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MedWorm : Incineration
  • Maternal residence near municipal waste incinerators and the risk of urinary tract birth defects
    Conclusions This study confirms our previous observation of a link between the risk of urinary tract birth defects and exposure to MSWI emissions in early pregnancy and illustrates the effect of participation bias on risk estimates of environmental health impacts. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

  • Incinerators, birth defects and the legacy of Thomas Bayes
    (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

  • EPA Announces Regulations To Reduce Mercury Emissions
    WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced April 30 that it will take comments for 45 days and hold a public hearing on proposed regulation changes that will reduce mercury emissions from boilers, process heaters and solid waste incinerators by more than 50 percent. Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Emerging Toxic Torts Legal News)

  • New EPA Rules Target Harmful Mercury Emissions
    Proposal Aims to Limit Mercury Released from Boilers and Solid Waste Incinerators that Can Damage Brain and Nervous System (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

  • Campylobacter, Compost and Unintended Consequences
    "Green" approach to disposing of dead animals may increase risk of Campylobacter infectionsDr. Saqib Mukhtar, an agricultural engineer at the University of Texas, is suggesting composting as an environmentally friendly way to dispose of dead poultry and cattle. Describing his approach as natural rendering, Dr. Mukhtar suggests that his approach is more cost-effective for the farmer and rancher than incineration, less likely to contaminate the water table than burying carcasses, and less damaging to air quality than either incineration or conventional rendering.The composted material, according to Dr. Mukhtar, could be used to fertilize crops.There is, however, one thing wrong with Dr. Mukhtar's proposal – CampylobacterCampylobacter, along with Salmonella, is consistently one of the two m...

  • Spatial analysis of the health risks associated with solid waste incineration: a preliminary analysis
    CONCLUSION: although no excess risk for the selected cancers were observed, emissions of incinerators still operating and their possible health effects should be monitored. The study of the spatial distribution of health events in areas around point sources of air pollution can become a methodological option for surveillance activities. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia)

  • Electrochemical incineration of diclofenac in neutral aqueous medium by anodic oxidation using Pt and boron-doped diamond anodes.
    Authors: Brillas E, Garcia-Segura S, Skoumal M, Arias C The degradation of diclofenac, a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in aqueous medium has been studied by anodic oxidation (AO) using an undivided cell with a Pt or boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. Operating without pH regulation, AO with Pt acidifies the solution with precipitation of its protonated form, whereas using BDD, the solution becomes alkaline and only attains partial mineralization. Total incineration of low contents of the drug is feasible by AO with BDD in a neutral buffer medium of pH 6.5. Comparative treatment with Pt gives poor decontamination. The diclofenac decay always follows a pseudo first-order reaction. The increase in current for AO with BDD accelerates the degradative process, but decreases its ...

  • The effects of alkaline dosage and Si/Al ratio on the immobilization of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration fly ash-based geopolymer.
    Authors: Zheng L, Wang W, Shi Y The present research explored the application of geopolymerization for the immobilization and solidification of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash. The influence of alkaline activator dosage and Si/Al molar ratio on the compressive strength and microstructure of MSWI fly ash-based geopolymer was investigated. A geopolymer with the highest strength was identified to occur at an intermediate alkaline activator dosage and Si/Al ratio, and the optimal Na/MSWI fly ash and Si/Al molar ratio was close to 2.8molkg(-1) and 2.0, respectively. IR spectra showed that higher alkaline activator dosage enhanced the structural disruption of the original aluminosilicate phases and a higher degree of polymerization of the geopolymer networks. At low Si/Al r...

  • Botswana: Billowing Hospital Smoke Causes Misery for Residents
    An incinerator stack at Molepolole's Scottish Livingstone Hospital continues to spew its smoke and drop ashes on residents, a year after environment officers declared it a health hazard. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

  • 'Fingerprinting' method reveals fate of mercury in Arctic snow
    A study offers new insight into what happens to mercury deposited onto Arctic snow from the atmosphere. Mercury is a naturally occurring element, but some 2000 tons of it enter the global environment each year from human-generated sources such as coal-burning power plants, incinerators and chlorine-producing plants. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

  • Municipal solid waste (MSW) as a renewable source of energy: Current and future practices in China.
    This article provides an overview of the WTE industry, discusses the major challenges in expanding WTE incineration in China, namely, high capital and operational costs, equipment corrosion, air pollutant emissions, and fly ash disposal. A perspective on MSW as a renewable energy source in China is also presented. Currently, only approximately 13% of MSW generated in China is disposed in WTE facilities. With the significant benefits of environmental quality, the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and government policies and financial incentives as a renewable energy source, WTE incineration industry is expected to experience significant growth in the coming decade and make greater contribution to supplying renewable energy in China. PMID: 20137912 [PubMed - as supplied by pub...

  • A Scorched-Earth Policy at Wyeth's Princeton Site?
    This information comes to me secondhand, so I'm not sure how accurate it is. I hope it turns out not to be true. A correspondent writes to me that he's spoken this week to someone who had recently been at the former Wyeth site in Princeton, which is in the process of shutting down. The usual practice is for industrial research sites to make surplus equipment available to academic labs and the like, but the report is that this isn't happening in this case. Instead, glassware is just being broken and tossed, along with a lot of other equipment, and the entire chemical reagent collection is supposedly going to be carted off by a waste disposal firm for incineration. That must be the commercially available stuff on the shelves - sometimes it's not worth the paperwork and trouble to send those...

  • Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Heat on the PCR-Amplification of Various Sized DNA Fragments Extracted from Sus Scrofa Molars*
    This study examined the effects of heat on the amplification of DNA from the dental pulp of Sus scrofa molars and investigated the protection afforded to the pulp tissue by the dental enamel, alveolar process, and soft tissue of the head. Segments of defleshed maxilla and mandible encasing the first molar (n = 60) were subject to a range of temperatures for 15 min. Dental pulps were retrieved. Amplifications using three-primer and four-primer multiplexes showed no degradation of the largest fragment following exposure to 450 degrees C. Amplifications in the three-primer multiplex (283 bp) were successful following exposure to 525 degrees C in maxillary samples only. This study revealed the enamel density of maxillary molars to be greater than mandibular molars in Sus scrofa. Following inci...

  • Inequalities, inequities, environmental justice in waste management and health
    Conclusions: The patterns of association between waste-related environmental pressures and SES suggest that some of the observed inequalities in exposure and health represent a case of environmental injustice as they are the result of social processes and may be prevented, at least partly. Disentangling the possible health effects remains difficult, due to limitations in the methodology. It seems important to investigate if disadvantaged people are more vulnerable, i.e. risks differ in different social groups living in the same area. Notwithstanding these open questions, public health officers and decision makers should identify waste management policies to minimize their potential health impacts and their unequal distribution. (Source: The European Journal of Public Health)

  • Fluidized-bed column method for automatic dynamic extraction and determination of trace element bioaccessibility in highly heterogeneous solid wastes.
    Authors: Rosende M, Miró M, Cerdà V Dynamic flow-through extraction/fractionation methods have recently drawn much attention as appealing alternatives to the batchwise steady-state counterparts for the evaluation of environmentally available pools of potentially hazardous trace elements in solid matrices. The most critical weakness of flow-based column approaches lies in the small amount of solid that can be handled, whereby their applicability has been merely limited to date to the extraction of trace elements in highly homogeneous solid substrates; otherwise the representativeness of the test portion might not be assured. To tackle this limitation, we have devised an automated flow-through system incorporating a specially designed extraction column with a large volume capac...

  • Biodiversity Law 2010 - Legislative Hearing
    Today, the University of Kansas School of Law Biodiversity Law class was invited to Legislative hearings at the Virgin Islands Legislature. Here is the students' account of what they experienced and learned: The US Virgin Islands have recently been consumed by a project that proposes to take combustible waste and petroleum coke (pet coke) and burn it to produce energy. This project is alternatively styled as a waste incinerator or waste-to-fuel project, among other terms. The project was put out to bid by the USVI WPA and a firm called Alpine won the bid to construct the project. In the lead-in to securing approval and permitting for the project, the territorial government and Alpine have engaged in public town hall meetings, and the USVI Senate scheduled hearings to gather facts about the...

  • Carbon-14 based determination of the biogenic fraction of industrial CO(2) emissions - Application and validation.
    Authors: Palstra SW, Meijer HA The (14)C method is a very reliable and sensitive method for industrial plants, emission authorities and emission inventories to verify data estimations of biogenic fractions of CO(2) emissions. The applicability of the method is shown for flue gas CO(2) samples that have been sampled in 1-h intervals at a coal- and wood-fired power plant and a waste incineration plant. Biogenic flue gas CO(2) fractions of 5-10% and 48-50% have been measured at the power plant and the waste incineration plant, respectively. The reliability of the method has been proven by comparison of the power plant results with those based on carbon mass input and output data of the power plant. At industrial plants with relatively low biogenic CO(2) fraction (<10%) the results need...

  • Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) in municipal solid waste incinerators.
    Authors: Wang LC, Hsi HC, Wang YF, Lin SL, Chang-Chien GP The stack flue gases and the ashes in different units of two municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) are sampled to investigate the characteristics of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Bottom ashes (BA) exhibited much higher PBDD/F (8.11-52.2 pg TEQ/g) and PBDE contents (20.4-186 ng/g) than those of fly ashes (0.0932-2.02 pg TEQ/g and 0.332-25.5 ng/g), revealing that the PBDD/Fs and PBDEs in the feeding waste may not be completely destroyed. The PBDE concentrations/contents in the stack flue gases (26.1-109 ng/Nm(3)) and in the BA (20.4-186 ng/g) of the MSWIs could reach three orders higher th...

  • EnviroXtract, Inc. Announces an Agreement to Acquire Technology License for Biomedical 'Red Bag' Waste Incineration, Subject to Final Approval by the Board of Directors
    EDMOND, Okla., Dec. 29, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnviroXtract, Inc. (Pink Sheets:EVXA) announced today that it has reached an agreement with RTEX Industrial Supply, Inc., subject to final approval by the Board of Directors, to acquire a technology license for a proprietary process to efficiently incinerate biomedical 'red bag' waste and other biohazardous materials. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

  • Systematic review of epidemiological studies on health effects associated with management of municipal solid waste
    Conclusions: The studies we have reviewed suffer from many limitations due to poor exposure assessment, ecological level of analysis, and lack of information on relevant confounders. With a moderate level confidence, however, we have derived some effect estimates that could be used for health impact assessment of old landfill and incineration plants. The uncertainties surrounding these numbers should be considered carefully when health effects are estimated. It is clear that future research into the health risks of waste management needs to overcome current limitations. (Source: BioMed Central)

  • Mass balance for POPs in hazardous and municipal solid waste incinerators.
    Authors: Van Caneghem J, Block C, Van Brecht A, Wauters G, Vandecasteele C The amount of different persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the input of waste incinerators was compared to that in the output. Three cases were considered: a rotary kiln incinerating hazardous waste, a grate furnace incinerating municipal solid waste (MSW) and the same grate furnace co-incinerating plastics of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and automotive shredder residue (ASR) with MSW. The mass balance for PCBs in the rotary kiln indicates that these POPs are destroyed effectively during incineration. The grate furnace can be a sink or source of PCDD/Fs and PCBs depending on the concentrations in the incinerated waste. In order to compare the total amount of POPs in input and output, ...

  • Application of thermal plasma to vitrify fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators.
    Authors: Wang Q, Yan JH, Chi Y, Li XD, Lu SY Several fly ash samples collected from different municipal solid waste incinerator plants were vitrified using thermal plasma furnace at 1400-1500 degrees C. After vitrification, there are obvious changes in microstructures and crystalline phases between produced slag and original ash. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure results show that there is an excellent resistance against leaching of heavy metal ions. The residual fractions of heavy metals in slag presumably decrease in the following sequence: Cr>Ni>Cu>Zn>Pb>Cd. Almost all of PCDD/Fs could be destroyed through thermal plasma treatment. And the average decomposition efficiency of the samples vitrified by thermal plasma furnace is 100% in toxic equivalent calculati...

  • Test burn with PCB-oil in a local cement kiln in Sri Lanka.
    The objective of this study was therefore to carry out the first test burn with PCB-oil in a developing country cement kiln and to assess its feasibility and destruction performance. The 3 d test burn demonstrated that the Sri Lankan cement kiln was able to destroy PCB in an irreversible and environmental sound manner without causing any new formation of PCDD/PCDF or HCB. The destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) was better than 99.9999% at the highest PCB feeding rate. PMID: 20004933 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chemosphere)

  • Comprehensive evaluation of municipal garbage disposal in Changchun City by the strategic environmental assessment.
    CONCLUSIONS: Considering the situation of the economic development of Changchun City, garbage disposal was handled mainly in the major sanitary landfills with appropriate use of incineration technology. This plan is environmentally friendly at a relatively high degree and has met the requirements of minimum investment. It also takes into account the requirements of the development of incineration technology. Regarding environmental pollution in terms of groundwater pollution and atmospheric pollution, this plan is a feasible one by meeting various requirements with low environmental impact among the three plans discussed in this study. PMID: 19960287 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research International)

  • Heavy metal pollution in topsoils near a cement plant: The role of organic matter and distance to the source to predict total and HCl-extracted heavy metal concentrations.
    Authors: Bermudez GM, Moreno M, Invernizzi R, Plá R, Pignata ML Heavy metal and trace element concentrations were examined in topsoils to evaluate a cement plant and an industrial waste incinerator as pollution sources. As, Ba, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Na, Nd, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb and Zn were measured by Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), and Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn by a 0.5M-hydrochloric extraction technique using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The Cr total concentration and HCl-extracted Co and Mn were possibly related to wind transportation from an industrial area in the north of Córdoba city (Argentina). Cu, Pb and Zn in partial HCl extraction were influenced by the cement plant and the industrial area in the north of C&...

  • Genetically engineered heavy metal fans
    The wastewater released from industry often contains high levels of toxic heavy metals, which can kill organisms, damage ecosystems, and accumulate in the foodchain. Electroplating, lead smelting, mining, and countless other processes produce enormous volumes of such wastewater. In a perfect world, remediation would be powered by a renewable energy supply, there would be no solid waste to dispose of, and the heavy metal contaminants could be recycled back into the industrial process with minimal losses. That would be industrial Utopia, of course, but something close might exist if scientists can genetically modify aquatic plant species to grow quickly and soak up heavy metal ions from wastewater. So-called phytoremediation technology has been used as an economical and eco-friendly option f...

  • Characteristics of the abundance of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in sediment samples from selected Asian regions in Can Gio, Southern Vietnam and Osaka, Japan.
    Authors: Kishida M, Imamura K, Takenaka N, Maeda Y, Viet PH, Kondo A, Bandow H The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) were determined in sediment samples from Can Gio, South Vietnam, and Osaka, Japan. Can Gio is known for the defoliation of its mangrove forests by aerial spraying with Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, whereas Osaka is renowned for a PCDD/PCDF pollution accident at a municipal solid-waste incinerator. For comparison, we also analyzed PCDD/PCDFs and DL-PCBs in sediment samples from Hue and Hanoi, Vietnam. The toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) values in Can Gio were as high as those in Hue, Hanoi, and suburban areas of Osaka, but much lower than those in urban areas of Osaka. The p...

  • Phyto/rhizoremediation studies using long-term PCB-contaminated soil.
    CONCLUSIONS: In addition to uptake, accumulation and partial metabolisation of PCBs by plants, compounds produced by plants allow survival of microorganisms even in poor soils, serve as carbon and energy source, and can even induce the degradation pathways of different xenobiotics. Thus, the choice of proper plant species is crucial for effective cleaning of different polluted sites. Our study shows how the efficiency of PCB removal is dependent on the plant used. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: The use of plants in biological remediation of different organic xenobiotics proved to be a useful approach. Further improvement can be expected by application of specifically tailored GM plants and use of selective conditions ensuring high remediation potential based on optimal composition of th...

  • Toxic emissions from crematories: A review.
    Authors: Mari M, Domingo JL In recent years, the cremation ratio of cadavers has increased dramatically in many countries. Crematories have been identified as sources of various environmental pollutants, being polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and mercury those raising most concern. In contrast to other incineration processes for which the number of studies on their toxic emissions is considerable, references related to PCDD/F and mercury emissions from crematories and their health risks are very limited. In this paper, the scientific information concerning these issues, using the databases PubMed, Scopus and Scirus, is reviewed. Results show that in comparison with PCDD/F emissions from other sources, those corresponding to crematories are significantly lo...

  • PCDD/Fs in ambient air in north-east Italy: The role of a MSWI inside an industrial area.
    This study highlights the usefulness of multivariate data analysis such as PCA to identify, among different potential emission sources, the one really responsible for the contamination. PMID: 19815252 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chemosphere)

  • Cold Incineration of Chlorophenols in Aqueous Solution by Advanced Electrochemical Process Electro-Fenton. Effect of Number and Position of Chlorine Atoms on the Degradation Kinetics
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Journal of Physical Chemistry A)

  • Mass Loadings of Triclosan and Triclocarbon from Four Wastewater Treatment Plants to Three Rivers and Landfill in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
    Authors: Kumar KS, Priya SM, Peck AM, Sajwan KS Triclosan (TCS) and triclocarbon (TCC) are bactericides used in various consumer and personal-care products. Recent studies have revealed considerable levels of these bactericides in wastewater, aquatic wildlife, and human samples. Consequently, in this study we measured TCS and TCC in influent and effluent, sludge, and pond water/sediment samples from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and three major rivers in Savannah, Georgia (USA). Among these treatment plants, the Wilshire plant showed elevated concentrations of TCS (influent, 86,161; effluent, 5370 ng/L), whereas TCC was greater in the Georgetown plant (influent, 36,221) and the Wilshire plant effluent (3045 ng/L). Clearance of TCS and TCC were 95 and 92%, respectively, in th...

  • Stack gas emissions of PCDD/Fs from hospital waste incinerators in China.
    Authors: Gao H, Ni Y, Zhang H, Zhao L, Zhang N, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Chen J Stack gas samples from 14 domestic-made hospital waste incinerators (HWIs) in China were collected and analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). The waste burning capacities of the investigated HWIs ranged from 5 to 25tond(-1). The stack gas emissions of PCDD/Fs from HWIs exhibited a large variation (0.08-31.60ng I-TEQNm(-3)). Nine incinerators had the emission levels below the current emission standard in China (0.5ng I-TEQNm(-3)), while only two facilities exhibited emission levels below the European Union directive emission limit (0.1ng I-TEQNm(-3)). For two plants, concentrations of PCDD/Fs in stack gas were above 10.0ng I-TEQNm(-3). The emission factors of PCDD/Fs from the in...

  • Air Pollution Experts Say Modern Incinerators Are No Significant Threat To Public Health
    INCINERATORS that are well run and regulated do not pose a significant threat to public health, according to air pollution experts. The Health Protection Agency has reviewed the latest scientific evidence on the health effects of modern municipal waste incinerators. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

  • Air pollution experts say modern incinerators are no significant threat to public health
    INCINERATORS that are well run and regulated do not pose a significant threat to public health, according to air pollution experts. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

  • Characterization of a former dump site in the Lagoon of Venice contaminated by municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash, and estimation of possible environmental risk.
    Authors: Rigo C, Zamengo L, Rampazzo G, Argese E Bottom ash from a municipal solid waste incinerator on a former contaminated site, the island of Sacca San Biagio (Lagoon of Venice), was examined in order to evaluate levels of pollutants and their potential mobility and availability. Heavy metal concentrations were determined and the actual contamination of the site was compared with national legislation on polluted sites. The site was mainly contaminated by zinc, copper and lead. Physico-chemical characterization of bottom ash was carried out by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) with micro-analysis by EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) and XRD (X-ray Diffractometry), for information on newly formed minerals. SEM-EDS analysis revealed the presence of particles, compounds and c...

  • Electrochemical incineration of high concentration azo dye wastewater on the in situ activated platinum electrode with sustained microwave radiation.
    In this study, an in situ microwave activated platinum electrode was developed for the first time to completely incinerate the azo dye simulated wastewater containing methyl orange. The experiments were carried out in a circulating system under atmospheric pressure. Azo bond of methyl orange was partly broken on Pt, certain decoloration was reached, and the total organic carbon was not removed effectively without microwave activation. However, methyl orange was mineralized completely and efficiently on the in situ microwave activated Pt. 2,5-Dinitrophenol, p-nitrophenol, hydroquinone, benzoquinone, maleic and oxalic acids are the main intermediates during degradation of methyl orange. Aromatic products are the main substances leading to the poisoning of Pt and decrease of electrochemical o...

  • Chlorinated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments from Industrial Areas in Japan and the United States.
    In this study, residual concentrations and profiles of 20 individual ClPAHs and 16 US EPA-priority PAHs were determined using high- resolution gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry in sediments from water bodies near industrialized areas: Tokyo Bay, Japan; the Saginaw River watershed, Michigan, USA; a former chlor-alkali plant, Georgia, USA; and the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site, Massachusetts, USA. A sediment core from Tokyo Bay showed temporal patterns in the distribution of ClPAHs from the 1950s through 2004. The fluxes of ClPAHs and 16 priority PAHs in Tokyo Bay sediment core were 0.029-0.57 ng/cm(2)/year and 85-609 ng/cm(2)/year, respectively; fluxes were lowest in the 1950s and highest in 1989-1990. In the United States, a high mean concentration of ClPAHs was foun...

  • Peptide Microarrays on Bisphenol A Polycarbonate
    We describe in particular the preparation of peptide microarrays on PC using semicarbazide-functionalized silica nanoparticles and in situ semicarbazone ligation with glyoxylyl-peptides. The microarrays were used for the detection of antibodies using fluorescence detection. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Protein Science)

  • Preparation and characterisation of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) and thiourea-doped titanate nanotubes prepared from wastewater flocculated sludge.
    In this study, titanium (Ti), ferric (Fe) and aluminum (Al) salt flocculants were compared for their efficiency in treating wastewater collected from Sydney Olympic Park wastewater treatment plant by following the jar test procedure. Produced sludge from Ti-salt flocculation was dried and titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanoparticles were generated after the incineration of sludge produced from the Ti-salt flocculation of wastewater. Later on, titanate nanotubes were synthesized after TiO(2) nanoparticles were hydrothermally treated with 10N NaOH solution at 130 degrees C for 24h. Titanate nanotubes were either acid or deionised water-washed, while thiourea-doping was employed to produce visible light-responsive nanotubes. Wastewater flocculation using Ti-salt was found to be as efficient as Fe ...

  • A multisyringe sequential injection method for monitoring water in the energy cogeneration system of a municipal waste incinerator.
    Authors: de Mirabó FM, Forteza R, Cerdà V Leading-edge urban solid waste ashing plants use burning heat energy to obtain electrical power. Water fed to their boilers for conversion into steam should be highly pure in order to minimize corrosion, scaling and similar phenomena, which can lead to malfunctioning and a reduced useful life but can be avoided by proper management and control of the water supply. In this work, we developed a multiparameter monitor based on multisyringe sequential injection for the sequential determination of up to eight important parameters, namely: pH, specific and acid conductivity, hydrazine, ammonium, phosphate, silicate and total iron. Acid conductivity was determined by passing the sample through a cation-exchange resin in order to retain ammon...

  • Influence of operational conditions, waste input and ageing on contaminant leaching from waste incinerator bottom ash: A full-scale study.
    Authors: Hyks J, Astrup T Leaching of metals and Cl from fresh, naturally aged, and lab-scale aged bottom ashes generated during full-scale incineration experiments with different operational conditions (OC) and waste input (WI) was assessed. Although significant differences in the bulk contents of the generated bottom ashes were observed between the individual experiments, addition of 5.5 wt.% PVC, 11.1 wt.% chromated-copper-arsenate impregnated wood, 14.2 wt.% automotive shredder residue, 1.6 wt.% shoes, and 0.5 wt.% batteries to the normal municipal solid waste received at the incinerator (in six individual experiments) had no significant effect on metal leaching from the bottom ash. Likewise, changes in OC (furnace oxygen level and air distribution) could not be correlated to chang...

  • Angola: Luanda to Get Incinerator This Year
    Luanda province will get an incinerator this year for the treatment of hospital wastes. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

  • Continuous CO(2) capture and MSWI fly ash stabilization, utilizing novel dynamic equipment.
    Authors: Jian-Guo J, Xue-Juan D, Mao-Zhe C, Chang Z Novel dynamic equipment with gas in and out continuously was developed to study the capture capacity of CO(2). Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash has a high capture rate of CO(2) in CO(2)-rich gas. Fly ash can sequestrate pure CO(2) rapidly, and its capacity is 16.3 g CO(2)/100 g fly ash with no water added and 21.4 g CO(2)/100 g fly ash with 20% water added. For simulated incineration gas containing 12% CO(2), the capture rate decreased and the capacity was 13.2 g CO(2)/100 g fly ash with no water added and 18.5 g CO(2)/100 g fly ash with 20% water added. After accelerated carbonation, the C and O contents increased, indicating CO(2) capture in the fly ash; CO(2) combines with Ca(OH)(2) to form CaCO(3), which increased...

  • Survey of PCDDs and PCDFs in air and soil around various incinerators in Korea, 2003-2007.
    Authors: Kim SJ, Kim JG, Jeon TW, Shin SK, Kim KS To investigate the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) pollution in soils and air around incinerators, a total of 574 soil and 48 air samples were collected around 22 incineration facilities in Korea from 2003 to 2007. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in the flue gases and air ranged from 0.01 to 21.50 ng I-TEQ Sm(-3) and 0.0002 to 9.95 pg I-TEQ Sm(-3), respectively whereas concentrations in soils ranged from n.d. to 153.23 pg I-TEQ g(-1) dw. The average value was 8.14 pg I-TEQ g(-1) dw in soil samples. PMID: 19458883 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology)

  • Hormone levels and sexual development in Flemish adolescents residing in areas differing in pollution pressure.
    Authors: Croes K, Baeyens W, Bruckers L, Den Hond E, Koppen G, Nelen V, Van de Mieroop E, Keune H, Dhooge W, Schoeters G, Van Larebeke N In 2002, the Centre for Environment and Health in Flanders, Belgium started a human biomonitoring program. For 1679 adolescents, residing in nine study areas with differing pollution pressure, hormone levels and the degree of sexual maturation were measured. Possible confounding effects of lifestyle and personal characteristics were taken into account. Participants from the nine different study areas had significantly different levels of sex hormones (total and free testosterone, oestradiol, aromatase, luteinizing hormone) and the thyroid hormone free triiodothyronine, after correction for confounders. Significantly higher hormone concentrations were ...

  • Düsen-Schlick - Energy Efficiency: Finely Atomised - Efficient Cooling of Process Gases
    In a multitude of industrial fields, such as paper mills, glassworks, cement works, power plants, steel works and waste incineration, cooling process gases in an economical and above all energy efficient way is becoming increasingly important. Evaporative cooling is the most effective way to cool and condition exhaust gases. By cooling the gases, a defined reduction in volume is achieved. As an important part of the cooling process, atomising lances are necessary for the defined positioning of the cooling water. A greater reduction in the gas volume reduces the required energy costs. The n... (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)

  • Usefulness of patient photograph as a marker for identifying denture-wearers in India*
    Conclusions: The major advantage of the photographic marker is that identity is easily ascertained by lay persons with the unassisted eye (bar codes require a hand-held reading device); photographic markers are also relevant in the Indian context where one-third of the population is illiterate and diverse scripts are used across the country, making interpretation of written data challenging at times. This allows for photographic markers' routine use in residential and hospital set-ups. Although the photographic marker has low fire resistance, it may be useful in forensic contexts since dentures retained in the mouth are well-protected by the oro-facial tissues and may survive incineration. (Source: Gerodontology)

  • Effect of Process Parameters on Catalytic Incineration of Solvent Emissions
    Catalytic oxidation is a feasible and affordable technology for solvent emission abatement. However, finding optimal operation conditions is important, since they are strongly dependent on the application area of VOC incineration. This paper presents the results of the laboratory experiments concerning four most central parameters, that is, effects of concentration, gas hourly space velocity (GHSV), temperature, and moisture on the oxidation of n-butyl acetate. Both fresh and industrially aged commercial Pt/Al2O3 catalysts were tested to determine optimal process conditions and the significance order and level of selected parameters. The effects of these parameters were evaluated by computer-aided statistical experimental design. According to the results, GHSV was the most dominant paramet...

  • Exposure to heavy metals and PCDD/Fs by the population living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste landfill in Catalonia, Spain: Health risk assessment.
    Authors: Mari M, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL Most fly ashes produced in municipal waste incinerators of Catalonia (Spain) are deposited in a hazardous waste landfill (HWL) placed in Castellolí (Barcelona). This facility means a concern for the population living nearby. In response to this, we performed a probabilistic study focused on assessing human health risks derived from environmental exposure to heavy metals and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) around the HWL. Concentrations of various metals and PCDD/Fs were determined in soil and air samples collected at the HWL, and in 4 locations around it. Health risks were evaluated according to the distance from the sampling locations to the HWL (near and far-sites). In general terms, metal and PCCD...

  • Speciation of zinc in secondary fly ashes of municipal solid waste at high temperatures
    The evaporation aerosols produced during the vitrification process of municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) fly ash represent a potential environmental risk owing to their high content of heavy metals. In this research, high-temperature heating processes were carried out on fly ashes collected from bag houses in a Chinese MSWI plant and the secondary fly ashes (SFA) were separately collected at three high temperatures (1273 K, 1423 K and 1523 K) below the melting range. Elemental analysis showed that high contents of both zinc and chlorine were present in these SFA samples and, according to the standard of the heavy metals industrial grade of ore, SFAs can be re-used as metallurgical raw materials or rich ore. Moreover, as shown by XAS analysis and for different high temperatures...

  • Risk of cancer in the vicinity of municipal solid waste incinerators: importance of using a flexible modelling strategy
    Conclusions: In most epidemiological studies distance is still used as a proxy for exposure leading to significant exposure missclassification. Additionally, in geographical correlation studies the non-linear relationships are usually not accounted for in the statistical analysis. In studies of weak associations it is important to use advanced methods to better assess dose-response relationships with disease risk. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics)

  • Dietary Exposure to Metals by Individuals Living Near a Hazardous Waste Incinerator in Catalonia, Spain: Temporal Trend.
    Authors: Martí-Cid R, Perelló G, Domingo JL The concentrations of arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), and vanadium (V) were determined in a number of foodstuffs purchased during 2006 in various localities of Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain), near a hazardous waste incinerator, which has been operating since 1999. The dietary intake of the above elements by the population of the area was subsequently estimated. The results were compared with those obtained in previous surveys (baseline 1997 and 2002) performed in the same area. The levels of Be, Tl, and V were under their respective limits of detection in all samples. The estimated dietary intakes of the elements analyzed i...

  • Emissions of PCDD/Fs from municipal solid waste incinerators in China.
    Authors: Ni Y, Zhang H, Fan S, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Chen J Gas emission of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) from 19 commercial municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerators in China are investigated. The emission concentrations of PCDD/Fs were 0.042-2.461ng TEQNm(-3) with an average value of 0.423ng TEQNm(-3). The emissions of PCDD/Fs from 16 MSW incinerators were below the MEP regulation level (1.0ng I-TEQNm(-3)), while only six systems have the dioxin emission levels below the limit established by the European Union Directive of 0.1ng I-TEQNm(-3). The emission factors of PCDD/Fs from 19 MSW incinerators were calculated to be 0.169-10.72mug TEQton(-1) MSW with an average value of 1.728mug I-TEQton(-1) MSW. The total amount of PCDD/Fs emitted from M...

  • Medical waste illegally dumped in Sharjah
    Small clinics and hospitals in the UAE emirate of Sharjah are illegally dumping dangerous medical waste, including exposed needles and bloodstained dressings, while the city’s incinerator remains inoperable, reported The National. A municipal official acknowledged the illegal dumping, saying the emirate is waiting for spare parts to repair the incinerator. He gave no timetable for when the incinerator would be ready. (Source: Healthcare)

  • Association between Waste Management and Cancer in Companion Animals.
    Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Waste emission from illegal dumping sites increases cancer risk in dogs residing in high-danger areas. An increased prevalence of lymphoma has been previously recognized in humans living close to illegal waste dumps. Thus, epidemiological studies of spontaneous tumors in dogs might suggest a role for environmental factors in canine and human carcinogenesis and can predict health hazards for humans. PMID: 19298612 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine)

  • Catalytic Transformation of Waste Polymers to Fuel Oil.
    Authors: Keane MA Effective waste management must address waste reduction, reuse, recovery, and recycle. The consumption of plastics continues to grow, and, while plastic recycle has seen a significant increase since the early 1990s, consumption still far exceeds recycle. However, waste plastic can be viewed as a potential resource and can serve, with the correct treatment, as hydrocarbon raw material or as fuel oil. This Minireview considers the role of catalysis in waste polymer reprocessing and provides a critical overview of the existing waste plastic treatment technologies. Thermal pyrolysis results in a random scissioning of the polymer chains, generating products with varying molecular weights. Catalytic degradation provides control over the product composition/distribution and ...

  • Characteristics and emission factors of PCDD/Fs in various industrial wastes in South Korea.
    In this study, PCDD/F-containing wastes from various industrial emission sources in Korea (n=388) except from incinerators were investigated to elucidate the emission characteristics and their emission factors of PCDD/Fs in each industry. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in waste samples ranged ND-96200ng I-TEQkg(-1) (or 66600ng WHO-TEQkg(-1)) for solid phase samples and ND-11100pg I-TEQL(-1) (or 6800ng WHO-TEQL) for liquid samples, respectively. Elevated levels of PCDD/F concentrations and emission factors were found in the wastes from productions of Cu, Al, Zn, Iron/steel, Pb, EDC/VCM/PVC and from waste landfill sites. The wastes from productions of cement (kilns) and acetylene (carbide method) showed elevated levels of PCDD/F emission factors only. The dominant congeners were OCDD, OCDF, 1...

  • Health Care Without Harm
    Imagine hospitals and other facilities built without cancer-causing materials. Picture a hospital that supports local sustainable agriculture and organic growing practices. Imagine health care facilities that offer full disclosure of materials used in the delivery of care that might be harmful to consumer health, and fragrance-free environments that do not harm patients with environmental sensitivities.Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) is "an international coalition of hospitals and health care systems, medical professionals, community groups, health-affected constituencies, labor unions, environmental and environmental health organizations and religious groups" whose mission is "to transform the health care sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologi...

  • Risk of congenital anomalies around a municipal solid waste incinerator: a GIS-based case-control study
    Conclusion: Overall, these findings do not lend support to the hypothesis that the environmental contamination occurring around an incineration plant such as that examined in this study may induce major teratogenic effects. (Source: BioMed Central)

  • Electrokinetic stabilization as a reclamation tool for waste materials polluted by both salts and heavy metals.
    Authors: Traina G, Ferro S, De Battisti A A method for detoxifying industrial wastes is presented, aiming at a safer management and reuse. Focusing, in particular, on bottom ashes from a municipal solid waste incinerator, the proposed "ElectroKinetic Stabilization" (EKS) technique requires a relatively short treatment time and improves the remediation of ashes by combining a fast extraction of chlorides by electromigration, together with a stabilization of metals through their reaction with phosphate anions, which migrate through the ash under the influence of the electric field. Heavy metals react with the phosphate anions, leading to the precipitation of metal hydroxy-apatite or chloro-apatite (for Pb and Ba), or to their trapping in a calcium-apatite mineral, that formed during the ...

  • Genetic and Environmental Risk Indicators in Canine Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas: Breed Associations and Geographic Distribution of 608 Cases Diagnosed throughout France over 1 Year.
    Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Influence of genetics in the development of CNHL was supported by the existence of an association between breed and immunophenotype. Waste incinerators, polluted sites, and radioactive waste could just be considered as risk indicators of CNHL, but not as risk factors. Case-control studies around critical sites are necessary to confirm the implication of those environmental factors in the development of CNHL. PMID: 19192140 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine)

  • Fluorescence and Structural Degradation in Composite Resins as a Function of Temperature*
    Authors: Rattle CN, Bush MA Detecting composite resin upon postmortem examination can be difficult. Ultraviolet illumination has been suggested to ease location of this material; however, this may not be advisable in incineration situations. Understanding of the chemical and physical properties of resin as a function of temperature is an important parameter in identification of this material in incineration circumstances. Twenty-seven discs of resin, Quixx (Dentsply), Filtek Supreme (3 M), and Tetric Ceram (Ivoclar) were prepared and exposed to increasing heating conditions of 200 degrees C-900 degrees C in 100 degrees C increments for 30 min. Analysis was performed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible light spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy/e...

  • Effects of varying combustion conditions on PCDD/F emissions and formation during MSW incineration.
    Authors: Aurell J, Marklund S Process, combustion and fuel parameters were varied to elucidate factors that substantially affect the formation and emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) arising from municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration. The combustion conditions were varied by changing the: freeboard temperatures; quench time in the post-combustion zone; fuel load; chlorine and copper levels in the fuel; and the water, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and oxygen levels in the combustion gases. The study was performed using a 5kW laboratory-scale fluidized-bed reactor and PCDD/Fs were sampled at a point at 300 degrees C in the post-combustion zone. The results showed that increasing the SO(2) level (from 0 to 130ppm) substanti...

  • Concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in breast milk of women from Catalonia, Spain: A follow-up study.
    Authors: Schuhmacher M, Kiviranta H, Ruokojärvi P, Nadal M, Domingo JL The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in breast milk from women living in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Catalonia, Spain. The results were compared with the levels obtained in two previous surveys carried out in 1998 (baseline study) and 2002. The current concentrations of PCDD/Fs in breast milk ranged from 45 to 143 pg/g fat (2.8 to 11.2 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat), while total PCBs ranged from 114 to 617 pg/g fat (2.8 to 17.6 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat). PBDE concentrations (sum 15 congeners) ranged from 0.57 ng/g fat to 5.9 ng/g fat, with a mean value of 2.5 ng/...

  • Levels of PCDD/F in adipose tissue on non-occupationally exposed subjects living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain.
    Authors: Nadal M, Domingo JL, García F, Schuhmacher M The potential adverse effects on human health of hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs) are a subject of concern. The construction of the first and till now only HWI in Spain finished in 1999. In 2007, after approximately 9 years of regular operations in the facility, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) were determined by HRGC/HRMS in samples of adipose tissue of 15 autopsied subjects living in the area under potential impact of the HWI (Constantí, Tarragona County, Catalonia). These data were compared with the levels found in two previous surveys performed in 1998 (baseline) and 2002. The current mean PCDD/F concentration in adipose tissue was 14.6pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat (range: 3.3...

  • Indoor air concentrations of mercury species in incineration plants for municipal solid waste (MSW) and hospital waste (HW).
    This study investigated indoor air concentrations of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) and particulate mercury (Hgp) and indoor dust mercury concentrations in a municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plant and a hospital waste incineration (HWI) plant during December 2003 and July 2004. The final results showed that the employees in incineration plants are not only exposed to GEM, but also to RGM and Hgp. For the HWI plant, only concentration of total mercury (HgT) in operation center in summer was below 1000ngm(-3) due to frequent ventilation, while those of GEM and HgT in hospital waste depot exceeded 3000ngm(-3). For the MSWI plant, only concentration of HgT in workplace in winter exceeded 1000ngm(-3). Therefore, more attention should be paid to mercury ...

  • Electrochemical incineration of cresols: A comparative study between PbO(2) and boron-doped diamond anodes.
    Authors: Flox C, Arias C, Brillas E, Savall A, Groenen-Serrano K The electrooxidation of aqueous solutions containing 5mM of o-, m- and p-cresol at pH 4.0 has been investigated using a flow filter-press reactor with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) under galvanostatic electrolysis. All cresols are degraded at similar rate up to attaining overall mineralization. Comparable treatment of the m-cresol effluent on PbO(2) leads to partial electrochemical incineration. However, this pollutant is more rapidly removed with PbO(2) than with BDD. The decay kinetics of all cresols follows a pseudo-first-order reaction. Aromatic intermediates such as 2-methylhydroquinone and 2-methyl-p-benzoquinone and carboxylic acids such as maleic, fumaric, pyruvic, malonic, tartronic, glycolic, glyoxylic, acetic, ox...

  • Sperm, Discharge, Heroin, and Alzheimers
    Batteries are included (unfortunately) - A chemical cocktail of toxic gases is released when you burn alkaline batteries, according to the latest research from Spain. The investigating team highlights the issue with respect to municipal waste incineration, which is used as an alternative to landfill and suggests that recycling is perhaps the only environmentally viable alternative. Today, UK government departments BERR and Defra, in conjunction with the Devolved Administrations, today published a Consultation Document containing draft Regulations setting out proposed systems for the collection, treatment and recycling of waste portable, industrial and automotive batteries. Cutting heroin analysis - Analysing samples of street heroin just got easier as researchers have developed a statistic...

  • Removal of ammonium chloride generated by ammonia slip from the SNCR process in municipal solid waste incinerators.
    Authors: Hwang IH, Minoya H, Matsuto T, Matsuo T, Matsumoto A, Sameshima R The selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) process is one of the methods used to reduce NO(x) to N(2) and H(2)O by injecting NH(3) or urea solution into a high-temperature furnace. Merits of this method include simple handling, low cost, and energy savings. However, a critical problem of the SNCR process is the generation of ammonia slip; in reactions with HCl in flue gas, ammonium chloride is generated and forms detached white plumes near the stack. Using a laboratory-scale experimental apparatus, we examined the possibility of NH(4)Cl collection and removal by a bag filter (BF). The molar NH(3)/HCl ratio of the compound collected at the filter was nearly one, regardless of gas temperature, retention time, an...

  • Simultaneous flue gas bioremediation and reduction of microalgal biomass production costs.
    Authors: Douskova I, Doucha J, Livansky K, Machat J, Novak P, Umysova D, Zachleder V, Vitova M A flue gas originating from a municipal waste incinerator was used as a source of CO(2) for the cultivation of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris, in order to decrease the biomass production costs and to bioremediate CO(2) simultaneously. The utilization of the flue gas containing 10-13% (v/v) CO(2) and 8-10% (v/v) O(2) for the photobioreactor agitation and CO(2) supply was proven to be convenient. The growth rate of algal cultures on the flue gas was even higher when compared with the control culture supplied by a mixture of pure CO(2) and air (11% (v/v) CO(2)). Correspondingly, the CO(2) fixation rate was also higher when using the flue gas (4.4 g CO(2) l(-1) 24 h(-1)) than using the control ...

  • Levels and Profiles of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins, Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans, and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Feedstuffs and Milk From Farms in the Vicinity of Incineration Plants in Tuscany, Italy.
    Authors: Ingelido AM, Abballe A, di Domenico A, Fochi I, Iacovella N, Saragosa A, Spagnesi M, Valentini S, De Felip E Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were determined in samples of bovine and ovine milk collected in farms located in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany, in the vicinity of two incineration plants as well as in farms located in areas with presumable background levels of contamination. Samples of feedstuffs of local origin used in the investigated farms were also collected and analysed. The cumulative levels of PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) in feedstuffs ranged from 0.25 to 0.61 pg WHO-TE/g fresh weight (fw) in the farms under impact from incinerator emissions and from 0....

  • Controlled substance disposal in hospitals a growing problem
    Disposal of unused medications and other controlled substances is an expensive logistical challenge. Pouring controlled substances into sewer systems is harmful. Incineration costs are prohibitive. (Source: Drug Topics - Legal News)

  • Morning Rounds: Industry vs. Reform, School Lunches and Toxic Incinerators
    Health news from around the Web. (Source: NYT > Health)

  • Dioxin and dioxin-like PCB profiles in the serum of industrial and municipal waste incinerator workers in Korea.
    Authors: Park H, Ikonomou MG, Kim HS, Choi JW, Chang YS To assess occupational exposure, we determined the concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in human serum samples from 26 incinerator workers (10 industrial waste and 16 municipal solid waste incinerator workers), 38 residents near the facilities and 7 inhabitants (as control subjects) living over 10 km away from any incinerator facilities in Korea. The mean TEQ(WHO) levels of PCDD/Fs in the industrial and MSWI workers were 41.57 and 9.86 pg TEQ(WHO) g(-1) lipid, respectively. For the residents, the mean TEQ(WHO) was 13.47 pg TEQ(WHO) g(-1) lipid (residents near IWI, MSWI, and control subjects: 17.64, 13.31, and 6.91 pg TEQ(WHO) g(-1) lipid). Higher levels of certain PCDD/F congeners, mainly PCDFs, were detected in the serum of industr...

  • Morning Rounds: Industry v. Reform, School Lunches and Toxic Incinerators
    Health news from around the Web. (Source: NYT > Health)

  • Source apportionment of lead-containing aerosol particles in Shanghai using single particle mass spectrometry.
    Authors: Zhang Y, Wang X, Chen H, Yang X, Chen J, Allen JO Lead (Pb) in individual aerosol particles was measured using single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) in the summer of 2007 in Shanghai, China. Pb was found in 3% of particles with diameters in the range 0.1-2.0mum. Single particle data were analyzed focusing on the particles with high Pb content which were mostly submicron. Using the ART-2a neural network algorithm, these fine Pb-rich particles were classified into eight main classes by their mass spectral patterns. Based on the size distribution, temporal variation of number density, chemical composition and the correlation between different chemical species for each class, three major emission sources were identified. About 45% of the Pb-rich particles contained or...

  • Monitoring Metals in Blood and Hair of the Population Living Near a Hazardous Waste Incinerator: Temporal Trend.
    Authors: Ferré-Huguet N, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL The concentrations of As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, and V were determined in hair of 96 school children and in blood of 144 adults living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) (Constantí, Tarragona County, Catalonia, NE Spain). The results were compared with those obtained in previous (1998 and 2002) surveys performed in the same area. Data were analyzed in terms of age, sex, and specific place of residence. Current mean concentrations in hair ranged between not detected (ND) (As, Be, and Tl) and 1.31 mug/g for Cr. In blood, Be, Hg, Mn, Sn, and Tl levels were under the respective detection limits. The mean blood concentrations of the remaining elements ranged from 0.34 mug/dL for Cd, to 2.4...

  • FDA Set to Approve Genetically Engineered Animals
    (NaturalNews) Genetically Engineered grains have been in existence for several years, amidst many concerns from various organizations and individuals. Now, the FDA is set to approve Genetically Engineered Animals to be introduced into the food chain.Ever since the beginning of Genetically Engineered grains, controversy has surrounded their safety. The Sierra Club initiated a national petition against Monsanto's genetically engineered wheat. http://www.sierraclub.org/biotech/amberwaves/ The Organic Consumers organization is equally against genetically engineered grains stating "Campaign activists are also demanding that corporations and governments heed the concerns of consumers, North and South, and remove genetically engineered corn and other foods and crops from the market, unless they c...

  • Kinetics of carbon degradation and PCDD/PCDF formation on MSWI fly ash.
    Authors: Lasagni M, Collina E, Grandesso E, Piccinelli E, Pitea D The native carbon oxidation and PolyChloroDibenzo-p-Dioxins and PolyChloroDibenzoFurans, PCDD/F, formation were simultaneously studied at different temperatures (230-350 degrees C) and times (0-1440min) in order to establish a direct correlation between the disappearance of the reagent and the formation of the products. The kinetic runs were conducted in an experimental set up where conditions were chosen to gain information on the role of fly ash deposits in cold zones of municipal solid waste incinerators in PCDD/F formation reaction. The carbon oxidation measured as the decrease of total organic carbon of fly ash was in agreement with the carbon evolved as sum of CO and CO(2). The carbon mass balance indicated an incr...

  • Non Hodgkin's lymphoma risk and past dioxin emissions from municipal solid waste incinerators
    Conclusions: This study, in line with previous results obtained in the vicinity of the incinerator located in Besancon (France), adds further evidence to the link between NHL incidence and exposure to dioxins emitted by municipal solid waste incinerators. However, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated to current incinerators, which emit lower amounts of pollutants. (Source: Environmental Health)

  • Speciation of Iodine in High Iodine Groundwater in China Associated with Goitre and Hypothyroidism.
    In conclusion, iodine in iodine-rich deep well water in northern China may have marine origin and may associate with humic substances, comparable to shallow well iodine-rich water in Europe. High iodine intake from iodine-rich water suggests the cause of endemic goitre and hypothyroidism in some areas in China being iodine. PMID: 18953497 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biological Trace Element Research)

  • Performance evaluation of intermediate cover soil barrier for removal of heavy metals in landfill leachate.
    Authors: Suzuki K, Anegawa A, Endo K, Yamada M, Ono Y, Ono Y This pilot-scale study evaluated the use of intermediate cover soil barriers for removing heavy metals in leachate generated from test cells for co-disposed fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators, ash melting plants, and shredder residue. Cover soil barriers were mixtures of Andisol (volcanic ash soil), waste iron powder, (grinder dust waste from iron foundries), and slag fragments. The cover soil barriers were installed in the test cells' bottom layer. Sorption/desorption is an important process in cover soil bottom barrier for removal of heavy metals in landfill leachate. Salt concentrations such as those of Na, K, and Ca in leachate were extremely high (often greater than 30gL(-1)) because of high salt content in ...

  • Association of cytochrome P450 1B1 gene expression in peripheral leukocytes with blood lipid levels in waste incinerator workers.
    CONCLUSIONS: CYP1B1 expression was associated with decreased HDL cholesterol levels in incinerator workers. PMID: 18922394 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Epidemiology)

  • Practices in dioxin emission reduction by special regulatory enforcement and utilizing advanced control technologies for incinerators in Korea.
    This study strives to estimate the emission of dioxin and furthermore attempts to find the best technological control methods available for waste incinerators by investigating the emission status thereof. In order to incorporate the Stockholm Convention, a particular stringent law was promulgated in Korea and in recent years incinerators were forced to utilize better technological control. After the enforcement of special dioxin emission regulation in 2003, the average concentration of dioxin emitted from municipal and industrial waste incinerators decreased from 15.25 and 12.86ngTEQNm(-3) to 5.53 and 4.96ngTEQNm(-3) in 2001 and 2004, respectively. Based on test results at commercial plants, several best arranged sets of air pollution control devices (APCDs) were suggested in order to prov...

  • Tracking Down The Menace In Mexico City Smog
    Chemical scientists have shown that, bad as the traffic is, the most harmful air pollution in Mexico City may not come from burning fossil fuels. Instead the culprit may be garbage incineration. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

  • Resistance of Faecal Coliforms and Enterococci Populations in Sludge and Biosolids to Different Hygienisation Treatments.
    In this study, three treatment types (mesophilic anaerobic digestion, composting and pasteurization) were compared in terms of their ability to reduce both bacterial populations. The diversity and any changes in composition of main phenotypic groups for both populations were also analyzed. Mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD) was carried out at 35 degrees C for 20 days. Digested sludge was then dehydrated by centrifugation at 2,500 rpm. Composting (COM) was performed at 55 degrees C with windrow phases. Pasteurization was assayed at 60 degrees C for 90 min (P60), at 80 degrees C for 60 min (P80). A 1-1.5 log unit reduction was observed for FC, and 1 log unit reduction was noted for ENT by MAD treatment. In composting, this reduction proved higher for FC than for ENT (6 log and 3-4 log unit...

  • Levels of metals and organic substances in workers at a hazardous waste incinerator: a follow-up study
    Conclusion  According to the results of the present study, there are no evident signs of occupational exposure to a number of metals and organic substances in the workers of the HWI. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-008-0350-0Authors Montse Mari, Rovira i Virgili University Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering Sescelades Campus 43007 Tarragona SpainMarta Schuhmacher, Rovira i Virgili University Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering Sescelades Campus 43007 Tarragona SpainJosé L. Domingo, Rovira i Virgili University Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine San Lorenzo 21 43201 Reus Spain Journal International Archives of Occupational and E...

  • Concentrations of PCDD/PCDFs in plasma of subjects living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator: Follow-up and modeling validation.
    Authors: Nadal M, Perelló G, Schuhmacher M, Cid J, Domingo JL In 2007, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) were determined in plasma of non-occupationally exposed subjects living near the only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain (Constantí, Tarragona County, Catalonia). These data were compared with the levels found in two previous surveys performed in 1998 (baseline) and 2002. The current mean PCDD/PCDF concentration in plasma was 9.36pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid (range: 1.76-23.44pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid). It means a significant reduction of the mean PCDD/PCDFs levels in plasma in comparison to the concentrations found in 1998 and 2002 (27.01 and 15.70pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid, respectively). This important decrease agrees well...

  • Pentobarbital Is Killing Eagles But the FDA Says It's Safe for Pets
    This report stated the reason the wildlife was exposed to pentobarbital is from access to euthanized carcasses of farm animals and small animals in land fills. "Poisonings due to accidental feeding of tainted meat to captive animals have also been reported."In big bold letters the report stated "Poisoning of eagles or other wild birds, even if accidental, violates Federal law!" This report also stated that Veterinarians and livestock owners have been recently fined for 'involuntary killing' of eagles. "Veterinarians must inform clients that a pentobarbital euthanized carcass is poisonous and requires proper disposal. The client needs to know that the carcass can poison and kill scavenging animals, including federally protected species, other wildlife, or even pet dogs."Even though the FDA ...

  • Monitoring PCDD/Fs, PCBs and metals in the ambient air of an industrial area of Catalonia, Spain.
    Authors: Mari M, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL In 2005 and 2006, the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were measured in air samples collected in an industrial area of Sant Adrià del Besòs (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain) where a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) is placed, and in a background/control area. In general terms, concentrations of all environmental pollutants were higher at the industrial site. No significant seasonal/temporal variations were observed in any of the areas. No Pearson correlation was found between the PCDD/F concentrations and the environmental conditions of the two sampling periods considered. Principal compo...

  • Medicine Starts Thinking Green
    Here’s a reason we hadn’t heard before to support a move to electronic medical records: It’s environmentally friendly. Medical waste and other garbage washed onto a 10-mile stretch of Lake Michigan beaches earlier this month. (AP Photo/News Advocate,Dan Wrzesinski) The tree-sparing virtue of electronic records was a plus for a Washington medical practice that’s switching to a high-tech system. The practice, the Washington Wellness Institute, also boasts that its physical plant is entirely free of toxins and that everything including the carpet and wall panels is made of natural and recycled materials. And among other things, the doctors use washable hemp gowns instead of disposable paper ones. The environmentally friendly options are described in this morningR...

  • Medicine Gears Up for a Code Green
    Tossing out everything from plastic bandages and cotton swabs to hospital robes after a single use, the U.S. medical industry generates more than 2 million tons of waste per year, environmental advocates say. Some of that waste makes its way to incinerators and, when burned, releases dioxin, merc... (Source: washingtonpost.com - Health)

  • Influence of polymorphism of gstm1 gene on association between glycophorin a mutant frequency and urinary pah metabolites in incineration workers
    (Source: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A)

  • Polychlorinated Dibenzo- p -dioxin and Dibenzofuran Concentrations in Serum Samples of Workers at an Infectious Waste Incineration Plant in Japan
    (Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene)

  • Effect of Process Parameters on Catalytic Incineration of Solvent Emissions
    Catalytic oxidation is a feasible and affordable technology for solvent emission abatement. However, finding optimal operation conditions is important, since they are strongly dependent on the application area of VOC incineration. This paper presents the results of the laboratory experiments concerning four most central parameters, that is, effects of concentration, gas hourly space velocity (GHSV), temperature, and moisture on the oxidation of n-butyl acetate. Both fresh and industrially aged commercial Pt/Al2O3 catalysts were tested to determine optimal process conditions and the significance order and level of selected parameters. The effects of these parameters were evaluated by computer-aided statistical experimental design. According to the results, GHSV was the most dominant paramet...

  • Health-promoting substances and heavy metal content in tomatoes grown with different farming techniques
    Conclusions  Farming techniques may have an impact on the quality of tomatoes. Their higher salicylate content supports the notion that organic foodstuffs are more wholesome. However, the lower lycopene and ascorbic acid levels of organic tomatoes are not to be regarded as positive. No residues of pesticides and ergosterol were detected. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONDOI 10.1007/s00394-008-0721-zAuthors Filippo Rossi, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Istituto di Scienze degli Alimenti e della, Nutrizione, Facoltà di Agraria Via Emilia Parmense 84 29100 Piacenza ItalyFrancesco Godani, PAREN srl Noceto Parma ItalyTerenzio Bertuzzi, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Istituto di Scienze degli Alimenti e della, Nutrizione, Facoltà di A...

  • Dioxin- and POP-contaminated sites-contemporary and future relevance and challenges : Overview on background, aims and scope of the series.
    CONCLUSIONS: It is inevitable, therefore, that dioxin/POP-contaminated sites will remain of contemporary and future relevance. They will continue to represent an environmental issue for future generations to address. The securing and/or remediation of dioxin/POP-contaminated sites is very costly, generally in the order of tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Secured landfills and secured production sites need to be considered as constructions not made for 'eternity' but built for a finite time scale. Accordingly, they will need to be controlled, supervised and potentially repaired/renewed. Furthermore, the leachates and groundwater impacted by these sites will require ongoing monitoring and potential further remediation. These activities result in high maintenance costs, which are accr...

  • Conversations with Pioneers: Gary Cohen of Health Care Without Harm
    Last month, we kicked off Conversations with Pioneers, a series of interviews with Pioneer grantees. The series continues this week with an interview with Gary Cohen (photo at left), executive director of Health Care Without Harm.Health Care Without Harm hosted its annual conference, Clean Med, last month and Susan Promislo and Theresa Kanter both posted updates from the conference. Working to drive environmental sustainability in health care, Health Care Without Harm has been on the forefront of efforts to accelerate the development, use, and diffusion of environmentally preferable products and practices in the health care system.Abbey Cofsky spoke with Cohen recently about the organization and its work:Health Care Without Harm’s mission is to transform the health care sector --why have...

  • Heavy metals extraction from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash using adapted metal tolerant Aspergillus niger.
    This study focused on the adaptation of Aspergillus niger tolerating high concentration of heavy metals for bioleaching of fly ash. The Plackett-Burman design indicated that Al and Fe inhibited the growth of A. niger (AS 3.879 and AS 3.40) significantly. The single metal (Al and Fe) and multi-metals adapted AS 3.879 strain tolerated up to 3500mg/L Al, 700mg/L Fe, and 3208.1mg/L multi-metals, respectively. The order of metal extraction yield in two-step bioleaching of 60 and 70g/L fly ash using Al adapted, multi-metals adapted and un-adapted AS 3.879 strains was as follows: multi-metals adapted>Al adapted>un-adapted. The multi-metals adapted strain grew with up to 70g/L fly ash and secreted 256mmol/L organic acids after 288h, where 87.4% Cd, 64.8% Mn, 49.4% Zn and 45.9% Pb were dissol...

  • The repsonse of a co-culture lung model to fine and ultrafine particles of incinerator fly ash at the air-liquid interface.
    In this study, the exposure of a co-culture cell model at the air-liquid interface was used to evaluate the dose-dependent biological effects of a test aerosol. The CULTEX(R) system was used to expose human cells to an environmentally-relevant aerosol, generated from fly ash collected in a commercial municipal waste incinerator and resuspended in filtered air. Human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B, co-cultured with differentiated THP-1 macrophages growing on Transwell(R) inserts, were employed in the bioassay. Analyses of cell viability, interleukin-8 (IL-8) release, intracellular glutathione, and haeme oxygenase-1 enzyme expression were performed. Transportation of the cells and exposure to humidified filtered air or the test aerosol, at 100ml/min for 1 to 6 hours, were well tolerated...

  • The response of a co-culture lung model to fine and ultrafine particles of incinerator fly ash at the air-liquid interface.
    In this study, the exposure of a co-culture cell model at the air-liquid interface was used to evaluate the dose-dependent biological effects of a test aerosol. The CULTEX system was used to expose human cells to an environmentally-relevant aerosol, generated from fly ash collected in a commercial municipal waste incinerator and resuspended in filtered air. Human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B, co-cultured with differentiated THP-1 macrophages growing on Transwell inserts, were employed in the bioassay. Analyses of cell viability, interleukin-8 (IL-8) release, intracellular glutathione, and haeme oxygenase-1 enzyme expression were performed. Transportation of the cells and exposure to humidified filtered air or the test aerosol, at 100 ml/min for 1 to 6 hours, were well tolerated by t...

  • Monitoring PCDD/Fs in Soil and Herbage Samples Collected Near a Hazardous Waste Incinerator: Health Risks for the Population Living Nearby
    (Source: Human and Ecological Risk Assessment)

  • The potential of downscaled dynamic column extraction for fast and reliable assessment of natural weathering effects of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ashes.
    Authors: Rosende M, Miró M, Cerdà V There is a current worldwide interest for evaluating the potential reuse of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash as a sub-base in road construction and secondary building material. Yet, there is a need for exploration of the physicochemical features of the bottom ashes to ensure environmental sustainability. To this end, batchwise water extraction as promulgated by the European norm EN 12457 or the German DIN 38414-S4 tests is commonly utilized to ascertain the impact of leachable trace elements in bottom ashes on biota. However, the above extraction protocols are not properly simulating the dynamic extraction conditions occurring in the nature, whereby the analytical information provided for risk assessment is debatable. In...

  • Thermogravimetric desorption and de novo tests I: Method development and validation.
    Authors: Tsytsik P, Czech J, Carleer R, Reggers G, Buekens A Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been combined with evolved gas analysis (EGA) with the purpose of simulating the thermal behaviour of filter dust samples under inert (desorption) and de novo test oxidising conditions. Emphasis is on studying de novo formation of dioxins, surrogates and precursors arising from filter dust derived from thermal processes, such as municipal solid waste incineration and metallurgy. A new method is tested for sampling and analysing dioxin surrogates and precursors in the TGA effluent, which are collected on sampling tubes; the adsorbed compounds are eventually desorbed and quantified by TD-GC-MS. The major sources of error and losses are considered, including potential sorbent artefacts, possi...

  • Pollutant effects on genotoxic parameters and tumor-associated protein levels in adults: a cross sectional study.
    This study intended to investigate whether residence in areas polluted by heavy industry, waste incineration, a high density of traffic and housing or intensive use of pesticides, could contribute to the high incidence of cancer observed in Flanders. Methods: Subjects were 1583 residents aged 50-65 from 9 areas with different types of pollution. Cadmium, lead, p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene, PCBs and dioxin-like activity (Calux test) were measured in blood, and cadmium, t,t'-muconic acid and 1-hydroxypyrene in urine. Effect biomarkers were prostate specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen and p53 protein serum levels, number of micronuclei per 1000 binucleated peripheral blood cells, DNA damage (comet assay) in peripheral blood cells and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine in urine. Confounding facto...

  • Technological options for the management of biosolids.
    CONCLUSIONS: Land application of biosolids achieves a complete reuse of its nutrients and organic carbon at a relatively low cost. Therefore, land application should become a preferred management option where there is available land, the quality of biosolids meet regulatory requirements, and it is socially acceptable. Intensive energy cropping and forest production using biosolids can help us meet the ever-increasing demand for renewable energy, which can eliminate the contamination potential for food sources, a common social concern about land application of biosolids. In recent years, increasing numbers of national and local governments have adopted more stringent regulations toward biosolid management. Under such a political climate, biosolids producers will have to develop multireuse s...

  • MediDome Drug Injector: The Needle Free Future Is Coming
    Christopher Holden, a 21 year old student, thinks he has the answer to an old medical combo of needle and syringe. His little design project called MediDome has been getting accolades from RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragements of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), and is now being patented by his school, Northumbria University in Newcastle. RSA explains how the device works: Christopher's project, 'MediDome', redesigns the needle and syringe. It aims to eliminate needlestick injuries and the fear of needles and injections, simplify the process and speed up patient treatment. The product's aesthetics show a softer, friendlier and less threatening form, and MediDome has a unique tester to ensure that a vein has not been ruptured during intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. A sterile ...

  • Destruction of chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride in a two-stage molten salt oxidation reactor system.
    This study investigated the characteristics of a two-stage MSO reactor system for the destruction of CCl(4) and C(6)H(5)Cl. Investigated parameters were the MSO reactor temperature (from 1023K to 1223K) and the excess oxidizing air feed rate (50% and 100%). The destruction of chlorinated solvents is substantial in the Li(2)CO(3)-Na(2)CO(3) eutectic molten salt, irrespective of the tested condition. However, further oxidation of CO, which is found to be the major destruction product, is not substantial due to the limited temperature and gas residence time in the MSO reactor. Increases in the reactor temperature as well as those in the oxidizing air feed rate consistently lead to decreased emissions of carbon monoxide. No significant influence of the MSO reactor operating condition on the ch...

  • Total suspended particulate (TSP), polychlorinated dibenzodioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) emissions from medical waste incinerators in Antioquia, Colombia.
    Authors: Hoyos A, Cobo M, Aristizábal B, Córdoba F, Montes de Correa C Results of a preliminary survey of particulate and dioxin emissions in combustion gases from hospital waste incinerators in Antioquia - Colombia are presented. Base line data of total suspended particulate (TSP) and polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/PCDF) emissions in incinerators from health care institutions in Antioquia - Colombia will be used to improve the management of medical waste in the local context. All monitored incinerators are batch operated. TSP exceeds 80mgNm(-3) in 8 out of 12 incinerators. Dioxin emissions are in the range from about 7 to 700 I-TEQ (ngNm(-3)). Such a significant amount of dioxin emissions did correlate with entrained particulate matter, mainly as a cons...

  • Use of time to pregnancy in environmental epidemiology and surveillance
    Conclusions In a context of public and scientific concern about possible reproductive toxicity, an interview study of TTP was highly acceptable to local women. A large enough sample to generate stable TTP distributions was readily achieved. (Source: Journal of Public Health)

  • Baseline levels of dioxin and furan emissions from waste thermal treatment in Colombia.
    This study also evaluated the impact of implementing different control systems in an incinerator. Finally, for comparison purposes several samples were analyzed by both high resolution gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS) and high resolution gas chromatography coupled to ion-trap low resolution mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (HRGC-IT LRMS/MS). Overall, I-TEQ values deviated about 20-30% between both techniques. PMID: 18485442 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chemosphere)

  • Numerical modelling of the memory effect in wet scrubbers.
    Authors: Löthgren CJ, Andersson S Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) can be absorbed in and desorbed from polypropylene (PP) tower packings in wet scrubbers utilized in waste incineration lines. This behaviour, also known as the memory effect, has been modelled using a gas phase - PP surface equilibrium and a numerical solid phase diffusion model describing the transport of PCDD/Fs inside the PP. The diffusivities and gas - PP partition coefficients of TCDD/F to HxCDD/Fs in PP have been estimated using the numerical model. Two incineration lines were modelled. In the first line, the absorption and desorption in PP test rods was followed before and after installation of a fabric filter that was placed before a wet scrubber. In the second incineration line...

  • Influences of perinatal dioxin load to visual motion and oddball stimuli examined with an EEG and MEG analysis.
    CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that, during the end-80s/early-90s, exposure to background levels in industrialized regions seems to have resulted in small underdevelopment or damage to visual motion processing and visual cognition. SIGNIFICANCE: Since dioxin pollution by incinerators still exists in many regions in developing countries and also still, although at a smaller scale, in the industrialized world, perinatal loads of similar magnitude and possibly more as measured in this study may occur and as a consequence might affect the developing brain. PMID: 18450506 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

  • Relationship between dynamic change of copper and dioxin generation in various fly ash.
    Authors: Takaoka M, Shiono A, Yamamoto T, Uruga T, Takeda N, Tanaka T, Oshita K, Matsumoto T, Harada H Only limited information on the chemical forms of copper in municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash is available in the literature. Therefore, we performed in situ X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) experiments involving two types of real fly ash to confirm the behavior of copper in fly ash at secondary formation temperatures for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). CuCl(2).3Cu(OH)(2) was detected in both fly ash types before heating experiments. Cupric compounds in real fly ash were reduced to cuprous compounds or elemental copper at approximately 200 degrees C. The changes in the Cu XANES spectra observed for the two fly ash samp...

  • City Hall and science: Ken Livingstone
    The current mayor needs no introduction to Londoners. He champions the cause of climate change, but will Red Ken’s policies be green enough if he’s elected again? A highly skilled London“Encouraging more young people to take up science in school and university will build the highly skilled workforce that is so crucial to strengthening London’s economy and regenerating areas,” said Livingstone while touring the future Centre of the Cell at Queen Mary College in 2006. He added that the mayor’s responsibility as chair of the London Skills and Employment Board, now devolved from government, “will mean London will be well placed to meet the challenge of building a highly skilled workforce. I will use these new devolved powers to champion new projects.” ...

  • Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans pollution in China: Sources, environmental levels and potential human health impacts.
    Authors: Zheng GJ, Leung AO, Jiao LP, Wong MH This review represents an assessment of the pollution status of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in China (the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan). During the past decades, seven PCDD/Fs pollution hotspots have been found: (a). Ya-er Lake, Hubei Province, with 'total PCDD/Fs' level reaching 177,427 pg g(-1) (dry weight) in lake sediments; (b). Chinese Schistosomiasis affected areas of Jiangxi Province with 33,660 pg g(-1) in soil; (c). e-waste recycling area of Yangtze River Delta, with 2726 pg g(-1) in paddy soil; (d). e-waste recycling area of Guiyu (eastern part of Guangdong Province), with 967,500 pg g(-1) in mixture of burnt residue and soil (the highest level among all hotspots); (e). Pearl River Delta with 26...

  • Chlorination and thermal degradation of 2-chlorodibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran by CuCl(2) or CuCl at 350 degrees C.
    Authors: Visez N, Sawerysyn JP Chlorination and thermal degradation of 2-chlorodibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran were investigated using sealed tubes at 350 degrees C in the presence of CuCl(2) or CuCl. Twelve organic species, including polychlorobenzenes, were identified and quantified as a function of residence time. Time behaviours of PCDDs and PCDFs regarding destruction processes were compared. The formation of polychlorobenzenes from the thermal heterogenous degradation of PCDDs was only a minor pathway but it could contribute to the good linear correlation observed between the concentration of polychlorobenzenes and those of PCDD/Fs in the emissions of municipal solid waste incinerators. PMID: 18440048 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chemosphere)

  • The evaluation of the air quality impact of an incinerator by using MM5-CMAQ-EMIMO modeling system: North of Spain case study.
    Authors: San José R, Pérez JL, González RM The use of sophisticated air pollution modeling systems to evaluate the impact of different industrial plant emissions is currently done in an extensive way. MM5-CMAQ (PSU/NCAR and EPA, USA) is one of the most applicable air quality modeling systems to evaluate those impacts. In this contribution we present the methodology and results obtained when applying the MM5-CMAQ air quality modeling system for evaluating the potential impact of an incinerator in San Sebastián (Basque Country, Spain). We have used the EMIMO (UPM, Spain) emission model to simulate the emissions from biogenic and anthropogenic sources including traffic and tertiary sector sources. The study includes the air quality impact of a highway located near the ...

  • Potential source and emission analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in China.
    Authors: Zhu J, Hirai Y, Sakai SI, Zheng M The Chinese Government ratified the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on 25 June 2004. As a party to the Convention, China is preparing its National Implementation Plan (NIP), which must be finished and submitted to the Conference of the Parties before November 11, 2006. The emission inventory and strategy for reducing unintentionally formed products is a very complex and difficult part of the NIP. In this paper, we analyzed the potential sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in China and calculated their possible emissions. We included municipal solid waste incineration, hazardous and medical waste incineration, pulp bleaching, sodium pentachlorophenate production and usage, ...

  • Serum levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in non-occupationally exposed population groups living near two incineration plants in Tuscany, Italy.
    Authors: De Felip E, Abballe A, Casalino F, di Domenico A, Domenici P, Iacovella N, Ingelido AM, Pretolani E, Spagnesi M A pilot study was carried out in Tuscany, Italy, to provide preliminary information on the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (DL-PCBs), and selected non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) in groups of subjects living in the vicinity of two incineration plants. Seventy-four volunteers were enrolled from areas identified as under a potential impact from incinerator emissions and from not exposed areas. No significant differences were observed between subjects living in the two types of areas. Total concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and DL-PCBs resulted to be in the range 23-30pg WHO-T...

  • Proposed Incinerator Reclassification Undermines EU Health And Sustainability Goals, Say NGOs
    In a decision criticised today by environment groups, the EU Parliament ENVI Committee voted in favour of EU Commission proposals to reclassify some waste incinerators as energy recovery plants. Among the critics of the proposals, which form part of the EU Waste Framework Directive, are environmental health network Health Care Without Harm Europe (HCWHE) and waste campaigners GAIA. (Source: Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today)

  • Neutron-induced light-ion production from Fe, Pb and U at 96 MeV
    Double-differential cross-sections for light-ion production (up to A = 4) induced by 96 MeV neutrons have been measured for Fe, Pb and U. The experiments have been performed at The Svedberg Laboratory in Uppsala, using two independent devices, MEDLEY and SCANDAL. The recorded data cover a wide angular range (20°–160°) with low energy thresholds. The data have been normalised to obtain cross-sections using np elastic scattering events. The latter have been recorded with the same setup, and results for this measurement are reported. The work was performed within the HINDAS collaboration with the primary aim of improving the database for three of the most important nuclei for incineration of nuclear waste with accelerator-driven systems. The obtained cross-section data are of pa...

  • Kerma coefficients for neutron scattering on 12C and 16O at 96 MeV
    Recently, many new applications of fast neutrons are emerging or under development, like dose effects due to cosmic ray neutrons for airplane crew, fast neutron cancer therapy, studies of electronics failure induced by cosmic ray neutrons and accelerator-driven incineration of nuclear waste and energy production technologies. In radiation treatment, the kerma (Kinetic energy release in matter) coefficient, which describes the average energy transferred from neutrons to charged particles, is widely used. The kerma coefficient can be calculated from microscopic nuclear data. Nuclear data above 20 MeV are rather scarce, and more complete nuclear data libraries are needed in order to improve the understanding of the processes occurring on a cellular level. About half the dose in human tissue d...

  • Elastic neutron scattering studies at 96 MeV for transmutation
    Elastic neutron scattering from 12C, 14N, 16O, 28Si, 40Ca, 56Fe, 89Y and 208Pb has been studied at 96 MeV in the10–70° interval, using the SCANDAL (SCAttered Nucleon Detection AssembLy) facility. The results for 12C and 208Pb have recently been published, while the data on the other nuclei are under analysis. The achieved energy resolution, 3.7 MeV, is about an order of magnitude better than for any previous experiment above 65 MeV incident energy. A novel method for normalisation of the absolute scale of the cross section has been used. The estimated normalisation uncertainty, 3%, is unprecedented for a neutron-induced differential cross section measurement on a nuclear target. Elastic neutron scattering is of utmost importance for a vast number of applications. Besides its fund...

  • Cytotoxicity of municipal solid waste incinerator ash wastes toward mammalian kidney cell lines.
    In this study, three municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) ash wastes-bottom ash, scrubber residue, and baghouse ash-were extracted using a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) extractant. These so-called final TCLP extracts were applied to African green monkey kidney cells (Vero), baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21), and pig kidney cells (PK-15), multi-well absorption reader analysis was performed to test how the cytotoxicity of the incineration ashes would affect the digestive systems of animals. Ion-coupled plasma analyses indicated that the baghouse ash extract possessed the highest pH and heavy metal concentration, its cytotoxicity was also the highest. In contrast, the bottom ash and the scrubber residue exhibited very low cytotoxicities. The cytotoxicities of mixtures...

  • Uganda: Lira Hospital Lacks Incinerator
    LIRA Hospital disposes of clinical in a pit, MPs heard yesterday. The hospital superintendent, Jane Aceng, said the facility, which was built in the 1920s, lacked an incinerator. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

  • Identification of Incinerated Root Canal Filling Materials After Exposure to High Heat Incineration
    Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: With the increase in global terrorism there is a higher probability of having to identify victims of incineration events secondary to incendiary explosive devices. The victims of incineration events challenge forensic odontologists when coronal ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

  • Source identification of PCDD/Fs in agricultural soils near to a Chinese MSWI plant through isomer-specific data analysis.
    Authors: Xu MX, Yan JH, Lu SY, Li XD, Chen T, Ni MJ, Dai HF, Cen KF Isomer-specific data were investigated in order to identify the sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in agricultural soils, including Fluvo-aquic and paddy soils, in the vicinity of a Chinese municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plant. Homologue and isomer profiles of PCDD/Fs in soils were compared with those of potential sources, including combustion sources, i.e., MSWI flue gas and fly ash; and the impurities in agrochemicals, such as the pentachlorophenol (PCP), sodium pentachlorophenate (PCP-Na) and 1,3,5-trichloro-2-(4-nitrophenoxy) benzene (CNP). The results showed that the PCDD/F isomer profiles of combustion sources and agricultural soils were very similar, especially fo...

  • The Island Project
    As I promised the other day, I went to Carrboro Century Center this afternoon (right after meeting with Anton around the corner) to see the Island Projects designed by the Chapel Hill High School students of Rob Greenberg. I did not see all of them - they were doing this in "shifts" throughout the afternoon and I could only stay for an hour - but I saw several of the projects and talked to a number of students (and to Rob himself). I have to say I was really, truly impressed with their work, as well as with their enthusiasm as they explained the details of their projects to me and other visitors. They really did their homework! Their assignment was to design an island - this means inventing an island that does not really exist but is very geologically similar to the islands that truly ex...

  • Source apportionment of fine carbonaceous particles by positive matrix factorization at Gosan background site in East Asia.
    Authors: Moon KJ, Han JS, Ghim YS, Kim YJ Fine particle (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 microm) samples were collected during six intensive measurement periods from November 2001 to August 2003 at Gosan, Jeju Island, Korea, which is one of the representative background sites in East Asia. Chemical composition of these aerosol samples including major ion components, trace elements, organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), and particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed to study the impact of long-range transport of anthropogenic aerosol. Aerosol chemical composition data were then analyzed using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) technique in order to identify the possible sources and estimate their contribution to particulate matter mass. Fourteen sources were...

  • Greiner Bio-One Preanalytics
    Greiner Bio-One is a leading manufacturer of plastic evacuated collection tubes for blood and urine, capillary blood collection systems, safety blood collection sets and accessories, complete urinalysis systems, automatic ESR analysers and decapper instruments. As the first manufacturer to develop a safety collection system for blood and urine made out of virtually unbreakable PET plastic, Greiner Bio-One Preanalytics is a trendsetter in safety. VACUETTE® PLASTIC SPECIMEN COLLECTION TUBES Greiner Bio-One is an expert in the field of plastics and injection moulding techniques; thus it was made possible to successfully develop the optimal process for manufacturing evacuated specimen collection tubes out of PET. The material provides a number of advantages. The tubes are as clear as gla...

  • On Sushi, Mercury, and Women’s Health: Can’t See the Pollution for the Fish
    Amidst the relentless recent coverage of mercury in tuna, sushi and fish in general, I’ve read and heard a lot of hand-wringing over what is and is not a safe level of mercury, and how it’s really the pregnant women, the breastfeeding women, the pre-pregnant women (get it? the women!) who need to worry, but I haven’t heard one account that actually addresses how all this mercury gets in the fish in the first place. In case you thought mercury fairies were poisoning your sushi just to ruin your trips to big coastal cities, here’s what the EPA says: Mercury is found in the environment as a result of natural and human activities. The amount of mercury that cycles in the environment has increased since the industrial age. The main source of mercury is air emissions fro...

  • Dioxin emissions from a municipal solid waste incinerator and risk of invasive breast cancer: a population-based case-control study with GIS-derived exposure
    Conclusion: Before speculating that this decreased risk reflects a dioxin anti-estrogenic activity with greater effect on late-onset acquired breast cancer, some residual confounding must be envisaged. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics)

  • Has Dental Amalgam Been Torpedoed and Sunk?
    J Dent Res 87(2):101-102, 2008© 2008 International and American Associations for Dental Research GUEST EDITORIALHas Dental Amalgam Been Torpedoed and Sunk?Derek W. JonesProfessor Emeritus of Biomaterials, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canadadwjones@dal.caKEY WORDS: Mercury • amalgam • environment • scientific principlesFor the past 20 years, the public has been bombarded by sensational, confusing, and misleading media reports about health issues related to dental amalgam. The public opinion on this issue has been modified by minority, non-scientific views driven and supported by media sensationalism. Mobilization of irrational public fear is the strategy used by lobby groups to pressure governments to change public policy (Jones, 1993). It is important that governments adhere t...

  • Internal exposure to pollutants measured in blood and urine of Flemish adolescents in function of area of residence.
    Authors: Schroijen C, Baeyens W, Schoeters G, Den Hond E, Koppen G, Bruckers L, Nelen V, Van De Mieroop E, Bilau M, Covaci A, Keune H, Loots I, Kleinjans J, Dhooge W, Van Larebeke N The Centre for Environment and Health in Flanders, the Northern part of Belgium, started a biomonitoring program on adolescents in 2003. 1679 adolescents residing in nine areas with different patterns of pollution participated in the study. Possible confounding effects of lifestyle and personal characteristics were taken into account. The geometric mean levels of cadmium and lead in whole blood amounted to 0.36 and 21.7mugl(-1), those of PCBs, DDE and HCB in serum to 68, 94 and 20.9ngg(-1) fat, and those of 1-hydroxypyrene and t,t'-muconic acid in urine to 88ngg(-1) creatinine and 72mugg(-1) creatinine. Sig...

  • Investigation of 1,4-dioxane originating from incineration residues produced by incineration of municipal solid waste.
    In this study, the origins of 1,4-dioxane in landfill leachate were investigated at 38 landfill sites and three incineration plants in Japan. Extremely high levels of 1,4-dioxane 89 and 340mugl(-1), were detected in leachate from two of the landfill sites sampled. Assessments of leachate and measurement of 1,4-dioxane in incineration residues revealed the most likely source of 1,4-dioxane in the leachate to be the fly ash produced by municipal solid waste incinerators. Effective removal of 1,4-dioxane in leachate from fly ash was achieved using heating dechlorination systems. Rapid leaching of 1,4-dioxane observed from fly ash in a sequential batch extraction indicated that the incorporation of a waste washing process could also be effective for the removal of 1,4-dioxane in fly ash. P...

  • Everything's better with kitty litter — especially leftover meds
    Lauran Neergaard's November 6, 2007 Associated Press story explained why, and follows. Got unused meds? Don't flush them, mix with cat litter It's time to pooper-scoop your leftover medicine. Mixing cough syrup, Vicodin or Lipitor with cat litter is the new advice on getting rid of unused medications. Preferably, used cat litter. It's a compromise, better for the environment than flushing — and one that renders dangerous medicines too yucky to try if children, pets or drug abusers stumble through the trash. A government experiment is about to send that advice straight to thousands of patients who use potent painkillers, sleeping pills and other controlled substances. Why? Prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and research suggests more than half of people who misuse those drugs g...

  • Management considerations and environmental benefit analysis for turning food garbage into agricultural resources.
    The objective of this paper is to present and discuss some management considerations in turning food garbage into agricultural resources due to the compulsory garbage sorting directive in Taiwan. The description first aims at the current status in food garbage generation and its recycling, and at the regulatory polices which have become effective since 2000. It also centers on the environmental and agricultural measures on upgrading food garbage recycling. Based on the preliminary analysis of environmental benefit by the Revised 1996 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, it is obvious that composting food garbage is superior to that by traditional treatments (i.e., incineration and sanitary landfill) from the viewpoint of reduc...

  • Formation of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers from condensation of chlorophenols with chlorobenzenes.
    CONCLUSIONS: Experimental studies clarified the behavior of the formation of PCDEs from condensation of polychlorophenols and PCBz. The condensation of polychlorophenols with PCBz formed PCDEs through elimination of HCl between polychlorophenols and PCBz molecules. Another pathway of PCDEs formation was elimination of H2O between two polychlorophenol molecules. In addition, dechlorination processes had caused the specific homologous pattern of PCDEs under higher temperatures. PMID: 18306892 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research International)

  • miti'> Mitigating Methylmercury Exposure Study Confirms Potential of NAC as Antidote and Biomarker Researchers have been searching for better ways to quantify and mitigate exposures to the neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg). Results from a new animal study confirm that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), already used to treat acetaminophen overdose, may serve as a quick-acting antidote for and biomarker of MeHg exposure [EHP 116:26?31; Aremu et al.]. MeHg is created when elemental mercury released through the burning of coal, waste incineration, and other industrial processes is metabolized by aquatic microorganisms such as anaerobic bacteria. It bioaccumulates rapidly, with concentrations in some top marine predators reaching 100,000 times that of surrounding seawater. Fish consumption is the major source of human exposure. MeHg can cause irreversible brain damage, and the developing brain is especially vulnerable to its effects. Treatments to mitigate MeHg exposure involve chelation, the administration of compounds that bind mercury, speeding its elimination from the body and thereby minimizing its toxicity. Current chelation methods can be nonspecific, depleting not only MeHg but also minerals required for normal cell function, such as calcium. illustration of rodent and chemical structure image: Indigo Fish/Shutterstock, Getty Images, Matthew Ray/EHP In contrast, chelation treatment with NAC does not affect levels of essential minerals. NAC, a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine and a precursor of the antioxidant glutathione, is itself a potent antioxidant. NAC can be delivered intravenously or orally. In the current study, adult rats were injected with NAC (1 mmol/kg) 2 hours after being exposed to MeHg (0.1 ?mol/kg). The treated animals excreted about 5% of their body burden of MeHg within 2 hours, compared with less than 0.1% excreted by untreated animals. The response was transient and dose dependent, with larger doses of NAC resulting in higher rates of MeHg excretion. These effects were not seen in preweaned rats (age 15?19 days) treated with NAC. The researchers speculate that the transporter systems needed to move the MeHg?NAC complex through the kidney do not mature until animals reach adulthood (around 30 days of age). However, oral NAC treatment in pregnant rats (10 mg/mL in drinking water) did protect their fetuses, reducing concentrations in the placenta and the whole fetus by 70?90%. In the dams themselves, NAC also reduced MeHg concentrations by 70?90% in the brain, by about 20% in the kidney, and by 60?80% in the blood and liver. NAC's short half-life, about 2 hours, may allow it to serve as an accurate real-time biomarker of MeHg exposure. According to the researchers, such a quick-acting biomarker could provide critical early warning of possible acute exposures, where early treatment is critical to prevent neurological damage. In the current study, MeHg excretion in animals treated with NAC was proportionate to MeHg body burden at the time of treatment. In contrast, standard monitoring techniques, which use hair analysis, can provide only a history of exposure and cannot guide immediate treatment for acute exposures. The researchers propose that future studies test NAC in adult humans as a biomarker of exposure and a possible treatment for MeHg exposure, especially for pregnant women whose unborn children are in danger of prenatal MeHg exposure. Kris Freeman
    miti"> Mitigating Methylmercury Exposure Study Confirms Potential of NAC as Antidote and Biomarker Researchers have been searching for better ways to quantify and mitigate exposures to the neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg). Results from a new animal study confirm that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), already used to treat acetaminophen overdose, may serve as a quick-acting antidote for and biomarker of MeHg exposure [EHP 116:26?31; Aremu et al.]. MeHg is created when elemental mercury released through the burning of coal, waste incineration, and other industrial processes is metabolized by aquatic microorganisms such as anaerobic bacteria. It bioaccumulates rapidly, with concentrations in some top marine predators reaching 100,000 times that of surrounding seawater. Fish consumption is the ma...

  • Determination of biogenic and fossil CO(2) emitted by waste incineration based on (14)CO(2) and mass balances.
    Authors: Mohn J, Szidat S, Fellner J, Rechberger H, Quartier R, Buchmann B, Emmenegger L A field application of the radiocarbon ((14)C) method was developed to determine the ratio of biogenic vs. fossil CO(2) emissions from waste-to-energy plants (WTE). This methodology can be used to assign the Kyoto relevant share of fossil CO(2) emissions, which is highly relevant for emission budgets and emission trading. Furthermore, heat and electricity produced by waste incinerators might be labelled depending on the fossil or biogenic nature of the primary energy source. The method development includes representative on-site CO(2) absorption and subsequent release in the laboratory. Furthermore, a reference value for the (14)C content of pure biogenic waste (f(M,bio)) was determined as 1.130+/-...

  • Microbial degradation of chlorinated dioxins.
    Authors: Field JA, Sierra-Alvarez R Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) were introduced into the biosphere on a large scale as by-products from the manufacture of chlorinated phenols and the incineration of wastes. Due to their high toxicity they have been the subject of great public and scientific scrutiny. The evidence in the literature suggests that PCDD/F compounds are subject to biodegradation in the environment as part of the natural chlorine cycle. Lower chlorinated dioxins can be degraded by aerobic bacteria from the genera of Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas and Burkholderia. Most studies have evaluated the cometabolism of monochlorinated dioxins with unsubstituted dioxin as the primary substrate. The degradation is usually initiated by u...

  • Doha North ponders sludge incineration
    The Doha North sewage treatment plant, which is due to open in 2011, may build the GCC's first sludge incineration unit, Jalal Salhi, manager of drainage projects in the Public Works Authority of Qatar, told MEED's Wastewater Treatment & Reuse 2007 conference in Abu Dhabi today. (Source: Healthcare)

  • Lead isotopes in environmental sciences: A review.
    Authors: Komárek M, Ettler V, Chrastný V, Mihaljevič M Lead (Pb) isotopic analyses proved to be a very efficient tool for tracing the sources of local and global Pb pollution. This review presents an overview of literature published on the use of Pb isotopic analyses of different environmental matrices (atmospheric aerosols, lichens, tree rings, peat deposits, lake, stream, marine sediments, soils, etc.). In order to gain more insight, the isotopic compositions of major sources of Pb in the environment as determined by several authors are described in detail. These include, above all, the former use of leaded gasoline, coal combustion, industrial activities (e.g., metallurgy) and waste incineration. Furthermore, this review summarises analytical techniques (especially I...

  • Panel proposal for next years SLSA conference in Berlin accepted
    Our panel proposal for next years SLSA conference, “Figurations of Knowledge”, which will be held in Berlin from the 2nd to the 8th of June, has been accepted. Here follows our general outline and individual abstracts. Recent biomedicine and vitality This panel addresses different emergences of ‘vitality’ in recent biomedicine. It brings together diverse case studies – from embryonic practices between clinical waste and ‘personhood’, laboratory animals to preventive risk assessment software and medical simulations. Recent biomedicine is a key contemporary site in which boundaries of life and death are negotiated. While ‘health’ has been construed in opposition to ‘disease’, in recent biomedicine these categories have become less and less clear. Depending on pr...

  • Catalytic effects by metal oxides on the formation and degradation of chlorinated aromatic compounds in fly ash.
    Authors: Oberg T, Bergbäck B, Filipsson M Polychlorinated benzenes, dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), and dibenzofurans (PCDF) may be formed below the combustion temperature in fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI). Copper catalyzes this formation, possibly by the Deacon reaction. Many other elements are also Deacon catalysts or promoters, and here we report results from a statistically designed experiment with 15 metal oxides added to fly ash and heated at 300 degrees C for 2h in an air atmosphere. A resolution IV fractional factorial design with four replicates was completed in 36 runs with the oxides of magnesium, yttrium, titanium, vanadium, niobium, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and tin. All samples were analyzed for c...

  • Bioaerosols study in central Taiwan during summer season
    Suspended particles, of which bioaerosols are one type, constitute one of the main reasons to cause severe air quality in Taiwan. Bioaerosols include allergens such as fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, arthropods and protozoa, as well as microbial products such as mycotoxins, endotoxins and glucans. When allergens and microbial products are suspended in the air, local air quality will be influenced severely. In addition, when the particle size is small enough to pass through the respiratory tract entering the human body, the health of the local population is also threatened. Therefore, the purpose of this study attempted to understand the concentration and types of bacteria during summer period at four sampling sites in Taichung city, central Taiwan. The results indicated that total average ...

  • Dechlorination and destruction of PCDDs/PCDFs in fly ashes from municipal solid waste incinerators by low temperature thermal treatment.
    Authors: Song GJ, Kim SH, Seo YC, Kim SC Dechlorination and destruction characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs) in fly ashes from commercial-scale municipal solid waste incinerators by low temperature thermal treatment using a laboratory-scale heating system were investigated. Experiments were carried out in reducing atmosphere at temperatures of 300 degrees C, 450 degrees C and 600 degrees C respectively, for the treatment time of 1h and 3h. Concentrations of PCDDs/PCDFs in raw fly ashes ranged from 35.5 to 107.3mugkg(-1) (1.5-3.4mug TEQkg(-1)) and treated fly ashes ranged from 0.34 to 45.3mugkg(-1) (0.012-1.63mug TEQkg(-1)). Concentrations of PCDDs/PCDFs in fly ashes treated at the different temperatures and times were obse...

  • Testing for unusual aggregation of health risk in semiparametric models
    We present a method for surface estimation over some area of interest using spatial multilevel semiparametric models, in which the spatial correlation is modeled through splines with random coefficients associated with a set of knots. Multiple sets of random effects are associated with partitions of the entire area of interest that allow flexibility for testing unusual rates within sub-regions of larger areas. To test departures from the null value of no unusual rates, we derive a score-based test statistic, partially by using some of the results available for singular information problems. The test is robust in that it does not require specifying the joint distribution of the random effect. In an extensive simulation study this overall general test shows correct levels, and it is highly s...

  • Nigeria: Ministry Begins Installation of Incinerators At Health Institutions
    The Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development has commenced the installation of incinerators in eight healthcare institutions. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

  • Suppressing effect of goethite on PCDD/F and HCB emissions from plastic materials incineration.
    In this study the addition of goethite (alpha-FeOOH) was investigated to determine its suppressing effect on the emission of PCDD/Fs and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) during the combustion of wastes containing PE and PVC. Goethite was being considered since it acts as a dioxin-suppressing catalyst during incineration. Results showed that incorporation of goethite greatly reduced the generation of PCDD/Fs and HCB in the exhaust gas and fly ash. The concentration of PCDD/Fs in flue gas decreased by 45% for lab-scale and 52% for small incinerator combustion experiments, where the goethite ratios in feed samples were 0.54% and 0.34%, respectively. Under the same conditions, the concentration of HCB in flue gas decreased by 88% and 62%, respectively. The present study showed a possible mechanism of t...

  • Dietary exposure to PCDD/PCDFs by individuals living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain: Temporal trend.
    Authors: Martí-Cid R, Bocio A, Domingo JL The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) were measured in foodstuffs randomly acquired in July 2006 in various locations of Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain), which are near a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI). A total of 35 composite samples, belonging to various food groups (vegetables, pulses, cereals, fruits, fish and seafood, meat and meat products, eggs, milk, dairy products, and oils and fats) were analyzed by HRGC/HRMS. The dietary intake of PCDD/PCDFs was subsequently determined and compared with a previous survey performed in 2002. For calculations, recent data on consumption of the selected food items were used. Total dietary intake of PCDD/PCDFs for the general population...

  • Federal Government, Contractor Defend Shipping Nerve Gas Waste Across 8 States For Incineration
    TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The federal government and the owner of a Texas incinerator filed challenges Aug. 24 to claims brought by four environmental groups to stop the U.S. Army's shipments of nerve gas hazardous waste through eight states (The Sierra Club, et al. v. Dr. Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense, et al., No. 07-0101, S.D. Ind.). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Emerging Toxic Torts Legal News)

  • Adsorption characteristics of carbonaceous adsorbents for organic pollutants in a model incineration exhaust gas.
    Authors: Inoue K, Kawamoto K Adsorption characteristics of carbonaceous adsorbents were examined using 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene, naphthalene and 2,4,6-tribromophenol as adsorbates. The breakthrough and equilibrium adsorption characteristics were evaluated using laboratory-scale adsorption test equipment. A micropore volume of diameter less than 2nm is the most important factor governing the adsorption capacity of all adsorbates. A kinetic analysis was performed and the adsorption behavior of the adsorbates was analyzed. Diffusion within porous particles controls the adsorption rate in this system, and the diffusion process is a function of pore diffusion. The operating conditions in working incineration facility adsorbers were reviewed and the breakthrough time of these adsorbents in...

  • New medical waste incinerator
    Dubai Municipality and Zenath Group, the recycling and waste management arm of ETA Star Group, have signed an agreement to build the UAE's largest medical incinerator plant for safe treatment of medical waste. The incinerator will have a treatment capacity of 20 tons per day and will be fully operational by late 2008. The civic body handled 1188 tons of medical waste in 2006, compared to 579 tons in 2002. (Source: Healthcare)

  • Namibia: Smog Alarm From Katutura State Hospital
    SMOKE coming from the Van Eck power station and the incinerator of the Katutura Hospital are polluting the air and are causing severe smog which poses a health risk, an environmental organisation says. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

  • National monitoring of PCDD/DFs in environmental media around incinerators in Korea.
    Authors: Kim KS, Shin SK, Kim KS, Song BJ, Kim JG To examine the levels of PCDD/DFs pollution in environmental samples in the vicinity of various incinerators, the levels of PCDD/DFs in air and soil samples collected near 17 incinerators and stack emission gases were investigated between 2003 and 2006. A total of 434 soil, 28 stack emission gas, and 38 air samples were analyzed for their PCDD/DFs concentrations. The PCDD/DFs concentrations in the flue gas samples ranged from 0.02 to 16.41 ng I-TEQ/Sm(3), with an arithmetical mean value of 3.13 ng I-TEQ/Sm(3). The PCDD/DFs concentrations in the air samples ranged from 0.032 to 0.965 pg I-TEQ/Sm(3). The soil samples contained between N.D. and 153.23 pg I-TEQ/g-dry, with an average of 7.36 pg I-TEQ/g-dry. These levels were generally consi...

  • Rapid acid digestion and simple microplate method for milk iodine determination
    In this study, a simple and rapid colorimetric method was investigated, which used acid digestion in combination with a rapid microplate reading format method to determine the total iodine content in milk. Sample digestion was done on 50 µL milk in metavanadate/perchloric, at 230°C for 10 min. After digestion, iodine determination was based on the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. The reaction results were read in 96-well microplates by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader. The determination range of the assay was between 2 and 40 µg/dL. The within-run coefficient of variation percent in three levels (3, 12, and 36 µg/dL) ranged from 6.7 to 9.3 and between-run coefficients of variation ranged from 8.6 to 12.3%. The results obtained (n=70) by the optimized method have good corre...

  • In vitro toxicity assay using human bronchial epithelial cell, Beas-2B, for the screening of toxicological risk of dioxin-like compounds sampled from small sized Korean waste incineration plants.
    Authors: Ha MH, Ham SY, Lee DH, Choi J To test the suitability of cell bioassay as a tool for screening the toxicological risk of dioxin-like compounds, an in vitro toxicity assay was performed using samples obtained from small sized Korean waste incineration plants. Stress-related gene expression, cell viability, apoptosis, DNA damage and cell cycles were investigated as toxicological indicators of the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/DFs) exposed human bronchial epithelial cell, Beas-2B. Of the stress-related genes, the expressions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), cytochrome P450 (CYP) and p53 genes were most significantly induced by exposure to PCDDs/DFs. Exposure of Beas-2B cells to PCDDs/DFs sampled from waste incinerators was sufficient for the ex...

  • Air concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PCNs using active and passive air samplers.
    Authors: Mari M, Schuhmacher M, Feliubadaló J, Domingo JL The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were determined in air samples collected at four sampling sites located in two zones of Barcelona (Spain): near a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) and a combined cycle power plant (3 sites), and at a background/control site. Samples were collected using high-volume active samplers. Moreover, 4 PUF passive samplers were deployed at the same sampling points during three months. For PCDD/Fs, total WHO-TEQ values were 27.3 and 10.9fg WHO-TEQm(-3) at the urban/industrial and the background sites, respectively. The sum of 7 PCB congeners and the summation operatorPCN levels...

  • Dioxins sources and current remediation technologies - A review.
    Authors: Kulkarni PS, Crespo JG, Afonso CA Dioxins are highly toxic and ubiquitous compounds that are unintentional by-products of several chemical processes on earth. According to the earth pollutant terminology, they are next to the nuclear catastrophes. It is because of their concerns over adverse health effects, a number of countries have introduced stringent emission standards. The present review focuses on entire sources of dioxins present in the environment. They are broadly classified into four major categories such as, incineration, combustion, industrial and reservoir sources. State-of-the-art remediation technologies available for reducing dioxins formation and emission from the important sources such as, flue gas, fly ash and soil were described in detail. Further, in order...

  • Leaching characteristics of PCDDs/DFs and dioxin-like PCBs from landfills containing municipal solid waste and incineration residues.
    Authors: Ham SY, Kim YJ, Lee DH To investigate the leaching characteristic of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as non-ortho and mono-ortho substituted chlorobiphebyls (dioxin-like PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/DFs), in leachate from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill sites containing incineration residues, raw leachate samples were collected twice from 12 selected MSW landfill sites. The samples were divided into their liquid and solid phases using GF/B (pore size 1.0mum), and the concentrations of POPs then determined. The concentrations of PCDDs/DFs ranged from 0.65 to 5.88 pg-TEQ/l (average 2.86 pg-TEQ/l), and those of dioxin-like PCBs from 0.05 to 0.32 pg-TEQ/l (average 0.18 pg-TEQ/l). The major congeners of leached PCDDs/DFs and diox...

  • Post-combustion syntheses of PCDD/F and PBDD/F from halogen-rich fuel is suppressed by a pebble heater technology.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot incineration test indicates that the pebble heater technology can effectively suppress a post-combustion synthesis of PCDD/F and PBDD/F, resulting in low PCDD/F emission levels without further off-gas treatment. The presented data state that WEEE is sensible to incomplete combustion, which will lead to increased PBDD/F emissions without increasing PCDD/F emission limits. This finding is especially relevant for small and low-technical incineration appliances, which have been reported to treat WEEE in developing countries and are considered to serve as a significant source of PXDD/F these days. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: Monitoring of PCDD/F emissions only might considerably underestimate the total emission of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. It is therefore a...

  • Levels of dioxins and furans in urban surface soil in Trondheim, Norway.
    Authors: Andersson M, Ottesen RT A study was conducted on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in surface soil in order to determine the concentration levels and possibly distinguishing between known and potential sources. The concentration levels are low (0.16-14ng I-TEQkg(-1)). The results show a clear pattern where the highest concentration levels were found in the oldest parts of the city. A number of sources were recognised in the soil samples through congener profiles, not all of them active, although similar congener profiles make it extremely difficult to distinguish between different sources. Estimations show that the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) and domestic wood burning are the largest PCDD/F pollution sources within the area. PMID: 1...

  • Returned medicines: waste or a wasted opportunity?
    Conclusion Unused medicines are returned in substantial quantities and have considerable financial value, with many in a condition suitable for re-use. We consider it appropriate to reopen the debate on the potential for re-using these medicines in developing countries where medicines are not widely available and also within the UK. (Source: Journal of Public Health)

  • PCDD/PCDF reduction by the co-combustion process.
    Authors: Lee VK, Cheung WH, McKay G A novel process, termed the co-combustion process, has been developed and designed to utilise the thermal treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) in cement clinker production and reduce PCDD/PCDF emissions. To test the conceptual design; detailed engineering design of the process and equipment was performed and a pilot plant was constructed to treat up to 40tonnes MSW per day. The novel process features included several units external to the main traditional cement rotary kiln: A PCDD/PCDF inventory has been completed for the entire process and measured PCDD/PCDF emissions were 0.001ngI-TEQ/Nm(3) on average which is 1% of the best practical means [Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, 2001. A guidance note on the best practicable means for ...

  • Cut these cowboys some slack
    Charles Krauthammer rises in defense of drunken astronauts:Someone’s gotta do it. No one’s gonna do it. So I’ll do it. Your Honor, I rise in defense of drunken astronauts.You’ve all heard the reports, delivered in scandalized tones on the evening news or as guaranteed punch lines for the late-night comics, that at least two astronauts had alcohol in their systems before flights. A stern and sober NASA has assured an anxious nation that this matter, uncovered by a NASA-commissioned study, will be thoroughly looked into and appropriately dealt with.To which I say: Come off it. I know NASA has to get grim and do the responsible thing, but as counsel for the defense — the (BEG ITAL)only(END ITAL) counsel for the defense, as far as I can tell — I place before the jury the following ...

  • Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in China and chemometric analysis of potential emission sources.
    Authors: Zhu J, Hirai Y, Yu G, Sakai SI Aimed to give a preliminary image of dioxin pollution in China, chemometric analysis was performed to determine background dioxin levels during the period 1994-2002 and potential emission sources. Using principal components analysis (PCA), the congener profiles of 71 sediment samples from rivers, lakes, and sea bays around China were compared with the congener profiles of various known or suspected industrial, residential, and municipal dioxin sources to determine whether the dioxin residues typically found in a broad range of potential environmental sources could explain the presence of these chemicals in China. It was found that the background dioxin levels of China were similar to those of lightly polluted samples from other countries during t...

  • Influence of variation in the operating conditions on PCDD/F distribution in a full-scale MSW incinerator.
    In this study, we investigated the distribution of tetra- to octa-CDD/F along the flue gas line in a full-scale reciprocating grate incinerator and evaluated the effects of temperature control and O(2) level on PCDD/F formation. Six runs were laid out and all performed under sufficient burning conditions, in which the combustion efficiency of MSW was more than 99.9%. The total concentration of tetra- to octa-CDD/F measured at the boiler outlet showed an increasing tendency with the increase of boiler outlet temperature (T(B)) from 214 degrees C to 264 degrees C. When flue gas ran across the semi-dry scrubber and cyclone precipitator, in which the temperature varied from 264 degrees C to 162 degrees C, the concentrations of the lower chlorinated dioxins and furans were significantly raised,...

  • Namibia: Country's Only Waste Incinerator Hit By Burnout
    THE waste incinerator at the Windhoek Central Hospital will be out of service for urgent repairs over the next three weeks. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

  • Conference Reporting On The Regulated Disposal Of Nanomaterials
    All materials and products eventually come to the end of their useful life, and those made with nanotechnology are no different. This means that engineered nanomaterials will ultimately enter the waste stream and find their way into landfills or incinerators -- and eventually into the air, soil and water. [click link for full article] (Source: Medical Devices News From Medical News Today)

  • Hotspots of Mercury Contamination Identified in Eastern North America
    A US and Canadian research team surveying mercury contamination in fish and birds in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada has identified five “hotspots” where concentrations of the element exceed those established for human or wildlife health. The team focused on levels of the potent neurotoxin in yellow perch and common loons, but it also took into account contamination in other fish, birds, and mammals. In addition to these hotspots in New England, New York, and Nova Scotia, the researchers found nine “areas of concern” in these regions and in Quebec and New Brunswick. Findings from the team’s analysis are summarized in the January 2007 issue of BioScience. The hotspots are believed to result from complex processes that move atmospherically released mercury t...

  • Sarcoma risk and dioxin emissions from incinerators and industrial plants: a population-based case-control study (Italy)
    Conclusions: Our study supports the association between modelled dioxin exposure and sarcoma risk. (Source: Environmental Health)

  • South Africa: Green Scorpions Close Down Waste Plant
    THE Green Scorpions have shut down a medical waste incinerator in Benoni South after months of negotiation with the owners to clean up the site, which was littered with expired medicines, needles, blood and amputated limbs. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

  • Cytotoxicity of the exhaust gas from a thermal reactor of MSWI baghouse ash.
    Authors: Huang WJ, Shue MF Baghouse ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plant was heated from 25 degrees C to 800 degrees C under nitrogen in a fixed-bed reactor. The exhaust gas was passed sequentially through water, acetone and cyclohexane. The cytotoxicity testing of the three adsorbates was done with the MRC-5 cell line and the percentage cell survival was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethoxyphenol)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) analysis. The highest level of toxicity of the exhaust gas was observed at 500 degrees C. The total cytotoxicity of the three adsorbates at any treatment temperature was found to be a function of the sum of organic carbon (TOC), inorganic carbon (IC) and molecular chlorine (Cl(2)), of which, molecular chlorin...

  • Background levels and dietary intake of PCDD/Fs in domestic and imported meat in South Korea.
    Authors: Kim M, Kim S, Yun SJ, Kim DG, Chung GS A survey was conducted in South Korea to determine residual levels and dietary intake of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) from meat. Altogether 119 domestic and 164 imported samples of beef, pork, and chicken were examined. The mean levels of PCDD/Fs in upper bound were 0.21, 0.22, and 0.04pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for beef, pork, and chicken, respectively. The low level of PCDD/Fs in chicken probably resulted from the low fat content in the samples used. The samples were separated into domestic and imported products in order to investigate the sources of contamination. PCDFs were the more dominant congeners in domestic beef and were similar to those found from emission of incineration. However, the congener prof...

  • Occurrence and fate of polycyclic musks in wastewater treatment plants in Kentucky and Georgia, USA.
    In this study, contamination profiles and mass flow of polycyclic musks, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[gamma]-2-benzopyran (HHCB), 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN), and HHCB-lactone (oxidation product of HHCB), in two WWTPs, one located in Kentucky (Plant A, rural area) and the other in Georgia (Plant B, urban), USA, were determined. HHCB, AHTN and HHCB-lactone were detected in the influent, effluent, and sludge samples analyzed. The concentrations in wastewater samples varied widely, from 10 to 7030ng/l, 13 to 5400ng/l, and 66 to 790ng/l, for HHCB, AHTN, and HHCB-lactone, respectively. Sludge samples contained HHCB at <0.02-36mug/g dry weight, AHTN at <0.02-7.2mug/g dry weight, and HHCB-lactone at <0.05-17mug/g dry weig...

  • Appeals Court Vacates EPA Incinerator Rule
    Decision requires agency to issue revised controls for emissions from waste burners (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

  • Scientists Issue Urgent Warning Over Global Mercury Contamination of Fish
    From NewsTarget.com  An international group of scientists has released the Madison Declaration on Mercury Pollution, warning that mercury exposure is now a public health problem in almost every part of the world and that the problem of mercury pollution is only getting more severe. What you need to know - Conventional View * Mercury is a chemical element that acts as a toxin to the central nervous system, endocrine system and kidneys. It is widely used in a variety of industrial processes and is prevent is compact fluorescent light bulbs. * The Madison Declaration presents 33 key findings of four panels of mercury experts from the past year. The declaration has been endorsed by more than 1,000 scientists. * One of the most important findings was that three times more mercury is falling fr...

  • Sources of fine urban particulate matter in Detroit, MI.
    Authors: Gildemeister AE, Hopke PK, Kim E Data from the speciation trends network (STN) was used to evaluate the amount and temporal patterns of particulate matter originating from local industrial sources and long-range transport at two sites in Detroit, MI: Allen Park, MI, southwest of both Detroit and the areas of heavy industrial activity; Dearborn, MI, located on the south side of Detroit near the most heavily industrialized region. Using positive matrix factorization (PMF) and comparing source contributions at Allen Park to those in Dearborn, contributions made by local industrial sources (power plants, coke refineries, iron smelting, waste incineration), local area sources (automobile and diesel truck) and long range sources of PM(2.5) can be distinguished in greater Detroit. Ov...

  • Thermodynamic behavior of rare metals in the melting process of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration residues.
    This study aims to identify the thermodynamic behavior of rare metal elements during the melting process of municipal solid waste incineration residues. The fate of several selected rare metal elements was investigated using two approaches: experimental and thermodynamic equilibrium calculation at two actual melting plants. The results revealed that Ag, Bi, Ga, Ge, In, Pd, Sb, Te, and Tl are readily volatilized as chloride and/or gaseous forms and then condensed in melting furnace fly ash. On the other hand, Cr, Ni, Ta, V, and Zr tend to mostly remain in molten slag. Sn is volatilized as SnS (g) under reducing conditions while volatilization is suppressed under oxidizing conditions. Thermodynamically, total volatilization of Mn as MnCl(2) (g) occurred with highly available chlorine under o...

  • A municipal solid waste incinerator as the single dominant point source of PCDD/Fs in an area of increased non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence.
    Authors: Floret N, Lucot E, Badot PM, Mauny F, Viel JF Since 1971, a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) with high dioxin emission levels has been in operation in Besançon, France. We recently found a 2.3-fold risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the highest exposure zone using a Gaussian-type dispersion model as a proxy for dioxin exposure. However, the sources of PCDD/Fs in this area are a matter of controversy. The aim of this survey was therefore to examine the nature of the PCDD/F soil contamination in the surroundings of the MSWI to characterize whether more than one potential emission source could explain the presence of the PCDD/Fs. PCDD/F congener profiles were determined in 75 soil samples collected in the vicinity of the MSWI. They were compared according to the most envi...

  • Incinerator raises fertility fear
    A retired GP says a proposed incinerator in Cornwall could increase infertility, infant deaths and miscarriages. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

  • Exploded pacemakers as potentially strong museum objects
    I’m stunned by this picture which was recently published in the Danish medical weekly (Ugeskrift for Læger, 23 April 2007): (see original article here)  It’s not oyster shells — it’s the remains of artificial pacemakers found in the ovens of the crematorium of the city of Odense (Denmark) between October 2004 and July 2006. Heated to the high temperatures used in the incineration of corpses, a pacemaker will explode. The Zn/Hg batteries used in the 1970s and 1980s sometimes even cause damage to the ovens, while today’s Li/ion-PVP-batteries cause less damage (yet the staff will immediately hear when a ’client’ with a pacemaker gets through the flames). (The Danish medical weekly’s recommendation to its readers is: Remember to re...

  • Congener-specific approach to human PCB concentrations by serum analysis.
    The objective of this study was to evaluate all congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human serum samples. Concentrations of all PCB congeners in the serum of 87 volunteers were determined by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). The participants consisted of 47 males and 40 females, including 25 men working at municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs). The mean concentrations of total PCBs and dioxin-like PCBs were 242.77ng/g lipid (median: 180.17ng/g lipid) and 18.57ng/g lipid (median: 15.34ng/g lipid), respectively. Penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorinated biphenyls contributed more than 80% of the total PCBs detected in human serum. Congener-specific analysis indicated that PCB153, PCB138, PCB180, PCB187, and PCB118 contributed 57.3% o...

  • Going green enhances hospitals' financial health
    It wasn't long ago that hospitals were anything but healthy when it came to protecting the environment. In 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that medical waste incinerators were the No. 1 producer of the carcinogen dioxin and were responsible for 10 percent of all mercury air emissions. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines)

  • Historical trends of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in sediments buried in a reservoir in Northern Taiwan.
    Authors: Chi KH, Chang MB, Kao SJ Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were analyzed at 1-2cm intervals in a sediment core collected from a reservoir in Northern Taiwan to evaluate the organic pollution history. The highest PCDD/F (14.4ng TEQ/kg d.w.) and PCB (0.261ng TEQ(WHO)/kg d.w.) concentrations were determined at 13-15cm (estimated year: 1992). The ages of the levels of sediment core were estimated from the sedimentation rate. Analysis results demonstrate that the PCDD/F concentration of the sediment core measured in the reservoir reached their peak when the municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) in the area started to operate. Furthermore, the decrease in sediment core PCDD/F concentration is ...

  • Desorption of PCDD/PCDF from municipal solid waste incinerator flyash under post-combustion plant conditions.
    Authors: Cunliffe AM, Williams PT The influence of temperature on the levels of PCDD and PCDF remaining in, and desorbed from, a municipal solid waste incinerator flyash was investigated by heating the ash to between 200 and 400 degrees C under a simulated flue gas for four days reaction time. Considerable desorption of PCDD/PCDF from the flyash was seen at 275 degrees C and above. Maximum desorption occurred at 350 degrees C, with the equivalent of nearly eight times the total PCDD/PCDF concentration of the original flyash being lost to the vapour phase per unit mass of initial flyash. The I-TEQ value of the desorbed PCDD/PCDF was considerable, being over fourteen times that of the original flyash at 325 degrees C. The results indicate that formation of PCDD/PCDF on flyash deposits in...

  • Right-to-Know Rollback Will Hide Data on 600,000 Pounds of Toxics in California
    This study had several strengths: relatively little exposure to dangerous chemicals other than benzene that might act as confounders (and create a false impression about benzene), a wide range of benzene exposures, and very complete follow-up. It showed an increase in leukemia and multiple myeloma (a cancer of immune system cells in the bone marrow) among exposed workers. Another important study was conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine. Investigators followed almost 30,000 workers exposed to benzene in 233 factories in China, and a similar group of unexposed control workers. The large sample size permitted elevated risks to be detected at low levels of exposure. This study suggested an increased risk of leukemia i...

  • Human exposure to heavy metals in the vicinity of Portuguese solid waste incinerators - Part 1: Biomonitoring of Pb, Cd and Hg in blood of the general population.
    Authors: Fátima Reis M, Sampaio C, Brantes A, Aniceto P, Melim M, Cardoso L, Gabriel C, Simão F, Miguel JP Human exposure to heavy metals makes it necessary to monitor these elements in the human body if the objective is to relate heavy metal exposure to adverse health effects. In Portugal, biomonitoring projects on heavy metals are being carried out on people living in the vicinity of solid waste incinerators. The projects are being developed in the ambit of two environmental health surveillance programs related to solid waste incineration facilities, one near Lisbon and the other on Madeira Island, that have the main objective of guaranteeing the safeguard of public health in relation to the potential negative impact of incineration processes on human health. These programs are the...

  • Human exposure to heavy metals in the vicinity of Portuguese solid waste incinerators-Part 2: Biomonitoring of lead in maternal and umbilical cord blood.
    Authors: Fátima Reis M, Sampaio C, Brantes A, Aniceto P, Melim M, Cardoso L, Gabriel C, Simão F, Segurado S, Miguel JP As part of environmental health surveillance programs related to solid waste incinerators located near Lisbon and on Madeira Island, human biomonitoring projects have been implemented in Portugal, some of them focused on cross-sectional surveys of heavy metals in blood. One of the general aims of these programs is to provide Portuguese data on the extent and pattern of human exposure to the pollutants potentially released in the stack gases from the incinerators, namely heavy metals. The present investigation reports information specifically on blood lead levels of newborn-mother pairs living in the vicinity of the incinerators under study, as well as of statisticall...

  • Characteristics of leachate from pyrolysis residue of sewage sludge.
    Authors: Hwang IH, Ouchi Y, Matsuto T The pyrolysis residue (SP) of sewage sludge (SS) produced at 500 degrees C was subjected to batch and column leaching tests to investigate the release of its organic and inorganic constituents and metals. For comparison, incineration ash (SI) obtained from a SS incinerator was also tested. Pyrolysis and incineration reduced organic matter of SS from 0.78kgkg(-1)-drySS to 0.16 and 0.01kgkg(-1)-drySS, respectively. Heavy metals remained in SP without being volatilized, although Cd and Pb were transferred into the off-gas during incineration. In the batch leaching test with the leaching liquid-to-solid mass ratio (L/S)=10, the pH of the SS, SP, and SI filtrates was 6.3, 7.9, and 11.0, respectively. The total organic carbon concentrations were in the o...

  • One More Dark Cloud in the Stormy Skies of Medicare DM
    Mathematica Research has just released a report: The Evaluation of the Medicare Coordinated Care Demonstration: Findings for the First Two Years.  It’s not pretty. Section F of the Executive Summary is entitled “Synthesizing the Findings: What Works, and What Doesn’t”.  That section begins: Given that few of the programs have shown convincing evidence to date of reducing beneficiaries’ need for hospitalizations and saving money or of improving the quality of care received, there is relatively little assessment that can be done yet of  what works.[xxxii] The Medicare Coordinated Care Demonstration (MCCD) is one of a series of Medicare demonstration projects that have been going on for a decade.  Many of these projects relate to chroni...

  • New Homes Rise From Rubbish
    Imagine if you could turn old rubbish into new houses. That's exactly what civil engineer Dr. John Forth in the School of Engineering wants to achieve with the invention of a building block made almost entirely of recycled glass, metal slag, sewage sludge, incinerator ash and pulverised fuel ash from power stations. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

  • Production of coloured glass-ceramics from incinerator ash using thermal plasma technology.
    This study proposes using thermal plasma technology to treat incinerator ash. Sintered glass-ceramics were produced using quenched vitrified slag with colouring agents added. The experimental results showed that the major crystalline phases developed in the sintered glass-ceramics were gehlenite and wollastonite, but many other secondary phases also appeared depending on the colouring agents added. The physical/mechanical properties, chemical resistance and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure of the coloured glass-ceramics were satisfactory. The glass-ceramic products obtained from incinerator ash treated with thermal plasma technology have great potential for building applications. PMID: 17412393 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chemosphere)

  • Assessment of PCDD/F risk after implementation of emission reduction at a MSWI.
    In this study the effect of a MSWI on a residential area was assessed before and after the installation of an additional treatment system for flue gas. This additional treatment system resulted in a dramatic decrease in PCDD/F concentrations in stack flue gas samples by 99.98%, while the concentrations in air decreased by approximately 50% (36,500 and 0.75 pg I-TEQ m(-3) for air in 1999; 3.5 and 0.38pg I-TEQ m(-3) in 2002; 1.6 and 0.076pg I-TEQ m(-3) in 2005 for stack gas and air, respectively). Considering the congener distributions of PCDD/Fs between stack flue gas and air samples, the study area seemed to have been contaminated by other urban sources as well as the MSWI. ISC3 model results support the conclusion that this incinerator became only a minor contributor to the study area aft...

  • Characterization of residual carbon influencing on de novo synthesis of PCDD/Fs in MSWI fly ash.
    Authors: Kakuta Y, Matsuto T, Tojo Y, Tomikawa H Using 19 samples of fly ash collected from various MSW incineration facilities, residual carbon was characterized by gasifiable fraction at 450 degrees C (C(450)), and the correlations with de novo synthesis of PCDD/Fs were experimentally examined. Fly ashes were classified into three groups by the ratio of C(450) to total residual carbon. By comparison of CO and CO(2) generation patterns with those of reference materials, unburnt carbon of solid waste and activated carbon powder injected into flue gas were identified as a carbon source in fly ash. In the experiment of de novo synthesis of PCDD/Fs, the content of PCDD/F synthesis depended on C(450) regardless of the origin of carbon. In addition, the model to predict the content of PCDD/...

  • Mauritius: Waste to Energy Project Unleashes Passions
    Gamma is turning on the charm to try and convince the public that its incineration project is the best long-term solution for waste management. But inhabitants living close to La Chaumière are pointing at potential health hazards. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

  • Yes, we take requests
    We had an inquiry a while back about how to dispose of prescription drugs, specifically prescription opioids. I thought that it would be okay to flush that particular class of drugs, since the biological effect would be trivial if they were highly diluted, and they will biodegrade and not bioaccumulate. For what it's worth, the White House Office of Drug Control Policy agrees with me. They're wrong about everything else, but I suppose we can trust them on this one since it doesn't intersect in any obvious way with their warped ideology.However, they recommend this only for drugs whose label says to do so, which basically are those which are particularly subject to diversion and abuse, including opioids and amphetamine-like drugs. (Check the link for a list.) They don't say so, but I would ...

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Many thanks to Live PA from Ivybridge who provided the amplification for out meeting free of charge! They did a fantastic job and we highly recommend that you consider using them for any of your own events.