Global NEST Journal

ISSN:

Print ISSN: 1790-7632

Electronic ISSN: 2241-777X

Volume 18 - 2016

Articles

Economic and life cycle analysis of municipal solid waste management for small islands: On-site management scenarios versus off-site transportation

Bogiatzidis C. and Komilis D., Pages:197-213

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001877

Paper Topic:

Solid Waste Management

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

A comparative economic and life cycle based analysis of five management scenarios for the solid waste generated in the island of Syros was conducted. The LCA part was performed with the LCA – IWM software. The four on-site waste management scenarios were: i) source separation of recyclable materials in combination with landfill disposal of the residuals (existing situation), ii) aerobic, windrow type, biological treatment (composting) with landfilling of residues, iii) anaerobic biological treatment (digestion) with landfilling of residues iv) aerobic mechanical biological treatment (MBT) and landfilling of residues. The off-site management scenario examined the transportation of the whole commingled wastes off the island for processing and disposal to the main mechanical and biological pretreatment plant in Athens. The results of analysis showed that the optimum waste management scenario in terms of environmental burdens (based on six environmental impact categories) and economics was off-site transportation, even when the specific landfill tax is included in calculations. The second best scenario in terms of environmental performance included the on-site aerobic MBT plant while the worst scenario was direct landfilling with mixed dry recyclables’ recycling. On-site anaerobic digestion had less environmental burdens and was more expensive than open windrow composting. Threshold distances were calculated below which the transportation of municipal solid wastes from a small island is financially and environmentally beneficial.

Impacts of rainfall changes on groundwater balance of coastal aquifers: a case study of the Thermaikos Gulf, North Greece

P. Venetsanou, N. Kazakis, C. Anagnostopoulou and K.S. Voudouris , Pages:185-196

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001634

Paper Topic:

Hydrology and water resources

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

Groundwater is one of the major parameters in maintaining ecology in many regions. As climate is one of the main factors which affects groundwater resources, the main objective of the present study is to assess the impact of rainfall changes on the groundwater system by projecting the future changes in the 21^st century (2021-2050 and 2071-2100). For this reason, the RegCM3 climate model precipitation data, which showed a reduction in rainfall, was entered in the steady-state groundwater flow model MODFLOW for the case study of a coastal aquifer in the eastern part of the Thermaikos Gulf (North Greece). The uprising urbanization in combination with the intensive cultivation have led to the overexploitation of the coastal aquifer and seawater intrusion. The groundwater flow simulation by using the MODFLOW code indicates a negative water budget and estimates the quantities of the seawater intrusion. According to the RegCM3 climate model, the precipitation reduction is estimated to be 4% during the period of 2021-2050, while the precipitation decrease is expected to be 22% during the period of 2071-2100. Furthermore, the natural recharge of the coastal aquifer is expected to be influenced by the precipitation reduction. Finally, the seawater intrusion amounts are expected to increase during these future periods and more specifically during the second period of 2071-2100.

Assessment of future climate change impacts in a Mediterranean aquifer

Pisinaras V., Pages:119-130

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001496

Paper Topic:

Global Environmental Change

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

The Mediterranean region is predicted to be highly impacted by climate change and the availability of water resources is expected to decrease. This study aims to assess the potential impact of climate change in an aquifer located in Northeastern Greece, for the period 2041-2070. For this, climate data from three Regional Climate Models (RCMs) were bias-corrected using the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) method, based on historical data for the period 1981-2000. The bias-corrected data are fed to the SWAT model, in order to calculate monthly groundwater recharge values, which were then inputted to the MODFLOW model to predict future groundwater level distribution. The performance of the CDF correction method was assessed. The results indicate a significant increase in both maximum and minimum temperature and decrease in precipitation. In addition, groundwater recharge was found to decrease and groundwater abstractions to increase, leading to a subsequent decrease in groundwater level.

Application of adsorption process for phenolic compounds removal from aqueous environments: A systematic review

Bazrafshan E., Amirian P., Mahvi A.H. and Ansari-Moghaddam A. , Pages:146-163

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001709

Paper Topic:

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

Wastewater from various types of industries such as synthetic resins, plywood industries, paper and pulp, gas and coke oven plants, paints, coal gas, tanning, textile, plastic, rubber, pharmaceutical, petroleum and mine discharges, contain different types of phenols. Phenolic compounds are toxic substances and some are known or suspected carcinogens. Therefore it is important to remove phenol and phenolic compounds from contaminated industrial aqueous streams before discharged into any water bodies. Adsorption of phenol and its derivatives from aqueous solution by activated carbon is one of the most investigated of all liquid phase applications of carbon adsorbents. Several adsorbents have been used for treatment of wastewater and removal of phenolic compounds. Literature contains various adsorption processes and adsorbents such as pistachio nut shell ash, Moringa peregrina tree shell ash, agricultural fibers, red mud, low cost clay, olive mill waste, natural zeolites, rubber seed coat, peat, fly ash, bentonite and … which have been used for the removal of phenol and its derivatives. Any of chemical, biological and physical treatment processes has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is worth mentioning that economic aspects of these processes are important, for example biosorption were found to be effective methods with scope for further research in this field in terms of cost effectiveness and regeneration. At present study various adsorbents used by the authors of this article and other researchers for phenol and its derivatives from aqueous environments have been reported and summarized. Additionally, more research is needed to find the practical utility of low-cost adsorbents on commercial scale.

N2O emission from a nitritation double-sludge system treating wastewater with a high concentration of ammonium

Miao J., Guo X., Xin L. and Wu G.*, Pages:235-241

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001846

Paper Topic:

Wastewater treatment

Issue:

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Abstract

A high efficient nitrite based double-sludge system combining sequential denitrification and nitritation reactors has been developed to remove nitrogen from wastewaters containing high concentrations of ammonium. System performance was examined and also nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission was measured under different aeration rates with or without the addition of nitrite nitrogen (NO₂-N). The nitritation efficiency (the ratio of NO₂-N to the oxidized nitrogen, NO_X-N) reached to 99.8% at the ammonium loading rate of 1.47 g l^-1 d^-1. With increasing the aeration rate, ammonium oxidizing rate increased, indicating that the activity of ammonia oxidizing bacteria was enhanced. However, N₂O emission decreased with increasing the aeration rate. N₂O emission was high with the addition of NO₂-N. The aeration rate had a high effect on N₂O emission at high initial NO₂-N concentrations, with the N₂O emission factor ranged from 0.59% to 1.64%. While the effect of aeration rate on N₂O emission was not significantly without the addition of NO₂-N, with the emission factor of only around 0.20% to 0.27%.

Assessment of soil susceptibility to erosion using the EPM and RUSLE models: the case of Venetikos river catchment

Efthimiou N., Lykoudi E., Panagoulia D. and Karavitis C., Pages:164-179

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001847

Paper Topic:

Water Resources Management

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

The study aims to evaluate soil erosion and investigate its spatial distribution by applying two empirical models, namely the Erosion Potential Model (EPM), also known as Gavrilovic method, and the RUSLE model at Venetikos River catchment, the largest and most important tributary of Aliakmonas River, located at Western Macedonia, Northern Greece. To that end, a GIS-based evaluation is adopted, leading to a more accurate result. The models were implemented both annually and inter-annually. The results were compared with the catchment’s “actual” mean annual sediment yield, computed by the sediment discharge measurements conducted on a monthly basis at its outlet, namely Grevena Bridge, by the Greek Public Power Corporation (PPC) during the time period from 1965 to 1982. The Gavrilovic model slightly underestimated the outcome in comparison to the RUSLE methodology which attributed relatively more accurate results, yet performed quite similarly at both time scales. The two approaches simulated the phenomenon quite satisfactory, showing acceptable precision and allowing identification of the most susceptible to erosion and degradation areas, constituting important predictive tools for soil and environmental management in this region.

Correlative Analysis of the Relationship between Changes in Surface Solar Radiation and Haze pollution (Atmospheric Turbidity Index) in Beijing from 1961 to 2011*

Qi Y., Fang S B., Wang R Y., Wang H L., Zhao H., Zhang G K. and Yu W G., Pages:180-184

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001811

Paper Topic:

CEST

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

Increased aerosol or haze is the reason that solar radiation decreases, but there is no evidence to support this theory. This research aims to quantitatively analyze the contribution of air pollution to surface solar radiation (SSR) reduction in Beijing. Because there is no long-term serial ground observational aerosol data, in order to reflect the atmospheric pollution and aerosol levels, we developed an atmospheric turbidity index (ATI).Monthly and annual variations in the ATI are significantly correlated with aerosol optical depth (AOD), and ATI could well reflect the change of air pollution. The ATI and SSR are significantly negatively correlated. The changes in the Beijing SSR presented a clear decreasing trend. From the inter-annual variability, the SSR exhibited a rapidly declining trend from 1960 to approximately1990 and a gradual increasing trend after 1990. The atmosphere turbidity index in the Beijing area was the main factor which indicated the change in SSR.

Removal of heavy metals (Cu, Cd and Zn) from contaminated soils using EDTA and FeCl3

Bilgin M., and Tulun S., Pages:98-107

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001732

Paper Topic:

Pollution Control Technology

Issue:

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Abstract

Environmental pollution caused by heavy metals from different industrial activities constitutes a serious risk for the environment. Soils contaminated with metals, such as Cu, Cd and Zn, are often subjected to physical or chemical remediation procedures to purify soils from these metals. Typical chelating agents used for metal extraction and soil washing generally include ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid nitrilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and citric acid. The subject study evaluating the potential of soil washing methods using EDTA and ferric chloride on two types of soils (coarse grained, fine grained). The effects of operating parameters, such as liquid/solid ratio, soil washing chemicals and washing time were examined. In extraction procedure of Cd (266 mg kg^-1), Cu (194 mg kg^-1) and Zn (497 mg kg^-1) from contaminated coarse grained soil with using 0.01 M FeCl₃ washing solution (liquid/solid ratio 20) for 2 hours, contaminants were removed 96.66%, 90.02% and 98.25%, respectively. In extraction procedure of Cd (218 mg kg^-1), Cu (153 mg kg^-1) and Zn (441.6 mg kg^-1) from contaminated fine grained soil with using 0.01 M FeCl₃ washing solution (liquid/solid ratio 20) for 2 hours, contaminants were removed 98.18%, 97.48% and 98.05%, respectively. Better removal efficiencies have been obtained by using FeCl₃. These results confirmed the effectiveness of the soil-washing method with FeCl₃ in remediating heavy metals (Cu, Cd and Zn) from different types of soil.

Heavy metals uptake by hyperaccumulating flora in some serpentine soils of Kosovo

Salihaj M., Bani A. and Echevarria G., Pages:214-222

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001804

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

Ultramafics represent magmatic or metamorphic rocks which are characterized by high concentrations of Mg, Fe, Ni, Cr and Co and low concentrations of Ca, and K. Serpentine soils are weathered products of a range of ultramafic rocks composed of ferromagnesian silicates. The aim of this study was to determine the content of heavy metals in some of serpentine soils of Kosovo and heavy metals uptake by entire associated flora. Furthermore, another objective of this study was finding out bioavailable Ca/Mg relationship, which is very important indicator for plants’ development. The sampling was conducted in June 2014. A total of three serpentine areas have been surveyed and 7 soil samples have been taken in various depths of soil profiles. Those samples were analyzed for total Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Fe and Zn. Results showed that each site exhibited a high concentration of at least one metal. The maximum concentrations of metals in soils Dry Matter (DM) were 108.9 mg kg^-1 Cd, 95.8 mg kg^-1 Co, 1206 mg kg^-1 Cr, 24 mg kg^-1 Cu, 2570 mg kg^-1 Ni, 21.7 mg kg^-1 Pb, 39 mg kg^-1 Zn, and 51563 mg kg^-Fe. The serpentine soils at all sites were characterized by elevated levels of heavy metals, which showed typical properties of ultramafic environments. Nickel Total at studied areas varied between 1543 and 2570 mg kg^-1, while the highest Ni concentration was found in aerial part of Alyssum markgrafii (4038 mgkg^-1),

Based on our findings on the field we concluded that there is a close relationship between the quantity of Ni in soil and Ni uptake in plants.

Analysing the characteristics and application potentials of jarosite waste in Kosovo

Kerolli-Mustafa Μ. and Ćurković L. , Pages:89-97

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001799

Paper Topic:

Solid Waste Management

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

Jarosite waste released from the zinc production process during the hydrometallurgical leaching of concentrates in Trepça lead-zinc smelter, Kosovo has serious environmental problems due to the presence of toxic metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn, As etc. Its disposal in open tailing damps has become a major environmental concern with contamination effects of water, soil and vegetation. The current paper considers the jarosite waste in Mitrovica Industrial Park, Kosovo in order to evaluate the characteristics of jarosite waste, identify the potential environmental impacts and understand its potential for recycling or utilization as a challenge for the development of a positive “green” image environmental protection and sustainable hazard waste management in future. XRD, SEM and TG/DTA were used to analyze the characterization features of jarosite. The results give an initial understanding of the jarosite strengths and application potentials as recycled material. The potential application provides useful contribution towards proper environmental, social and economic management development.

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Volume 18 - 2016

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