Page 160 - Energy from Toxic Organic Waste for Heat and Power Generation

140 Energy from Toxic Organic Waste for Heat and Power Generation

and chemical methods is well-known and environmentally accepted. The
consumption of plastics per capita differs across the world and ranges from
5 to 150 kg/person/year. Therefore, the amount of waste plastics is increas-
ing by 6.6%–12% each year depending on the country. In Poland, plastics
consumption per capita was 45 kg in 2007 [2].
The Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is
a global treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from
chemicals that do not degrade easily and accumulate in the fatty tissues of
humans and wildlife. Exposure to POPs can lead to serious health effects,
including certain types of cancer, birth defects, developmental problems,
dysfunctional immune and reproductive systems, and greater susceptibility
to disease.
Approximately 70% of the US biomedical waste stream is incinerated on-
site and another roughly 15% is incinerated at regional facilities. Incinerators
do not destroy heavy metals. Incineration can volatilize heavy metals which
condense onto the surface of fly ash or are emitted from the stack.

10.3 TOXIC WASTE: IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION
10.3.1 Properties of Toxic Waste
The toxic wastes are reactive, ignitable, and corrosive in nature.

10.3.1.1 Reactive Wastes
Explodes when heated, mixed with water or compressed. They release
toxic gases into the air. They are unstable even in normal conditions. [Ex]
lithium-sulfur batteries.

10.3.1.2 Ignitable Wastes
The substances which are very prone to combustion and causing fire. These
substances will have low flash point temperature (<60°C). [Ex] solvents and
waste oils.
10.3.1.3 Corrosive Wastes
The substances which are more acidic and more base in nature (pH levels
<2 or >12.5). These liquids are capable of corroding metal containers. [Ex]
battery acid.
10.3.2 Classification

Different toxic materials source and their effect on human health are shown
in Table 10.1.