This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Increasing attention is being paid to the valorization of solid wastes-converting them into energy or other useful products. This book describes recent research into methodologies and technologies for managing various forms of solid waste, while at the same time generating energy and revenue with less impact on the environment. Topics include combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization. The transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a more sustainable economy will require a solid foundation of ongoing scientific research. The editor of this compendium, a well-respected researcher in the field, has selected studies that help to build that foundation.

Special features of this book include: practical "how to" instructions, state/federal regulations-plus overview, lab waste management, interpretations of regulations, enforcement, generator checklist, and complete coverage. This handbook is an excellent resource for hazardous waste managers, safety managers, lab managers, occupational health/safety workers, hazardous waste brokers, and small business managers. Disposal facilities, trade associations, consultants, administrators, attorneys, unions, and industrial hygienists will find this practical guide useful as well.

Selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te) are metalloids of commercial interest due to their physicochemical properties. The water soluble oxyanions of these elements (selenite, selenate, tellurite and tellurate) exhibit high toxicities; hence, their release in the environment is of great concern. This study demonstrates the potential use of fungi as Se- and Te-reducing organisms. The response of Phanerochaete chrysosporium to the presence of selenite and tellurite was evaluated, as well as its potential application in wastewater treatment and production of nanoparticles. Growth stress and morphological changes were induced in P. chrysosoporium when exposed to selenite and tellurite. Synthesis of Se0 and Te0 nanoparticles entrapped in the fungal biomass was observed, as well as the formation of unique Se0-Te0 nanocomposites when the fungus was cultivated concurrently with Se and Te. The response of P. chrysosporium to selenite exposure was investigated in different modes of fungal growth (pellets and biofilm). A bioprocess for selenite removal and Se0 nanoparticles recovery using an up-flow fungal pelleted reactor was developed. 70% selenite removal (10 mg Se L-1 d-1) was achieved under continuous mode. The use of Se0 nanoparticles immobilized in P. chrysosporium pellets as a new sorbent material for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater was demonstrated.

Efficient particle separation in order to meet stringent regulatory standards represent one of the biggest challenges facing the process industry operators today. Emerging environmental problems such as climate change, population growth and natural resource depletion make it more compelling to undertake research into alternative phase separation techniques and optimization of existing ones. Meeting this challenge requires innovative, revolutionary and integrated approach in the design and optimization of various unit processes in fine particle separation. Flocculation is widely used as an effective phase separation technique across many process industries such as water and wastewater treatment and in minerals processing. In this work, a new pre-treatment technique was developed using a patented bench scale reactor unit as a technical proof of concept. Furthermore, the book provides a valuable insight into the hydrodynamics and fluid-particle interactions within the agglomeration units. The relatively high solids content of the stable pellets (approximately 30 %) and very low residual turbidity of the post-sedimentation supernatant (7 NTU) clearly demonstrate the potential of this technique. In addition to significantly improving the subsequent solid-liquid separation efficiency, this study also showed that the effluent can be recycled back into the sewer network or utilized for non-portable reuse. The findings obtained from this research will be extremely useful in the scaling up and optimization of the reactor system.

Reservoir operation is a multi-objective optimization problem, and is traditionally solved with dynamic programming (DP) and stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) algorithms. The thesis presents novel algorithms for optimal reservoir operation, named nested DP (nDP), nested SDP (nSDP), nested reinforcement learning (nRL) and their multi-objective (MO) variants, correspondingly MOnDP, MOnSDP and MOnRL. The idea is to include a nested optimization algorithm into each state transition, which reduces the initial problem dimension and alleviates the curse of dimensionality. These algorithms can solve multi-objective optimization problems, without significantly increasing the algorithm complexity or the computational expenses. It can additionally handle dense and irregular variable discretization. All algorithms are coded in Java and were tested on the case study of the Knezevo reservoir in the Republic of Macedonia. Nested optimization algorithms are embedded in a cloud application platform for water resources modeling and optimization. The platform is available 24/7, accessible from everywhere, scalable, distributed, interoperable, and it creates a real-time multiuser collaboration platform. This thesis contributes with new and more powerful algorithms for an optimal reservoir operation and cloud application platform. All source codes are available for public use and can be used by researchers and practitioners to further advance the mentioned areas.

Explore the Health Effects of Fluoride Pollution Fluoride in Drinking Water: Status, Issues, and Solutions establishes the negative impacts of naturally occurring fluoride on human health and considers the depth and scope of fluoride pollution on an international scale. The book discusses current global water quality and fluoride-related issues and draws overall awareness to the problems associated with fluoride in drinking water. Utilizing recent scientific studies to examine the current status of fluoride pollution, it provides a fundamental understanding of fluorosis, describes health problems associated with fluorosis, and discusses viable scientific solutions. The book places special emphasis on India, Africa, China, and other countries deeply affected by fluoride pollution. A single, comprehensive source covering health issues related to fluoride and its effect on humans, this book: Compiles information from scientific literature on the state of fluoride pollution Characterizes the human impacts of fluorosis Provides a comparative evaluation of technologies used for defluoridation Gives a comprehensive account of human health effects with appropriate scientific descriptions and photographs Includes detailed descriptions on the geochemistry of fluoride entry into groundwater aquifers Presents a case study that deals with the successful removal of fluoride from drinking water A vital resource for environmental and public health officials as well as academic researchers in the area, Fluoride in Drinking Water: Status, Issues, and Solutions covers human health issues associated with fluoride-rich water and describes relevant techniques for defluoridation that can be used to overcome the stress, issues, and challenges of natural fluoride in drinking water.

In this book, first published in 1965, the authors identify the technological opportunities and costs of water recirculation and water quality adjustment in thermal plants, relating them to the possibilities for minimal expenditure and maximum efficiency in the use of water for servicing an entire region with thermal power. Water Demand for Steam Electric Generation will be of interest to students of environmental studies.

Laboratory physical models are a valuable tool for coastal engineers. Physical models help us to understand the complex hydrodynamic processes occurring in the nearshore zone and they provide reliable and economic engineering design solutions.This book is about the art and science of physical modeling as applied in coastal engineering. The aim of the book is to consolidate and synthesize into a single text much of the knowledge about physical modeling that has been developed worldwide.This book was written to serve as a graduate-level text for a course in physical modeling or as a reference text for engineers and researchers engaged in physical modeling and laboratory experimentation. The first three chapters serve as an introduction to similitude and physical models, covering topics such as advantages and disadvantages of physical models, systems of units, dimensional analysis, types of similitude and various hydraulic similitude criteria applicable to coastal engineering models.Practical application of similitude principles to coastal engineering studies is covered in Chapter 4 (Hydrodynamic Models), Chapter 5 (Coastal Structure Models) and Chapter 6 (Sediment Transport Models). These chapters develop the appropriate similitude criteria, discuss inherent laboratory and scale effects and overview the technical literature pertaining to these types of models. The final two chapters focus on the related subjects of laboratory wave generation (Chapter 7) and measurement and analysis techniques (Chapter 8).

This valuable text gives previously unreported experience in the design, operation and maintenance of pressure sewers. Economic advantages of the pressure sewer system allow development of previously undeveloped areas-making central sewer extension more affordable for both municipalities and developers. Pressure systems make central sewers available where on-site disposal may prove undesirable. Of interest to a broad spectrum of professionals, this new book will prove valuable to consulting engineers, municipalities, sewer districts, sanitary engineers, pump and equipment manufacturers, and developers.

Every day throughout Britain, by road, by rail and by sea, there are large numbers of routine movements of radioactive cargo. Materials at all stages of the nuclear cycle, from uranium ore to nuclear waste, from nuclear warheads to radioactive isotopes used in medicine, are constantly on the move. In normal circumstances handling low-level material exposes workers to small doses of radiation, but a serious accident could lead to widespread contamination and to the major risk of additional deaths from cancer. The accident record is not good. There are repeated small accidents and many people believe that the major accident is simply waiting to happen. This book gives a thorough account of what is moved, by wham and far what purpose. It considers the risks, including that of terrorism, the safety record and the precautions. It also highlights the perils of the secrecy surrounding the industry: for example, local councils are responsible for coping with any accident, but are not told when or where nuclear movements are taking place. Martin Bond's careful work is a large step towards order in a chaotic industry. Originally published in 1992

Solid waste is a major urban challenge worldwide and decisions over which technologies or methods to apply can have beneficial or detrimental long-term consequences. Inappropriate management of solid waste can lead to damaging environmental impacts, particularly in the megacities of the Global South. Urban Recycling Cooperatives explores the multiple narratives and interdisciplinary nature of waste studies, drawing attention to the pressing social, economic and environmental challenges related to waste management. The book asks questions such as: how do we define waste and our relation to it; who is involved in dealing with waste; and what power interactions become manifest over issues of accessing and managing waste? In recent years informal cooperatives have emerged, devoted to recycling household and business waste before reclassifying it and redirecting it to the authorities. Hence, these workers are able to reclaim significant amounts of natural resources and thus contribute to the saving of resources and lessened waste management expenditures. With particular reference to the Brazilian megalopolis of Sao Paulo, this book describes this paradigm shift in the general understanding of waste as unwanted discard towards the recognition of waste as a resource that must be recovered for reuse or recycling. It would be of interest to students and policy makers working in international development and waste management.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Edited by a leading researcher in the field, this book provides an overview of waste valorization and includes the editor's research in addition to other experts and recent and relevant studies on this critical topic. It covers treatment and pretreatment technologies and methodologies, energy recovery from solid wastes, recycling and reuse, additional cutting-edge valorization methodologies. Primarily aimed at researchers and advanced students in biochemical, engineering, and environmental fields, this book should also provide a valuable reference for municipal legislators and industry practitioners.

Examining the water, development and security linkages in Central Asia can feel a bit like solving a Rubik's cube. The Rubik's cube starts to usually find structure and the different pieces find their places when its solver adopts a systematic approach. Still, solving the whole cube takes time and perseverance. This is also the case with water and security in Central Asia as demonstrated by the chapters in this book. In the case of water and security in Central Asia, there are many "faces", including not only the Central Asian states but also the neighbouring countries and other players of global geopolitics; "stickers" such as policies, practices, causes, and impacts; and "colours" such as the different stakeholders, ranging from the micro and meso levels to the macro level. Understanding all these, or getting clarity on the nexus, can seem extremely challenging. Even though none of the chapters alone answers the question of what constitutes water and security in Central Asia, each of them gives thoughtful ideas and information on the complexity of the issue. This book was published as a special issue of the International Journal of Water Resources Development.

The principle of transferable groundwater rights is that by making water rights capable of being traded in the market, water resources can be used more sustainably and efficiently. Groundwater would achieve its economic value, by switching from the high volume-low value irrigation, which is prevalent with many farmers, particularly in South Asia, to low volume-high value urban supply or the growing of intensive horticultural or cash crops. This book discusses transferable groundwater rights in their broader context. It starts with a detailed description of the physical aspects of groundwater, which non-technical readers should find useful, followed by a discussion of legal and economic aspects. Water transfers and the international experiences in transferable groundwater rights are dealt with in detail in two subsequent chapters. A model is presented to guide those involved in water resources management and planning in their decision process to introduce transferable groundwater rights and water rights trading. The author concludes that transferable groundwater rights potentially offer a better alternative to land-based water rights systems. However, he casts serious doubt on whether groundwater rights trading on its own can achieve water resources sustainability, environmental protection and social equity. Government intervention seems to be almost always needed to assist the water rights market and take responsibility for any of its adverse consequences.

Lack of clean water is one of the most important public health challenges in less developed communities. Due to insufficient financial and technical resources in places in need, development of low-cost water treatment technologies can play a key role in sustainable water provision. In this context, this PhD research investigated the removal of pathogenic microorganisms in simple sand filtration set-ups supplemented with low-cost adsorbents (hydrochar) produced via hydrothermal carbonization of biowastes. Two types of hydrochar, derived from hydrothermal carbonization of agricultural residue of maize and stabilized sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plant, were evaluated as adsorbents for Escherichia coli removal in saturated sand columns. The removal efficiency of sand columns amended with these adsorbents improved from 20-70% to ~90 % by alkali activation carried out in room temperatures using 1 M potassium hydroxide solution. This PhD research also demonstrates the removal of human pathogenic viruses in sand columns supplemented with hydrochar adsorbents derived from stabilized sewage sludge and fresh swine waste. In order to enumerate human pathogenic rotavirus and adenovirus in virus removal experiments, low-cost polymerase chain reaction assays were developed under this PhD study. These assays show a competent performance in analyzing virus concentrations in both laboratory and environmental samples. Amendment with either hydrochar (without alkali activation) in sand columns was able to remove more than 99% of both viruses.

Selenium is an intriguing element as on one hand it is toxic and on the other hand it is a necessary micro-nutrient for humans. It is also a desirable element due to its unique properties and hence it is used in xerogrpahy, rectifiers, solar cells etc. The presence of selenium in agriculture, acid-mine drainage wastewaters is known and their remediation is necessary. Since, selenium is not mined anywhere, it is important to recover the selenium from waste streams. Bio-remediation of selenium containing wastewater is not only efficient but it also gives insight into the fate of selenium in the bioreactors and environment, thus improving the recovery efficiencies. However, there are still many unknowns in the fate of the selenium present in the wastestreams when treated using microbial processes. One of the biggest unknown is the characteristics of biogenic colloidal elemental selenium nanoparticles (BioSeNPs). These BioSeNPs are present in the bioreactors and are colloidal in nature, hence, present in the effluent of the reactor. BioSeNPs are also known to have the coating of organic polymer on its surface, however the origin of these coating are not known. Moreover, these BioSeNPs are always spherical in shape which is desirable in some cases and not so desirable in many. Furthermore, these BioSeNPs are produced extracellularly and also intracellularly, however the effect of the BioSeNPs' trapping in the biomass is not well understood. This book throws light on the above questions and improves our fundamental understanding on the characteristics and fate of BioSeNPs in the bioreactors and environment. This book also uses the fundamental knowledge to improve the bioremediation process and recoverability of selenium. This study demonstrates that extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are capping the BioSeNPs and thus providing them colloidal stability and hence mobility, which is in contrast to our conventional understanding on the role of EPS in metal(loid) nanoparticles mobility. All the produced BioSeNPs are known to be spherical but nanowire shape is important to understand their fundamental properties and application. Thus, this study produced biogenic selenium nanowires by reduction of selenite by simply using thermophilic temperatures (55 and 65 oC) and characterized them for their magnetization properties. The practical applications of BioSeNPs were explored by preferentially adsorbing heavy metals in the following order: Cu>Zn>Cd. The development of one-step process for selenium oxyanions removal and BioSeNPs recovery using thermophilic UASB reactor and activated sludge process was attempted. Thermophilic reduction of selenate in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor showed better retention of BioSeNPs and thus, higher total selenium removal as compared to mesophilic reactor. The aerobic reduction of selenite using activated sludge also showed better retention of BioSeNPs, however, continuous operation of the reactor was not achieved. The selenite fed activated sludge trapping BioSeNPs showed improved settling properties and hydrophilicity as compared to control sludge.

The 2015 International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (WRE2015) aims to provide a platform where scholars from different countries can exchange ideas, opinions and views. This book is divided into four main themes: 1. Hydrology and water resources; 2. Water pollution; 3. Water treatment methods, and 4. Freshwater ecosystems. Exploring topics such as water-energy-food nexus, water purification solutions, chemical hydrology, south to north water diversion projects, and the aligning of water resources needs with the conservation of habitats and species, this book is of interest to professionals and academics involved in hydraulic engineering and related fields.

Focuses On an Emerging Field in Water Engineering A broad treatment of the Tsallis entropy theory presented from a water resources engineering point of view, Introduction to Tsallis Entropy Theory in Water Engineering fills a growing need for material on this theory and its relevant applications in the area of water engineering. This self-contained text includes several solved examples, and requires only a basic knowledge of mathematics and probability theory. Divided into four parts, the book begins with a detailed discussion of Tsallis entropy, moves on to hydraulics, expounds on the subject of hydrology, and ends with broad coverage on a wide variety of areas in water engineering. The author addresses: The Tsallis entropy theory for both discrete and continuous variables The procedure for deriving probability distributions One-dimensional velocity distributions Two-dimensional velocity distributions Methods for determining sediment concentration Sediment discharge Stage-discharge rating curve Precipitation variability Infiltration and the derivation of infiltration equations An introduction to soil moisture, soil moisture profiles, and their estimation Flow duration curves The eco-index and indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA) Measures of redundancy for water distribution networks, and more Introduction to Tsallis Entropy Theory in Water Engineering examines the basic concepts of the Tsallis entropy theory, and considers its current applications and potential for future use. This book advances further research on water engineering, hydrologic sciences, environmental sciences, and water resources engineering as they relate to the Tsallis entropy theory.

The UN Water Decade has been the catalyst for much research and development in water-related fields, and one result of the Decade has been improved dissemination of the water technologies being developed. Community Water Development presents some of the best material from leading researchers and practitioners in rural water supply in developing countries. The book sets out the original concepts and field experience for the development of appropriate technologies for water supply, and illustrates the changes in thinking which have taken place over the Decade. The various sections, originally published over seven years as articles in Waterlines and Appropriate Technology magazines, cover sources of supply, pumping methods, transport and storage as well as education and training, and questions of planning and management. People remain at the heart of every contributor's concerns, and overall the sixty articles will provide and invaluable tool for anyone concerned with community-sensitive approaches to water-supply problems, whether they are teachers, students or engineers.

This book represents a landmark effort to probe and analyze the theory and empirics of designing water disaster management policies. It consists of seven chapters that examine, in-depth and comprehensively, issues that are central to crafting effective policies for water disaster management. The authors use historical surveys, institutional analysis, econometric investigations, empirical case studies, and conceptual-theoretical discussions to clarify and illuminate the complex policy process. The specific topics studied in this book include a review and analysis of key policy areas and research priority areas associated with water disaster management, community participation in disaster risk reduction, the economics and politics of 'green' flood control, probabilistic flood forecasting for flood risk management, polycentric governance and flood risk management, drought management with the aid of dynamic inter-generational preferences, and how social resilience can inform SA/SIA for adaptive planning for climate change in vulnerable areas. A unique feature of this book is its analysis of the causes and consequences of water disasters and efforts to address them successfully through policy-rich, cross-disciplinary and transnational papers. This book is designed to help enrich the sparse discourse on water disaster management policies and galvanize water professionals to craft creative solutions to tackle water disasters efficiently, equitably, and sustainably. This book should also be of considerable use to disaster management professionals, in general, and natural resource policy analysts. This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Natural Resource Policy Research.

This definitive work provides step-by-step guidance in the techniques of digging and constructing a well, including the principles of groundwater storage, the actual construction, the materials required, and details of additional sources of information.

Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) are a way in which business and industry can implement a system of self--regulation on their processes, in order to aid the promotion of clean technology. This book brings together wide ranging analysis and practical experience on Environmental Management Systems and Cleaner Production. This highlights the importance of a clear understanding of complex environmental issues and the relative impact of business and industry, linked to national and international standards and regulations, in developing an efficient Environmental Management System. The book begins by addressing the global dimension of EMSs and Cleaner Production by identifying the strategies and policies used to promote cleaner production in industry and the drivers for voluntary EMSs like the international standard ISO 14001; and their implications for business and trade. This is followed by focusing on selected national perspectives, examining the policies, strategies and initiatives in the USA, Sweden, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia. The relative merits of regulation or self--regulation are also explored, including the UK situation and the EU s Eco--management and audit schemes (EMAS), and associated certification and accreditation schemes. The second half of the book covers industrial experience of EMSs, such as the British standard BS 7750, and case studies of cleaner production; drawing on practical sector experience and company case studies from Europe, the economies of South America and South Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and small and medium--sized enterprises (SMEs). This book will prove to be an invaluable guide for business managers tackling EMSs and practitioners involved in cleaner production. It will also be a useful reference for local and regional government officials, policymakers and Environmental Management post--graduates.

It is generally accepted that excreta disposal is given less priority in emergencies than other humanitarian interventions such as health care, food and water supply. This is despite the fact that many of the most common diseases occuring in emergency situations are caused by inadequate sanitation facilities and poor hygeine practice. Many aid agencies are aware of these facts and wish to give greater emphasis to excreta disposal. In the past, however, they have often been hampered by a lack of experience and resources to support their field staff. This manual is designed for use by field-based technicians, engineers and non-technical staff responsible for sanitation planning, management and intervention in emergencies. This may include international personnel sent to an emergency, local, national and regional staff.

Sanitation and intestinal health is something we often take for granted today. However, people living in many regions of the developing world still suffer with debilitating diseases due to the lack of sanitation. Despite its clear impact upon health in modern times, sanitation in past populations is a topic that has received surprisingly little attention. This book brings together key experts from around the world to explore fascinating aspects of life in the past relevant to sanitation, and how that affected our ancestors. By its end readers will realize that toilets were in use in ancient Mesopotamia even before the invention of writing, and that flushing toilets with anatomic seats were a technology of ancient Greece at the time of the minotaur myth. They will see how sanitation compared in ancient Rome and medieval London, and will take a virtual walk around the sanitation of York at the time of the Vikings. Readers will also understand which intestinal parasites infected humans in different regions of the world over different time periods, what these parasites tell us about early human evolution, later population migrations, past diet, lifestyle, and the effects of sanitation technology. There is good evidence that over the millennia people in the past realized that sanitation mattered. They invented toilets, cleaner water supplies, drains, waste disposal and sanitation legislation. While past views on sanitation were very different to those of today, it is clear than many past societies took sanitation much more seriously than was previously thought.

First published in 1992, this title offers an experienced and constructive evaluation of the ways in which water resources have been developed in Africa. Adams argues that the best hope of productive development lies in working and engaging with local people and using local knowledge of the environment effectively. Modern, large-scale developments that have largely been ineffective are examined, and emphasis is placed on the importance of using the skills and concerns of those affected, such as small farmers, to develop ingenious water projects - an approach that can be applied worldwide. This is an interesting and relevant title, which will be of particular value to those with an interest in the developments in water resource conservation over the past two decades.