Linnaeus Eco-Tech

The problem of beach wrack and potential solutions for the Baltic Sea

2022-11-28T10:25:52+01:00

An overview about sustainable use options of beach wrack gathered by beach management will be given. Starting with an short introduction into drivers for beach management and the resulting problems, the results of an investigation about technical, legal and economic aspects of recent approaches of inclusion of beach wrack into circular economy schemes are presented. These „case studies“, conducted in the context of an EU-Interreg project (CONTRA), tested the feasibility of A) use of BW for production of soil improvement products; B) use of BW for production of biochar, C) use of BW for reduction of methane emmission by landfills, D) use of BW for coastal protection, E) use of BW for production of biogas and F) potential of BW for nutrient reduction in coastal Sea areas. In addition, the experiences with an already established technology for extraction of phycocolloids from BW material will be presented. An access to detailed material about socio-economic, legal and ecological aspects of BW-management is given via: https://www.beachwrack-contra.eu/publications/.

Climatic effects of municipal solid waste management- comparisons between sustainable landfilling and waste-to-energy incineration

2022-11-15T12:43:44+01:00

Energy from waste incineration is partly of fossil origin as normally over 50 % of the CO₂ in the stack-gases has a fossil origin (plastics and other polymers). Experiments have started to collect CO₂ from stack gases to store it in porous bedrocks under the sea. However, the technology is expensive and un-proven. Some incinerators instead separate plastics and other polymers before incineration, to decrease the fossil carbon content.
In Sweden increasing environmental taxes are laid on waste incineration based on weight, but also on emitted nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and fossil CO₂ emissions. By efforts to convert NO_x to nitrogen gas (N₂), using urea, instead dinitrogen oxides (N₂O) are formed as an intermediate gas, being about 250 times as powerful green-house gas as carbon dioxide.
In properly managed landfills and bioreactor cells, accumulation of long-lived carbon is a way to counteract global warming as long as more than 60 % of the biogas is collected. New reactor landfill technologies in countries like the US, UK, Australia and Sweden collect up to over 90% of produced biogas. Plastics and long-lived biogenic carbon-fractions from e.g. lignin remain as a carbon sink in the landfill. Landfills thus act like long-term carbon accumulators, similar to natural peatlands and other accumulating natural ecosystems. Accumulation in a landfill of plastics, synthetic rubber and textiles, and other fossil material which cannot be recycled today, is a way to store resources for future better recycling techniques (urban mining). It also brings back fossil material to long-term-storage, balancing exploitation of oil, coal and natural gas. A normal sized landfill can balance annual fossil emissions of hundreds of cars.
Collected landfill gas can be used for electricity and heat production, renewable motor fuel or even raw material in chemical industry. Biogas, like landfill gas, is of increasing importance as energy resource due to increasing prizes in Europe during the current situation in the Ukraine. Produced landfill gas at the Northwest Scania Recycling Company in Helsingborg, South Sweden, is enough to warm up about 3,500 homes, capturing 70,000 MWh from landfill gas.

Heavy metals air pollution in Jelgava City Latvia

2022-11-18T14:09:11+01:00

Air pollution is a problem today, and it is essential to know how high it is. By increasing people's standard of living, increasing the number of factories, cars and citizens, it is helpful to know how much pollution is distributed and whether it does not exceed the standards allowed for pollution. It is necessary to investigate air pollution with heavy metals in Jelgava by identifying data from areas. In preparing the analysis, it is possible to assess whether air quality is adequate and does not exceed pollution standards. So far, Jelgava has not collected data and air quality problems, so it cannot be concluded whether air quality complies with norms. The aim of the work is to prepare an analysis of the pollution and distribution of heavy metals in the Jelgava urban environment, using the results of the study of the 2019 snow samples. Snow samples were harvested on 31 January 2019. On the day of sampling, the snow had sustained more than seven days after the first snowfall. Sampling sites were roughly distributed across all areas of the city. Three samples of snow, which are control samples, were harvested in the rural area. Samples were analyzed with induction-coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP-OES). An analysis of pollution data shows that air pollution with heavy metals is higher in densely populated areas but less in open spaces. Air quality is significantly affected by the use of unsuitable or low-quality fuels in residential heating buildings. The highest zinc, copper, and calcium concentrations are observed in a snow sample taken in the residential area.

The small-scale circular economy that creates decent jobs through waste management: Association Africa Ecologie

2022-11-14T13:35:43+01:00

Association Africa Ecologie was created in 2017 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso capital, to:
• Develop sustainable activities in the environmental field, particularly waste management (collection, sorting and waste recycling)
• Innovate in the field of ecology by using sector best practices
• Be an incubator for green innovations and new business models
• Sensitize populations about ecology and environment preservation
• Play an activist role
In Burkina Faso there is no public waste collecting service, people get ride of their garbage in the streets or burn them. Africa Ecologie is a pioneer by offering three bins selective sorting with collect service for households, offices, and agri-food industries. In 2019, helped by French Embassy funding, a Waste Sorting and Recycling Center was built and is now a raw materials source for different green businesses. To fight deforestation in a desertic country where population cook everyday with wood charcoal, Africa Ecologie is offering green charcoal produced from dry organic waste (biomass from green bin and starch from food industries). Derivate products are also biochar for farming and nuts shells active charcoal for cosmetics. Humid organic wastes from the brown bin are used to produce worms for fish farms and will end as compost. The blue bin needs to be sorted by operators to separate plastics, glasses, metals, batteries and non-recycle waste. Plastics have different recycles possibilities: bags become school tables / benches, hand woven by women in fashionable bags, packed in plastic bottles to create eco bricks or even pyrolyzed to create biodiesel. Glasses are grounded into grains and sand that replace natural materials in construction. Metals are traditionally repurposed by artisans or industrial foundries. Batteries and electronics are stocked for a new project that will fix or recycle.
This small-scale circular economy creates decent jobs, next step is to scale up!

Predicting material-environment interactions via modular approach and multiscale modelling

2022-11-16T12:21:15+01:00

Materials are impacted by environmental ageing. The uncertainty of the material-interaction compromises their superior properties and integrity, such as strength and stiffness. For biomaterials and sorbents, a desired service lifetime and adsorption rates and levels can be predicted. Validation of new materials often involves costly testing programs. Therefore, modelling is an affordable alternative that can partly replace extensive testing and thus reduce validation costs. Various approaches have been proposed to predict the long-term properties based on short-term measurements (in order to reduce time and involved costs).
In light of the increasing interest in biopolymers, a “two-edged sword” nature of the ageing phenomena is discussed. We have identified applications or which degradation is favourable (biodegradable plastics) and those for which it is unfavourable (structural polymers and composites). In conventional degradation, the objective is to retain the material within the useful lifetime, whereas, in biodegradation, the end of life is simulated. Therefore, the same ageing phenomena and modelling approaches would be applicable if the “decomposition” criteria replace the “safety” criteria.
This review offers a systematised overview of the state-of-the-art models and accelerated testing methodologies. Service lifetimes are predicted by means of degradation rate models, superposition principles, and parametrisation techniques.

Textile waste recycling practices and challenges

2022-11-18T14:46:55+01:00

The rapid growth of the clothing and textile industries, combined with the consumer's fast fashion trend, has resulted in an increase in textile waste in municipal solid waste (MSW) streams around the world. Globally, 75% of textile waste is landfilled, while 25% is recycled or reused. Landfilling of textiles waste is a prevalent option which is deemed unsustainable. Promoting an enhanced diversion of textile waste from landfill demands an optimized reuse and recycling technologies. Reuse is the most preferred option than recycling, but textile waste imports for reuse is banned in many developing countries. There are various textile recycling technologies are available, and as technology advances, blended fabrics are becoming more popular. Technologies such as anaerobic digestion, fermentation, composting, fiber regeneration, and thermal recovery are among the prevalent recycling options for textiles waste. Improved collection system, automation of sorting, and discovering new technologies for textile recycling remains a challenge. Practicing extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy along with circular economy system imply a sustainable management of textile waste.

Anaerobic digestion of treated and untreated cotton textile waste

2022-11-10T09:41:28+01:00

Anaerobic digestion is a potential technology that can produce methane-rich biogas from cotton textile waste. This study assessed the effect of different SIR of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 utilizing treated and untreated cotton substrate under mesophilic, batch digestion process. The treatment process involved digestion of substrate using 0.5 M Na₂CO₃ for three hours at 105°C. The highest methane production was recorded using SIR 0.5 for untreated substrate at 366.8 mL/g VS, or 89.7% of the theoretical methane yield. However, as compared to untreated substrate, treated substrate of SIR 1, 1.5, and 2 exhibited a methane-based degradability by more than 50%. This demonstrates that the treatment process improves the process significantly. The SIR of 1 with larger substrate loading attain a similar production of 306.73 mL CH₄/ g VS, which is equal to 75% of the predicted methane yield for treated substrate, whereas SIR 0.5 with untreated substrate generates the best results.

Plastic waste management in India: exiting regulations, challenges and future prospects

2022-11-16T08:48:55+01:00

Plastic waste (PW) has become a global concern in terms of waste recycling. In the value chain of plastics, India has gained international prominence. Despite low consumption, domestic production and imports place a heavy burden on the total waste management system, which needs a thorough comprehension of the situation and possible solutions. Although academic articles on technology-related concerns have been extensively explored by Indian scholars, there is still a significant information gap regarding the scope of the issue and potential solutions.
Regulations and policies have periodically been implemented in an effort to reduce plastic waste in clever and environment friendly methods. The Environment ministry's rules, ISO standards, IS standards and other regulatory guidelines have been continuously updated in the light of sustainable consumption and the reduction of plastic waste as per Indian scenario. The manufacturing, consumption, waste generation of plastics in India at the moment are the main topics of this review study.
This information and data pertaining to Indian PW management bare primarily analyzed, key critical regulations and rules, their challenges and future aspects that to be ascertain to achieve sustainable consumption and circular economy models in plastic waste management are highlighted. This review's thoroughness will aid in the identification of challenges that really encountered during the plastic waste management through its complete life cycle phases and describes the future possible techniques and policies that may drive a regulatory system to achieve circular business models. The possible workable policy making measures and future research prospects in India's holistic PW management to ascertain sustainable consumption and recycling, with an emphasis on the circular economy and sustainable development goals are also highlighted in this paper.

Bottle-net life jacket: a personal floation device for every family

2022-11-16T12:28:09+01:00

Bottle-Net Life Jacket, “A floatation device for every family,” is an innovation developed as an alternative to expensive commercial life jackets, which most Filipino families living along the coastlines and river systems lack. The study aimed to develop and produce cheaper personal floatation devices (PFD) or life jackets made from fishnet and discarded plastic bottles lined with plastic litter and other materials as floaters. Embedded in the design is the do-it-yourself scheme, which every family can produce as a disaster-preparedness equipment tool. The project used fishnets as a vest with several holsters to hold the 500 ml plastic bottles lined with plastic waste as floaters. It has provision for potable water, which the users could gulp while floating and waiting for rescuers to arrive. The proponents solicited feedback from the users to pivot in the design and attain new and improved ones. It was observed that a 500 ml plastic bottle could carry 7.5 lbs of human body weight in seawater and served as the basis for the design of different sizes of vests for users of different weights. Testing was done at sea and in rushing water to simulate actual flooding with the participation of the Tuklas Innovation Labs, Philippine Coast Guard, CDRRMO, Philippine Life Saving Society, and other stakeholders. The project was able to develop customized floatation devices for domesticated animals such as dogs and pigs. It enabled the youth, PWDs and elderly to participate in the testing and its assembly that they used during testing. The Bottle-Net Life Jacket costs 75% lower than commercially available ones and is considered “A lifeline from floating waste: a social enterprise to save lives, generate income, and clear up the coastline.”

Analysis of smoke generation of selected glass/polyester laminates

2022-11-09T10:00:28+01:00

Glass/polyester laminates are used in rail, construction, and shipbuilding industries, due to their several advantages including corrosion resistance, lightweight, resistance to mechanical damage, weatherability and water resistance. However, their high flammability and generation of a dense smoke during combustion significantly narrow the possibilities for their potential use. The aim of the study was to perform a comparative analysis of smoke generation tests of selected glass/polyester laminates. Tests were conducted according to ISO 5659-2:2017, at a heat flux of 25 kW/m² and 50 kW/m² with and without an application of a pilot flame. The characteristics of the optical density as a function of time, as well as the burning time, the maximum specific optical density Ds _max, the specific optical density of smoke after 4 minutes Ds₍₄₎ and an indicator VOF(4), were determined for all studied laminates. A comparative analysis of results allowed to select the most favorable and least suitable laminates in terms of smoke generation properties.

Strength evaluation of pervious concrete with waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

2022-11-16T12:39:04+01:00

To reduce the negative impact of waste materials on nature and the environment, it seems to be logical to propose a means of re-using waste materials in engineering and industrial construction projects such as road and parking lot pavement. The current paper presents developmental research on the application of waste plastic bottles Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as an additive in pervious concrete. The design mix, fabrication, curing and testing of the sample model were based on the reference standard of ACI and ASTM for strength evaluation respectively. Mechanical tests were carried out on the mixtures that included various percentages of waste PET as 0.5%, 1.0 %, and 1.50% by weight of coarse aggregate content. By experimentation, the appropriate ranges percentage amount of waste PET was determined to be 0.5 % by weight of the coarse aggregates. The results show that increasing the amount of waste PET in the mixture has a significant positive impact on the environment by promoting of reuse and recycling of waste materials in a more environmentally and economical way. On the other side, increasing the amount of waste PET in the mixtures reduces the strength properties of the pervious concrete such as compressive & flexural strength, which could deteriorate the mixture’s resistance against permanent deformation (rutting) and decreases the stiffness of the mix. Preventive Maintenance is highly recommended to maintain the efficiency of pervious concrete to reduce runoff during rainfall season, use for parking lot for bicycles and light vehicles, and construction of shallow wells in that way this study becomes realistic and acceptable.

Bacterial and archaeal communities in methanogenic sludge: 16S rRNA analysis during biochemical methane potential (BMP) assessment

2022-11-10T11:45:11+01:00

This study was designed to evaluate the microbial profiling in sewage sludge (SW) duringanaerobic digestion (AD) in a Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) assay operating at 37±1°C monodigestion. BMP of a specific substrate defines the maximum amount of methane that can be produced by AD. The sludge was taken from a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Rio de Janeiro. The microbial community diversity and structure were characterized with Illumina MiSeq (a molecular biology tool) using the 16S rRNA. The taxonomic composition of total bacteria and archaeal community in BMP AD reactors was investigated. Clear changes were observed in the bacterial diversity after the BMP assay in a lab-scale reactor. The most represented phyla in terms of number of operational taxonomic unit (OTU) in SW before AD treatment were: Proteobacteria (15248 OTU) > Bacteroidetes (4749
OTU) > Actinobacteria (2495 OTU) > Firmicutes (1619 OTU) > Chloroflexi (1183 OTU). After AD BMP assay the bacterial community changed regarding relative abundance. A new dominant community configuration emerged in the system, as following: Firmicutes (65368 OTU) > Synergistota (8182 OTU) > Proteobacteria (4010 OTU) > Actinobacteriota (2235 OTU) > Desulfobacterota (1077 OTU), which has been consistently reported in several previous studies, suggesting the existence of a general signature of the AD microbiome. At Genus level, the dominance of methanogenic groups was represented by Methanosaeta (34497 OTU) > Methanolinea (16261 OTU) > Methanofastidiosum (6836 OTU) > Methanospirillum (3739 OTU) > Methanosarcina (1521 OTU) > Methanobrevibacter (1422 OTU) before AD treatment and Methanobacterium (62398 OTU) > Methanosaeta (2617 OTU) after AD treatment. The changes observed in methanogenic profiles indicate a shift in the metabolic pathway for methane production from acetoclastic to hydrogenotrophic metabolism. The physicochemical parameters required for both methanogenic metabolisms have clear and remarkable differences. The results and conclusions of this study are expected to increase the knowledge on the ecology and function of the involved microbial consortia, and thus, allow a better control and optimization of AD at WWTPs. The findings obtained in this study are expected to help opening the microbial ‘black-box’ providing useful clues for process optimization of AD systems treating sludge.

Marine litter in Costa Rica

2022-11-10T08:53:40+01:00

Costa Rica has two coasts: Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, with abundant natural resources. However, they are severely threatened due to resources abuse and anthropogenic activities. Due to the above, the government of Costa Rica embarked in the formulation of the National Marine Litter Plan, with the participation of actors from all sectors.
The development of the baseline showed major contribution to marine litter from land-based sources. In 2019, around 360 620 Tons were not collected. Given the limitations of information, it cannot be affirmed that all uncollected waste is leaking into the environment. Marine sources are also contributing to the problem. The fishing sector, tourist services in the ocean, and cargo ships in ports, docks, and marinas are the most important sources of marine pollution including waste left on the beaches. The total amount of marine waste generated is unknown.
A National Plan for Marine Litter 2021-2030 has been prepared with 6 strategic pillars which are related to the prevention and management of land and marine-based waste sources, education and communication, regulation, research-innovation and monitoring and finances and cooperation.
These 6 pillars have specific objectives, expected results, goals, strategic actions, indicators, resources needed and responsible institutions for the development of the activities and timeline.
Conclusions

Solid waste management from land sources has shown an important progress in the last 10 years. Legislation, private sector participation, awareness campaigns, among others have proved to influence waste reduction. Despite these advances, there is still open dumping in public places, from where the waste moves into water bodies.
The amount of recyclable waste collected is very small, so greater efforts must be made to increase its recovery, allowing a greater transformation of materials. Recycling companies, face a series of financial, institutional, and technological barriers, among others, that limit their growth.
There is a lack of knowledge of the impact of marine litter due to absence of standardized data.

Abandoned, discarded, forgotten: garbological study of Öland's recreational beaches

2022-11-15T12:18:07+01:00

During the summer of 2022, the authors visited 43 public beaches, ports, and coastal parks on Öland island to investigate the objects left on these spots through a garbological lens. Garbology is a branch of archaeology which applies the field methods of archaeology to investigate and document garbage-making behaviours, landfills, and waste disposal. Archaeological surveys and excavation were the main methods used in Öland’s project to study and document abandoned objects.
On a visit to Byxelkrok (northwestern Öland), it was figured out that fixed seaweeds are one of the significant sources which keep the unnatural pieces of waste. In sequences of two weeks, we started to document, weigh, and record every piece of debris absorbed by the seaweeds. The studied seaweeds were five, each in the extension of 9x2 m which were thoroughly cleaned in each round of extraction.
Further investigations proved that the abovementioned seaweeds moved by the wind and tide to a location where they would be fixed. These locations were not further than 30 meters from the waves’ line. In the next step, all the extracted objects were classified into various categories: pieces of plastic, industrial plastic, bullets, metal, straws, textiles, pottery shreds, wires, and pieces of fishing nets. The studied objects were landed by waves, moved by the wind, or abandoned by tourists and visitors. From a chronological viewpoint, some of the most decayed objects can be dated back to the 1970s.
In this presentation, the mentioned novel method of extraction of seaweeds will be formulated. The technique is useful for scholars from various fields interested in documenting marine waste.

Beach wrack as a resource in the South-Eastern Baltic

2022-11-15T16:30:12+01:00

Problem of Beach Wrack (BW) is present in the Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia, South-Eastern
Baltic. From time to time, large amounts of BW appear in various places along its seashore.
At the same time the questions about conditions and sites of BW release as well as an
estimation of beach wrack quantity at the seashores of Kaliningrad Oblast are still open. A
survey of the Baltic Sea seashore within the Kaliningrad Oblast was conducted in March
2019-March 2020 with the aim of quantity and quality characteristic of BW emissions. The
BW emissions were recorded (measured, described and geo-referenced using GPS navigation)
and sampled on two model sites (managed and unmanaged) monthly and the alongshore
survey was carried out seasonally. It was found that the distribution of BW was characterized
by significant spatial and temporal variability. In general, large amounts of BW emissions
were observed on the northern coast of the Sambian Peninsula, in contrast to the western coast
and Curonian and Vistula spits. The largest accumulations of BW were local and mainly near
the coastline protrusions as capes (natural) and breakwaters, slipways, groins (man-made).
Seasonal dynamics of algae species in the composition of the BW was observed. BW mainly
contains Radophyta algae in the early spring and autumn-winter periods, in contrast to
summer, when there are also Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta. The preliminary estimations show
that the industrial use of BW is limited by the spatial and temporal irregularity of their
emissions in the Kaliningrad Oblast. However, the problem of BW collection and utilization
exists. A possible solution could be use of BW for coastal protection greenery as nutrients that
is similar to a natural process. In this way BW could be involved in soft engineering
techniques to manage the coastline.

Analysis of the intra-annual dynamics of the beach cast in the South-East Baltic by photo monitoring

2022-11-10T09:29:42+01:00

Algae washed ashore can be not only a source of pollution of the beach and waterfront, but also a potential resource for economic. However, it is necessary to understand what the volume of emissions, their frequency and lifetime.
Based on remote-sensed data, information on the beach dynamics and beach-cast emission was collected from November 11, 2019, to October 31, 2020, at the pilot site on the South-Eastern Baltic shore. This site was located at the shore segment facing the North, to left and right from the groin. Beach-cast emissions were associated with the presence of the beach, and the beach-cast appeared only in cases of the presence of a beach. In most cases, the beach-cast appeared several days after the formation of the beach.
The beach-cast consisted primarily of algae. Fresh beach-cast occupied a smaller area, and its layer was thicker than that of long-discarded and trampled beach-cast. The specific amount of material (per m2) in a fresh beach-cast was about 3.7 times higher in volume and 2.6 times higher in weight.
To the west of the groin, the number of days when the beach-cast was present was 160; to the east of the groin, the number of days when the beach-cast was present was 147. The beach cast residence time (the most frequent duration of beach-cast presence was one day) ranged from 1 to 21 (4.1 on average) days and from 1 to 19 (4.3 on average) days to the west and east of the groin, respectively.
Preliminary analysis showed that algae releases are not always associated with external weather conditions or changes in sea level. These external factors rather affect the washout of the beach cast. And the release depends on a longer chain of relationships: growth on the substrate – detachment from the substrate – dynamics within the water masses – release to the shore.

Bioavailable phosphorus and humic substances in compost – effect on plant growth

2022-11-15T16:16:56+01:00

Rising prices for mineral fertilizers and food have prioritized the issue of food security. To ensure stability and sustainability in agriculture, European Union aims to increase the support of local fertilizer supply. Thus, there has been a rising interest in organic fertilizers, including compost. Collecting and composting organic wastes at the local level can decrease the need for waste transport, management costs and ensure quality fertilizers for locals. Composts, however can vary in input materials, production technologies, and quality, which all affect the fertilization properties. Six composts composed of alternative organic waste (fish waste, horse manure, sewage sludge and green waste) were investigated. The aim of the study was to identify the effect of different composts on the plant growth depending on the share of bioavailable phosphorus (P) and the concentration of humic substances (HS). All selected composts were produced similarly in outdoor compost piles in at least 10 m³ scale in 2018. In plant growth pot-experiments composts were mixed with nutrient poor mineral soil. Nutrient content of soil and composts were measured separately. The content of HS was determined solely from the composts. The experiment was conducted in one week period with Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) and two weeks period with Garden vetch (Vicia Sativa L). After the experiment the plant aboveground biomass and root biomass were quantified. The impact of the share of bioavailable P and HS on plant growth was determined.

The impact of biodegradable waste shredding on the quality of the produced compost

2022-11-18T15:50:28+01:00

Research on the morphological, granulometric and chemical composition of shredded food waste and the sieved compost obtained from it were carried out at the Waste Management Technology Center of the Lithuanian Alytus region.
The coarse fraction of the mixture of food and wood waste separated during shredding (60% of the shredded waste) consists of high calorific fractions suitable for the production of solid recovered fuel - 83% wood, 16% plastic and 1% paper.
Among the studied granulometric subfractions of fine material, > 5 mm and 2.5 ÷ 5 mm subfractions clearly dominate. The amount of non-compostable particles larger than 2 mm (plastic, glass, pebbles) in the compost exceeds the applicable norms by about 10 times.
Chemical composition (organic part, mineral part, elemental composition, amounts of heavy metals) tests were carried out for various granulometric fractions of materials: > 5 mm, 2.5 ÷ 5 mm, 1 ÷ 2.5 mm, 0.5 ÷ 1 mm, 0.2 ÷ 0.5 mm and < 0.2 mm.
The amounts of microplastics in shredded food waste and compost obtained from it are close and reach up to 5000 particles/kg. In comparison with the data obtained earlier in 2020 and 2021, we see an increase in the amount of microplastics by about 1000 particles/kg, which indicates that the mechanical processes of crushing and sieving with a star separator have a noticeable influence on the formation of microplastics.
Both in the case of shredded food waste and the sieved compost obtained from it, a larger organic part is characteristic of smaller granulometric fractions.
The amounts of potassium and phosphorus in the compost increase noticeably in the smaller granulometric fractions, while the nitrogen content shows an inverse variation.
Smaller granulometric fractions of waste and compost are characterized by a higher content of heavy metals. Exceeding the limit concentrations of cadmium, chromium, copper and nickel is observed in smaller granulometric fractions, which does not affect the total amount due to relatively small parts of smaller granulometric fractions.

Improving the performance of sediment microbial fuel cells by increasing sediment conductivity using conductive solution

2022-11-18T15:09:38+01:00

Sediment microbial fuel cells(SMFCs) are innovative and promising technologies for green energy production.These bioelectrochemical devices convert organic matter in sediments into electricity using microorganisms as active biocatalysts. In this study, a conductive solution containing ferric ion and colloidal iron oxyhydroxide was used to increase sediment conductivity and improve production power. The performance of the cells was evaluated in two modes of open circuit (R = ∞) and closed circuit (R = 1KΩ). Two SMFCs were also used as controls (without the presence of conductive solution) in both closed and open circuit modes. According to the results obtained from the power curves, the cell containing the conductive solution in the open circuit produced the highest maximum power density and also the highest current density, which were 180.44 mW/m2 and 861.11 mA /m2, respectively. In general, the use of iron compounds in solution is a useful and appropriate solution to increase the conductivity of sediment and also improves the oxidation process of organic matter.

Addition of co-substrate as a strategy to improve the performance of microbial fuel cells treated with microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris biomass

2022-11-18T15:26:28+01:00

In the present study, the effect of adding glucose as an auxiliary substrate on the performance of two-compartment microbial fuel cells (MFCs) during the conversion of dry biomass of Chlorella vulgaris (CA) to bioelectricity. addition of glucose as an auxiliary substrate at the MFC anode effectively increased the maximum power density by 22.08% and 21.71% compared to the dried algal biomass-treated MFC (MFC-CA) and the glucose-treated MFC (MFC-G), respectively. The maximum power densities in MFC-CA and MFC-G were19.17 mW/m² and 19.11 mW/m², respectively. There was no significant difference in maximum power density between MFC-CA and MFC-G. Therefore, our study showed that the presence of an auxiliary substrate can have a significant effect on MFC performance. The present study also demonstrated that Chlorella vulgaris dry biomass can be used as a green substrate for bioelectricity generation in MFC anodes.

Projecting the change in niche width of an oligo and mesohaline mangrove species from Indian Sundarban under climate change and different salinity regime

2022-11-15T14:14:27+01:00

Species distribution models (SDM) have been used to estimate potential geographic distributions of hundreds of species and plant communities. Nonetheless, very few studies have been conducted which attempted to model the distributions of mangrove species in future under climate change scenarios and under different sea surface salinity at a local level. The present study used a machine learning based Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) Modelling Approach to model the future distribution of two mangrove species with different salinity tolerance and predicted the change width of the ecological niche of the species. The present occurrence data of the mangrove species Phoenix paludosa and Brugeira sp. was collected from the Indian Sundarban region, and the environmental parameters such as water surface salinity was collected in-situ. The salinity tolerance of Phoenix paludosa and Brugeira sp. are low and high respectively thereby making them oligo and mesohaline species. The in-situ data and stationbased data were used to statistically downscale climatological parameters for the present condition. A total of 8 climate variables were used to model the ecological niche of the two species under present conditions. The future change in niche width was modelled using the climatological variables from the Global Circulation Model (GCM) CMIP6. The future climatological parameters chosen were sea level rise and sea surface salinity under Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP) 1.2.6 and SSP 585 i.e., baseline scenario and extreme climate change scenario for the years 2050 and 2100. The result of the future niche modelling revealed that Phoenix paludosa holds the potential for niche width expansion and shows a westward migration towards a low salinity regime from its current habitat, while the Brugeira sp. Shows a huge habitat loss due to extreme sea level rise. The baseline scenario also revealed that the habitat loss for Brugeira sp. is around 12% of its present habitat and thereby needs urgent conservation attention. The habitat of Brugeira sp. can be maintained by planting the species in other suitable mangrove habitats in India where the species diversity is low.

Dry biomass of microalgae Nannochloropsis Oculata applied to the biosorption of the female hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2)

2022-11-10T10:37:39+01:00

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are anthropogenic contaminants frequently detected in the environment in recent decades. These emerging contaminants are generally found in low concentrations in aquatic matrices (ng/L) and are not sufficiently removed by conventional wastewater treatment technologies. Among these, endocrine disruptors stand out, such as the synthetic hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, mainly in contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies. Therefore, the use of selected species of microalgae, fungi and bacteria has been recognized as potentially effective in removing or biodegrading target contaminants in effluents. Thus, several microalgae species have been investigated as potential sorbent agents for the removal of micropollutants. Sorptive processes offer greater flexibility, the possibility of reusing the treated effluent and the possibility of regeneration of the adsorbent, enabling good operational savings. In addition, many microalgae species synthesize bioactive compounds of high economic value, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), carotenoids, and proteins. In this study, the efficiency of removing the EE2 hormone from an aqueous matrix by biosorptive processes was investigated using the biomass of the microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata under two conditions: dry and residual, after the extraction of total lipids. Dry biomass promoted removal in the range of 52 to 74% of contaminants (EE2), while residual biomass removed between 42 and 64%. The process was better described for both conditions by the Freundlich isotherm model. From the quantification of the lipid content of N. oculata, a percentage of 18.46% of total lipids in the biomass was obtained, and it was verified that the species is a good source of fatty acids of significant commercial value. The use of dry microalgae biomass as an adsorbent for emerging contaminants, combined with the extraction of compounds of economic value, constitutes a sustainable alternative applied to the concept of biorefinery.

Introducing a potential candidate for phytoextraction of toxic metals from fiberbanks

2022-11-10T10:47:49+01:00

It is estimated that around 10.8 million tons of polluted fiber material were discharged into the aquatic environment in Sweden until more stringent regulations emerged in 1969. An estimated area of 2.5 million m² is covered by fiberbanks (thick deposit that consists mainly of fibrous residues and wood chips) and around 26,5 million m² consist of fiber-rich sediments (fiber material mixed with natural clayey sediments) within the northern five counties of the country. These anthropogenic sediments are not only variably polluted by toxic elements and persistent organic pollutants, but also the potential for CH₄ and CO₂ production from surveyed fiberbanks could correspond to 7% of Sweden's total known GHG emissions, according to a recent study.
Current discussions revolve around whether to leave the material under water applying in-situ capping and long-term monitoring or dredging for treatment and potential reuse. Both options will have pluses and drawbacks and probably be case-specific. However, any management alternative needs to be validated prior to the time for decision comes. Phytoremediation is a solar energy-driven, nature-based solution with low cost that can be applied for fibrous sediments detoxification. A greenhouse study was developed to assess the uptake efficiency for target metals and metalloids (Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Ba, Co) of five metal-accumulating plant species grown in substrates with fiberbanks collected from the Baltic sea.
Among tested species, Poa annua or annual meadow grass, developed a high aerial biomass yield which positively impacted in the uptake efficiency of most of the toxic elements present in fiberbanks. P.annua is a common and rustic grass that can easily grow in Swedish climatic conditions with successive shoot regrowth after harvest. These attributes make this grass a prospective candidate to test in real-scale experiments for fiberbanks phytoremediation feasibility assessments.

Phycoremediation of 17α-ethinylestradiol by immobilized microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris

2022-11-15T16:45:04+01:00

Emerging micropollutants are increasingly present in domestic effluents. However, as these are not sufficiently removed by conventional effluent treatment technologies, they are usually found in low concentrations in aquatic matrices (ng/L), which can cause numerous disruptive effects on exposed organisms, including humans. Among these, the synthetic hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) stands out, widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, mainly in contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies. Therefore, the use of selected microalgae species has been studied and applied in the treatment of effluents as potentially effective in phycoremediation (removal or biodegradation) of target contaminants, such as synthetic female
hormones. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the phycoremediation capacity of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, immobilized in sodium alginate capsules, in the removal/biodegradation of the synthetic female hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Initially, the encapsulation of the microalgae with sodium alginate was carried out to evaluate the ability of the microalgae to remain alive and to be slowly released into the liquid medium after the encapsulation process. After the encapsulation process, the growth of microalgae cells was monitored over 4 months by counting cells in a Neubauer chamber and an increase in the number of cells was verified, meaning that the microalgae remained alive and there was an increase in the number of cells. In the second step, phycoremediation bioassays were performed, where the encapsulated microalgae were then exposed to 50μg/L of EE2 in mineral water for 96h. In parallel, control bioassays with free microalgae in mineral water (negative control) and another with only EE2 in mineral water (positive control) were conducted. Bioassays were monitored by cell count and EE2 concentration by liquid chromatography. The results are being analyzed and will be presented in the full article, where an efficiency between 60 and 70% of reduction in the concentration of EE2 in water is expected.

Composition of the isotopes of nitrous oxide in the clay soil at different moisture conditions

2022-11-10T10:22:37+01:00

Reducing emissions of nitrous oxides in the agricultural sector is one of the main challenges. Stable isotopes are one of the tools that record information on changes in greenhouse gas production, transportation and emissions. The relationship between the processes in soil and emissions entering the atmosphere. Stable isotopes, which are direct isotopes of nitrous oxide emissions from soil, are already recognised as a promising tool for tracking atmospheric nitrous oxide emissions from various studies. The purpose of this study is to clarify the isotope relationship of nitrous oxide in clay soil at different humidity conditions. Samples from 12 test fields were collected. Samples were weighed in 3 l buckets, each at a total of 1.8 kg. The moistening plan was developed for aerobic and anaerobic soil conditions. Samples were moistened with rainwater every three days, 150 ml and 300 ml, respectively. Measurements for nitrous oxide isotopes have been performed using the Picarro G5131-i equipment under laboratory conditions. During the development of the study, the information gathered and the results obtained give an idea of carrying out measurements of nitrous oxide isotopes under laboratory conditions and set new objectives for further studies. The nitrous oxide isotope 18O is significant and allows tracked sources of soil nitrous oxide emissions and microbiological processes.

Bioremediation of lake sedimentary deposits and seabed polluted by fuel hydrocarbons

2022-11-16T09:02:27+01:00

There are several highly polluted lakes and seabed sites in Pomerania region. A serious pollution can result from fuel hydrocarbons, including pyrolytic fuel in the case of German wrecks from the World War II (e.g. Stuttgard wreck in Gdansk Bay). The paper describe the pollution and results of introductory investigations showing effectiveness of aerobic bacteria bioremediation-process. An effective removal of various phenolic compounds was achieved.

Mycoremediation of persistent organic pollutants and bioaccumulation of heavy metals by white-rot fungi

2022-11-10T09:33:38+01:00

Many coastal areas in Sweden are contaminated with fiber-rich sediments from the pulp and paper industry. These fiber-rich sediments are referred to as “fiberbanks” and contain lignocellulosic materials, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and toxic elements (metals/metalloids). POPs are long-lasting, highly toxic chemicals and resistant to natural environmental degradation. In the case of exposure to people, POPs can cause serious health problems such as cancers, congenital anomalies, and immune system failure.
Bioremediation is an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cheap way to remove contaminants, pollutants, and toxins. Using fungi for bioremediation attracts attention by degrading and accumulating toxins due to their properties (such as mycelia structures and secreted enzymes). White rot (wood-decay) fungi have the ability to biodegrade POPs, uptake metals/metalloids, and use lignocellulosic material as a carbon source.
In this work, twenty-one white-rot fungi growing naturally in Sweden have been tested for their abilities of biodegradation of POPs and bioaccumulation abilities of metals/metalloids. Fiberbanks for the experiment were collected from Ortviken (Sundsvall Bay-Västernorrlands). The results have shown that special types of white-rot fungi are better at bioremediation, especially in metals bioaccumulation. It has shown a pattern between the white rot fungi type and the highest metal uptake.

Macrolitter amounts and composition on remote beaches in the NE Baltic Sea Region

2022-11-15T16:58:55+01:00

Marine macrolitter surveys were carried out on 14 small uninhabited islands located in the coastal waters of Estonia, northeastern Baltic Sea. Islands were visited four times in total during the years 2019-2020. Calculated over all conducted surveys the median value of macrolitter items per 100 m long beach section was 10.65 and the median density was 0.006 items m^-2. On sub-basin level the islands located in the Gulf of Finland had the highest number of beach litter items per 100 m and density (items m-²), accordingly 38.05 and 0.017. The main litter material was plastic followed by glass and ceramics and processed wood; however, there were some variances across islands due to the local conditions. The environmental variables best explaining differences of the composition of macrolitter were water current velocity, water depth, and water orbital velocity. Litter items as nest material were noted for all the islands with seabird colonies.

Microplastics in sandy ocean beaches of insular regions: Ilha Grande - RJ, Brazil

2022-11-10T09:18:55+01:00

The world production of polymers increased significantly in the last decade, reaching 368 million tons, of which 4% were produced in Latin America. One of the major global concerns is microplastics (<5mm), due to their constant presence in different environmental matrices. Another major concern is the ingestion of microplastics by different organisms, being considered bioavailable and increasingly present in web chains. The effects of ingesting microplastics by species range from chronic (growth inhibition, interference in the reproduction rate and endocrine disruption) to bioaccumulation and acute (lethal). Depending on their composition and physicochemical properties, microplastics can release toxic compounds into water (leaching of plastic additives), in addition to the possible sorption of organic and inorganic pollutants. The objective was to quantify and characterize the presence of microplastics on sandy ocean beaches of Ilha Grande, an environmental preservation area on the southern coast of State of Rio de Janeiro. Three beaches were selected: Dois Rios-PR1, Santo Antônio-PR2 and Lopes Mendes-PR3. The collection was carried out at low tide, in ten sampling points per beach, five points in the high tide line (accumulation zone) and five points carried out 5m below this zone. At each point, surface layer of sand (<2cm) was collected in an area of 0.5m x 0.5m (0.25m²) and placed in glass pots (600mL). Furthermore, the slope, length, extension and granulometry of each beach were evaluated. The microplastics were classified into size and color classes. PR1, PR2 and PR3 showed a higher amount of white microplastics: 98; 115 and 158 items respectively. The size class with the highest number of microplastics was 1-2mm, with: 119 in PR1; 99 in PR2; and 182 in PR3. We hope that these results will help generate greater public awareness of microplastic pollution on beaches in environmental preservation areas, as they still have great biodiversity.

Role of microplastics (MPs) in altering benthic community structure in sediment system

2022-11-14T13:42:00+01:00

Demand for plastics has dramatically increased in the last 70 years throughout the world, and it is, we live in a plastic world. The accelerated rate of plastic production has also increased the deposition of plastic wastes in different environments. In the aquatic environment occurrence of microplastics (MPs) is extensively reported. The dynamic nature of micro- and nano-sized plastics, whose size, shape, and charge change over time, is a critical problem in understanding their fate and possible impacts. Furthermore, due to biological processes such as the aggregation of organic material and/or bacteria ("biofouling"), the density of plastic particles that settle in aquatic ecosystem sediments could be several orders of magnitude higher than that in aquatic environment. As a result, the risk presented by plastic pollution to benthic wildlife is quite severe. Indeed, most studies on the consequences of microplastics have thus far concentrated on pelagic fauna. As a result, this presentation concentrated on the impact of micro- and nano-sized plastics on benthic invertebrates, including the physical and chemical consequences of leaching and plastic particle interactions with pollutants. A detailed gap analysis on the impacts of plastic particles on benthic invertebrates indicated a wide range of effects produced by micro- and/or nano-sized plastics, but also substantial variances in the plastic materials examined, size fractions used, particle shape, and exposure routes investigated. This work finished with a discussion of the critical research gaps in freshwater ecosystems, as well as recommendations for future research fields.

A method for treatment of contaminated dredged sediment: electrolysis combined with stabilization and solidification

2022-11-10T10:44:35+01:00

Contaminated sediment is a worldwide concern. In ports, where large quantities of sediment need to be managed, the level of contaminants limits the possibility to use the dredged sediment. New legislations have reduced the possibility to dispose of sediment in landfills and out at sea, and are instead encouraging the use of the dredged masses. A method that enables the use of fine-grained sediment in construction is the stabilization and solidification technique (S/S). If contaminants are removed prior to stabilization, the stabilized sediment may leach less contaminants. Electrochemical treatment is a potential treatment technique that has the potential to degrade organic contaminants and recover metals.
Electrochemical treatment was tested at laboratory scale to degrade toxic tributyltin (TBT) and remove metals from marine sediment. After the electrolysis, the sediment was stabilized using the S/S technique, and the effect of electrochemical pretreatment on the strength and leaching properties of the stabilized sediment was investigated. Finally, the climate impacts of the investigated methods are assessed depending on the metal content in the sediment. The results indicate that electrochemical pretreatment could be done to lower the leaching of contaminants from S/S sediment and that the metal recovery could be beneficial, especially if the sediment is heavily contaminated with metals.

Sustainable management of dredged sediments: perspectives on beneficial use

2022-11-15T17:09:37+01:00

Dredging of sediments occurs worldwide to maintain water levels of harbours or other water bodies or restore aquatic ecosystems. As a result, dredged sediments are produced around the world and require proper management. Traditionally, the material is disposed of in open oceans or landfills. However, the methods are restricted by environmental and legal concerns. The recycling of dredged sediments can contribute to finding more sustainable-management alternatives and stop the depletion of natural resources. Dredged material can be employed in construction and soil conditioning, among others. Nutrients are essential for life, and elements like phosphorus are limited on Earth, increasing the need to find more sustainable sources. Therefore, the use of sediments to recover nutrients is highly encouraged. As pollutants can be present in sediments, the risk of pollution while using the material must always be considered. This study aimed to research the use of dredged sediments as a plant-growing substrate and characterise and study the risk of metal pollution. The studies are part of the doctoral thesis “Sustainable management of dredged sediments: potential recovery of valuable compounds”. Sediments from Malmfjärden bay, Kalmar, Sweden, were employed in this study in the context of the LIFE SURE project, which aimed to dredge the bay without causing resuspension and implement beneficial uses for the dredged material. Results showed that sediments were rich in nutrients and presented low-medium contents of metals/metalloids. The more mobile (more linked to non-residual fractions) elements were lead and zinc. Moreover, lettuces were grown on different substrates, and the main risk of pollution was the uptake of cadmium. A life cycle assessment showed that using sediments in soil conditioning projects represented environmental savings related to the avoidance of production and use of fertilisers. The implementation of beneficial uses of dredged sediments was encouraged to incentivise the sustainable management of the material.

How to communicate risk with the Swedish citizens in a wildfire prone area? -- audiences, messages and channels

2022-11-09T14:44:16+01:00

There are 3000-4000 fires occurring every year in Sweden, and the risk will increase by the end of the century. Wildfire can cause adverse health effect by high heat and complicated smoke, especially to the young/elder, pregnant women or someone with respiratory or cardiovascular disease. The essay reflects some requirements and considerations for making an efficient risk communication strategy, focusing on audiences, messages, and channels.
The essay shows how to conduct target audience analysis with collecting information from literatures and local government fact sheets with example of Karlskrona kommun. It demonstrates the Swedish municipalities population scales are relatively small, which requires corresponding communication strategy. Moreover, the population structure, education level, ethnicity and religions, household and living preference, the public understanding should be taken into account. The baseline, midline and comprehensive audience analysis offers systematic and comprehensive understanding and creates an overall portrait of the audience.
The essay shows key messages identification, content displaying with message mapping and template analysis. It demonstrates key messages of common concerns: A) what does the public most need to know? B) What happened? C) How to prepare? D) How to protect themselves and their loved ones? Template analysis could guide to prepare notices and website pages, e.g., to be concise/focus, to integrate maps/images/graphics/hyperlink, to clarify contact. Some considerations are recognized with literature study, e.g., language type/level, vision/hearing capabilities, visual design, and pitfalls/suggestions.
SWOT analysis is very useful to recognize advantages and disadvantages of different channels. Facebook, SVT, mass mailing and poster could be used in different scenario with the aspects of time efficiency, credibility, investment, limitation of the tools, requirements of preparation and materials.

Accidents of waste fires in Georgia with the background of existing challenges in the field of waste management

2022-11-10T08:41:47+01:00

The aim of the presented work is to study the cases of waste fires with the background of challenges in the field of waste management on the example of a developing country like Georgia, which took all the obligations to perform all EU requirement under the Georgian - EU Association Agreement of 2014.
The field of waste management is developing when the share of source-separated waste and the number of processing enterprises are increasing. At this time, the cases of waste fires are increasing in Georgia. There are 100 companies for the processing of various wastes and about 100 companies registered for waste collection/transportation activities, which is 3-4 times more to compare the data of 2010. The total number of fires in 2015-2019 increased compared to 2010, which coincides with the increase of planned activities in the waste management sector until 2015, especially increased fires with "unknown causes" and "other causes”, which significant share coincides with waste disposal - storage, as well as flammable and explosive substances use.
A review of waste fire cases in the past four years has shown that the majority of them are related to plastics waste and used tires that have been improperly placed or stored, while not taking into account the dangers of interactions with other materials (for example, varnishes and paints).

Waste fires in Latvia during last years

2022-11-14T13:21:25+01:00

The report provides information on the fire statistics of recent years and their possible causes related to waste management in Latvia. The origin of fires and the requirements of the State Environmental Service for their prevention are analyzed.
It is shown that the most common sources of fire are:
• Ignition in waste storage areas from an external cause
• Self-ignition of biodegradable waste caused by accumulation of methane gas
• The spread of waste burning is promoted by - a large amount of easily combustible waste stored, as well as a short distance between waste piles
The following are assessed as flammable waste:
• Paper and cardboard, incl. package (150101, 200101)
• Plastic, incl. plastic packaging, (150102, 191204, 200139)
• Used tires (160103)
• Fuel obtained from waste (191210)
• Waste from mechanical processing (191212)
• Construction waste (170904)
• Bulky waste (200307)
• Wood ash (101003)
• Wood waste (170201, 200138, 191207; 191206*)
• Textiles (200110; 200111)

In order to reduce the risk of waste fires, the State Environmental Service has set conditions for changes to category A and B permits, as well as if, when evaluating the application for a polluting activity permit, the service finds that the activities performed at the facility have a high risk of fire, the service can send a request to the State Fire State Fire and Rescue Service to provide an opinion on compliance with fire safety requirements at the facility.

Possibilities of environmental damage assessment in the event of a hazardous waste fire: the case of Lithuania

2022-11-15T16:37:04+01:00

The recent hazardous waste fire at one of the most important Lithuanian hazardous waste management companies showed the problems in assessing the environmental damage of such an event. A large part of the damage to the environment in such cases is caused by emissions of pollutants into the ambient air. However, both in Lithuania and in other European countries, the methodology for calculation of emissions is available only for some flammable materials, such as rubber, plastics, petroleum products, etc. cases. However, the best set of calculation methodologies covering the combustion of a fairly wide range of materials has been developed at the UK Environment Agency. This methodology is currently being adapted by Lithuanian scientists for hazardous waste. The biggest problem is how to determine the morphological and chemical composition of burned waste as accurately as possible, because only in this case the sufficiently objective calculations of environmental damage can be done.

Open fires and waste management in Ukraine

2022-11-09T14:54:02+01:00

Municipal landfills are objects with increased environmental and technological hazards. Several scientific studies have defined three main hazardous factors of landfills: biogas generation, waste combustion and leachate drainage. In addition, the increased dangers are also coming from the transboundary migration of volatile toxic compounds caused by landfill fires. Ukrainian communities do know not very much about landfill fires and their consequence. More, they are not well informed about the risks to the environment and human health in such complicated issues due to unproductive waste management and insufficient scientific approach.
Two mainstreams of a day closely linked to open fires on landfills are climate change and circular economy, as the landfills are the placement of the last destination of a number of natural resources. The open fires and landfill fire occasions, their monitoring, prevention and elimination of consequences are a hot topic in Ukraine mainly due to the war unleashed by Russia. The enemies are destroying the municipal infrastructure of Ukrainian cities, causing problems to local communities. Fires are an old way of putting pressure on military groups and communities, which Russians currently use. Some cases included using phosphorus bombs and making arsons in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. In this context, landfills are an attractive target for sabotage. Landfill fires have enormous consequences and are easy to be launched.
Waste-related fires have increased in Europe over the past decade incrementing to climate change. The Swedish Institute has decided to fund cooperation projects in the Baltic Sea region with a special emphasis on supporting academic institutions and target groups in Ukraine. The multi-stakeholder project "Cooperation for Prevention and Mitigation of Fires and their Effects in the Baltic Sea Region" is one of 23 such upcoming projects. It unites researchers from Ukraine together with Swedish colleagues and scientists from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Georgia. The participants will focus on achieving a broad exchange of experience and discussions of cross-industry innovative solutions. The Ukrainian team is determined to study issues of early warning and fire extinguishing technologies, as well as restoration of affected landscapes. In particular, the researchers from Ukraine aim at improving GIS monitoring of occurrence risk and open fires, the building subsystems for active and passive fire protection, studying self-ignition, spreading and cessation of the burning of various materials typical to landfill content. It is planned to expand the subjects of educational disciplines that include the topics of cross-border migration of persistent organic pollutants and the impact of fires on human health. The created network will be important in the future for supporting the peaceful development and reconstruction of Ukraine.

Previous and present research needs on fire safe waste management

2022-11-14T12:41:49+01:00

The amount of waste in the society is increasing. The increased handling and storage of waste lead to increased risks for fires. Fires in stored waste can last for a long time and can difficult to extinguish. This in turn can lead to large costs in the form of direct costs for lost material and property and indirect cost in the interruptions in business and for nearby infrastructure. Fires in waste also mean large emissions to the environment. The presentation will focus on results from research projects and studies of different trends and statistics, including also surveys and interviews. The main conclusions are different types of gaps and research needs. Some of the gaps have been filled and examples will be given during the presentation. However, other gaps and research needs still remain.

Experiences from extinguishing waste and biofuel fires

2022-11-15T13:00:06+01:00

A fire in a waste or biofuel storage stacks can occur for various reasons, but why are they so time- and resource-consuming to put out? In this short presentation I will share Kalmar Fire Brigades experiences from firefighting efforts in waste and biofuel storage stack fires.

Do the waste fires increases exposure to cancerogenic substances? An example of HYSPLIT modelling of dispersion from 300 mg municipal waste fire

2022-11-17T08:35:12+01:00

Waste fires in Poland 2012-2020

2022-11-17T13:32:23+01:00

In recent years, systematically waste fires have occurred in landfills, storage places or waste treatment installations. The maximum number of waste fires was recorded in 2018 with 243 fires, followed by 2019 with 176 fires. During the uncontrolled incineration of waste, the environment is significantly polluted through the emission of toxic substances to the air, water and soil, and various compounds are leached out of the combustion residues. In addition to the negative environmental aspects, waste fires cause enormous losses of materials, that could be recycled or recovered. The presentation shows the statistics of waste fires in Poland indicating the seasonal changes of incidents as well as their locations. Moreover the an estimation of amount of waste that was burned in 2018 – 2019 was done and thus their material and energy value was irretrievably lost.

Waste fires in and research forefronts in early detection of waste fires

2022-11-14T12:16:25+01:00

In recent years, waste fires have emerged as a serious dilemma for waste management industry at the global level. Incidents of wase fires are common at all stages of waste recycling chain (collection, transportation, middle storage, sorting sites, recovery & recycling plants, wase to energy plants, and landfills) and have grave implications for business, employees, firefighters, society, and environment. Currently, the issue of waste fires is not properly understood. Statistics shows that in Sweden and in USA the cause of half of the waste fire incidents are not known.

Most waste fires are initially subsurface and are of smoldering in nature, which turns into flaming conditions as soon the smoldering front extends close to the surface of pile of the stored material. It is learned from past incidents and from experimental studies that the waste fires spread very rapidly, once ignited. In most waste fire incidents, firefighting operation is very challenging as firefighters are exposed to dangerous chemicals and work under reduced visibility. An early detection (in smoldering stage) could save precious lives, resources and can reduce the environmental burden of waste fire incidents. A key limitation in early detection of waste fires is however that the existing fire detection technologies are effective only for flaming fires and in past, less research was devoted to early detection of smoldering fires.

A first attempt is made to employ electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) for early detection of smoldering fires. ERT is a non-invasive technique in the sense that the detectors need not to be immersed inside the stored pile of material, instead the electrodes can be placed on the surface of the material to be investigated or monitored. The results from initial laboratory scale tests suggest that ERT monitoring can used successfully as an indicator for identifying the smoldering hotspots in the stored material.

Acknowledgement: Åforsk grant 21-106 funded the experiments

Water/wastewater monitoring & the development of advanced treatment technologies with focus on micropollutants-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2022-11-17T12:02:44+01:00

The Laboratory of Bioremediation, Phytotechnologies and Innovation in Water and
Wastewater Treatment (LABIFI), Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Rio
de Janeiro State University (UERJ) was created in 2008 and since then, its infrastructure and
analytical capacity been expanded, followed by continuous training of the technical staff and
post-graduation students. Different areas of scientific investigation carried out by professors,
doctors, PhD candidates and MSc students at LABIFI have the main focus on micropollutants
of increasing concern (MPs) such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, including
detection in aqueous matrices (drinking water, wastewater, surface water), human health and
ecological risk assessment associated to MPs and the development of advanced water and
wastewater treatment technologies for MPs removal. Research has been conducted in the
following areas: (1) Development and validation of analytical methods and tools, including:
(1a) more sustainable methods for sample extraction/ preparation for chromatography (e.g.:
micro-extraction liquid-liquid dispersive-MELLD) reducing the volume of hazardous solvents
and preventing the use of cartridges (avoiding solid waste generation, reducing costs); (1b)
development and validation of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of MPs
by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; (2) Environmental monitoring of strategic
hydrographic basins/drinking water and Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) of urban aquatic
ecosystems including chemical, ecotoxicological and ecological lines of evidence (LoE); (3)
Water and wastewater treatability studies, including: (3a) advanced biological processes with
multistage hybrid reactors, (3b) decentralized wastewater treatment plants (constructed
wetlands), (3c) phycoremediation (the use of microalgae for wastewater treatment), (3d)
adsorption processes with the development of biomaterial-based new adsorbents, (3e) advance
oxidation processes, including ozonation and heterogeneous photocatalysis; (4) Development
of new composite/nanocomposite materials with both sorptive-photocatalytic properties. The
main objective with the environmental monitoring and risk assessments is to supply decision
makers with useful information to prevent impacts to the environment and human health. The
goal with the development of advanced treatment techniques is to offer feasible and sustainable
technological options for the removal of MPs from both drinking water and aquatic ecosystems.

Waste generation and future consumption challenges

2022-11-16T09:29:55+01:00

Human consumption of the earth natural resources has reach to a top level where the Earth can no longer be able to regenerate these resources again. Freshwater, food, metals and many other natural materials are already suffering from a real reduction in their primary sources due to the uncontrol consumption of modern civilization. On the other hand, this consumption of materials is directly connected to the generation of different forms of waste streams that adding extra challenges to our environment and human life like climate change, water contamination and air pollution. Many landfills and dumpsites are already filled with wastes and there is no space for more wastes and therefore there is a need to find innovative methods to deal with landfilled or dumped wastes. In this talk, Dr. Yahya Jani will focus on why there is a need to extract waste materials from landfills and how mining materials from landfills can be used as secondary resources and how landfills and dumpsites can act as bank accounts for human future needs of natural materials.

Brunification is a problem not only for ecology but also for drinking water production

2022-11-03T14:13:28+01:00

During the last decades has a process called brownification has resulted in water with browner color, affecting water quality and ecosystems in natural waters around the northern hemisphere. This is not only a problem for the natural ecosystem, but also a problem to production of potable water. which causes production cost increase as the colour must be removed before distribution. The occurrence of brownification and the underlaying factors driving the process, is not yet fully understood. However, the problem occurs mainly in forested catchment areas.
This presentation will discuss the latest research in general as well as the research conducted at Kristianstad university. Where Constructed wetland (CW) has been examined as a potential solution. However, constructed wetland not only has the potential to reduce organic matter, but also increase organic matter. Thus, has both constructed wetlands as well mesocosm wetland been studied at Kristianstad University.

Human and environmental exposure to toxic chemicals – chemical analytics and exposure assessment

2022-11-03T14:41:15+01:00

The use of industrial and consumer chemicals is indispensable in modern societies. Chemicals make important contributions to agricultural production, disease prevention and sanitation, and modern-day manufacturing processes, and thus are critical to the growth of economies. However, due to their ubiquitous presence, we are continuously exposed to chemicals that can be harmful to human and environmental health. Some classes of such toxic chemicals include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), novel brominated flame retardants, and unintentional by-products of many industrial processes, e.g., dioxins, furans. These chemicals are persistent, and toxic in nature. They can also accumulate in human tissues, for example, PFAS (a group of > 4700 chemicals) have been detected in human and animal populations globally. Humans are exposed to these chemicals mainly via food, drinking water, air, and dust. The main concern associated with these chemicals is that they act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and can interfere with hormone systems even at very low doses.
After completing my PhD at Linnaeus University under the supervision of Prof. William Hogland in 2013, I moved to Finland and joined the Chemical Risks team in the Department of Health Security at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Our team investigates the routes by which the general population is exposed to the persistent chemicals. Our research focus is on the assessment of the health risks associated with the exposure to (new) chemicals and chemical mixtures. We also conduct monitoring of the persistent organic pollutants in humans, biota, and the environment. Our state-of-the-art laboratory is the Finnish National Reference Laboratory for dioxins and PCBs in food. Most of our analytical methods are accredited by the Finnish national accreditation body FINAS (SFS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005, laboratory T077).

Working on the beneficial use of dredged sediments: perspectives from doctoral studies

2022-11-14T10:02:42+01:00

Dredging of sediments is an activity that is gaining more importance worldwide since several places require the practice of securing water bodies, not turning them into wetlands. Therefore, high volumes of dredged material are extracted and require proper management. Landfilling and open ocean disposal can be avoided by implementing beneficial uses of dredged sediments. The material can be employed in construction, art, land reclamation and soil conditioning, among others. The doctoral thesis “Sustainable management of dredged sediments: potential recovery of valuable compounds” aimed to increase the knowledge towards the sustainable management of dredged material. The study focused on Malmfjärden bay, located in Kalmar, Sweden, under the LIFE SURE project, which aimed to develop an environmental-friendly dredging technique and implement beneficial uses for the obtained dredged material. The work included the contribution of several stakeholders, transforming the study into transdisciplinary work. The most important experiences of the study were the successful development and implementation of a complete monitoring plan for the dewatering system of the LIFE SURE project and the performance of several experiments. The tests included the use of sediments as plant-growing substrates and the chemical extraction of metals using chelating agents. The lessons learned from the study were the importance of finding added value to materials that want to be used in a circular economy perspective. Moreover, interaction with stakeholders helps to understand the perspective of different actors and to gain their support is crucial to secure the successful implementation of projects. Future studies could focus on pilot and full-scale projects on implementing beneficial uses of sediments, like using the material in farmlands or eroded lands as a soil conditioner.

Development of a microalgae culture monitoring system on-board the ATOM III rocket payload

2022-11-03T13:48:14+01:00

The present work presents a methodological proposal for the evaluation of microalgae cultures
to be shipped into the payload of the ATOM-III rocket, a 3km high apogee rocket of the Rio de
Janeiro Rocket Group (GFRJ). Therefore, the objective was to develop a compact equipment
to carry out the real-time monitoring of Chlorella vulgaris cultures to be used in a CubeSat
loaded on a rocket payload or a weather balloon at high altitudes. So, in addition to the
development and construction of a compact spectrophotometer equipment, it was necessary to
verify the accuracy of the equipment measurements. The equipment was calibrated by
evaluating seven samples of microalgae culture at different densities (between 106 and 107
algae/mL). The methods used in the calibration of the constructed spectrophotometer were:
spectrophotometry in commercial equipment; and counting of microalgae cells in a Neubauer
chamber under an optical microscope (Nikon, 400x). Based on the calibration results, it can be
considered that the spectrophotometer built in LARISA (Laboratory of Industrial Networks and
Automation Systems), whose main component was the light sensor OPT101, and calibrated by
the research group BIOTEMA (Biotechnologies in Treatment of Effluents and Environmental
Monitoring) proved to be suitable for use in a CubeSat with real-time monitoring, as it showed
high correlation with spectrophotometric measurements (r²=0.9996) and with the microalgae
cell count (r²=0.988). It is noteworthy that there are advantages in developing an own
spectrophotometer, such as: developing the electronics to be more efficient, being able to meet
the analytical needs of the project more precisely; be versatile and light due to its reduced size;
and be economically more viable. Finally, we hope that the results obtained can open new doors
for other biological experiments aboard payloads, in addition to highlighting the importance of
encouraging research that includes the aerospace sector.

Circular economy: concept to reality in developing countries

2022-11-03T14:44:47+01:00

Solid waste management is a simple subject but have been made a complex issue. It is basically due to human intervention, social values and norms and attitude of institutional bodies and need of community engagement and acceptance for sustainability. Waste is no more taken as cradle to grave management model, which is linear but considered a circular model. Circular economy is a new terminology of use of waste product into value chain of waste. However, in developing countries, especially in South-East Asia, the circular economy model is yet to be taken up by public sector and private entities to make best out of product value and sustainable waste management.

30 years of experience with the phytoremediation method

2022-11-16T10:00:44+01:00

The use of plants to remediate the soil from contaminants are focused on in this work. Salix is shown to be able to treat industrial contaminated soil from heavy metals and organics. A couple of examples are brought up. It is possible to decrease the concentration of the pollutants under the less sensitive limit value (MKM) during 4-6 years Salix treatment. The plant is also used to clean agricultural soil from cadmium to decrease the cadmium content in post-grown wheat grains with 33% during 4 years Salix cultivation. Wetland plants can prevent weathering of mine tailings decreasing the metal and arsenic outlet to the recipient by preventing pH decrease in the tailings.

Removal of VOCs from air – circular economy approach

2022-11-03T13:40:51+01:00

Biotrickling filtration is an approved technology for the removal of volatile pollutants from air, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Biotrickling filtration consists in passing of a polluted gas through a packed layer of inert materials, inoculated either with selected microorganisms. These microbes form a biofilm over the packing elements and the packed bed is trickled with a liquid, containing mineral salts. The air pollutants serve as energy (carbon) source for microorganisms and undergo biodegradation in the biofilm. As a result, clean air leaves the biofilter. Biotrickling filtration is regarded as a sustainable air treatment method, however its potential is still discovered and developed. An interesting solution is proposed to design a biofilter to work as a microbial fuel cell. In such a configuration, it is possible to treat waste air and produce electric energy in one time. Additionally, in order to meet the requirements of circular economy and zero waste approaches, a waste trickling liquid is proposed to be valorized as an additive to the substrates for plant cultivation. In such a way, biotrickling filtration can be profitably combined with other processes, e.g. phytoremediation of polluted soils. A brief overview is presented on the current research issues in biotrickling filtration and its coupling with microbial fuel cells.

Phytoremediation in a circular economy - can we make ends meet?

2022-11-14T09:06:33+01:00

Phytoremediation describes plant-based methods and processes to remove pollutants from air, soil, and water. It has its limitations, mainly pollutant concentrations low enough to not prevent plant growth, and its benefits: the approach is nature-based in principle and typically in harmony with the environment.

Yet, after having extracted pollutants from their environments, plants should be fit for a specific function, e.g., carrying nutrients and substances which qualify them as a fertilizing product or a soil improver, potentially after some treatment before its actual use. The European Green Deal, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy and the Zero Pollution Action Plan provide a regulatory framework to which the products should be compliant. The new European Fertilising Product Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 (FPR) has been designed precisely to accommodate primary and secondary (recycled), mineral and organic fertilising products potentially including those which have recovered nutrients from aquatic bodies. The presentation will try to show the potential of the FPR to make phytoremediation products legally available on the European market.

Swedish medicinal plants used in traditional remedies and the potential use in the improvement of contaminated soils and aquatic environments

2022-11-14T09:26:46+01:00

Plants provide food, medicine, textile, shelter, fuel, construction material and can also be used to decrease the levels of harmful contaminants in the environment. In response to heavy metals, plants increase the production of reactive oxygen species and thus the protective antioxidant capacity of the plant is enhanced. Antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, are produced and act as chelators binding to heavy metals that then can be transported and stored in the vacuoles and in different plant tissue. Secondary plant metabolites, such as phenolic compounds, have previously been found in high concentrations in aromatic medicinal plants.
Early humans acquired the knowledge on how to use medicinal plants and humankind have since relied on plants for many different purposes. Here we present some of the local Swedish medicinal plants that might be suitable for phytoremediation; however, future evaluation both in lab-based experiments and field-based studies may be necessary in order to identify promising plant species that can be used as an alternative method to treat contaminated water and soil.

Dredged sediment mixed with organic wastes to grow vegetables

2022-11-17T15:12:19+01:00

The use of phosphorus (P) rich dredged sediments in horticultural growth media is an attractive recycling option in compliance with a circular economy and contributes to closing the P cycle in food production. The present study aims to evaluate the potential of dredged Baltic Sea sediment as growth substrate. The sediment is characterized by P and nitrogen enrichment and a moderate to low level of contamination with heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, and As (Ferrans et al., 2019). Cultivation experiments have been set up to address the following research questions, among others.
• Is sediment-based growth substrate suitable for cultivating plants?
• Which P species are present in the sediment and which fraction of total sediment P is plant available?
• Can the mobility of toxic heavy metals in the sediment be reduced by biochar amendment?
The cultivation experiments are carried out both under controlled conditions in the greenhouse and in an outdoor trial using a variety of plants. Different growth substrate mixtures are tested that consist of sediment, peat, bark mulch and biochar at varying proportions. Analyses include sediment P and metal speciation and a thorough characterization of chemical and physical properties in the sediment and substrate mixtures. Drainage water and plant analyses will be used to assess plant growth, P and metal mobility, and strategies to reduce plant availably of toxic metals.

Variations in heavy metals accumulation levels in various plant species for phytoremediation in acid soil

2022-11-03T13:22:57+01:00

In past years, soil contamination with heavy metals has become a global concern across the world. In recent years more attention has been given to investigate phytoremediation as a promising strategy for heavy metals removal from polluted soil. At the same time, phytoremediation is also seen as a beneficial way to deal with the problem of constantly increasing volumes of sewage sludge. However, safe application of sewage sludge to a soil is a complex environmental issue. This study aimed to clarify the potential of local plants to accumulate heavy metals under different sewage sludge pollution and provide scientific guidance for the phytoremediation efficiency improvement.
The results reported that herbaceous coarse-stem plants showed high metal accumulation capabilities, which rises with increasing dose of sewage sludge. Artemisia dubia was found highly effective in the accumulation of Cd and Cu while the other plants were expressed by high accumulation capabilities for the Zn, Cr, Ni and Pb. Perennial grasses were the most highly Zn absorbing plant species among others. In comparison with perennial grasses, herbaceous coarse-stem plants hold an advantage for phytoremediation due to more efficient heavy metals uptake combined by high biomass accumulation; thus, they may act as key-species in a phytoremediation-related concept.

Phytoextraction of soil pollutants at the territory of municipal soil waste rendering plant

2022-11-16T10:14:18+01:00

A cost-effective, highly efficient and environmentally friendly method called a phytoremediation was applied in a field experiment to evaluate the potential of Miscanthus x giganteus for the removal of ten microelements and heavy metals (Al, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni) from contaminated soil in the territory of a Municipal Waste Rendering Plant. The effects of the incorporation of soil improver as well as the addition of highly contaminated post-industrial soil on the efficiency of phytoremediation and plant growth were tested. The soil improver was applied to the soil at a rate of 200 Mg and 400 Mg per hectare. Meanwhile, in the last object, the 100 Mg of highly contaminated post-industrial soil was added. The results shows that plants cultivated in soil with 400 Mg of soil improver exhibited the highest yield (approximately 85% mass increase compared to the soil without additives). Furthermore, the application of soil improver (200 Mg) increased the uptake of Al, Fe, Co, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Cd by Miscanthus x giganteus as compared to the soil without additives. The performed biotests demonstrated no or low toxicity of the investigated soils affecting the test organisms. The energetic valorization of the obtained crops was assessed.

Biochar as an auxiliary agent enhancing the potential of phytoremediation

2022-11-16T10:41:02+01:00

Revitalization’s future of landfill as a land asset

2022-11-03T15:04:27+01:00

As ancient as civilization, dumps and landfills are still the final disposal place for products, where the life cycle of materials ends. The Industrial Revolution at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries was a stepping stone over which the first attempts at environmental thinking began. Nowadays, the approach of environmental awareness regarding waste has evolved to advanced recycling systems, zero waste, and beyond the zero waste concepts with prospected up-to-date transformation in the future. Furthermore, non-material values are emphasized, including ecosystem services and recreation resources. Strategic land management, by revitalizing old dumps and closing existing landfills, becomes more and more attractive for territory planners. The implementation of revitalization is complicated as each dumpsite must be evaluated individually. The stumbling blocks relate to historical and still existing environmental pollution assessment and the site’s geotechnical specifics, as the main task includes preventing pollution from being discharged into surrounding areas. Performed revitalization cases reveal that the land’s value afterward significantly increases as the territories can be used as real estate assets, industrial parks, and recreation areas. The study evaluates old abandoned dumps in their revitalization perspectives under real estate planning dimensions, amended with the ecosystem services recovery. Site-specific peculiarities of soil, biota, and climate interacted by industrial activities are the aspects that should be included in the equation of future revitalization perspectives. Environmental, economic, and social domains are the pillars in analyzing the potential of regained assets from various, not only monetary, outlooks. Environmental engineering, landscape architecture, and advanced technologies in step with established cultural and economic targets, involving the Triple helix approach where NGOs, municipalities, and industry mutually interact, lead to sustainable land use. The study is supported by project No.1.1.1.2/VIAA/3/19/531, ‘Innovative technologies for stabilization of landfills - diminishing of environmental impact and resources potential in frames of circular economy’.

Sorting landfill mined glass & resource banking

2022-11-17T12:31:35+01:00

In Southern Sweden there is around 420,000 m3 of contaminated (with e.g., Pb, As, Cd, and Sb) materials in direct connection to former glass factories. It is estimated there is around 3,100 tons of Pb in 22 of the larger sites. A large amount of this Pb is within crystal glass that was dumped at production sites. This presentation focuses sorting of excavated glass as part of a larger value chain being developed in an SGI financed “Tuffo” project focused on verifying new circular approaches for these sites.
Glass identified with geotechnical scanning was excavated from Strömbergshyttan, a glass dump, and taken to a Ragn-Sells facility. Pre-treatment was performed using a sieve and wind-shifter to categorize the material into five fractions: i) >100mm, ii) 25-100mm, iii) <25mm, iv) metal fraction, and v) a light fraction.
To test automated optical scanning potential, a small sample of the medium fraction was sent to PICVISA, a company with a specialized optical sorting for waste glass. Results from this first test small test showed that it was possible to detect and separate glass, but for an even more efficient sorting, the glass should be pre-treated. In the next step, 2 tons of pre-treated (surface cleaned and sized) glass was sent to the Picvisa test center. This test run showed positive results with a good separation of the glass from rest of the material (ceramics, wood, stones, etc.). From this second test, approximately 75% of the input material was sorted out as glass and 25% as residuals. The next step will be to test the material with additional sensors to sort out the leaded fraction (e.g., UV sensors).
The hope is to acquire a concentrated leaded glass fraction from these sites, that can be “banked” to create economies of scale for Pb and glass separation.

Lime and peat treatment of oxidizing sulfidic soils to minimize acidification and metal release

2022-11-03T15:32:19+01:00

Marine sulfide-bearing sediments along the coastal line of western Finland and eastern Sweden contain considerable amounts of easily mobilizable toxic trace elements. Dredging these sediments and their subsequent oxidation in the open air could cause a release of sulfuric acid and high concentrations of toxic metals into biota, surface, groundwater, etc. Both in Finland and Sweden, there are documents that regulate the rules for handling acidic soils to reduce their negative effect on the environment. To test the effectiveness of already existing rules used in both countries, as well as newly proposed methods, a long incubation experiment on sulfide-rich sediment from the Laihianjoki river, Finland was carried out. Samples that were not subjected to treatment were used as reference samples. In total, 5 types of treatments were tested in the experiment. Lime was used as a treatment in different proportions, grain sizes, and quality from different manufacturers, moreover, peat was also added in one of the treatments. It was made to test how treatments of sulfidic spoils will affect the development of pH and metal release in the spoils. The incubation experiment has been run for more than two years from December 2019 to May 2022 and during this period drainage waters were collected regularly and analyzed for pH, Eh, Fe, acidity, anions, and metals. Also, the solid phase was collected and analyzed. From the results of pH, Eh, acidity, and elemental analysis measurements for waters and soils, all studied treatments can be divided into three groups: acidic (reference samples), semi-acidic (Finnish rules), and neutral-alkaline (Swedish recommendation and newly proposed treatments). It is possible to assess the inconsistency of the Finnish rules, which are as close as possible in terms of results to control samples. In connection with the Swedish recommendation and additional new proposed treatments should be considered more precisely.

The MICCUR project for improved copper recovery from chalcopyrite

2022-11-09T09:37:19+01:00

Bioleaching of copper minerals is usually performed in engineered heaps and this technology accounts for approximately 15-20% of the worldwide copper production. Presently there is an increase in the demand for metals while commercial biomining of chalcopyrite (the largest copper resource in the world) is not extensively employed due to slow metal release and limited copper recoveries. In this project, two laboratory-scale, proof-of-concept experiments to increase the efficiency of industrial bioleaching of chalcopyrite containing ores will be scaled up to ultimately reach demonstration in pilot bioheaps. Both strategies are aimed at excluding Leptospirillum ferriphilum that as a ‘strong’ iron oxidizer, raises the redox potential above the desired range for efficient chalcopyrite dissolution at moderately thermophilic temperatures. The first strategy is to maintain the redox potential of a chalcopyrite bioleaching system in the favorable range by using ‘weak’ iron oxidizing microbes such as Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans and the second strategy exploits the lower tolerance of L. ferriphilum to chloride ions (i.e. salt tolerance) as compared to S. thermosulfidooxidans. In addition, it has been demonstrated that signal molecules control biofilm formation on pyrite and it will be tested if they suppress the growth of L. ferriphilum when grown on chalcopyrite. Although proof-of-concept strategies to suppress L. ferriphilum have been described, the project aims to elucidate how the desired microbial consortium can be maintained in the large-scale bioheaps employed by industry.

Assessment of feasibility of landfill mining at open dumpsites in India

2022-11-16T07:57:17+01:00

Landfill mining has gained a major boom in developing countries particularly in global south in past few years. In 2016, National Green Tribunal (NGT) of India had directed to mine more than 2000 old dumpsites in India. The local civic authorities in India are using the mined material reclaimed from dumpsites in offsite applications such as earth-fill, agricultural applications etc. without any prior knowledge about its chemical and physical characteristics. The feasibility of landfill mining in India was assessed by characterizing the samples of aged municipal solid waste from four old waste dumpsites. The study concluded that bulk of the material (60-70%) reclaimed after the mining of old municipal solid waste dumpsites in India consists of soil-like material (SLM). SLM refers to the fraction of aged MSW passing the 4.75 mm sieve as per the Indian standard of practice from geotechnical perspectives. It includes sand, silt, and clay sized material. However, SLM is found to be contaminated on the basis of excessive presence of soluble salts, elevated total heavy metals, and significantly higher leachable heavy metals, therefore, its unrestricted (direct) reuse in offsite geotechnical applications is not feasible. Therefore, SLM can only be re-used after adopting suitable design measures such as sealing layers, leachate collection system/drainage system in offsite applications.

Research results for district heating utilities: the main objective of the IEA-DHC task shared 6 project

2022-11-16T07:45:35+01:00

Besides the current energy crises, the decarbonisation, and the transformation of existing district heating (DH) systems is the big challenge for DH utilities in Europe. For achieving the climate goals high investments are needed and the implementation in existing DH systems must take place during ongoing operation, while ensuring security of supply. Many DH systems in Europe has been built in the urban areas since the oil crisis in the 1970s. The DH pipes in these systems are the backbone of the transformation process and some of them are close to the expected service lime according to the design. In this context, it is becoming increasingly important to know the remaining service life of DH pipes [1].
Since many processes influence the material ageing of DH pipes, the results of available lifetime prediction models show a large deviation, so that many researchers work on this topic. The current scientific results on ageing of DH pipes are leading to a more reliable result in lifetime estimation, but due to the high requirements of standardisation bodies these results are not implemented in the relevant standards so far. To make these results available for DH utilities it is needed to migrate the scientific results in the standards due to the aspect of security of supply.
The annex task shared 6 “Status assessment, ageing, lifetime prediction and asset management of district heating pipes” is an international project supported by the International Energy Agency’s Implementing Agreement “District Heating and Cooling” [2]. By investigating the remaining service life of natural aged DH pipes based on the latest scientific results scientist, experts and district heating utilities are improving the lifetime estimation on DH pipes. It is planned to suggest improved ageing tests and lifetime prediction models for the adaption of current calculation rules in European standards [3].

Challenges and opportunities in sustainable asset management for DH systems

2022-11-14T09:49:28+01:00

Climate change and other boundary conditions require a rethinking of the energy supply of the future. District heating is an environmentally friendly energy source (depending on the type of heat generation, of course) and is becoming more and more important.
The existing 3rd generation networks are subject to ageing processes and increasingly require restructuring and/or expansion measures regarding the conversion to 4th or 5th generation systems, but also through the integration of decentralised feeders.
The presentation will show the use of improved aging models for DH pipe systems as part of a classical asset management approach. It will also discuss new ways of rethinking asset management for DH pipes, e.g. predictive maintenance measures and the applicability of AI methods. Another point is the combined use of AM tools and tools for hydraulic modelling to incorporate aspects of supply reliability and operational measures into asset management.

Development of knowledge about ageing mechanism and its assessment for pre-insulated district heating pipe

2022-11-15T13:55:04+01:00

District heating (DH) systems constitute a smart and environmentally friendly solution for the energy distribution in Europe. This technique is in steady expansion but still faces some issues such as reliable status assessment of the current DH networks and the development of a new generation networks for low temperature DH. Therefore, it is essential to understand the ageing behaviour of pipes under operating conditions and to find relevant parameters that control the degradation processes. Many factors affect the deterioration of DH pipes, especially the polyurethane foam, which makes it very complex to find a reliable prediction model.
The results from 10 years research work at RISE helped us to gain a better comprehension of the ageing mechanisms of the current generation of pre-insulated DH pipes and to improve the accelerated ageing methods currently used to predict the technical lifetime of DH pipes. Our results suggest that the lifetime of DH pipes has been underestimated when using artificial ageing at relatively high temperatures. The data collected from naturally aged pipes gave confirmatory information about their physical status compared to our laboratory tests. Our study also suggests that accelerated thermal ageing should be done in a temperature range which reflects the degradation mechanism of PUR in the service life. IR analyses could also be used as an early indication of degradation of PUR foam at the interface with steel pipe.

PipeOpsy- A novel method to assess status of pre-insulated district heating (DH) pipes in operation

2022-11-17T12:18:46+01:00

Techno-economical aspects of assets in energy sector are crucial for sustainability of many sectors and there is an interest to have control and good technical assessment for continuing to use existing pre-insulated DH pipes. Old pre-insulated pipelines need to be maintained in a cost-effective way through a planned and selective replacement.
A field test method named “RISE plug method” has been developed to assess the status of pre-insulated DH pipes in operation. The method measures the adhesion strength (shear strength) between insulation and service pipes. The field method has been supplemented with a chemical analysis of removed insulation in the laboratory. A restoration method where removed insulation is replaced, and the casing is sealed after testing has also been developed. The RISE Plug method, the chemical analysis and the restoration method form a complete method called PipeOpsy. The method's robustness and reliability have been verified with many measurements in the field as well as by supplementary tests in the laboratory. The effect of testing during operation has also been investigated.
A calculation method to compare service time at a selected reference temperature for differ¬ent pre-insulated DH- pipes after use has been presented. The DH pipes analysed, generally had, with a few exceptions, a suffi¬ciently good status for continued operation. The DH pipes age was lower than installation age due to exposure to lower operating tem¬pera¬tures during service life than reference temperature.

Effect of combine mechanical and thermal loads on degradation of pre-insulated district heating pipes

2022-11-16T12:04:33+01:00

Focus on ageing and failure mechanisms of district heating (DH) pipes has been intensified since it is recognised as an important element for planning and maintenance of energy infrastructure. Pre-insulted pipes composed of steel service pipe, polyurethane (PUR) insulation and polyethylene casing have dominated market for DH pipes in Europe since 1980’s. Ageing of these pipes has been studied since then and various methods have been used for prediction of their life-time. The existing literature and standardisation work have identified thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation mechanisms as the crucial failure mechanism for PUR insulation material. It is known that this degradation mechanisms lead to loss of adhesion between PUR and steel service pipe. Beyond this, DH pipes undergo significant temperature variations due to variations in operating conditions and customer demands, which create besides thermal loads in addition mechanical loads. Our preliminary results have shown that the mechanical stress accelerates thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of the PUR and significantly affects the rate of deterioration of PUR and lose of adhesion. The degradation of PUR foam, at the interface with a steel pipe was evaluated using measurements of the adhesion strength and alterations in the chemical structure of PUR by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The main conclusion was that the thermal degradation of mechanically stressed DH pipes was significantly faster than that of non-loaded pipes aged at the same temperature. It was also shown that the faster degradation in the mechanically loaded pipes is mainly due not to fatigue but to accelerated chemical degradation of the PUR foam.

Monitoring tools for sustainable water management in mountain areas

2022-11-10T15:37:01+01:00

The naturally oligotrophic rivers in Northern Sweden are generally characterized by a low pollution level. However, an increasing trend in E. coli contamination has been observed in the most upstream catchment area of one of the large rivers of Norhtern Sweden. This decrease in microbial water quality will have a severe negative impact on the ecosystem, wild animals, visitors, inhabitants as well as indigenous people dependent on the land for their daily income, such as Sami herders. The source area of river Indalsälven is part of a very remote, mountainous region with few roads, which makes it challenging to conduct regular water quality monitoring covering the whole area of ±780km^2. The aim is to evaluate and implement monitoring tools that are more environmentally friendly and faster than the currently applied methods which can be implemented as an early warning system for fecal contamination in remote mountain areas. Currently, the presence of fecal contamination in Indalsälven´s catchment area is assessed by strategic river-side water sampling, followed by long transport times and laboratory analysis of fecal indicator organisms such as E. coli. The use of drones for water sampling could significantly increase the accessibility and coverage of the research area. Also, analysis time can drastically decrease by doing field analysis of the water samples, e.g. by performing a field-PCR for the detection and quantification of E. coli. On the other hand, the monitoring of proxies for fecal contamination can also be a promising approach for continuous monitoring and the development of an early warning system. Our previous research has shown that river flow rate and river color are potential parameters for this. Continuous measurement of these parameters at well-chosen locations or remote imaging by drones over the whole research area are proposed to investigate this track.

Challenges for the development of lowland rivers ecosystem services in the context of sustainable development goals

2022-11-10T15:23:13+01:00

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution transforming Our World: a 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It sets 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved in order to reduce global poverty and promote sustainable global development.
Governments around the world have adopted sustainable development goals to water quality improvement and the revitalisation of freshwater ecosystems. They have set ambitious targets to improve water quality by reducing pollution, removing landfills and reducing releases of hazardous chemicals and materials, and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers and lakes. This is an opportunity to change the degradation of the environment for decades or even centuries and to focus seriously on the recovery of the environment.
The aim of this study is to analyse the opportunities provided by the ecosystem services of the Svete River at Jelgava municipal level in the context of the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals. The created matrix provides a deeper understanding of the role of ecosystem services at local authority level and provides a framework for the further development of ecosystem services. The results of this pilot study can be used as a basis for the development of ecosystem services in municipalities with lowlands.

Occurrence of bisphenol A and analogs in bottled mineral water: a review

2022-11-10T14:23:33+01:00

The group of compounds known as bisphenols is widely used in the manufacture of plastic bottles with the aim of imparting strength, flexibility and stability to the materials. Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues are known as endocrine disruptors, with the potential of impairing environment and human health due to its ability to disrupt endocrine systems. Considering that the release of bisphenol from plastics can occur by heating, contact with acids or bases, as well as time of exposure, bottled mineral water can be contaminated by these compounds. Therefore, to assess the risks to human health associated with the presence of these compounds in bottled mineral water, the present investigation applied a systematic review approach covering publications launched during 2012-2022 focused on Bisphenol A and its analogues detected in bottled mineral water. Based on a set of eligibility criteria, 46 scientific papers were selected, including 485 observations reporting the concentrations of BPA and/or its analogues in bottled mineral water. As there are no threshold values for the concentration of bisphenols in water, a maximum limit of BPA and analogs was proposed as acceptable for human consumption. Among all materials used for bottles production, such as polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), glass (GL), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), mineral water kept in bottles made of PC (the only material containing BPA in its composition) presented an increase in the concentration of BPA with exposure time, showing that the bottle can release this compound into the water. Much lower concentrations of BPA were found in some mineral waters kept in bottles made of PET, PC and GL, which does not have BPA in their compositions, suggesting contamination prior to bottling. In many publications it was observed lack of information about BPA analogues, as well as other relevant variables such as: storage time, bottle material, pH, storage temperature, limit of detection and limit quantification of the method (LOD and LOQ respectively). In conclusion, lack of methodological standardization and lack of information on relevant variables prevent a proper risk assessment to human health associated with the consumption of bottled mineral water.

The efficiency and solutions for water quality improvement in constructed wetlands in Latvia

2022-11-10T15:20:47+01:00

Human economic activities contribute to the entry of phosphorus and nitrogen into natural waters from different anthropogenic pollution sources, such as economic and agricultural activity, construction areas, and industry. Eroded soil particles in a form of suspended solids from agricultural areas, roads and areas with impermeable pavement, direct wastewater discharges and similar consequences of economic activity reduce the quality of natural waters. Entry of phosphorus, nitrogen compounds and suspended solids into natural water bodies leads to overgrowth of aquatic plants, also known as eutrophication. As a result of eutrophication, the algae and other aquatic plants may proliferate in the reservoir, transparency and the amount of oxygen may decrease, thus reducing water quality and usability.
Since 2013, additional attention has been paid to water quality from agriculture industry in Latvia. The EU Nitrates Directive identifies areas that are vulnerable to nitrate pollution in water and the need for measures to limit nitrate losses and adverse effects in open water bodies. In order to fulfil the requirements for good water quality in the surface waters, nitrate leaching from agricultural areas must be prevented. The method of low energy consumption and maintenance costs intends to use natural conditions and passive wastewater treatment in the constructed wetlands. Since June 2014, two wetlands were created and monitored in Latvia to improve water quality from the areas affected by agricultural activities. Research sites of the field scale have helped to gain experience in using the elements of environmentally friendly drainage systems, taking into account the specific agricultural approach, and to monitor the effectiveness of the recommended elements in nutrient retention.

Luffa Cylindrica as adsorbent for removal of endocrine disruptors from aqueous solution: preliminary kinetic study

2022-11-16T13:31:24+01:00

The partial or complete removal of persistent organic pollutants during conventional water treatment for human supply, urban sewage and industrial effluents raises concern about the adverse effects that these substances can trigger in ecosystems, as well as the risks to human health, especially regarding possible effects of endocrine disruption posed by these compounds. Thus, it is essential the improvement of treatment systems, focusing on the removal of these contaminants through the development and application of efficient and feasible alternative techniques from the environmental and economic points of view. Sorption processes with natural porous materials have been increasingly applied in studies of organic contaminants removal. In the present investigation, the kinetic behavior of the vegetal sponge Luffa cylindrica was evaluated for the sorption of two endocrine disruptors: Bisphenol A (BPA) and 17-α ethynylestradiol (EE2) in ultrapure water. The kinetic studies were submitted to two conditions of pH (4 and 7) with adsorbant concentration of 50 μg L^-1, contact time of 240 min and temperature of 25°C and applied to five kinetic models: pseudo first-order model, pseudo second-order model (PSO), Weber and Morris, Elovich and Bangham models. The pH 4 promoted better performance in obtaining promising kinetic curves for both analytes tested. The experimental data obtained followed the predicted by the PSO model for BPA and EE2, with R² = 0.9983 and 0.9981, respectively. The equilibrium times achieved by the kinetic experiment of the biomaterial were 95 min for both BPA and EE2. The adsorption mechanism assumes that the rate-limiting step is chemisorption. In this condition, the adsorption rate is dependent on the adsorption capacity not on concentration of adsorbate. Luffa cylindrica proved to be a promising biomass to be used in conjunction with water treatment systems requiring a 2-hour process, as well as being suitable for use in the preparation of environmental samples in extraction techniques.

Remediation of contaminated stormwater through phytoextraction and filter techniques

2022-11-16T08:28:30+01:00

Stormwater from roads is often contaminated not only with metals but also with organic pollutants and microplastics. This water is usually released without further purification and ends up in streams and finally the sea, thus causing pollution. In this PhD project, we study if rain gardens using selected plants and different filter materials can be used to purify stormwater collected from the highly trafficked highway E6 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Additionally, the opportunity to recover metals that are enriched in the plants is to be evaluated.
An initial literature review indicated that a combination of thrift, common rush, red fescue, and sea buckthorn have the potential to extract the complex mixture of pollutants that are present in the stormwater. The filters are built up in different layers using soil, gravel, and compost but also peat, biochar, and bottom ash from waste incineration are added in various combinations to investigate their ability to adsorb the pollutants when watering the filters with the stormwater. Thereafter, the plants can expectantly extract and/or degrade the pollutants. The efficiencies of the filters containing peat, biochar, or ash are compared with a control filter only containing soil, gravel, and compost.
Our results show that all plants survived the first cultivation season and no significant variations in the growth between the different filters could be seen. The particulate matter is lower in the stormwater after the water has passed the filters compared to the original water, indicating some purification. Chemical analyses also indicated purer stormwater after passing through the filters but with variations depending on filter type as well as on the chemical compound itself.

Engineered ecosystem: biotechnologie in decentralized wastewater treatment for isolated areas

2022-11-10T15:30:02+01:00

In isolated, rural, or peri-urban regions of developing countries, the lack of access to sewage treatment services is due, among other reasons, to the low investment in decentralized solutions. The aim of the study was to present the monitoring results of a decentralized wastewater treatment system, Engineered Ecosystem (EE), which has been operated for over a decade at the Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CEADS) of the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ) in Ilha Grande, south coast of the Rio de Janeiro State, as a viable option for decentralized wastewater treatment for rural areas or isolated communities. The EE is formed by the combination of conventional treatment technology, such as septic tank, submerged aerated filter and mixed biofilter, with the biotechnology (as a tertiary treatment) of four constructed wetlands with different flow types (flow directions), three of which were vegetated with macrophytes and one with microalgae. The system was designed to treat the equivalent sewage of 14 inhabitants a day (100 L/hab/day), occupying a total area of 25 m². This system also has characteristics such as being compact and with low operating and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the results obtained indicate high efficiency in the removal/biodegradation of pollutants by biological oxidation of organic matter (assessed as COD = 85%), removal of nutrients (total nitrogen = 89%) by biomass absorption and nitrification/denitrification reactions. In addition, the final effluent presented the following characteristics: DO = 2.76 mg/L; pH = 6.73; ORP = 106.5 mV; and turbidity = 16.7 NTU. The daily production of dry biomass by the macrophytes in the wetland tanks was estimated at 43.8 g/day. The performance of EE has been satisfactory, and it can be considered a viable alternative to universalize access to domestic wastewater treatment in isolated communities, being a sustainable and low-cost biotechnology.

Ecological Risk Assessment applied to urban coastal lagoons in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

2022-11-10T15:12:07+01:00

Urban coastal lagoons are extremely important in regulating water flows and as a species maintainer between terrestrial and aquatic environments. Furthermore, they are environments that make up the landscape and social life of cities. However, they are continuously exposed to degrading human actions, which threaten their biodiversity. The Jacarepaguá Lagoon Complex (JPALC), formed by four lagoons, and the Piratininga Lagoon (PL) had their urbanization process started more than 20 years ago, which resulted in silting and occupation of their banks. The lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure has resulted in sewage being released into these lagoons. The objective was to promote an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for JPALC and PL, based on four lines of evidence (LoE): Water Quality, Chemical, Ecotoxicological and Ecological. Surface water samples are being collected at six sampling points in JPALC, five in PL and one in a reference area (P0), every three months from Aug/2022 to Aug/2023. The Water Quality LoE will be based on physicochemical parameters to estimate the Water Quality Risk; Chemical LoE in the quantification of chemical substances of interest (pharmaceuticals, plastic additives, pesticides and metals) to estimate Chemical Risk; Ecotoxicological LoE in ecotoxicity assays to estimate Ecotoxicological Risk; and Ecological LoE in the analysis of the ecological composition of species in phytoplankton and in the physiological assessment of fish to estimate the Ecological Risk. The environmental risk will be estimated integrating the risks of all LoE. The difference in salinity between the lagoons will be one of the major challenges for the project. We hope this information can be used for risk management actions to mitigate current and future ecological risks. Furthermore, it is expected to discuss these results with the environmental protection control, to contribute to the reduction of contamination impacts on water bodies in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Removal of Bisphenols A and S during wastewater treatment in a Bardenpho modified integrated fixed film activated sludge reactor

2022-11-10T09:04:21+01:00

Conventional biological wastewater treatment technologies have shown limited efficiency to remove micropollutants in aqueous phase. Physical-chemical methods usually involve high cost, high energy input, and can generate toxic sludge. Therefore, in recent years, the attention of many researchers has turned to the improvements that can make biological treatment more effective for micropollutants removal, and for that, multi-stage hybrid bioreactors systems seem to be a promising strategy. In the present study, a non-conventional pilot reactor was evaluated for the treatment of real wastewater with highly variable composition over time, with a focus on the removal of two micropollutants of concern: Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS). The reactor was formed by six treatment units/tanks (Anaerobic, Anoxic 1, Aerobic, Anoxic 2, Aerobic, and Sedimentation tank) with moving bed biofilm (MBBR) in the first aerobic tank. After the acclimatization period, weekly sampling was carried out during eight weeks at eight sampling points. BPA and BPS concentrations in the raw sewage were 112.6 ± 49.5 μg L^-1 and 6.6 ± 3.0 μg L^-1 respectively. After the sewage passed through the Anaerobic and the Anoxic tanks, BPA and BPS were reduced in 55.1 ± 20.2% and 65.3 ± 20.4% respectively. After the sewage passed through the Aerobic Tank, the reductions of BPA and BPS were 98.8 ± 0.8% and 97.4 ± 1.8% respectively. A negligible contribution to the reduction of BPA and BPS was observed in the other tanks in the system, resulting in a final removal of 99.8 ± 0.1% and 97.7 ± 1.0% for BPA and BPS respectively. The efficiency achieved by the reactor was higher than those achieved by most biological treatment systems reported in the literature. The concentrations of BPA and BPS in the final effluent were 230.3 ± 90.0 ng L^-1 and 146.4 ± 99.6 ng L^-1 respectively.

The spatial and temporal distribution of zinc in snow: case study of Jelgava City

2022-11-17T08:51:33+01:00

The harmful effects of various air pollutants on human health, living in a polluted air environment, are relatively well proven: the morbidity of the population is increasing, life expectancy is decreasing. Suspended particulates are one of the generally recognized air pollutants. The most dangerous solid particles are released during primary combustion processes, they contain heavy metals (zinc, copper, iron, lead). Heavy metals are known to be persistent in the human body and remain for decades. Heavy metals can enter the human body by inhaling dust particles, coming in contact with contaminated soil and water.
According to the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, the main causes of zinc suspended particulate matter pollution are emissions from industrial areas, fuel and diesel combustion processes. Even suspended particles from car tires and brake disc wear can account for up to 20% of zinc air pollution. As a result of all these activities, zinc enters the urban environment, where it accumulates as the snow melts.
In environmental monitoring snow is a valuable resource for information on air pollution sources and air pollution levels. Snow serves as an efficient accumulator for car exhaust gases, as well as an accumulator of other pollutants. It has a large surface area that can store as much pollutants as possible.
The aim of the work is to look at the zinc pollution in the snow cover in the city of Jelgava by using descriptive statistics, and to draw conclusions about the changes in air quality over the years. The results of 240 measurements obtained from 60 measurement sites in Jelgava in the period from 2018 to 2021 were used in the data processing. The compacted infrastructure and high-rise buildings in the city center form corridors where zinc pollution can accumulate. Preliminary results indicate high levels of zinc pollution at key traffic points.

The spatial and temporal distribution of lead in snow: case study of Jelgava City

2022-11-17T09:27:40+01:00

The growing global population is creating high demand for transport and the various goods industries, which produce lead-generating emissions from air pollutants. The increase in lead concentration is very dangerous because it affects the nature and human health around us. The great concern for human health and the environment has contributed to research on lead concentrations around us. The aim of the study is to clarify the prevalence of lead in Jelgava between 2018 and 2021. The winter period was selected for this study, as it is possible for snow to collect samples from the urban drilling environment, where lead dust from urban pollution lands on the snow surface. The snow was collected from 60 points in the city, where high traffic intensity, railway infrastructure and various types of industry are found. The samples were analysed over a four-year period, with a total of 240 samples. Samples were collected at each point, creating a 15 x 15 cm area in the snow and collecting all the snow to the soil from the established area. Below, these snow samples were stored for a few days in a refrigerator with temperatures ranging from +3 to +5 0C and transported to a laboratory where lead concentrations were determined in snow samples. Lead concentrations in snow samples are determined to determine the intensity of their release in nature, linked to the rapid increase in anthropogenic activities in the last two centuries. Cases of increased lead accumulation have already been observed in wild animals. It is therefore necessary to carry out detailed studies on lead concentrations in nature and their potential for increase. In the analysis of lead concentrations, it was found that the highest lead concentrations were in 2018, when their median was 3.59 μg/L, with a maximum value of 51.8 μg/L. The smallest lead concentrations were found in the 2020 measurements, when their median was 0.17 μg/L, with a maximum value of 6.65 μg/L in the analysis. The data collected, it can be concluded that there are very large variations in data and unpredictable concentrations associated with the intensive traffic of vehicles, industry, road repairs and fireworks at different festivals.

Assessment of chemical elements pollution from vehicle emissions: case study of Jelgava City

2022-11-09T12:10:03+01:00

Particulate air pollution from transport in cities, especially from cars, involves a variety of harmful compounds, including fine iron and heavy metals, which can persist in the air for long periods of time, increasing harmful effects on human health and creating a risk of environmental pollution. In Europe, more and more attention is being given to the chemical composition of dust not only their concentration in cities. The aim of the study is to determine which parts of the city have the highest pollution of chemical elements. We studied snow packs as collectors of these ubiquitous particles in cities. Samples were collected on February 14, 2018 and January 11, 2019, when snow accumulation had occurred for at least 7 days. Samples were collected in 59 different areas of the Jelgava city and one sample was collected in the SE direction outside the city, which is located approximately 15 km from the centre of Jelgava city. Both years’ 177 snow samples were collected at different locations in the Jelgava city and 3 control samples outside the city. Chemical elements related to cars and traffic flow were identified in the snow: Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu). Concentrations of chemical elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). As a result of the study, pollution maps of chemical elements have been developed, which characterize the intensity of pollution and illuminate high pollution sites in the Jelgava city. Thematic maps are created in ArcGIS 10.3 using the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method. Spatial information on the distribution of chemical elements shows the main traffic lines and traffic junctions in the Jelgava city, which were characterized by elevated concentrations of As, Pb, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn.

The survey of heavy metal removal by using Moringa Oleifera coagulant protein (MOCP) as a natural coagulant from aqueous solutions

2022-11-09T10:53:40+01:00

Presence of aluminum residues in treated water has various health and environmental consequences such as neurotoxicity and possibly Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigated the effects of coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation processes using alum as a coagulant in conjunction with Moringa Oleifera coagulant protein (MOCP) as coagulant aid on alkalinity and hardness as well as removal of metal ions and turbidity from turbid water. In this study, MOCP purified from the crude extracts by ion exchange (IEX) column chromatography and bath adsorption. IEX chromatography carried out in a 1 mL HiTrap CM sepharose fast flow cation exchange column on an akta explorer. A conventional jar test performed for the tests. Optimal dosage for MOCP was determined at pH of 7–7.5 for all turbidities. Maximum turbidity removal of 99% achieved. MOCP significantly reduced the required dosage of alum. The values of TOC in treated water in low, medium and high turbidity were 0.55, 0.5 and 0.65 mg L^–1, respectively. The efficiency of metal ion removal in the present study was as follows: Fe⁺² > Cu⁺² > Zn ⁺² > Mn⁺². We demonstrated that this method is an efficient approach for optimization of the coagulation-flocculation process in the treatment of raw water.

Possible causes of the ecological disaster on the Odra River, Poland

2022-11-09T12:32:50+01:00

This year, 2022, mass deaths of fish on the Odra River were observed at many points, the cause of this phenomenon have not yet been officially defined.
Our research is aimed to study the following events and examine the cause-and-effect influence that could have led to the biggest ecological disaster in Poland. The research was focused on algae biodiversity and its influence on further ecological events. Toxicological and physico - chemical studies have been performed and showed that the concentrations of the studied parameters in the studied samples do not differ from levels characteristic of environmental contamination typical in many rivers in Poland.
The intense bloom of golden algae in the waters of the Odra was recognized as the main cause of the disaster. We think that this cause is due to many factors interacting with each other. In July and August, favorable conditions occurred in the waters for the development of Prymnesium parvum and therefore toxicity of water is connected mainly with predominance of this species. Although, other factors such as significantly increased conductivity, high chloride and sulphates content, increased water temperature, significant fluctuations water parameters over time contributed highly to the intense bloom of golden algae. The hydromorphology of the Odra's waters is also important: the presence of many water bodies, as well as slowdowns flow in front of weirs, canals, and therefore there are favorable places for blooms. We also think that massive blooms of golden algae in the waters of the Odra and other rivers and reservoirs can repeat in subsequent years and we have to counteract it not only systemically but also in thoughtful way, taking into account the sequence of cause and effect events.

Impact of weed control technologies on GHG emissions in wheat and beans

2022-11-09T12:41:05+01:00

The use of pesticides in agriculture is one of the most actual environmental issues, and agriculture is closely integrated into natural ecosystems. Weed control may be carried out by chemical and mechanical techniques, each having a different impact on GHG emissions and the economic performance of the farm. The aim of this study is to clarify the impact of weed control technologies on GHG emissions from soil. The study was conducted in beans and wheat in 2021 during the growing season. Two weed-control technologies were applied to wheat. For beans used three weed-control technologies. Measurements of emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide were carried out during the growing season in all 5 fields of the tests, with three iterations using Picarro G2508. The data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test and post hock test Steel-Dwass-Critchlow-Fligner. Emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide vary significantly between mechanical weed control technology and herbicides. Mechanical weed control technologies show lower emissions of nitrous oxide.

Characteristics and feasibilities to use waste from landfill to produce energy: case study for Lithuania

2022-11-09T12:22:32+01:00

Over the past decades, the amount of waste generated in the world has increased several times and continues to grow steadily. According to the World Bank, more than two billion tons of municipal solid waste have generated annually. It is expected that by 2050 this volume will increase to 3.4 billion tons. There is legislation on waste management that establishes a hierarchy of available waste treatment or management technologies. The European Parliament obliged the countries of the European Union to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. And as a result, Lithuania has set a goal - to reduce the amount of waste taken to the landfill to 5%. However, it should be noted that before the introduction of sorting technology, all waste was sent to landfill.
For example ‒ the Alytus landfill. From the foundation, waste is accepted to the landfill by the waste management agreement. The company adheres to strict environmental management standards and implements the principles of a circular economy. However, the best type of waste disposal is the recycling of materials, preferably into energy. This goal is relevant, as natural energy resources are depleted, and it is necessary to look for alternative fuels. For this necessary to know the main properties of fuel ‒ morphological composition, humidity, ash content, net calorific value, chlorine, sulfur and mercury content to consider fuel from landfill waste as an alternative. As a result of the excavation at the Alytus landfill, the material was obtained for further study. In the course of the research, results indicated that the waste from the Alytus landfill could be used to produce energy.
Using waste from landfills as an energy resource will allow Lithuania to reduce the consumption of natural energy resources and bringing it closer to achieving the goals of the circular economy.

Analytical study of the features of oil shale ash waste

2022-11-16T15:50:02+01:00

Oil shale is the number one energy source in Estonia. The country produces 15 million tons of this brown rock per year. Every year, seven million tons of ash remain after it is burned for energy. Oil shale is a fine-grained black or brown sedimentary rock containing kerogen. Oil shale consists of organic matter, not completely decomposed (up to 70%), and various minerals. Organic matter usually consists of kerogen, which is formed from the decomposition of algae or bacteria.
Oil shale ash (OSA) is composed of several common natural materials such as quartz and carbonate materials and new combustion materials, including clinker minerals, which give the ash useful self-cementing properties. Oil shale ash is not harmful to the environment - it can be used as fertilizer, reduce soil acidity, and be used in the construction industry as a replacement component of minerals.
Until recently, when using OSA, the main focus was on obtaining materials with high strength characteristics. However, the low self-cementing properties of OSA have limited the commercial success of this material. Analysis of the mineralogical composition showed that OSA could be a promising material for use as a barrier material for the immobilization of hazardous materials, retention of heavy metals and radionuclides in its matrix.
Materials used in the handling of hazardous waste must have the following properties: service life, durability, increased radiation protection, and profitability of production.
Heavy metals may be incorporated into hydration products in cement and OSA-based systems or react with other waste components to form sludge.
This is important when attempting to implement a concept for long-term waste management. Including a fine OSA, the fraction can positively affect concrete properties, and a dense structure can improve material properties.

Radiological assessment of the possibility of using waste materials from major power plants and thermoelectric power stations in various industries in Poland

2022-11-09T10:29:26+01:00

The main source of energy generation in the world is production based on fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and mineral oil, [1]. Poland ranks eighth in the world in terms of the use of coal for electricity generation, with 68.9% of total production in 2019, [2]. The consumption of hard coal in Poland in 2020 amounted to 62.9 Mt (million tons), and over 60% of the material has been consumed as an energy resource in power plants, thermoelectric power stations, thermal power stations and power boilers of the commercial power industry, [3]. The production of electricity from solid fossils is connected with the generation of wastes, such as fly ash, smokestack dust, slag, ash-slag mixtures etc. Poland is one of the main producers of coal combustion by-products (CCB) in Europe with approx. 20 Mt of CCB per annum (of which ca. 80% is recycled) and with 400 Mt stored in landfills, [4]. The amount of the recycled energy-production wastes is still insufficient, therefore scientists and engineers constantly search for new opportunities to manage them for fully valued and safe products that can then be used in other industry branches. Proper management of CCB requires adequate knowledge of their properties, i.a. concentration activity of radioisotopes and thus radiological impact on human health.
Based upon the determined concentrations of natural radioactive isotopes, i.e. potassium 40K, radium 226Ra and thorium 232Th, in the combustion by-products, like slags and ashes, the most important parameters of radiological protection were calculated. The authors of this paper, by analyzing the determined indicators, endeavor to answer the question if the introduction into construction materials slags and ashes from Poland's largest power plants and thermoelectric power stations, or their use in agriculture, metallurgy and mining, does not pose a threat to human health and life.

Wildfire history and savanna expansion across southern Africa since the late Miocene

2022-11-17T09:56:25+01:00

The origin of the African savanna has been traced back to 10–6 million years (Ma) ago, but the mechanisms driving its evolution are hotly debated, and include global atmospheric CO₂, regional fire activity, herbivore competition, and hydrological climate change. Here, we present the first microcharcoal-based fire activity records covering the last ~7 Ma at four International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) sites near southern Africa. The records show that fire activities in both savanna and non-savanna regions were stable during this interval. Grass vegetation in burnt biomass continued to expand from 6 Ma into the present savanna region, whereas no grass expansion was observed in non-savanna regions. A compilation of regional data suggests asynchronous C4 grass expansion since 6 Ma on the African Continent. We consider that CO₂ concentrations and wildfires might have caused the first appearance of C4 plants at ~10 Ma and ~ 7–6 Ma, respectively. Since 6 Ma, the regional climate promoted expansion of C4 plants into the present-day savanna habitat.

Mutagenicity of fire-water runoff from the fire of the typical furnishing materials

2022-11-17T10:28:48+01:00

This research is a pilot study aimed at assessment of potential risk caused by the contamination
of soil and water by the fire-water runoff from the non-chemical facilitates. Our research
addresses the first phase of the research – the assessment of the mutagenicity of fire-water
runoff resulting from the fire of the typical furnishing materials: cellulose, furniture resins,
PMMA and polyurethane foams. We prepared samples of these materials, then we burned them
in controlled conditions and collected the extinguishing water for further tests. In each of the
collected water samples, we determined the content of 16 PAHs and, using the Ames test, we
determined the mutagenicity of these samples. Our studies clearly show that fire-water runoff
is a serious risk factor not only for firefighters but for all the living organisms in the ecosystem
as the water released during firefighting ends finally in the ground and waterbodies. The
greatest risk is the water runoff deriving from the burning of polyurethane foam, which is found
in a variety of consumer and commercial products such as bedding, furniture, automotive
interiors, carpet underlay and packaging, etc. Due to the lack of evidence-based assessment of
the impact of fire-water runoff from houses or public buildings, the problem should be
investigated systematically.

Effect of soil physical properties on N2O isotope formation

2022-11-09T10:08:02+01:00

In order for life to arise and exist on earth, a number of important processes take place in it, based on various elements. One of these elements is nitrogen (N). Nitrogen is the most common element in the atmosphere approximately 78% of the atmosphere consists of nitrogen gas (N₂), but in this way, the majority of the living organisms cannot absorb nitrogen. Nitrogen fixation occurs during the nitrogen cycle and results in a number of complex organic compounds required for living organisms. During the nitrogen life cycle, the formation of the organic compounds required for plants results in by-products, which may have a negative impact on the environment. One of these by-products is N₂O gas.N₂O is one of the greenhouse gases. The purpose of this article is to clarify the impact of soil physical properties on the formation of N₂O isotopes. The samples were collected in 28 test fields. Samples were weighed in 3 l buckets, each in 1.8 kg of soil. Two samples were from each field to allow different humidity conditions. Wetting is designed for wet aerobic and humid anaerobic soil conditions. Information on soil weight changes following soil wetting was also collected. Measurements for N₂O isotopes were performed in laboratory conditions using Picarro G5131-i. The data obtained were collected and analyzed. It was concluded that not all of the resulting differences in isotope data and interlineations of N₂O could be directly linked to the physical properties of the soil. Differences between the enzymatic differences of microorganisms and the effect of the population of microorganisms cannot be excluded.