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Chapter 24Chapter 24
Solid and Hazardous Solid and Hazardous WasteWaste
Chapter Overview QuestionsChapter Overview Questions
What is solid waste and how much do we What is solid waste and how much do we produce?produce?
How can we produce less solid waste?How can we produce less solid waste? What are the advantages and disadvantages What are the advantages and disadvantages
of reusing recycled materials?of reusing recycled materials? What are the advantages and disadvantages What are the advantages and disadvantages
of burning or burying solid waste?of burning or burying solid waste? What is hazardous waste and how can we What is hazardous waste and how can we
deal with it?deal with it?
Chapter Overview Questions (cont’d)Chapter Overview Questions (cont’d)
What can we do to reduce exposure to lead What can we do to reduce exposure to lead and mercury?and mercury?
How can we make the transition to a more How can we make the transition to a more sustainable low-waste society?sustainable low-waste society?
Updates OnlineUpdates Online
The latest references for topics covered in this section can be found at The latest references for topics covered in this section can be found at the book companion website. Log in to the book’s e-resources page at the book companion website. Log in to the book’s e-resources page at www.thomsonedu.com to access InfoTrac articles.www.thomsonedu.com to access InfoTrac articles.
InfoTrac: Computer waste can be a toxic mess. InfoTrac: Computer waste can be a toxic mess. St. St. Louis Post-DispatchLouis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, MO), June 8, 2006. (St. Louis, MO), June 8, 2006.
InfoTrac: The Greening of America. InfoTrac: The Greening of America. Newsweek Newsweek InternationalInternational, August 14, 2006. , August 14, 2006.
InfoTrac: Unwanted electronics. Tam Harbert. InfoTrac: Unwanted electronics. Tam Harbert. Electronic Electronic BusinessBusiness, April 2006 v32 i4 pS-6(5)., April 2006 v32 i4 pS-6(5).
Department of Health and Human Services: ToxFaqsDepartment of Health and Human Services: ToxFaqs Electronics RecyclingElectronics Recycling Science Daily: Ashes To Ashes, Dust To Dust: Litter Science Daily: Ashes To Ashes, Dust To Dust: Litter
Made To DegradeMade To Degrade
Video: The Throw-Away SocietyVideo: The Throw-Away Society
This video clip is available in CNN Today This video clip is available in CNN Today Videos for Environmental Science, 2004, Videos for Environmental Science, 2004, Volume VII. Instructors, contact your local Volume VII. Instructors, contact your local sales representative to order this volume, sales representative to order this volume, while supplies last.while supplies last.
Core Case Study: Core Case Study: Love Canal — There Is No “Away”Love Canal — There Is No “Away”
Between 1842-1953, Hooker Chemical Between 1842-1953, Hooker Chemical sealed multiple chemical wastes into steel sealed multiple chemical wastes into steel drums and dumped them into an old canal drums and dumped them into an old canal excavation (Love Canal).excavation (Love Canal).
In 1953, the canal was filled and sold to In 1953, the canal was filled and sold to Niagara Falls school board for $1.Niagara Falls school board for $1.
The company inserted a disclaimer denying The company inserted a disclaimer denying liability for the wastes.liability for the wastes.
Core Case Study: Core Case Study: Love Canal — There Is No “Away”Love Canal — There Is No “Away”
In 1957, Hooker Chemical warned the school In 1957, Hooker Chemical warned the school not to disturb the site because of the toxic not to disturb the site because of the toxic waste.waste. In 1959 an elementary school, playing fields and In 1959 an elementary school, playing fields and
homes were built disrupting the clay cap covering homes were built disrupting the clay cap covering the wastes.the wastes.
In 1976, residents complained of chemical smells In 1976, residents complained of chemical smells and chemical burns from the site.and chemical burns from the site.
Core Case Study: Core Case Study: Love Canal — There Is No “Away”Love Canal — There Is No “Away”
President Jimmy President Jimmy Carter declared Carter declared Love Canal a Love Canal a federal disaster federal disaster area.area. The area was The area was
abandoned in 1980 abandoned in 1980 (left).(left).
Figure 22-1Figure 22-1
Core Case Study: Core Case Study: Love Canal — There Is No “Away”Love Canal — There Is No “Away”
It still is a controversy as to how much the It still is a controversy as to how much the chemicals at Love Canal injured or caused chemicals at Love Canal injured or caused disease to the residents.disease to the residents.
Love Canal sparked creation of the Love Canal sparked creation of the Superfund law, which forced polluters to pay Superfund law, which forced polluters to pay for cleaning up abandoned toxic waste for cleaning up abandoned toxic waste dumps.dumps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iSFgZ-SlaU
Love CanalLove Canal
WASTING RESOURCESWASTING RESOURCES
Solid wasteSolid waste: any unwanted or discarded : any unwanted or discarded material we produce that is not a liquid or material we produce that is not a liquid or gas.gas. Municipal solid waste (MSW)Municipal solid waste (MSW): produce directly : produce directly
from homes.from homes. Industrial solid wasteIndustrial solid waste: produced indirectly by : produced indirectly by
industries that supply people with goods and industries that supply people with goods and services.services.
Hazardous (toxic) wasteHazardous (toxic) waste: threatens human : threatens human health or the environment because it is toxic, health or the environment because it is toxic, chemically active, corrosive or flammable.chemically active, corrosive or flammable.
WASTING RESOURCESWASTING RESOURCES
Solid wastes Solid wastes polluting a river in polluting a river in Jakarta, Indonesia. Jakarta, Indonesia. The man in the The man in the boat is looking for boat is looking for items to salvage or items to salvage or sell.sell.
Figure 22-3Figure 22-3
WASTING RESOURCESWASTING RESOURCES
The United States produces about a third of The United States produces about a third of the world’s solid waste and buries more than the world’s solid waste and buries more than half of it in landfills.half of it in landfills. About 98.5% is industrial solid waste.About 98.5% is industrial solid waste. The remaining 1.5% is MSW.The remaining 1.5% is MSW.
• About 55% of U.S. MSW is dumped into landfills, 30% About 55% of U.S. MSW is dumped into landfills, 30% is recycled or composted, and 15% is burned in is recycled or composted, and 15% is burned in incinerators.incinerators.
Electronic Waste: A Growing ProblemElectronic Waste: A Growing Problem
E-waste consists of E-waste consists of toxic and hazardous toxic and hazardous waste such as PVC, waste such as PVC, lead, mercury, and lead, mercury, and cadmium.cadmium.
The U.S. produces The U.S. produces almost half of the almost half of the world's e-waste but world's e-waste but only recycles about only recycles about 10% of it.10% of it.
Figure 22-4Figure 22-4
INTEGRATED WASTE INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT
We can manage the solid wastes we produce We can manage the solid wastes we produce and reduce or prevent their production.and reduce or prevent their production.
Figure 22-5Figure 22-5
Fig. 22-5, p. 523
Primary Pollutionand Waste Prevention
First Priority Second Priority Last Priority
• Release waste into environment for dispersal or dilution
• Bury waste in landfills
Waste Management
• Incinerate waste
• Buy reusable recyclable products
• Recycle
• Repair products
• Make products that last longer and are recyclable, reusable, or easy to repair
• Reduce packaging and materials in products
• Use less of a harmful product
Secondary Pollution and Waste Prevention
• Treat waste to reduce toxicity
• Purchase different products
• Reuse products• Change industrial process to eliminate use of harmful chemicals
• Compost
Solutions: Reducing Solid WasteSolutions: Reducing Solid Waste
RefuseRefuse: to buy items that we really don’t : to buy items that we really don’t need.need.
ReduceReduce: consume less and live a simpler : consume less and live a simpler and less stressful life by practicing simplicity.and less stressful life by practicing simplicity.
ReuseReuse: rely more on items that can be used : rely more on items that can be used over and over.over and over.
RepurposeRepurpose: use something for another : use something for another purpose instead of throwing it away.purpose instead of throwing it away.
RecycleRecycle: paper, glass, cans, plastics…and : paper, glass, cans, plastics…and buy items made from recycled materials.buy items made from recycled materials.
Fig. 22-6, p. 524
• Follow the five Rs of resource use: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.
• Buy products in concentrated form whenever possible.
• Read newspapers and magazines online.
• Use e-mail in place of conventional paper mail.
• Refill and reuse a bottled water container with tap water.
• Do not use throwaway paper and plastic plates, cups and eating utensils, and other disposable items when reusable or refillable versions are available.
• Buy things that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and be sure to reuse, recycle, and compost them.
• Rent, borrow, or barter goods and services when you can.
• Ask yourself whether you really need a particular item.
What Can You Do?
Solid Waste
REUSEREUSE
Reusing products is an important way to Reusing products is an important way to reduce resource use, waste, and pollution in reduce resource use, waste, and pollution in developed countries.developed countries.
Reusing can be hazardous in developing Reusing can be hazardous in developing countries for poor who scavenge in open countries for poor who scavenge in open dumps.dumps. They can be exposed to toxins or infectious They can be exposed to toxins or infectious
diseases.diseases.
How People Reuse MaterialsHow People Reuse Materials
Children looking for Children looking for materials to sell in an materials to sell in an open dump near open dump near Manila in the Manila in the Philippines.Philippines.
Figure 22-2Figure 22-2
Case Study: Using Refillable Case Study: Using Refillable ContainersContainers
Refilling and reusing containers uses fewer Refilling and reusing containers uses fewer resources and less energy, produces less resources and less energy, produces less waste, saves money, and creates jobs.waste, saves money, and creates jobs. In Denmark and Canada’s Price Edward’s Island In Denmark and Canada’s Price Edward’s Island
there is a ban on all beverage containers that there is a ban on all beverage containers that cannot be reused.cannot be reused.
In Finland 95% of soft drink and alcoholic In Finland 95% of soft drink and alcoholic beverages are refillable (Germany 75%).beverages are refillable (Germany 75%).
REUSEREUSE
Reducing resource Reducing resource waste: energy waste: energy consumption for consumption for different types of different types of 350-ml (12-oz) 350-ml (12-oz) beverage beverage containers.containers.
Figure 22-7Figure 22-7
Fig. 22-7, p. 525Energy (thousands of kilocalories)
Refillable drink bottle, used 10 times
Recycled glass drink bottle
Recycled aluminum can
Glass drink bottle, used once
Aluminum can, used once
Recycled steel can
Steel can, used once
How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?
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Do you support banning all beverage Do you support banning all beverage containers that cannot be reused as containers that cannot be reused as Denmark has done?Denmark has done? a. No. Reused containers may be unsanitary.a. No. Reused containers may be unsanitary. b. Yes. A ban will save energy, money, and b. Yes. A ban will save energy, money, and
resources and result in a cleaner environment.resources and result in a cleaner environment.
Solutions: Solutions: Other Ways to Reuse ThingsOther Ways to Reuse Things
We can use reusable shopping bags, food We can use reusable shopping bags, food containers, and shipping pallets, and borrow containers, and shipping pallets, and borrow tools from tool libraries.tools from tool libraries. Many countries in Europe and Asia charge Many countries in Europe and Asia charge
shoppers for plastic bags.shoppers for plastic bags.
How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?
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Should consumers have to pay for plastic or Should consumers have to pay for plastic or paper bags at grocery and other stores?paper bags at grocery and other stores? a. No. Instead, give discounts to people who a. No. Instead, give discounts to people who
bring their own bags.bring their own bags. b. Yes. Making consumers buy their bags will b. Yes. Making consumers buy their bags will
reduce waste.reduce waste.
Fig. 22-8, p. 526
• Buy beverages in refillable glass containers instead of cans or throwaway bottles.
• Give or sell items you no longer use to others.
• Buy used furniture, computers, cars, and other items.
• Use reusable sponges and washable cloth napkins, dishtowels, and handkerchiefs instead of throwaway paper ones.
• Carry groceries and other items in a reusable basket, a canvas or string bag, or a small cart.
• Use rechargeable batteries and recycle them when their useful life is over.
• Carry sandwiches and store food in the refrigerator in reusable containers instead of wrapping them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap
• Use reusable plastic or metal lunchboxes.
What Can You Do?
Reuse
RECYCLINGRECYCLING
Primary (closed loop) recyclingPrimary (closed loop) recycling: materials : materials are turned into new products of the same are turned into new products of the same type.type.
Secondary recyclingSecondary recycling: materials are : materials are converted into different products.converted into different products. Used tires shredded and converted into Used tires shredded and converted into
rubberized road surface.rubberized road surface. Newspapers transformed into cellulose Newspapers transformed into cellulose
insulation.insulation.
RECYCLINGRECYCLING
There is a disagreement over whether to mix There is a disagreement over whether to mix urban wastes and send them to centralized urban wastes and send them to centralized resource recovery plants or to sort resource recovery plants or to sort recyclables for collection and sale to recyclables for collection and sale to manufacturers as raw materials.manufacturers as raw materials. To promote separation of wastes, 4,000 To promote separation of wastes, 4,000
communities in the U.S. have implemented communities in the U.S. have implemented pay-pay-as-you-throwas-you-throw or or fee-per-bagfee-per-bag waste collection waste collection systems.systems.
How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?
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Should households and businesses be Should households and businesses be charged for the amount of mixed waste charged for the amount of mixed waste picked up but not charged for pickup of picked up but not charged for pickup of materials separated for recycling?materials separated for recycling? a. No. It would encourage illegal dumping and a. No. It would encourage illegal dumping and
burning of wastes.burning of wastes. b. Yes. Consumer source separation saves b. Yes. Consumer source separation saves
money and makes consumers more money and makes consumers more conscientious.conscientious.
RECYCLINGRECYCLING
Composting biodegradable organic waste Composting biodegradable organic waste mimics nature by recycling plant nutrients to mimics nature by recycling plant nutrients to the soil.the soil.
Recycling paper has a number of Recycling paper has a number of environmental (reduction in pollution and environmental (reduction in pollution and deforestation, less energy expenditure) and deforestation, less energy expenditure) and economic benefits and is easy to do.economic benefits and is easy to do.
RECYCLINGRECYCLING
Recycling many plastics is chemically and Recycling many plastics is chemically and economically difficult.economically difficult. Many plastics are hard to isolate from other Many plastics are hard to isolate from other
wastes.wastes. Recovering individual plastic resins does not Recovering individual plastic resins does not
yield much material.yield much material. The cost of virgin plastic resins in low than The cost of virgin plastic resins in low than
recycled resins due to low fossil fuel costs.recycled resins due to low fossil fuel costs. There are new technologies that are making There are new technologies that are making
plastics biodegradable.plastics biodegradable.
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Should we place much greater emphasis on Should we place much greater emphasis on recycling with the goal of recycling at least recycling with the goal of recycling at least 60% of the municipal solid waste that we 60% of the municipal solid waste that we produce?produce? a. No. Recycling programs should be market a. No. Recycling programs should be market
driven rather than setting unrealistically high driven rather than setting unrealistically high goals that will either fail or require support from goals that will either fail or require support from already overtaxed citizens.already overtaxed citizens.
b. Yes. High recycling rates will reduce pollution b. Yes. High recycling rates will reduce pollution and save energy. and save energy.
RECYCLINGRECYCLING
Reuse and recycling are hindered by prices Reuse and recycling are hindered by prices of goods that do not reflect their harmful of goods that do not reflect their harmful environmental impacts, too few government environmental impacts, too few government subsidies and tax breaks, and price subsidies and tax breaks, and price fluctuations.fluctuations.
How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?
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Should governments pass laws requiring Should governments pass laws requiring manufacturers to take back and reuse or recycle all manufacturers to take back and reuse or recycle all packaging waste, appliances, electronic equipment, packaging waste, appliances, electronic equipment, and motor vehicles at the end of their useful lives?and motor vehicles at the end of their useful lives? a. No. These regulations would increase prices for a. No. These regulations would increase prices for
consumers.consumers. b. Yes. The regulations would promote the b. Yes. The regulations would promote the
manufacturing of more environmentally friendly manufacturing of more environmentally friendly products and further protect the environment. products and further protect the environment.
Fig. 22-9, p. 529
Important part of economy
Source separation is inconvenient for some people
Reduces profits from landfills and incinerators
Reduces air and water pollution
Saves energy
Reduces mineral demand
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Reduces solid waste production and disposal
Helps protect biodiversity
Can save money for items such as paper, metals, and some plastics
Does not save landfill space in areas with ample land
May lose money for items such as glass and most plastic
DisadvantagesAdvantages
Trade-Offs
Recycling
BURNING AND BURYING SOLID BURNING AND BURYING SOLID WASTEWASTE
Globally, MSW is burned in over 1,000 large Globally, MSW is burned in over 1,000 large waste-to-energy incineratorswaste-to-energy incinerators, which boil , which boil water to make steam for heating water, or water to make steam for heating water, or space, or for production of electricity.space, or for production of electricity. Japan and a few European countries incinerate Japan and a few European countries incinerate
most of their MSW.most of their MSW.
Burning Solid WasteBurning Solid Waste
Waste-to-energy incinerator with pollution Waste-to-energy incinerator with pollution controls that burns mixed solid waste.controls that burns mixed solid waste.
Figure 22-10Figure 22-10
Fig. 22-10, p. 530
Crane
Hazardouswaste landfill
Wastetreatment
Conventionallandfill
Wastepit
Bottomash
Fly ashConveyor
Wateradded Dirty
water
Furnace Wetscrubber
Electrostaticprecipitator
Boiler
Smokestack
Electricity
Steam Turbine
Generator
Fig. 22-11, p. 531
Reduces trash volume
Can compete with recycling for burnable materials such as newspaper
Output approach that encourages waste production
Older or poorly managed facilities can release large amounts of air pollution
Some air pollution
Difficult to site because of citizen opposition
Costs more than short-distance hauling to landfills
Expensive to build
Some facilities recover and sell metals
Modern controls reduce air pollution
Sale of energy reduces cost
Concentrates hazardous substances into ash for burial or use as landfill cover
Low water pollution
Less need for landfills
Trade-Offs
Incineration
Advantages Disadvantages
How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?
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Do the advantages of incinerating solid waste Do the advantages of incinerating solid waste outweigh the disadvantages?outweigh the disadvantages? a. Yes. Incineration is a sanitary and effective a. Yes. Incineration is a sanitary and effective
method for eliminating infectious and organic method for eliminating infectious and organic wastes. wastes.
b. No. Incineration can generate toxic air b. No. Incineration can generate toxic air pollution and ashes. pollution and ashes.
Burying Solid WasteBurying Solid Waste
Most of the world’s MSW is buried in landfills Most of the world’s MSW is buried in landfills that eventually are expected to leak toxic that eventually are expected to leak toxic liquids into the soil and underlying aquifers.liquids into the soil and underlying aquifers. Open dumpsOpen dumps: are fields or holes in the ground : are fields or holes in the ground
where garbage is deposited and sometimes where garbage is deposited and sometimes covered with soil. Mostly used in developing covered with soil. Mostly used in developing countries.countries.
Sanitary landfillsSanitary landfills: solid wastes are spread out in : solid wastes are spread out in thin layers, compacted and covered daily with a thin layers, compacted and covered daily with a fresh layer of clay or plastic foam.fresh layer of clay or plastic foam.
Fig. 22-12, p. 532
Sand
When landfill is full,layers of soil and clayseal in trash
Methane storageand compressorbuilding
Leachatestoragetank
Leachatemonitoringwell
Groundwatermonitoringwell
Electricitygeneratorbuilding Leachate
treatment system
Methane gasrecovery well
Compactedsolid waste
Leachatepipes
Leachate pumpedup to storage tankfor safe disposal
GroundwaterClay and plastic liningto prevent leaks; pipescollect leachate frombottom of landfill
Topsoil
SandClaySubsoil
Probes todetectmethaneleaks
Garbage
Garbage
Syntheticliner
Sand
Clay
Pipes collect explosive methane as used as fuel to generate electricity
Fig. 22-13, p. 533
No open burning
Trade-Offs
Sanitary Landfills
Advantages Disadvantages
Eventually leaks and can contaminate groundwater
Discourages recycling, reuse, and waste reduction
Slow decompositionof wastes
Groundwater contamination
Releases greenhouse gases (methane and CO2)unless they are collected
Air pollution from toxic gases and volatile organiccompounds
Dust
Noise and traffic
No shortage of landfill space in many areas
Filled land can be used for other purposes
Can handle large amounts of waste
Can be built quickly
Low operating costs
Low groundwaterpollution if sited properly
Little odor
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Do the advantages of burying solid waste in Do the advantages of burying solid waste in sanitary landfills outweigh the sanitary landfills outweigh the disadvantages?disadvantages? a. No. Ultimately, landfills leak and pollute the a. No. Ultimately, landfills leak and pollute the
environment.environment. b. Yes. They have relatively low operating costs, b. Yes. They have relatively low operating costs,
can store large amounts of waste, and are can store large amounts of waste, and are designed to prevent pollution.designed to prevent pollution.
Case Study: What Should We Do with Case Study: What Should We Do with Used Tires?Used Tires?
We face a dilemma We face a dilemma in deciding what to in deciding what to so with hundreds so with hundreds of millions of of millions of discarded tires.discarded tires.
Figure 22-14Figure 22-14
HAZARDOUS WASTEHAZARDOUS WASTE
Hazardous wasteHazardous waste: is any discarded solid or : is any discarded solid or liquid material that is toxic, ignitable, liquid material that is toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive enough to explode or corrosive, or reactive enough to explode or release toxic fumes.release toxic fumes. The two largest classes of hazardous wastes are The two largest classes of hazardous wastes are
organic compounds (e.g. pesticides, PCBs, organic compounds (e.g. pesticides, PCBs, dioxins) and toxic heavy metals (e.g. lead, dioxins) and toxic heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic).mercury, arsenic).
Fig. 22-15, p. 534
What Harmful Chemicals Are in Your Home?
• Glues and cements
• Dry-cell batteries (mercury and cadmium)
• Rust inhibitor and rust remover
• Brake and transmission fluid
General
Cleaning
• Battery acid
• Wood preservatives
• Stains, varnishes, and lacquers
Automotive
• Gasoline• Used motor oil
Paint
• Latex and oil-based paints• Paint thinners, solvents, and strippers
Gardening
• Pesticides• Weed killers• Ant and rodent
killers
• Antifreeze
• Flea powders
• Disinfectants
• Septic tank cleaners• Spot removers
• Drain, toilet, and window cleaners
• Artist paints and inks
• Solvents
Hazardous Waste Regulations in the Hazardous Waste Regulations in the United StatesUnited States
Two major federal laws regulate the Two major federal laws regulate the management and disposal of hazardous management and disposal of hazardous waste in the U.S.:waste in the U.S.: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)(RCRA)• Cradle-to-the-grave system to keep track waste.Cradle-to-the-grave system to keep track waste.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)• Commonly known as Superfund program.Commonly known as Superfund program.
Hazardous Waste Regulations in the Hazardous Waste Regulations in the United StatesUnited States
The Superfund law was designed to have The Superfund law was designed to have polluters pay for cleaning up abandoned polluters pay for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites.hazardous waste sites. Only 70% of the cleanup costs have come from Only 70% of the cleanup costs have come from
the polluters, the rest comes from a trust fund the polluters, the rest comes from a trust fund financed until 1995 by taxes on chemical raw financed until 1995 by taxes on chemical raw materials and oil.materials and oil.
How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?
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Should the U.S. Congress reinstate the polluter-pays Should the U.S. Congress reinstate the polluter-pays principle by using taxes from chemical, oil, mining, and principle by using taxes from chemical, oil, mining, and smelting companies to reestablish a fund for cleaning up smelting companies to reestablish a fund for cleaning up existing and new Superfund sites?existing and new Superfund sites?
a. No. All taxpayers, not certain industries, should pay for cleaning up a. No. All taxpayers, not certain industries, should pay for cleaning up sites polluted in the past.sites polluted in the past.
b. Yes. Funding for Superfund is needed and waste-generating b. Yes. Funding for Superfund is needed and waste-generating industries rather than ordinary citizens should fund it. industries rather than ordinary citizens should fund it.
DEALING WITH HAZARDOUS DEALING WITH HAZARDOUS WASTEWASTE
We can produce less hazardous waste and We can produce less hazardous waste and recycle, reuse, detoxify, burn, and bury what recycle, reuse, detoxify, burn, and bury what we continue to produce.we continue to produce.
Figure 22-16Figure 22-16
Fig. 22-16, p. 536
Ocean andatmosphericassimilation
Produce Less Waste
Recycle and
reuse
Convert to Less Hazardous or Nonhazardous Substances
Manipulateprocesses
to eliminateor reduce
production
Landtreatment
Landfill
IncinerationThermal
treatment
Put in Perpetual Storage
Undergroundinjection
Wastepiles
Surfaceimpoundments
Saltformations
Arid regionunsaturated
zone
Chemical,physical, and
biologicaltreatment
Conversion to Less Hazardous Conversion to Less Hazardous SubstancesSubstances
Physical MethodsPhysical Methods: using charcoal or resins : using charcoal or resins to separate out harmful chemicals.to separate out harmful chemicals.
Chemical MethodsChemical Methods: using chemical : using chemical reactions that can convert hazardous reactions that can convert hazardous chemicals to less harmful or harmless chemicals to less harmful or harmless chemicals.chemicals.
Conversion to Less Hazardous Conversion to Less Hazardous SubstancesSubstances
Biological MethodsBiological Methods: : BioremediationBioremediation: bacteria or enzymes help : bacteria or enzymes help
destroy toxic and hazardous waste or convert destroy toxic and hazardous waste or convert them to more benign substances.them to more benign substances.
PhytoremediationPhytoremediation: involves using natural or : involves using natural or genetically engineered plants to absorb, filter and genetically engineered plants to absorb, filter and remove contaminants from polluted soil and remove contaminants from polluted soil and water.water.
PhytostabilizationPlants such as willow trees and poplars can absorb chemicals and keep them from reaching groundwater or nearby surface water.
RhizofiltrationRoots of plants such as sunflowers with dangling roots on ponds or in green-houses can absorb pollutants such as radioactive strontium-90 and cesium-137 and various organic chemicals.
PhytoextractionRoots of plants such as Indian mustard and brake ferns can absorb toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and others and store them in their leaves. Plants can then be recycled or harvested and incinerated.
PhytodegradationPlants such as poplarscan absorb toxic organic chemicals and break them down into less harmful compounds which they store or release slowly into the air.
Inorganicmetal contaminants
Organiccontaminants
Radioactivecontaminants
Brake fernPoplar treeIndian mustardWillow treeSunflower
Oilspill
Landfill
GroundwaterSoil
PollutedleachateDecontaminated
water out
Pollutedgroundwater in
GroundwaterSoil
Fig. 22-18, p. 538
Inexpensive
Low energy use
Easy to establish
Trade-Offs
Phytoremediation
Advantages Disadvantages
Some plants can become toxic to animals
Some toxic organic chemicals may evaporate from plant leaves
Produces little air pollution compared to incineration
Can reduce material dumped into landfills
Slow (can take several growing seasons)
Effective only at depth plant roots can reach
How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?
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Do the advantages of using phytoremediation to Do the advantages of using phytoremediation to detoxify hazardous waste outweigh the detoxify hazardous waste outweigh the disadvantages?disadvantages? a. No. The process is often too slow and cannot a. No. The process is often too slow and cannot
remove contaminants below the root zones of the remove contaminants below the root zones of the remediating plants.remediating plants.
b. Yes. Plants can be effective in removing organics, b. Yes. Plants can be effective in removing organics, radionuclides, and inorganic contaminants from soil radionuclides, and inorganic contaminants from soil and water.and water.
Conversion to Less Hazardous Conversion to Less Hazardous SubstancesSubstances
IncinerationIncineration: heating many types of : heating many types of hazardous waste to high temperatures – up hazardous waste to high temperatures – up to 2000 to 2000 °C°C – in an incinerator can break them – in an incinerator can break them down and convert them to less harmful or down and convert them to less harmful or harmless chemicals.harmless chemicals.
Conversion to Less Hazardous Conversion to Less Hazardous SubstancesSubstances
Plasma TorchPlasma Torch: passing electrical current : passing electrical current through gas to generate an electric arc and through gas to generate an electric arc and very high temperatures can create plasma.very high temperatures can create plasma. The plasma process can be carried out in a torch The plasma process can be carried out in a torch
which can decompose liquid or solid hazardous which can decompose liquid or solid hazardous organic material.organic material.
Fig. 22-19, p. 538
Advantages
Trade-Offs
Plasma Arc
Small High cost
Produces no toxic ash
Can vaporize and release toxic metals and radioactive elements
Can release particulates and chlorine gas
Mobile. Easy to move to different sites
Produces CO2 and CO
Disadvantages
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Do the advantages of using a plasma torch to Do the advantages of using a plasma torch to detoxify hazardous waste outweigh the detoxify hazardous waste outweigh the disadvantages?disadvantages? a. No. Plasma torches are expensive and the a. No. Plasma torches are expensive and the
combustion byproducts may be harmful to the combustion byproducts may be harmful to the environment and humans.environment and humans.
b. Yes. Plasma torches are convenient for b. Yes. Plasma torches are convenient for disposing of hazardous wastes. disposing of hazardous wastes.
Long-Term Storage of Hazardous Long-Term Storage of Hazardous WasteWaste
Hazardous waste can be disposed of on or Hazardous waste can be disposed of on or underneath the earth’s surface, but without underneath the earth’s surface, but without proper design and care this can pollute the proper design and care this can pollute the air and water.air and water. Deep-well disposalDeep-well disposal: liquid hazardous wastes : liquid hazardous wastes
are pumped under pressure into dry porous rock are pumped under pressure into dry porous rock far beneath aquifers.far beneath aquifers.
Surface impoundmentsSurface impoundments: excavated depressions : excavated depressions such as ponds, pits, or lagoons into which liners such as ponds, pits, or lagoons into which liners are placed and liquid hazardous wastes are are placed and liquid hazardous wastes are stored.stored.
Fig. 22-20, p. 539
Safe method ifsites are chosencarefully
Trade-Offs
Deep Underground Wells
Advantages Disadvantages
Encourageswaste production
Existing fracturesor earthquakescan allow wastesto escape intogroundwater
Leaks fromcorrosion of wellcasing
Leaks or spills atsurface
Low cost
Easy to do
Wastes can beretrieved ifproblemsdevelop
How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?
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Do the advantages of deep-well disposal of Do the advantages of deep-well disposal of hazardous waste outweigh the hazardous waste outweigh the disadvantages?disadvantages? a. No. The systems may leak and contaminate a. No. The systems may leak and contaminate
valuable soils, sediments, and groundwaters.valuable soils, sediments, and groundwaters. b. Yes. Deep injection wells can be designed to b. Yes. Deep injection wells can be designed to
permanently remove hazardous wastes from permanently remove hazardous wastes from surface and near-surface environments.surface and near-surface environments.
Fig. 22-21, p. 539
Low construction costs
Can store wastes indefinitely with secure double liners
Groundwatercontaminationfrom leaking liners(or no lining)
Trade-Offs
Surface Impoundments
Advantages
Promotes wasteproduction
Disruption andleakage fromearthquakes
Overflow fromflooding
Air pollution fromvolatile organiccompounds
Wastes can be retrieved if necessary
Can be built quickly
Low operating costs
Disadvantages
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Do the advantages of storing hazardous Do the advantages of storing hazardous wastes in surface impoundments outweigh wastes in surface impoundments outweigh the disadvantages? the disadvantages? a. No. The environment should not be openly a. No. The environment should not be openly
exposed to liquid hazardous wastes.exposed to liquid hazardous wastes. b. Yes. Surface impoundments are inexpensive b. Yes. Surface impoundments are inexpensive
solutions for at least the temporary storage of solutions for at least the temporary storage of liquid wastes. liquid wastes.
Long-Term Storage of Hazardous Long-Term Storage of Hazardous WasteWaste
Long-Term Retrievable StorageLong-Term Retrievable Storage: Some : Some highly toxic materials cannot be detoxified or highly toxic materials cannot be detoxified or destroyed. Metal drums are used to stored destroyed. Metal drums are used to stored them in areas that can be inspected and them in areas that can be inspected and retrieved.retrieved.
Secure LandfillsSecure Landfills: Sometimes hazardous : Sometimes hazardous waste are put into drums and buried in waste are put into drums and buried in carefully designed and monitored sites.carefully designed and monitored sites.
Secure Hazardous Waste LandfillSecure Hazardous Waste Landfill
In the U.S. there In the U.S. there are only 23 are only 23 commercial commercial hazardous waste hazardous waste landfills.landfills.
Figure 22-22Figure 22-22
Fig. 22-22, p. 540
Bulkwaste
Gasvent
Topsoil
EarthPlastic cover
Claycap
Double leachatecollection system
Plasticdoubleliner
Imperviousclay cap
Leakdetectionsystem
Reactivewastesin drums
Groundwatermonitoringwell
Groundwater
Watertable
Earth
Imperviousclay
Sand
Fig. 22-23, p. 540
What Can You Do?
• Use pesticides in the smallest amount possible.
• Use less harmful substances instead of commercial chemicals for most household cleaners. For
example use liquid ammonia to clean appliances and windows; vinegar to polish metals, clean surfaces, and remove stains and mildew; baking soda to clean household utensils, deodorize, and remove stains; borax to
remove stains and mildew.• Do not dispose of pesticides, paints, solvents, oil,
antifreeze, or other products containing hazardous chemicals by flushing them down the toilet, pouring them down the drain, burying them, throwing them into the garbage, or dumping them down storm drains.
Hazardous Waste
Case Study: LeadCase Study: Lead
Lead is especially Lead is especially harmful to children harmful to children and is still used in and is still used in leaded gasoline and leaded gasoline and household paints in household paints in about 100 countries.about 100 countries.
Figure 22-24Figure 22-24
Fig. 22-24, p. 541
Phase out leaded gasoline worldwide
Solutions
Prevention
Lead Poisoning
Control
Wash fresh fruits and vegetables
Test existing candles for lead
Test for lead in existing ceramicware used to serve food
Remove lead from TV sets and computer monitors before incineration or land disposal
Remove leaded paint and lead dust from older houses and apartments
Replace lead pipes and plumbing fixtures containing lead solder
Ban candles with lead cores
Ban lead glazing for ceramicware used to serve food
Ban use of lead in computer and TV monitors
Ban use of lead solder
Test blood for lead by age 1
Phase out waste incineration
Sharply reduce lead emissions from old and new incinerators
Case Study: Case Study: MercuryMercury
Mercury is released Mercury is released into the into the environment mostly environment mostly by burning coal and by burning coal and incinerating wastes incinerating wastes and can build to and can build to high levels in some high levels in some types of fish.types of fish.
Figure 22-26Figure 22-26
Fig. 22-26, p. 543
Solutions
Mercury Pollution
Phase out use of mercury in all products unless they are recycled
Require labels on all products containing mercury
Switch from coal to natural gas and renewable energy resources such as wind, solar cells, and hydrogen
Convert coal to liquid or gaseous fuel
Collect and recycle mercury-containing electric switches, relays, and dry-cell batteries
Tax each unit of mercury emitted by coal-burning plants and incinerators
Sharply reduce mercury emissions from coal-burning plants and incinerators
Prevention Control
Remove mercury from coal before it is burned
Phase out waste incineration
Fig. 22-25, p. 542
BIOMAGNIFICATION IN FOOD CHAIN
SEDIMENT
PRECIPITATIONPRECIPITATION WINDSWINDS
AIR
WATER
Inorganic mercury and acids
(Hg2+)
Inorganic mercury and acids (Hg2+)
Organicmercury (CH3Hg+)
Inorganicmercury (Hg2+)
Hg2+ and acids
Runoff of Hg2+ and acids
Large fish
Small fish
ZooplanktonPhytoplankton
Hg and SO2Hg2+ and acids
Human sources
Incinerator
Coal-burning plant
Elemental mercury
vapor (Hg)
Photo-chemical
OxidationElemental
mercury liquid (Hg)
Deposition
De
po
sit
ion
Bacteria
Bacteria and acids
Settles out
Settles out Settles
outV
ap
oriza
tion
De
po
sit
ion
De
po
sitio
n
ACHIEVING A LOW-WASTE ACHIEVING A LOW-WASTE SOCIETYSOCIETY
In the U.S., citizens have kept large numbers In the U.S., citizens have kept large numbers of incinerators, landfills, and hazardous of incinerators, landfills, and hazardous waste treatment plants from being built in waste treatment plants from being built in their local areas.their local areas.
Environmental justice means that everyone is Environmental justice means that everyone is entitled to protection from environmental entitled to protection from environmental hazards without discrimination.hazards without discrimination.
Global Outlook: International Action to Global Outlook: International Action to Reduce Hazardous WasteReduce Hazardous Waste
An international treaty calls for phasing out An international treaty calls for phasing out the use of harmful persistent organic the use of harmful persistent organic pollutants (POPs).pollutants (POPs). POPs are insoluble in water and soluble in fat.POPs are insoluble in water and soluble in fat. Nearly every person on earth has detectable Nearly every person on earth has detectable
levels of POPs in their blood.levels of POPs in their blood. The U.S has not ratified this treaty.The U.S has not ratified this treaty.
Making the Transition to a Low-Waste Making the Transition to a Low-Waste Society: A New VisionSociety: A New Vision
Everything is connected.Everything is connected. There is no “away” for the wastes we There is no “away” for the wastes we
produce.produce. Dilution is not always the solution to pollution.Dilution is not always the solution to pollution. The best and cheapest way to deal with The best and cheapest way to deal with
wastes are reduction and pollution wastes are reduction and pollution prevention.prevention.
Animation: Economic TypesAnimation: Economic Types
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