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Problem 1

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Thuy Nguyen

Homework #2
10/23/2024

Problem 1: Assuming that the half-life time (t 1/2) for hazardous substance A is 10 hr,
determine t 1/8, and t 1/4

t1/2 = 10hr
𝑙𝑛 (2) 𝑙𝑛 (2)
λ = 𝑡 1/2 = 10
= 0.0693 1/hour

−λ𝑡
C= 𝐶𝑜𝑒
𝐶 −λ𝑡
𝐶𝑜
=𝑒
ln(C/𝐶𝑜) = -λt
1 𝐶
t= − λ
ln( 𝐶 )
𝑜
1 1 1
t 8
=− 0.0693
ln( 8 ) = 30 hours

1 1 1
t4 =− 0.0693
ln( 4 ) = 20 hours

Problem 2: Estimate the total theoretical amount (i.e., volume) of air that would be required
under aerobic conditions to oxidize completely an organic waste with a chemical formula of
𝐶120𝐻180𝑂80𝑁2.
𝐶120𝐻180𝑂80𝑁2 + 125 𝑂2 → 120 𝐶𝑂2 + 𝑁2 + 90𝐻2𝑂

MW(g/mol): 2928 4000


2000 lb x
𝑂2required = x =2000*4000/2928 = 2732.24 lb/ton
2723.24 𝑙𝑏/𝑡𝑜𝑛
Air required = 23.15 %
= 11802 lb/ton
118002 𝑙𝑏/𝑡𝑜𝑛 3
Volume of air required = 3 = 157 364 𝑓𝑡 /𝑡𝑜𝑛
0.075 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡
Problem 3:
1. On the given day, the cannery receives:
● 12 tons of raw produce
● 5 tons of cans
● 0.5 tons of cartons
● 0.3 tons of miscellaneous materials
2. As a result of internal activity:
(a) 10 tons of product is produced. 1.2 tons of produce waste is generated, and the
remainder of the produce is discharged with the wastewater
(b) 4 tons of cans are stored and the remainder is used, of which 3 percent are damaged
(c) 0.5 tons of cartons are used of which 3 percent are damaged
(d) 25 percent of the miscellaneous materials is stored; 50 percent becomes paper waste,
of which 35 percent is separated and recycled, with the remainder disposed of as mixed
solid waste; the remaining 25 percent of the miscellaneous materials are disposed of as
mixed waste.
3. Determine the required quantities
(a) Wastes generated from raw produce:
i. Solid waste fed to cattle = 1.2 ton (1089 kg)
ii. Waste produce discharged with wastewater = (12 − 10 − 1.2) ton = 0.8 ton (726 kg)
(b) Cans
i. Damaged and recycled = (0.03) × (5 − 4) ton = 0.03 ton (27 kg)
ii. Used for production of product = (1 − 0.03) ton = 0.97 ton (880 kg)
(c) Cartons
i. Damaged and recycled = (0.03) × (0.5 ton) = 0.015 ton (14 kg)
ii. Cartons used in product = (0.5 − 0.015) ton = 0.485 ton (440 kg)
(d) Miscellaneous material
i. Amount stored = (0.25) × (0.3 ton) = 0.075 ton (68 kg)
ii. Paper separated and recycled = (0.50) × (0.35) × (0.3 ton) = 0.053 ton (48 kg)
iii. Mixed waste = (0.3 − 0.075 − 0.053) ton = 0.172 ton (156 kg)
(e) Total weight of product = (10 + 0.97 + 0.485) ton = 11.455 ton (10,392 kg)
(f) Total material stored = (4 + 0.075) ton = 4.075 ton (3696 kg)

4. Prepare a materials balance and flow diagram for the cannery for the day in question
(a) The appropriate materials balance equation is:
Amount of material stored = inflow − outflow − waste generation
(b) The materials balance quantities are as follows:
i. Material stored = (4.0 + 0.075) ton = 4.075 ton
ii. Material input = (12.0 + 5.0 + 0.5 + 0.3) ton = 17.8 ton
iii. Material output = (10.0 + 0.97 + 0.485 + 1.2 + 0.03 + 0.015 + 0.053) ton = 12.753 ton
iv. Waste generation = (0.8 + 0.172) ton = 0.972 ton
v. The final materials balance is:
4.075 = 17.8 − 12.753 − 0.972 (mass balance checks)
(c) Materials balance flow diagram is given below:

5. Determine the amount of waste per ton of product:

(a) Recyclable material = (1.2 + 0.03 + 0.015 + 0.053) ton / 11.455 ton = 0.11 ton/ton

(b) Mixed waste = (0.8 + 0.172) ton / 11.455 ton = 0.085 ton/ton

Problem 4: List potential sources of hazardous waste generated in a university environment.


Indicate what properties make such substances hazardous (i.e., flammability, irritant, etc.).
In a university, hazardous waste can come from several different places, and it's
important to understand both where it comes from and why it's dangerous.
- Chemical labs (like those in Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science) are
major sources, generating solvents, acids, bases, and heavy metals, which can be
flammable, toxic, or corrosive.
- Engineering labs produce waste such as motor oil and hydraulic fluids, which are
flammable and pose risks of environmental toxicity and water contamination.
Lubricants and metal dust from these labs can also be toxic and cause respiratory
hazards.
- Art departments, materials like paints, thinners, and adhesives contain volatile
compounds that make them toxic, flammable, and irritating to the skin or lungs.
- Cafeterias and food labs can generate waste like cooking oils and grease, which
are flammable and harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
Additionally, cleaning agents like industrial-strength degreasers and sanitizers are
corrosive, toxic, and can cause irritation.

Problem 5: One of the first steps in conducting a solid waste management study is the
identification of factors contributing to the generation of solid wastes now and in
the future. In outline form, list the factors that affect the generation of municipal,
industrial, and agricultural solid wastes in your community, and list those that may
affect generation in the future
I. Municipal Solid Waste
A. Current factors:
1. Population size and density
2. Economic conditions and income levels
3. Consumer behavior and lifestyle choices
4. Urbanization and housing types
5. Local regulations on waste management
6. Availability of recycling programs
B. Future factors:
1. Population growth or decline
2. Changes in economic prosperity
3. Shifts in consumer attitudes towards sustainability
4. Technological advancements in packaging and products
5. Implementation of waste reduction policies
6. Climate change impacts on consumption patterns
II. Industrial Solid Waste
A. Current factors:
1. Types and number of industries present
2. Production volumes and processes
3. Regulatory environment for industrial waste
4. Availability of waste treatment facilities
5. Market demand for products
B. Future factors:
1. Industrial growth or decline
2. Adoption of cleaner production technologies
3. Stricter environmental regulations
4. Circular economy initiatives
5. Changes in global supply chains
III. Agricultural Solid Waste
A. Current factors:
1. Types of crops and livestock
2. Farm sizes and agricultural practices
3. Seasonal variations in production
4. Local regulations on agricultural waste
5. Market demand for agricultural products
B. Future factors:
1. Climate change impacts on agriculture
2. Adoption of precision farming techniques
3. Shifts towards sustainable agriculture
4. Changes in dietary preferences affecting crop demand
5. Development of new uses for agricultural byproducts
Problem 6: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of developing a single large MR/TF for a
community compared with developing source separation programs and the use of smaller MRFs
in conjunction with a transfer station.

When it comes to managing waste in a community, there are two main approaches: building one
big materials recovery and transfer facility (MR/TF) or using smaller facilities along with
programs that encourage residents to sort their waste. A single large MR/TF has some clear
benefits, like being more cost-effective because it can process a lot of waste at once, and it can
afford to use advanced technology for sorting recyclables. However, setting up this big facility
can be expensive, and if it’s located far from some neighborhoods, transportation costs can add
up, plus it can lead to more traffic and pollution from moving waste around.

On the other hand, using smaller MRFs and source separation programs allows for more local
convenience. Residents can easily drop off their recyclables, which encourages them to
participate in recycling and can lead to better-quality materials. This approach is often more
flexible and easier to adapt to the community's specific needs. However, managing several
smaller facilities can be complex, and they may end up being more expensive to operate on a
per-ton basis. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what fits the community's unique needs and
resources, balancing cost, efficiency, and environmental impact.

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