Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
This course introduces students to hazardous waste treatment and disposal. The contents of the course include an introduction to hazardous waste, hazardous waste generation and characteristics, transportation and storage of hazardous waste, physical, chemical, and biological treatment, thermal treatment and energy recovery, stabilization and solidification, and land disposal of hazardous waste. The course is comprised of 9 independent units. The first unit deals with the introduction of hazardous waste. It explains what is meant by hazardous waste and describes some of the historical perspectives and environmental impacts and health risks associated with hazardous waste. The second unit describes the characterization of hazardous waste. It deals with definitions and classifications, generation and sources of hazardous waste, and hazardous waste regulations. The third unit deals with international conventions and regulations associated with hazardous waste management. The fourth unit looks at aspects of hazardous waste transportation and storage. The fifth unit details the physical, chemical, and biological methods used to treat hazardous waste. The sixth unit describes the concepts and mechanisms associated with the stabilisation and solidification of hazardous waste. The seventh unit looks at the aspects of thermal treatment of hazardous waste, while the eighth unit looks at the basic concepts and engineering aspects associated with secure landfilling of hazardous waste. The final unit has discussed various special hazardous waste streams, such as medical waste. mining waste, radioactive waste, and e-waste.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The course benefits professionals working in the area of chemicals and hazardous waste management.
Outcomes to Date
Several domestic and international students have completed this courses and gained sound knowledge in managing traditional hazardous wastes as well as emerging hazardous wastes. They are equipped with sound knowledge to drive the SDG agenda in their own countries.
Project Significance
Safe management of hazardous wastes is becoming a major problem in many countries worldwide. While there is no doubt that life expectancy and quality of life have increased during the past decade, it has also resulted in the production of various wastes, which are hazardous to mankind and the environment. Proper management of current and future hazardous waste streams is key to achieving the SDGs. The course is directly linked to SDG12 with strong connections to the following SDG Targets.
Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.