Nasrin R. Khalili

PAH source fingerprints for coke ovens, diesel and, gasoline engines, highway tunnels, and wood combustion emissions

Abstract To evaluate the chemical composition (source fingerprint) of the major sources of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Chicago metropolitan area, a study of major PAH sources was conducted during 1990–1992. In this study, a modified high-volume sampling method (PS-1 sampler) was employed to collect airborne PAHs in both the particulate and gas phases. Hewlett Packard 5890 gas chromatographs equipped with the flame ionization and mass spectrometer detectors (GC/FID and GC/MS) were used to analyze the samples. The sources sampled were: coke ovens, highway vehicles, heavy-duty diesel engines, gasoline engines and wood combustion. Results of this study showed that two and three ring PAHs were responsible for 98, 76, 92, 73 and 80% of the total concentration of measured 20 PAHs for coke ovens, diesel engines, highway tunnels, gasoline engines and wood combustion samples, respectively. Six ring PAHs such as indeno(1,2,3- cd )pyrene and benzo( ghi )perylene were mostly below the detection limit of this study and only detected in the highway tunnel, diesel and gasoline engine samples. The source fingerprints were obtained by averaging the ratios of individual PAH concentrations to the total concentration of categorical pollutants including: (a) total measured mass of PAHs with retention times between naphthalene and coronene, (b) the mass of the 20 PAHs measured in this study, (c) total VOCs, and (d) total PM10. Since concentrations of the above categorical pollutants were different for individual samples and different sources, the chemical composition patterns obtained for each categorical pollutant were different. The source fingerprints have been developed for use in chemical mass balance receptor modeling calculations.

Production of micro- and mesoporous activated carbon from paper mill sludge I. Effect of zinc chloride activation

Abstract A series of micro- and mesoporous activated carbons were produced from paper mill sludge using a modified carbonization methodology. N2-adsorption isotherm data and mathematical models such as the D–R equation, αs-plot, and MP and BJH methods were used to characterize the surface properties of the produced carbons. Results of the surface analysis showed that paper mill sludge can be economically and successfully converted to micro- and mesoporous activated carbons with surface areas higher than 1000 m2/g. Activated carbons with a prescribed micro- or mesoporous structure were produced by controlling the amount of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) used during chemical activation. Pore evolvement was shown to be most affected by the incremental addition of ZnCl2. Increasing the ZnCl2 to sludge ratio from 0.75 to 2.5 resulted in a 600% increase in the mesopore volume. ZnCl2 to sludge ratios less than 1 and greater than 1.5 resulted in the production of micro- and mesoporous carbons, respectively. At a ZnCl2 to sludge ratio of 3.5, an activated carbon with a predominantly (80%) mesoporous structure was produced. The calculated D–R micropore volumes for activated carbons with the suggested microporous structure were in good agreement with those obtained from the αs method, while estimated micropore volumes from the αs method deviated markedly from those obtained from the D–R equation for carbons with a predominantly mesoporous structure.

Determination of fractal dimensions of solid carbons from gas and liquid phase adsorption isotherms

The total surface area, micropore volume, and fractal dimensions of five different carbons (Sorbonorite 4, GAC 1240, and three amorphous carbons) were evaluated from analysis of gas (N2) and liquid (phenanthrene) adsorption isotherm data. The modified BET and fractal Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) models were used to estimate surface fractal dimensions. Micropore volumes were estimated from Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) plots and were compared to those calculated from standard N2 adsorption isotherm data using de Boer’s t-method. The estimated surface fractal dimensions using the modified BET and FHH models (DS=3+3h, and P/P0 from 0.0 to 0.4) were (2.7, 2.6, 2.1, 2.4, and 2.1) and (2.5, 2.6, 1.9, 2.4, and 1.9), respectively. The FHH fractal analysis suggested that van der Waals forces are the dominant interaction forces between nitrogen and carbon surfaces. Depending on the method of analysis, the fractal dimensions of the carbons with suggested micropore structure, Sorbonorite 4 and GAC 1240, were 2.5–2.9 and 2.6–2.9, respectively. Analysis of the adsorption–desorption data suggested that amorphous carbons with fractal dimensions of 2.1 (from the modified BET model) have smooth surfaces, with respect to their micropore structure. Further analysis of the adsorption data showed that the slopes of the linear segment of the plots of adsorption potential versus relative amount adsorbed are dependent on the pore size range and surface structure (fractal dimension) of the carbons.

Promoting Sustainable Consumption

Consumption patterns could play a central role in promoting sustain-ability. Sustainable consumption is an umbrella that brings together a number of key issues, such as meeting society’s needs, enhancing quality of life, improving product efficiency, minimizing waste, and taking a life cycle perspective, while taking into account the equity dimensions. Discussions on sustainable consumption are focused on the important role of businesses, particularly corporate strategies in developing sustainable consumption and production patterns. The terms, logistics, and factors impacting sustainable consumption are presented and the need for development of frameworks and policies that can enhance consumers’ knowledge and behavior are discussed in this chapter. The emphasis has been placed on the role of government, education, and corporate strategies to promote sustainable consumption in support of sustainable development.

Electrochemical performance of carbon materials derived from paper mill sludge

Abstract A pure, high surface area and cost-effective carbon-based material with possible application in electrochemical processes was synthesized from industrial sludge. Surface characterization included N2-adsorption isotherm data and mathematical models such as the DR equation, and BJH methods. The extent of the purity was assessed from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrochemical properties, i.e. the potential use as electrode in Li ion batteries, were evaluated using conventional electrochemical testing such as charge/discharge cycling and impedance spectroscopy. The results of the data analysis were promising and indicated that paper mill sludge can be successfully used to produce a pure carbon for potential use in electrochemical applications.

Synthesis and characterization of catalysts produced from paper mill sludge: I. Determination of NOx removal capability

Characteristics and catalytic properties of a series of carbon-based catalysts (CBCs) produced from paper mill sludge were evaluated. The major processes involved in the production of the catalysts were chemical activation, impregnation, pyrolysis, and post pyrolysis rinsing. The porous structure, catalytic activity and thermostability of the catalysts were tailored during the production stage by introducing hetero-atoms (zinc chloride, and ferric nitrate) in the carbon structure. Characterization of the produced CBCs included determination of the surface area, pore size, and pore size distribution (PSD) from standard N2-adsorption isotherm data. The extent of graphitization and the presence of metal crystals were identified from X-ray diffraction (XRD). The limit of the catalyst gasification was estimated from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) conducted in an oxidized environment. The NOx reduction capability of the produced catalysts was evaluated in the presence of carbon monoxide using a fixed bed reactor. The reaction temperature ranged from 300 to 500 degrees C. It was shown that paper mill sludge is an excellent precursor for the production of CBCs with NOx removal capability of 66-94%. The catalytic capability of the produced CBCs varied according to the method of production, catalyst surface properties (surface area, pore structure, PSD), metal composition and reaction temperature. The highest NOx removal capacity was observed for the catalytic reactions carried out at 400 degrees C. The mesoporous catalyst produced with a Zn:Fe molar ratio of 1:0.5 exhibited the maximum NOx removal catalytic activity of 94%.

A methodological approach for the design of sustainability initiatives: in pursuit of sustainable transition in China

The foundation of sustainability science is the effort to understand the fundamental interactions between nature and society, and to guide these interactions along sustainable trajectories (Miller et al. Sustain Sci 9(2):240–246, 2014). More importantly, sustainability science aims at creating knowledge needed to improve relevancy and quality of sustainability decision-making processes through broader representation of knowledge and values. This study contributes to the sustainability science literature in the areas of strategic planning and decision-making. Both the values and the role of decision-making science in promoting sustainability are examined through the design of a strategic framework and application of a graphical multi-agent decision-making model (GMADM). This approach allows for analysis, valuation, and ranking of potential sustainability initiatives according to their projected benefits and gains for organizations and for society. The model is structured on three interrelated pillars: (I) stakeholder views and concerns (government, industry, academic institutions); (II) sustainable development trends and requirements (World Bank data); and (III) valuations of the benefits expected from sustainability efforts. The framework is applied to case studies of Shandong and Guangdong provinces in China. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of data obtained from three groups of stakeholders in each province confirmed the utility of the proposed decision-making approach for promoting sustainable transition in China. Results also demonstrated the convenience and effectiveness of the proposed framework for guiding organizations’ efforts toward optimizing their sustainability initiatives while supporting regional economic growth and sustainable development policies.

Theory and Concept of Sustainability and Sustainable Development

This chapter provides an overview of the theories and concepts of sustainability and sustainable development and their anticipated links to global environmental, economic, and social crises. The theory of climate change and its likely impact on natural resources and their capacity for supporting sustainable economic development are discussed, and a comprehensive analysis of the concepts of sustainability (definition and types) and the sustainable development paradigm is provided. Due to its relevance to the topic of environmental sustainability, an overview of the Natural Capital, Natural Steps, and Factor X rules and definitions are also provided. Scenario-based analysis that has been used successfully in the development of strategic planning exercises and sustainability-related policies, rules, and regulations is discussed. The core thrust of economic, social, and environmental sustainability, emerging strategies, and developing praxis presented in this chapter and throughout the book support the concept of practical sustainability defined here as an integrated approach to long-term environmental sustainability.

Strategic Tools for Achieving Long-Term Sustainability

This chapter aims at the strategic tools for achieving sustainability. For methodological and pedagogical convenience a global perspective is employed here, spanning multiple approaches to integrate the core values of sustainability in business decisions and strategic planning. The development of strategic tools that are rooted in sustainability core values assists organizations in reaching their overall sustainability goals without compromising any long-term financial viability. Strategy is subsequently characterized as the process of positioning the sustainability concepts within business goals and objectives; developing guidelines that can delineate how specific tools, techniques, and business models can identify environmental sustainability-related issues, and instituting mechanisms to gather data and formulate economically and socially acceptable solutions. Business drivers for sustainability are identified and discussed in addition to providing a framework for the development and implementation of business models, strategies, programs, and systems rooted in core sustainability values. Case studies are utilized to illustrate the utility of corporate social responsibility, environmental management systems, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and management, product stewardship, and the Practical Sustainability System (Stakeholder, Externality, and Asset [SEA] framework) in assisting organizations to meet their business sustainability goals.

Sustainability Measurement, Assessment, and Reporting

Sustainability is a characteristic of dynamic systems that maintain themselves over time rather than a fixed endpoint that can be defined in a short time. Equally, environmental sustainability refers to the long-term maintenance of valued environmental resources in an evolving human context. Different models, formulas, indicators, and principles have been developed and proposed in the literature to guide strategic planning for sustainability measurement, assessment and reporting. The emphasis has mostly been on accounting approaches that focus on the maintenance of capital stocks, the measurement of natural resource depletion, or the determination of whether or not the current rates of resource use can be sustained into the distant future. The emphasis on sustainability assessment, however, should be broader and more policy oriented. This chapter presents contemporary approaches to monitoring, measuring, and reporting sustainability efforts. The application and use of environmental indicators in measuring success toward meeting sustainability goals and objectives are presented, and methods are described for organizations to follow to either develop or adopt benchmarking frameworks as a points of reference for assessing the trends, and to measure their progress toward sustainability. Also discussed are the types, characteristics, and application of the sustainability indicators; benchmarking techniques; and reporting guidelines.