed to facilitate the determination of 239Pu without interference due to the 238U1H+ polyatomic ion, caused by high concentrations of 238U in sediment samples. Investigations were performed into the use of a polymeric substrate, which was dynamically coated with chelating dyes such as xylenol orange and 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol, and a silica substrate coated with permanently bonded iminodiacetic acid. The latter was used for the successful determination of uranium and thorium in certified reference material waters. However, the column was found to have a high affinity for iron, making it unsuitable for the determination of the actinides in soil and sediment samples. Subsequently, a polystyrene substrate which was dynamically coated with dipicolinic acid was used for HPLC coupled with SF-ICP-MS. Using this column it was possible to separate the various actinides from each other and from the matrix. In particular, it was possible to separate plutonium and uranium to facilitate interference-free determination of the former. The column also exhibited some selectivity for different oxidation states of Np, Pu and U. Two oxidation states each for plutonium and neptunium were found, tentatively identified as Np(V) and Pu(III) eluting at the solvent front, and Np(IV) and Pu(IV) eluting much later. Detection limits were 12, 8, and 4 fg for 237Np, 239Pu, and 241Am, respectively, for a 0.5 ml injection, and the system was successfully used for the determination of 239Pu in water, biological and soil reference materials.

La presente tesis fue realizada con el fin de diseñar un modelo de gestión de almacén para mejorar el almacenaje de las muestras en una empresa que se dedica a la elaboración de productos lácteos. El almacén estudiado además de estar conformado por muestras en buen estado, también almacenaba muestras vencidas desperdiciando espacio porque aún no habían sido desechadas Se analizó la información proporcionada por las diversas fuentes del área de recepción a fin de poder dar solución a los problemas detectados en el almacenaje de las muestras como: eliminación de muestras vencidas, mejoramiento del control de las fechas de vencimiento, mejoramiento del flujo de muestras, aprovechamiento de espacios del área del almacén. Para contribuir al eficiente manejo de las muestras se aplicó herramientas como el método de las “5 s” y la clasificación ABC. Con la propuesta se estructura un óptimo sistema de gestión de almacén, en el que se eliminen las debilidades que presenta el actual, así como las muestras vencidas o actividades innecesarias que se desperdician en el tiempo. El diseño de la gestión del almacén tuvo un positivo efecto en el área de recepción, desde los puntos de vista de ahorros, debido a que las muestras ya no se vencerán en el almacén. This thesis was made in order to design a model warehouse management to improve the storage of samples in a company dedicated to the production of dairy products. The store also being studied samples made up in good condition, also stored sample wasting space due because there still had been discarded. The information provided by the various sources of reception in order to give solution was analyzed to the problems identified in the storage of samples as: disposal of expired samples, improved control of expiration dates, improving the flow of samples, use of space of warehouse área. To contribute to efficient sample handling tools such as the method of the "5 s" and the ABC classification applies. With the proposed optimum warehouse management system is structured, in which the weaknesses of the current is removed, and samples expired or unnecessary activities that are wasted in time. The design of warehouse management had a positive effect in the reception area, from the point of view of savings, because the samples no longer prevail in the store.

O solo é um compartimento ambiental altamente complexo e, em razão do crescimento populacional acelerado e da intensa atividade industrial e agrícola, tem sofrido com a contaminação de substâncias de origens diversas. Entre as principais atividades que contribuem para a perturbação da qualidade dos solos estão as atividades de geração de energia pela queima de combustíveis fósseis, como o carvão mineral. Dentre as substâncias presentes nos rejeitos do carvão queimado em usinas termelétricas estão compostos orgânicos e metais pesados que interagem com o material genético, produzindo mutações e acarretando prejuízos em nível de organismo (como as neoplasias), mas também em níveis maiores de organização biológica (como a perda de diversidade genética em populações). Estudos de avaliação do potencial mutagênico em amostras de solo são escassos, principalmente investigando a ação de mutágenos de origem inorgânica. Além disso, estudos de mutagênese em solos sob a influência de rejeitos de carvão têm sido pouco abordados na literatura. Desta forma, os objetivos deste trabalho foram: (i) testar um protocolo para avaliação de atividade mutagênica em extratos inorgânicos e orgânicos de solo; (ii) avaliar a presença e o perfil dos compostos mutagênicos em solos sob a influência de cinzas de carvão e (iii) investigar as rotas ambientais para dispersão dos compostos mutagênicos na área de estudo. Para atingir estes objetivos, processos de extração de compostos orgânicos e inorgânicos de solo foram testados quanto a sua eficiência em extrair da amostra compostos potencialmente mutagênicos frente a linhagem de Salmonella typhimurium que detecta erro no quadro de leitura (TA98). Os protocolos mais eficientes foram utilizados para os testes com diferentes amostras de solo sob a influência de rejeitos de carvão utilizando diversas linhagens, na ausência e presença de ativação metabólica (fração S9 mix). Os resultados de mutagênese associados aos resultados da caracterização química de compostos orgânicos e metais indicaram que os contaminantes presentes nas cinzas de carvão podem se dispersar com facilidade para áreas adjacentes. Essa abordagem de estudo permitiu relacionar a presença de determinadas classes de compostos com diferentes danos no DNA e inferir distintas rotas ambientais de dispersão para esses compostos. A realização deste trabalho ressalta a importância de estudos em matrizes ambientais complexas, em especial solos contaminados, que buscam integrar os dados de mutagênese e utilizá-los sob uma perspectiva ecológica.<br>Soil is a highly complex environmental compartment that has suffered contamination by substances from multiple sources mainly due to fast population growth and intense industrial and agricultural activity. Among the main activities that affect soil quality are power generation activities that use fossil fuels, such as mineral coal. Among the several compounds present in coal ashes that are employed in coal-fired power plants are substances that interact with the genetic material, causing mutations and/or damage at the individual level (like neoplasias) but also at higher levels of biological organization (like loss of genetic diversity in populations). There are few studies on the mutagenic potential of soil samples, especially those that investigate the action of mutagens from inorganic sources. Moreover, studies of mutagenesis in soils under the influence of coal-fired power plants have rarely been reported in literature. Thus, this work aimed at: (i) testing a protocol for the evaluation of mutagenic activity in inorganic and organic extracts from soil samples; (ii) evaluating the presence and the profile of mutagenic compounds in soils under the influence of coal ashes and (iii) investigating environmental routes of dispersion of mutagenic compounds in the study area. In order to achieve these aims, extraction processes for inorganic and organic compounds were tested concerning their efficiency to extract compounds potentially mutagenic to the specific Salmonella typhimurium strain that detects frameshift mutagens (TA98). The most efficient protocols were further utilized for the tests with different soil samples under the influence of coal-fired power plant using several strains, in absence and presence of metabolic activation (S9 mix fraction). Mutagenesis results associated with the chemical characterization of the organic compounds and metals indicated that contaminants present in coal ashes can be easily dispersed to adjacent areas. This approach allowed relating the presence of certain classes of compounds to specific damages in DNA and inferring distinct dispersion routes for these compounds. This work highlights the importance of studies concerning complex environmental matrices, specially contaminated soils, which seek the integration of mutagenesis data and their use from an ecological perspective.

Orientadora: Profª. Drª. Ana Maria Pereira Neto<br>Coorientadora: Profª. Drª. Juliana Tófano de Campos Leite Toneli<br>Coorientador: Prof. Dr. Fábio Minoru Yamaji<br>Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal do ABC. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Energia, Santo André, 2018.<br>O reuso e a reciclagem de produtos encontrados em resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) são preferíveis à recuperação energética, no entanto, não é possível reciclar e reutilizar 100% dos produtos. Quando a reciclagem e o reuso são inviáveis, dependendo das propriedades combustíveis dos produtos rejeitados, estes podem ser processados e empregados como combustível derivado de resíduo (CDR). Diante do exposto, este trabalho avaliou o potencial de recuperação energética de RSU oriundos do processo de triagem manual de produtos recicláveis (resíduos sólidos recicláveis descartados) da cidade de Santo André ¿ SP, visando o aproveitamento através do seu uso como CDR. As metodologias deste trabalho contemplaram a caracterização de resíduos descartados e incluíram visitas técnicas ao aterro sanitário do município para adequação da infraestrutura de coleta e processamento dos resíduos, e também o desenvolvimento de metodologia de preparo de amostras para análise elementar de cinzas em microscopia eletrônica de varredura com espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios-X. Ressalta-se que a caracterização de resíduos sólidos recicláveis descartados de Santo André nunca fora realizada, o que confere importância das metodologias estabelecidas neste trabalho. Os resultados denotaram que os resíduos avaliados apresentam um excelente potencial de recuperação de energia (PCIbu de 19,86 MJ/kg, 79,70% de materiais voláteis e 8,87% de carbono fixo), com baixo teor de cloro nas cinzas de fundo (11,43%). Além disso, ao avaliar diferentes condições térmicas, observou-se que menores taxas de aquecimento e temperaturas máximas implicaram um maior teor de carvão para duas das condições avaliadas: 5 ºC/min; 400 ºC e 40 ºC/min; 400 ºC. Para as demais condições estudadas de maiores temperaturas máximas de reação (600 ºC), houve uma maior formação de gases e líquidos (óleos) como produtos da pirólise. Com relação à densificação, embora as amostras submetidas à briquetagem não tenham sofrido conformação, o emprego de resíduos sólidos recicláveis descartados como CDR é uma alternativa à destinação de RSU, promovendo recuperação de energia, proporcionando a redução dos passivos socioambientais acarretados pelo acúmulo de resíduos em aterros sanitários.<br>The reuse and recycling of products found in municipal solid waste (MSW) are preferable than energy recovery, however, it is not possible to recycle and reuse 100% of the products. When recycling and reuse are not feasible, depending on the fuel properties of these rejected products, they can be processed and used as refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Thus, this work evaluated the energy recovery potential of MSW obtained through manual sorting of recyclable products (discarded recyclable solid waste) of Santo André, SP, Brazil, aiming its use as RDF. The methodologies of this work contemplated the characterization of discarded wastes and included technical visits to the municipality landfill, for adjustment of waste collection and processing infrastructure. Also, it was developed a methodology for sample preparation aiming elemental analysis of ash using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It is worth mentioning that the characterization of discarded recyclable solid waste of Santo André has never been performed, which gives importance of the methodologies established in this study. Results showed that the evaluated residues presented an excellent potential for energy recovery (LHVwb of 19.86 MJ/kg, 79.70% of volatile matter and 8.87% of fixed carbon), with low chlorine content in the bottom ash (11.43%). In addition, when evaluating different thermal conditions, it was observed that lower heating rates and maximum temperatures imply a higher carbon content for two conditions: 5 ºC/min; 400 ºC and 40 ºC/min; 400 ºC. For the other studied conditions of higher maximum reaction temperatures (600 ºC), there was a higher formation of gases and liquids (oils) as pyrolysis products. Regarding densification, although the samples submitted to briquetting have not undergone conformation, the use of discarded recyclable solid waste as RDF is an alternative to the destination of MSW, promoting energy recovery, and providing a reduction of socioenvironmental liabilities caused by accumulation of wastes in landfills.

碩士<br>國立交通大學<br>電子研究所<br>101<br>Sample preparation is an essential process in biochemical reactions. Raw reactants are diluted to reach the given target concentrations. Typically, a bioassay may require several different target concentrations of a reactant. However, most of existing algorithms are designed for single-target sample preparation only. When they are applied to prepare multiple target concentrations, these target concentrations are prepared separately one by one, which is inefficient and time-consuming. If all these target concentrations are produced simultaneously during sample preparation, both the dilution operation count and the reactant usage can be further minimized. In this thesis, we propose a waste recycling algorithm, WARA, to tackle the multi-target sample preparation problem on digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs). The main idea of WARA is to recycle waste droplets in the dilution process and turn them into usable ones for reactant and waste minimization. WARA achieves waste recycling through droplet sharing and droplet replacement. Experimental results show that WARA can reduce the waste and operation count by 48% and 37% respectively as compared to an existing state-of-the-art multi-target sample preparation method when the number of target concentrations is ten. The reduction can be up to 97% and 73% when the number of target concentrations goes even higher.

碩士<br>國立臺灣大學<br>環境工程學研究所<br>91<br>Accuracy of municipal solid waste (MSW) component analysis is essential to waste management. Compound and variety of materials in MSW, however, has increased recently, due to the reduced life cycle period of product. Therefore, it is important to obtain reliable data by improving component analysis method. The purpose of this study is to perform research on MSW to determine optimum sampling method and sample size. In Taiwan, the “Handbook of General Waste Sampling” was released in 1984. The difference in sampling methods between the framework and practical application were established. In addition, the sampling and analysis methods of MSW in place USA, Japan, and China will be examined. The result of this examination will provided as an aid to revise Taiwan’s standard of the sampling method. A new function based on USA’s ASTM standard on deciding sample size by the theorem of statistics was created in this study. The motivation of putting former characterization data of MSW to the test by the new functions are: (1) It is nice to decide sample size of the new function; (2) No correct statistical data of the characterization of MSW were obtained in Taiwan. It was determined that the new function provides a process in preventing error of sampling and to detecting the invalid sample before analysis. Furthermore, the difference between a quarter sampling method and an improving checker sampling method were compared in this study. The latter method showed a better result. A precise, reliable and less costly sample was obtained by improving checker sampling method. Additionally, it is safer and more practical than other sampling methods.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Ambiente, Saúde e Segurança.<br>Milhões de toneladas de resíduos sólidos urbanos são gerados a partir de fontes agrícolas, urbanas e industriais, a cada ano. Esses valores devem aumentar exponencialmente devido ao crescimento da população mundial e ao aumento das áreas urbanizadas. A agricultura representa o principal pilar da economia da região autónoma dos Açores, contribuindo decisivamente para o equilíbrio da balança comercial. O setor agrícola representa atualmente cerca de 50% da economia dos Açores. Neste contexto, a os municípios da Ilha de São Miguel, a maior do arquipélago, pretendia perceber qual o destino final geralmente dado pelos agricultores a resíduos agrícolas específicos: plásticos, embalagens de produtos fitossanitários e veterinários, pneus usados e óleos usados. O instrumento utilizado para a coleta de dados foi um questionário. Para o efeito, foi construída uma tabela com questões de investigação. Este estudo concluiu que o conhecimento legal da maioria dos agricultores acerca dos resíduos era reduzido. Isto pode dever-se à falta de planos de formação e de campanhas de informação eficazes. Ainda assim, os agricultores mostraram preocupação em relação ao impacte ambiental dos resíduos produzidos na sua atividade, embora a maior parte não tenha conhecimento do destino final correto a dar aos resíduos. Embora os agricultores tenham referido que consideram muito importante tratar os resíduos de forma adequada, não tinham a certeza de qual a sua responsabilidade no processo. Concluiu-se que, uma parte considerável dos tipos de resíduos-alvo nesta investigação, não têm o destino final adequado. Para reverter essa situação devem ser implementadas campanhas de formação e sensibilização dirigidas aos agricultores.<br>ABSTRACT: Millions of tons of solid wastes are generated from agricultural, municipal and industrial sources every year. These amounts are expected to increase exponentially due to the growth of the world’s population and the increase of urbanized areas. Agriculture represents the main pillar of the economy of the Autonomous region of the Azores, contributing decisively to the equilibrium of the trade balance. The agricultural sector currently represents approximately 50% of the Azores economy. In this context, the Municipalities in the largest island, São Miguel, were interested in understanding what is the final destination generally given by farmers to particular types of agricultural waste: plastic, packages of phytosanitary and veterinary products, used tires and used lubricant oils. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. To that end, a table with research questions was built. This study concluded that the legal knowledge of the majority of farmers regarding waste was reduced. This might be related to the lack of effective training and information campaigns. Even so, farmers showed concern about the environmental impact of waste produced in their activity though most are unaware of the correct final destination that should be given to waste. Although farmers stated that they consider important to dispose of the waste properly, they were not sure about their responsibility in the process. It is concluded that a considerable portion of the targeted waste types in this research does not have the adequate final destination. In order to reverse this situation, training and awareness campaigns directed to farmers should be implemented.

The paper focuses on the decisions involved in selecting appropriate samples when initiating the kinetic testing program to aid in designing the waste rock management plan and assisting in the conceptual closure plan for the Kemess North Project. The kinetic testing program was intended to: (1) estimate the time to onset of acid rock drainage (ARD) generation for the rock groups where ARD was likely and uncertain to occur; (2) assess the leaching rates for both the acidic and neutral materials; and (3) establish a site specific segregation criterion for the uncertain materials. A total of 11 laboratory waste rock cells and two field leach pads were initiated from a database of over 1200 ABA samples. In addition, one tailings humidity cell was run. A brief summary of the static testing characteristics of the samples selected to undergo testing, the resulting time to onset of ARD and leaching rates will be presented. These results will be discussed in light of the resulting waste rock management plan and the overall closure concept for the project. Had the kinetic testing program continued, only five of the laboratory cells and both leach test pads were recommended to continue. The justification behind selecting those cells to continue is the final focus of the paper along with the conclusions of the testing program to date.

碩士<br>嘉南藥理大學<br>環境資源管理系<br>108<br>The ash content in municipal solid waste (MSW) is a very important parameter in the operation and management of the mass burn incinerator . However, the ash is the residue obtained by the high temperature burning of the waste. The higher the ash ratio, the higher the bottom ash will be, so ash analysis is indispensable in the study of the nature of MSW. In this study, the relative percent difference (RPD) was used to compare the ash analysis difference between the weighted mixed samples and standard method sample. Furthermore, the effect of the particle size in the preparation of the analysis samples on the ash contents were also examined. In addition, the correlations between the physical composition and the ash content were also evaluated by the pearson correlation coefficient analysis. It was found that the RPDs of the ash contents between the weighted mixed samples and standard method were 7.48% and 8.56% for season 1 and season 2, respectively. The RPDs does not exceed the quality control range of sample repeat analysis (RPD10%). In the comparison of dry basis ash content of different particle sizes prepared samples, it was found that the average RPDs between 2mm and 1mm were 16.69 and 17.61% for season 1 and season 2, respectively, and exceeded the quality control range of sample repeat analysis (RPD10%). Additionally, it was found that the physical composition of dry basis kitchen waste was significantly positively correlated with dry basis ash (r=0.406, p<0.01). That is to say, when the proportion of kitchen waste in the physical composition increases, the ash content also increases.

Thesis (PhD.(Chemistry)--University of Pretoria, 2008.<br>On title page: Submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree Philosophiae Doctor in Chemistry in the faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Pretoria. Includes bibliographical index.

A procedure is described for open vessel pulse microwave wet ashing system. In wet ashing procedure organic matrix in biological tissues is digested in acid. This step must precede trace metal analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Conventional wet ashing procedure using hot plate takes several hours. Digestion of animal and plant tissues by 5.0 ml, 10.0 ml or 20.0 ml of $\rm H\sb2SO\sb4$ (95.0-98%)/HNO$\sb3$ (69-71%) (v/v) (1:1) acid mixture were effectively achieved by pulse microwave treatment using domestic grade microwave oven. Samples are subjected to 10s (method A) or 6s (method B) microwave heating followed by dormant time of 3 minutes for a total microwave heating time of less than 20 minutes. Data will be presented to show how conditions were chosen. The temperature of digestion mixture was maintained $<$100$\sp\circ$C. The effect of pulse time variation and acid mixture volume variation was studied in detail.