Pyrolysis and combustion of municipal solid wastes:evaluation of synergistic effects using TGA-MS

A thermogravimetric methodology was developed to investigate and semi-quantify the extent of synergistic effects during pyrolysis and combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW). Results from TGA-MS were used to compare the pyrolysis and combustion characteristics of single municipal solid waste components (polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), branches (BR), leaves (LV), grass (GR), packaging paper (PK), hygienic paper (HP) and cardboard (CB)) and a mixture (MX) of PP, BR and CB. Samples were heated under dynamic conditions at 20°C/min from 25°C to 1000°C with the continuous record of their main evolved fragments. Synergistic effects were evaluated by comparing experimental and calculated weight losses and relative areas of MS peaks. Pyrolysis of the mixture happened in two stages, with the release of H2, CH4, H2O, CO and CO2 between 200 and 415°C and the release of CH4, CxHy, CO and CO2 between 415 and 525°C. Negative synergistic effect in the 1st stage was attributed to the presence of PP where the release of hydrocarbons and CO2 from BR and CB was inhibited, whereas positive synergistic effects were observed during the 2nd degradation stage. In a second part of the study, synergistic effects were related to the dependency of the effective activation energy (Eα) versus the conversion (α). Higher Eαs were obtained for MX during its 1st stage of pyrolysis and lower Eαs for the 2nd stage when compared to the individual components. On the other hand, mostly positive synergistic effects were observed during the combustion of the same mixture, for which lower Eαs were recorded

Future Directions of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Africa

Transformation and rapid population growth in Africa indicates that urbanisation is one of the key determinants of the future of social dynamics and development of the continent. Linked to these changes are increased production levels of Municipal Solid Waste. This book provides recommendations and solutions that derive from current situations, experiences and observations in Africa. This book is a 'must read' for urban planners, environmental engineering students and lecturers, environmental consultants and policy-makers. The book can also be of great help to municipal authorities, as it outlines future directions of Municipal Solid Waste management. These need to be considered by the municipal authorities of most African countries

Natural Attenuation

This chapter contains sections titled: The Natural Attenuation and Sustainability Link Contaminant Transformation Under Natural Site Conditions Monitoring for Natural Attenuation Source Area Evaluation Quantitative Analysis of Natural Attenuation Data Concluding Not

A Neo-Institutionalist Approach to Understanding Drivers of Quality Assurance in ODL : The Case of the Open University of Mauritius

In recent years, quality assurance (QA) in higher education has received increasing attention by academics, learners, institutions, and governments alike. Many open universities (OUs) have taken steps to re-define or re-orient their systems and practices to integrate quality. While there is a growing body of literature on QA best practices, there has been little investigation into the factors that influence institutions to improve or adopt QA and how these factors impact on the specific manifestations of institutional QA. This paper examines the challenges of QA implementation in OUs and, using a neo-institutionalist lens, it advances a framework for understanding drivers of institutional QA implementation. The framework is applied to the case of the Open University of Mauritius (OUM). Existing literature, institutional records, interviews and reports are analysed to assess how exogenous and endogenous factors have influenced QA implementation at OUM, with a focus on addressing the specificities of open and distance learning (ODL). A better understanding of the drivers of change for QA can help OUs plan the implementation of QA mechanisms in a more comprehensive way and to systematically develop a culture of quality that responds to the ideological and practical context of ODL

Climate-Smart TechnologiesIntegrating Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Mitigation and Adaptation Responses /

XII, 628 p. 250 illus.online resource

Feasibility of using solar energy as a source of renewable energy in mauritius under collaboration of DIREKT

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