Personal Research Database

Full Text: 1995\J Haz Mat41, 359.pdf

Abstract: Static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is an analytical method that can be used to detect the presence of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) on environmental surfaces including minerals (e.g., basalts, quartz) and vegetation. Static SIMS instrumentation equipped with pulsed secondary ion extraction and a ReO₄^- primary ion gun permits the rapid acquisition of cation and anion mass spectra of sample surfaces with virtually no sample preparation: samples are merely attached to a sample holder using double-stick tape. SIM spectra were demonstrated to be sensitive to the mode of TBP adsorption to mineral surfaces: TBP adsorbed to Fe(II)-bearing phases, Fe(III)-bearing phases, silicate, and vegetation surfaces could be distinguished from one another. These results indicate that SIMS has broad applicability for the rapid characterization of environmental surfaces, and in some cases, is capable of identifying the mode of contaminant-surface interactions. The technique is also attractive because it can analyze milligram-size samples, and no waste is generated during analysis.

Keywords: Adsorption, Analysis, Anion, Characterization, Environmental, Extraction, Instrumentation, Interactions, Ion Mass-Spectrometry, Phosphate, Preparation, Presence, Samples, Secondary, Spectrometry, Technique, Tri-N-Butyl Phosphate, Vegetation

Weitzman, L., George, A., Schofield, B. and Pfeffer, F. (1995), Metal spikes for incinerator and BIF compliance test and trial burn. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 42 (1), 37-48.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat42, 37.pdf

Abstract: This paper presents a discussion of the various chemical and physical forms of metal compounds that may be used for spiking during the trial burn or compliance test for hazardous waste combustion systems, It discusses the factors which should be considered in selecting the forms of the spiking metals for organic (hot, high Btu, or high heating value) waste streams, aqueous waste streams, and solid waste streams. The paper focuses on the organic waste streams and compares the use of organic metal dispersion to the use of organometal compounds or aqueous solutions of metal compounds as spikes for these types of feed streams. It is concluded that metal dispersions appear to form particulate which is in the appropriate micron range to tax the air pollution control system’s performance. Dispersions of all regulated metals are commercially available in the required quantities for each application and they are relatively easy to pump, and to meter. Dispersions can be formulated so that their heating values are high enough to maintain the required elevated combustion and flame temperatures, and they are representative of the most common types of metal-bearing wastes sent to incinerators. The dispersions can also be used to spike metal compounds into water-based waste streams.

? Ortego, J.D., Aminabhavi, T.M., Harlapur, S.F. and Balundgi, R.H. (1995), A review of polymeric geosynthetics used in hazardous-waste facilities. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 42 (2), 115-156.

Full Text: 1995\J Haz Mat42, 115.pdf

Abstract: The generation of hazardous wastes from various sources including chemical industries, hospitals, households, etc., is a worldwide problem and is particularly acute in the United States. The petrochemical and refinery industries produce about 70% of this waste. Geographically, the greatest production of hazardous wastes is known to occur along the United State Gulf coast. Presently, it is estimated that about 80% of the total waste remains toxic for years or even centuries. Inappropriate disposal of these wastes on land creates the risk of contaminating ground water and vegetation causing adverse health effects. This review addresses the geotechnical aspects of the problems related to the management of hazardous waste by the use of polymeric materials as ‘barriers’. Important findings of research efforts on this topic from 1980 through mid-1994 are discussed. The review gives an awareness to the general public and addresses points of interest to field engineers and technologists for the proper handling of wastes by the use of the polymeric geosynthetics acting as membranes or barriers.

Keywords: Awareness, Barriers, Bromobutyl Rubber, Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene, Containment, Diffusion, Disposal, Epichlorohydrin, Generation, Geotextiles, Ground Water, Hazardous Waste, Health, Hospitals, Households, Industries, Laboratory Experiment, Management, Membranes, Organic Liquids, Problems, Production, Research, Review, Risk, Sorption, Sources, United States, Vegetation, Water

? Li, K., Dainty, E., Fingas, M.F., Belanger, M.R. and Pare, J.R.J. (1995), Remote-controlled helicopters: a tool for air sampling in difficult situations. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 43 (1-2), 117-127.

Full Text: 1995\J Haz Mat43, 117.pdf

Abstract: Remote-controlled (RC) sampling helicopters were designed and constructed for use as air sampling platforms. These units employed hobby-kits as a basic chassis. Sampling instruments mounted included sampling pumps with sorption of indicator tubes, detection instrumentation and evacuated gas sampling canisters. Example of system usage is given, along with the description of the X-Cell, the third generation of RC helicopter developed by the Emergencies Science Division (ESD). Also reported here are data on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as collected in the smoke plume of the Newfoundland Offshore Burn Experiment (NOBE).

Keywords: Air Sampling Tools, Generation, Instrumentation, Oil Burning, Remote Controlled Helicopters, Sampling Instruments, Sorption, Third, VOCs, Volatile Analysis

? Auger, R.L., Jacobson, A.M. and Domach, M.M. (1995), Effect of nonionic surfactant addition on bacterial metabolism of naphthalene: Assessment of toxicity and overflow metabolism potential. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 43 (3), 263-272.

Full Text: 1995\J Haz Mat43, 263.pdf

Abstract: Two factors potentially accounting for the variability of bioremediation outcomes when surfactant micelles are used to increase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) bioavailability were investigated: (1) surfactant toxicity and (2) the link between microbial metabolism and the intended effect of surfactant addition, enhanced solubilization and mass transfer from a solid phase. The nonionic surfactant, octaethyleneglycol mono n-dodecyl ether, did not alter the metabolism of succinate and glucose by an isolate from a creosote-contaminated soil indicating that the surfactant is nontoxic. When the culture was supplied with solid naphthalene, growth was limited by the dissolution of solid naphthalene after the aqueous-phase naphthalene was depleted. Moreover, increasing dissolution rate by increasing interfacial surface area increased the microbial growth rate. However, increasing bioavailability further by increasing interfacial surface area, introducing convective mass transfer, and adding surfactant were all found to reduce growth rate and prompt incomplete metabolism of naphthalene to a compound whose UV absorption corresponds to 1,2-naphthaquinone. Lowering the surfactant concentration diminished the metabolic overflow and permitted sustained growth. The results suggest that different mismatches between solubilization/mass transfer and metabolic capacity may be among the factors responsible for variable bioremediation outcomes.

Keywords: Aromatic-Hydrocarbons, Assessment, Biodegradation, Bioremediation, Capacity, Culture, Depleted, Factors, Growth, Growth Rate, Mass Transfer, Metabolism, Naphthalene, Nonionic Surfactant, Outcomes, Overflow Metabolism, PAH, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, Pseudomonas, Soil, Solubilization, Sorption, Surface, Surfactant, Toxicity, Transfer, UV, Variability

Yang, G.C.C. and Chen, S.Y. (1996), Statistical analysis of physicochemical properties of monoliths solidified from a municipal incinerator fly ash. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 45 (2-3), 149-173.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat45, 149.pdf

Abstract: In this study, analysis of variance and regular analysis were employed for the determination of controlling parameters and their corresponding response values of various physicochemical properties of solidified monoliths of a municipal incinerator fly ash. Solidification was carried out in four manners, namely by ASTM Type I portland cement alone, by a partial replacement of Type I portland cement by powdered water-quenched blast furnace slag, by addition of Polymer SP (a superplasticizer) to cement, and by concurrent replacement of cement by slag and addition of Polymer SP. The Ls orthogonal arrays of the Taguchi method are the experimental design employed. The weight ratio of slag-to-binders, error, weight ratio of mixing water-to-binders, and weight ratio of incinerator fly ash-to-binders are the four experimental factors used in the case of replacement of cement by slag. The error term, weight ratio of Polymer SP-to-cement, weight ratio of mixing water-to-cement, and weight ratio of incinerator fly ash-to-cement are the four experimental factors used in the case of addition of Polymer SP to cement. As for the case of concurrent replacement of cement by slag and addition of Polymer SP to cement, the weight ratios of slag-to-binders, Polymer SP-to-binders, mixing water-to-binders, and incinerator fly ash-to-binders are the four experimental factors employed. Properties of concern included unconfined compressive strength, leaching toxicity, and acid neutralization capacity. Results of analysis of variance and regular analysis have shown that the weight ratio of mixing water-to-binder(s) is the most important parameter controlling the UCS development of all solidified specimens. That is, Abrams’ law is obeyed in this work. The weight ratio of slag-to-binders is the controlling parameter for acid neutralization capacities of solidified specimens whenever a partial replacement of cement by slag is involved in the solidification treatment. The weight ratio of municipal incinerator fly ash-to-binder(s) is also important to the values of unconfined compressive strength, leaching toxicity, and acid neutralization capacity of some solidified specimens.

Keywords: Statistical Analysis, Municipal Incinerator Fly Ash, Solidification, Controlling Parameter

Hering, J.G. (1996), Risk assessment for arsenic in drinking water: Limits to achievable risk levels. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 45 (2-3), 175-184.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat45, 175.pdf

Abstract: The drinking water standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic is currently being re-evaluated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The health risk associated with exposure to arsenic through consumption of drinking water is a primary concern in setting a new arsenic MCL. This paper examines the implications of arsenic chemistry, occurrence, and routes of exposure for risk assessment. In order to illustrate the relative importance of exposure through consumption of food and drinking water, the contribution of dietary intake to human exposure to inorganic arsenic was estimated as 2 µg/d. This estimate is based on a total dietary intake of arsenic of 40 µg/d and a 5% contribution of inorganic arsenic to the total dietary intake. This estimated value for dietary intake of inorganic arsenic (2 µg/d) is comparable to the exposure that would result from consumption of 2 l/d of drinking water containing 1 µg/1 inorganic arsenic. At lower concentrations of arsenic in drinking water, daily intake of inorganic arsenic becomes increasingly dominated by the dietary contribution. Evaluation of standards for arsenic in drinking water should include careful consideration of exposure through other routes, particularly food consumption.

Keywords: Arsenic, Health Risk, Risk Assessment, RPHL, RPHG, Natural-Waters, Total Diets, Speciation, Elements, Adults

Shanableh, A. and Kharabsheh, A. (1996), Stabilization of Cd, Ni and Pb in soil using natural zeolite. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 45 (2-3), 207-217.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat45, 207.pdf

Abstract: A natural zeolite additive was used to reduce the leaching of Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Ni²⁺ from a soil contaminated with mixtures of the three metals. The additive contained approximately 35% active zeolite ingredients: Faujasite and Phillipsite. The additive enhanced the sorption capacity of the soil and reduced leaching. Lead leaching was reduced by more than 97% using a minimum of 25% additive at the lowest contamination level, 500 mg/kg of each metal, to 40% additive at the highest contamination level, 5000 mg/kg of each metal. Using up to 50% additive, nickel leaching was reduced by a maximum of approximately 50%, and cadmium leaching was reduced by a maximum of 60%. Cadmium leaching reduction decreased from a maximum of approximately 60% at the lowest contamination level, to a maximum of 25% at the highest level. The leaching reduction results were normalized to exclude the effects of dilution resulting from the additive. The results from the repeated leaching column experiments confirmed the selectivity of the additive and the satisfactory leaching reduction results achieved for Pb.

Keywords: Natural Zeolite, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Contaminated Sandy Soil, Stabilization, Leaching Reduction, Solidification Stabilization, Metals, Cement

Harriott, P. and Ellett, J. (1996), The effect of boundary layer flow on incinerator efficiency. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 45 (2-3), 233-243.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat45, 233.pdf

Abstract: Incinerators operating with excess air, a core temperature of about 1100 K, and a residence time of 1-2s should give essentially complete destruction of all organic pollutants exposed to these conditions. However, about 1% of the gas flows in the cooler boundary layer near the wall, where reaction occurs at a much lower rate. The decrease in reaction rate is partially offset by the lower velocity and by mass transfer of pollutant from the boundary layer to the core, but the overall effect is still a significant increase in the amount of unreacted pollutant, The effects of wall and core temperature and mass transfer from the boundary layer on incinerator efficiency were examined by computer simulation using toluene vapor in air as an example of a polluted stream.

Keywords: Incinerator, Organic Pollutants, Efficiency, Boundary Layer

Huang, C.P., Chung, Y.C. and Liou, M.R. (1996), Adsorption of Cu(II) and Ni(II) by pelletized biopolymer. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 45 (2-3), 265-277.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat45, 265.pdf

Abstract: Chitosan and Ca-alginate, derivatives of biopolymer, were separately prepared from crab chitin and algin in pellet form for adsorption of Cu(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solutions. The capability of these biopolymers was also investigated to remove copper and nickel from aqueous solutions in an immobilization system, along with a comparison made of these biopolymers with other adsorbents. Additionally, the feasibility of alginate/chitosan in pellets to remove nickel ion and nickel cyanide complex from polluted water was investigated. Stabilizing chitosan physically in an alginate support medium was deemed possible, by means of which both free metal and metal cyanide ions could be removed from aqueous solutions in an engineering system. However, the crosslinking reaction during immobilization would result in blocking of some adsorption sites.

Keywords: Chitosan, Copper, Beads, Ions, Chitosan, Cu(II), Adsorption, Biopolymer, Immobilization

Ramelow, U.S., Guidry, C.N. and Fisk, S.D. (1996), A kinetic study of metal ion binding by biomass immobilized in polymers. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 46 (1), 37-55.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat46, 37.pdf

Abstract: A kinetic study of metal binding by various types of nonliving, immobilized biomass was carried out. Biomaterial studied included lichens, water hyacinth root and some marine algae. All of these organisms have previously been shown to be strong sorbers of metal ions. Biomass was immobilized in polymeric matrix such as polysulfone, polyphenylene sulfide and styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers.

The ability of nonliving biomass to sorb metal ions when immobilized in a polymeric matrix was evaluated. First-order rate constants indicate that copper and lead ion uptake on polysulfone-biomass systems are ten times larger than on the polysulfone only. The activation energy of copper ion sorption at pH 5.5 is lower than the activation energy at pH 4.7, an indication that copper is activated more easily and sorbs greater at pH 5.5. The activation energies of each metal-biomass interaction were calculated by using the Langmuir adsorption model; it was found that the activation energy is three times higher for copper sorption on the polysulfone matrix only without incorporation of algal biomass as compared to the sorption on polymer-biomass matrix. This shows that the sorption process is less efficient without algae. Kinetic plots for both copper and lead sorption demonstrate that single sorption sites are responsible for binding. The equilibrium constants for the sorptions at different temperatures were evaluated as well as the rate constants for metal binding processes. As temperature increases, the equilibrium constant decreases for all sorptions. The most suitable conditions for polymer-biomass matrix for the maximum sorption of each metal ion were evaluated. This study indicates that algal biomass can be immobilized in a polymer matrix and packed into columns for a very efficient use as an ion exchanger.

Keywords: Polymer, Kinetics, Biomass, Langmuir Adsorption

? Aminabhavi, T.M., Phayde, H.T.S. and Ortego, J.D. (1996), Resistivity and dimensional stability of high-performance engineering thermoplastic blend of ethylene-propylene random copolymer and isotactic polypropylene membrane in the presence of hazardous haloalkanes. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 46 (1), 71-88.

Full Text: 1996\J Haz Mat46, 71.pdf

Abstract: This study addresses the solvent transport characteristics of eight haloalkanes which are considered to be hazardous liquids into the engineering copolymeric blend membrane consisting of ethylene-propylene random copolymer and isotactic polypropylene. The sorption/desorption kinetic curves obtained at different temperatures have been used to estimate the diffusion coefficients of the liquids into the matrix materials. These results have been discussed in terms of physical parameters such as size of the molecule, polarity, and the structure. The liquid concentration profiles have been obtained from the analytical solutions of the Fick’s equation. These curves are compared with the model simulation results based on the finite difference method. The average values of diffusion coefficients have also been calculated to investigate their dependency on concentration. Overshoot effects, activation energies for diffusion, heats of sorption, and the values of the rates of evaporation were obtained to assess the solvent resistivity and dimensional stability of the barrier polymer in application areas involving exposure to hazardous solvents.

Keywords: Activation, Analytical Solutions, Dependency, Difference, Diffusion, Diffusion Coefficients, Elastomers, Engineering, Ethylene-Propylene, Evaporation, Exposure, Haloalkanes, Kinetic, Membrane, Model, Polymer, Polypropylene, Presence, Simulation, Solvent Transport, Sorption, Sorption, Desorption, Stability, Structure, Transport, Values

Hunsicker, M.D., Crockett, T.R. and Labode, B.M.A. (1996), An overview of the municipal waste incineration industry in Asia and the Former Soviet Union. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 47 (1-3), 31-42.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat47, 31.pdf

Abstract: Municipal waste incineration development is reviewed for Japan, Taiwan, China, India, Korea and the former Soviet Union nations of Russia and the Ukraine in the context of the cultural factors and overall waste management practices in each country and how they influence municipal waste incineration development. Environmental regulations and pollution control technologies used by selected facilities are described.

Keywords: Municipal Waste, Solid Waste Asia, Soviet Union, Incineration, Environmental Regulations, Pollution Control, Waste Management and Resource Recovery

Valberg, P.A., Drivas, P.J., McCarthy, S. and Watson, A.Y. (1996), Evaluating the health impacts of incinerator emissions. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 47 (1-3), 205-227.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat47, 205.pdf

Abstract: Before a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) can be operated, it is generally required that a health risk assessment be performed and that human health risks predicted fall below permissible levels. There are several components to the risk assessment paradigm, including: (1) determination of stack emissions for potentially toxic chemicals, (2) calculation of atmospheric dispersion and exposure point concentrations, (3) development of scenarios by which humans become exposed to airborne chemicals, (4) identification of dose-response functions for carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic effects, and (5) prediction of the probability of health impacts. Typical MSWI air contaminants of concern are metals (e.g., Ag, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb) and organic compounds (e.g., benzene, PCBs, B(a)P, polychlorinated dioxins/furans). MSWI risk assessments include both direct exposure pathways (air inhalation, incidental ingestion of soil), and indirect pathways (food-chain exposures such as human consumption of produce, beef, fish, and milk). To perform a risk assessment for direct and indirect routes of exposure, both atmospheric concentration and deposition rate are required; assumptions need to be made about toxicity as a function of route of exposure. Interpretation of risk-assessment results requires understanding how some of the conservative assumptions made in the risk-assessment process play out relative to real-world health hazards. Some attempts have been made to verify that predicted concentrations of airborne contaminants are reflected by measured levels, but in most cases the predicted air and soil concentrations fall below limits of detection and always within background variability. In summary, health risk assessments are useful for regulatory guidance, but it has not been possible to verify that health risks of MSWI emissions contribute measurably to population health risks.

Keywords: Solid Waste Processing, Combustion Emissions, Air Emissions, Multipathway Risk Assessment, Biomarkers of Exposure, Resource Recovery, PCDDs, Metals, Humans

Al-Asheh, S. and Duvnjak, Z. (1996), Adsorption of copper by canola meal. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 48 (1-3), 83-93.

Full Text: J\J Haz Mat48, 83.pdf

Abstract: In this work canola meal (CM) was used for adsorption of copper. Adsorption of copper per unit of CM decreased with an increase in the concentation of the adsorbent. The pH did not affect the process very much. Increasing the initial copper concentration in the solution resulted in an increase of its uptake per unit of CM. A linear relationship between the final copper ion concentrations in solution and the uptake of the ions was observed for lower copper cocentrations while leveling off was noticed at higher concentrations; a Langmuir isotherm type model fits these experimental data. The uptake of copper ions was enhanced with decreasing canola meal particle sizes. The copper adsorption capacity of CM decreased with its phytic acid content reduction. Adsorption of zinc and cadmium by canola meal was higher than that of copper.

Keywords: Canola Meal, Adsorption, Copper, Nickel, Cadmium, Heavy-Metals, Biosorption, Sorption, Biomass, Accumulation, Biosorbents, Bacteria, Cadmium, Uranium, Fungi

Gardea-Torresdey, J.L., Cano-Aguilera, I., Webb, R., Tiemann, K.J. and Gutiérrez-Corona, F. (1996), Copper adsorption by inactivated cells of Mucor rouxii: Effect of esterification of carboxyl groups. Journal of Hazardous Materials,