Evaluating the Recovery Potential of Solid Wastes
Journal Title: International Journal of Environmental Research - Year 2009, Vol 3, Issue 4
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the recovery potential of solid waste in Mashhad. The solid waste generated in the regions 4, 5 and 6 has been quantified and characterized using direct weighing, physical testing and truckload sampling methods. To determine the quantity and quality of waste generated and its seasonal variations, chemical and physical analysis were carried out for one year. The current situation concerning resource recovery and disposal of solid waste in Mashhad is also described. Results show that the average solid waste generation rate is around 0.58 kg/capita per day in these regions. Statistical studies reveal that the quantity of waste generated differ significantly in various seasons. The composition (on a weight basis) of the solid wastes sampled was as follows: food wastes 46%, yard waste 8%, plastics 12%, paper and cardboard 6%, textiles 15%, metals 2%, glass 6% and rubber 4% indicating a high amount of organic matter. Vegetable and food wastes from the kitchen and yard wastes accounted for more than 50% of the waste stream. The moisture content was around 45% and the heating value of the mixed wastes around 4228 KJ/Kg (as-discarded basis). The nature of the wastes indicate that amongst the recovery options, composting at household level would be most appropriate as it would divert more than 50% of the wastes from the traditional waste stream and provide households with compost which could be used to enrich soils in the gardens.
Authors and Affiliations
M. B. Sadugh, M. Ghazizadeh, H. Pezeshk, V. Jalili Ghazizadeh
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP83266
- DOI -
- Views 126
- Downloads 0
Prediction of MSW Long-term Settlement Induced by Mechanical and Decomposition-Based Compressions
Long-term settlement of MSW landfills is a complex process, which is explained by the following two mechanisms: (1) the mechanical long-term compression of degradable organic solids (DOS) and un-degradable organic solids...
Future Projections of Urban Waste Flows aand their Impacts in African Metropolises Cities
This paper presents future trends of urban wastes and their impacts on the environment of African cities using plausible mitigation scenarios. To accomplish this, an integrated dynamic model for urban waste flows was de...
Distribution of Heavy Metals around the Dashkasan Au Mine
The aim of the study is to determine the major source and extent of metal pollution in the vicinity of Dashkasan gold mine. Dashkasan mine has resulted in extensive contamination of soils by Arsenic (As) and potentially...
Biodegradation of Used Engine Oil Using Mixed and Isolated Cultures
It is known that native oil-degrading microorganisms are ubiquitous. They can be isolated from contaminated soils. In this study, biodegradation experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficiency of pollutant remova...
Mercury Bioaccumulation in Some Commercially Valuable Marine Organisms from Mosa Bay, Persian Gulf
This study was undertaken to determine the concentration of mercury in edible muscle of five commercially valuable marine organisms from Mosa Bay, Persian Gulf, Iran. The total mercury concentrations were determined by...