Solid Waste and Treatment Processes

Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry.

This teaching unit has a modular organization consisting of two modules:

Module I – this module assesses the learning outcomes for competence 1

Module II – this module assesses the learning outcomes for competence 2

To achieve the objectives of each of the aspects focused on in the curricular unit and to confer the expected competences to the students, the teaching and learning process is based on:

a) on the study of specific cases, accompanied by a set of instructions that lead the student to analyse, to draw conclusions and to make decisions or suggest actions;

b) on execution of practical work to apply the theoretical concepts;

c) on bibliographical research needed to complement the information obtained in classes and for the execution of the reports.

The aim of this course unit is to promote, on it being completed, the following competences

Competence 1. To know the main types of waste: its origin, characteristics and properties its classification and legal framework; the conditions associated with the applicable treatment processes.

Competence 2. To understand the several types of treatments applicable to waste and their implementation.

Module I

Solid waste properties and classification. Waste generation status in Portugal. The hierarchy of solid waste management options. Strategic plan of Solid Waste in Portugal. Intermunicipal systems. Selective collection (Ecopoints and Ecocentres). Concepts associated with recycling and reuse of waste. National and Community legislation associated with solid waste management.

Module II

Types of applicable treatment and respective operational variables: physical-chemical and mechanical treatments (volume reduction, separation by components, stabilization, distillation, evaporation), thermal treatments (incineration; co-incineration; pyrolysis; gasification) and biological treatments (anaerobic digestion; composting). Concept of mechanical-biological treatment. Landfill disposal: waste acceptance criteria, landfill operation and environmental protection measures.

NAO

LANDRETH, R.E., REBERS, P.A., 2019. Municipal Solid Wastes: Problems and Solutions. CRC Press, 1st Edition. ISBN 9780367448400

PITCHEL, J. 2014. Waste Management Practices: Municipal, Hazardous, and Industrial. CRC Press. Second Edition. ISBN 9781466585188

OLIVEIRA, J.F.S., MENDES, B. & LAPA, N. 2009. Gestão, Tratamento e sua Problemática em Portugal

CHRSITIAN V. LOEFFE, 2006. Conservation and Recycling of Resources, Nova Science Publisher Inc., New York.

RYNK, R., 1992. On-farm composting handbook. NRAES.

TCHOBANOGLOUS, G., THEISEN, H., VIGIL, S. A. 1993. Integrated Solid Waste Management – Engineering Principles and Management Issues, McGRAW – HILL INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS. 

Handouts and other documentation provided by teachers.