Problem 1
Problem 1
Problem 1
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
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:
(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 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.