Emergency preparedness to accidental chemical spills from tankers in Istanbul Strait

Istanbul Strait is one of the most important and dangerous maritime passage in the world. In this study, the hazards for possible accidents of the tankers carrying various chemicals through the Istanbul Strait were investigated and a significant risk was identified due to the intensive transportation of the chemicals. The purpose of this work is to define some risk control options in order to establish an efficient management system which can minimize the probability of accidents and hazardous effects of possible chemical spills to human life and environment. The risk is assessed by using the Formal Safety Assessment Methodology of the International Maritime Organization. Following this methodology hazards of accidents were identified through a questionnaire which is applied to a group of experts focussed on a passage of Istanbul Strait. In addition to this, a frequency analysis of the accidents was carried out on the defined sections along the strait using the accident database in order to determine the geographical distribution of the type and cause of the accidents. On the other hand, the maritime traffic of the Istanbul Strait was simulated using computer based software in order to investigate the effects of the local traffic on the passage. As a conclusion of the simulation the hot spots were defined as the potential locations for collisions. Also the consequences of such probable accidents were evaluated by using different dispersion modelling software for the spilled chemicals. As a result, a comprehensive management system for preparedness and response to chemical spills in the Istanbul Strait were proposed by taking into account the current management system and response equipment. Furthermore, a detailed economic analysis of the proposed system was also performed

Use of fluidized-bed combustion ash in agricultural applications. Quarterly technical progress report, July 1--September 30, 1996

The field experimental site was located on a well drained Beltsville silt loam soil. Field soil samples were analyzed for trace elements prior to treatment initiation from each of the 12 plot areas. Blackberry plants were planted in June 1995. In August 1995, foliar samples from the field planted blackberry plants were obtained prior to soil treatment applications, Average leaf fresh and dry weights were recorded as well as elemental analysis data. At the end of August, 1995, four plots were treated with fluidized bed combustion (FBC) materials, another four with (FBC) materials plus manure, and the remaining four were used as controls. Post-treatment foliar samples were obtained, weighed and analyzed. Blackberry fruit samples were also obtained, freeze-dried and analyzed. Twenty-four soil columns were constructed from 6 inches (ID) PVC pipes and filled with replicates of the field experiment, control (soil alone), FBC material, manure, and FBC material plus manure. The equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall (200 ml distilled water) was applied weekly for 16 weeks. The day after rainfall additions leachates were collected, filtered and analyzed for pH and electrical conductivity. The remaining sample volumes were frozen until the completion of the study and then analyzed for elemental content. These results are presented. Analysis of the FBC material and dairy manure used in all experiments are presented in Table 1. For comparative purposes, analysis of agricultural limestone is also presented

Agricultural Uses of Municipal, Animal, and Industrial Byproducts

America's cities, farms, and industries are producing increasing amounts of byproducts. Biosolids and solid residues from our cities, animal manures from our farms, and coal combustion residues and other byproducts from industries require environmentally safe and cost-effective methods of disposal. The byproduct use problem presents a challenge and an opportunity for U.S. agriculture. Animal manures and many municipal and industrial byproducts may have substantial value if properly used in agriculture. The development of methods to optimally integrate byproduct use into sustainable agricultural practices could provide a partial solution to byproduct disposal problems. This report emphasizes potential agricultural uses for major byproduct sources, including municipal byproducts (biosolids and solid residues), industrial byproducts (coal combustion residues and other selected byproducts), and animal manures. Individual chapters address each major byproduct source by providing information about amount produced, composition of the waste, current uses, problems and opportunities associated with agricultural and horticultural uses of the byproduct, and research needs. An executive summary provides an overview of the issues involved in using byproducts in agriculture and describes the research needed to transform municipal, animal, and industrial byproducts into an environmentally safe agricultural resource. The audience for this publication includes scientists and administrators in research, education, and industry, and policymakers