Modeling the fate and end-of-life phase of engineered nanomaterials in the Japanese construction sector.

To date construction materials that contain engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are available at the markets, but at the same time very little is known about their environmental fate. Therefore, this study aimed at modeling the potential fate of ENMs by using the example of the Japanese construction sector and by conducting a dynamic material flow analysis. Expert interviews and national reports revealed that about 3920-4660 tons of ENMs are annually used for construction materials in Japan.

Leaching of brominated flame retardants from mixed wastes in lysimeters under conditions simulating landfills in developing countries.

In developing countries, wastes are usually not separated before being disposed of in solid-waste landfills, most of which are open dumps without adequate measures to prevent environmental pollution. To understand the leaching behavior of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from waste consumer products in landfills, we have been conducting a long-term landfill lysimeter experiment since 2006 under conditions designed to mimic three types of landfill conditions in developing countries: aerobic, semi-aerobic, and anaerobic. Pilot-scale lysimeters (60-cm i.

Influence of soil properties on the biodegradation of 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and fungal treatment of contaminated paddy soil by white rot fungus Phlebia brevispora.

To examine the bioremediation potential of Phlebia brevispora in dioxin-contaminated soil, the fungus was inoculated into autoclaved soil that was contaminated with 2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,7-DCDD) or 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,3,6,8-TCDD). Three types of soils, organic-rich soil (Andosol), organic-poor soil (Granitic Regosols), and paddy soil, were used for the construction of artificially contaminated soil to understand the influence of the soil property on fungal growth and dioxin degradation ability. Under a solid-state condition, although the growth of the fungus improved in organic-rich soil, the degradation of 2,7-DCDD was inhibited.

Research on leachate recirculation from different types of landfills.

Landfills can produce a great amount of leachate containing highly concentrated organic matter. This is especially true for the initial leachate from landfilled municipal solid wastes (MSW) that generally has concentrations of COD(Cr) and BOD(5) up to 80,000 and 50,000mg/L, respectively. The leachate could be disposed by means of recirculating technique, which decomposes the organics through the action of proliferating microorganisms and thereby purifies the leachate, and simultaneously accelerates organic decomposition through water saturation control.

Implementation of the semi-aerobic landfill system (Fukuoka method) in developing countries: a Malaysia cost analysis.

Most of the existing solid waste landfill sites in developing countries are practicing either open dumping or controlled dumping. Proper sanitary landfill concepts are not fully implemented due to technological and financial constraints. Implementation of a fully engineered sanitary landfill is necessary and a more economically feasible landfill design is crucial, particularly for developing countries.