Chemical Engineers are not just concerned with the industries and production of various materials, it is also our duty to propose solutions that will eradicate or at least minimize various environmental pollution. Wastes are any garbage, residuals, and other discarded materials resulted from industrial, mining, commercial, agricultural processes, and other operations. Proper waste management is essential and we have to perform specific procedures while observing measures for proper disposal. There are a lot of solid waste management that we practice today. I think the first step is to classify wastes then perform necessary measures. I suggest to first identify if the specific solid waste can be changed and used as a valuable resource. Every household or even business owners must learn to practice solid waste management. Here are some of my suggested methods of solid waste disposal management:
· Solid waste Sanitary landfills
Although this requires a wide land, this is one of the commonly used waste disposal method. It has disadvantages but I also want to suggest this but this time the biodegradable should be dump for composing process and only the non-biodegradable in landfills. The technique of sanitary landfilling solid wastes is easy, clean, and efficient. Layers are squeezed with mechanical equipment and then covered with soil, leveled, and compacted in this technique. Microorganisms operate on the organic materials and decompose it in a deep trench.
· Composting Process
Composting is a popular method in developing nations that is similar to sanitary land-filling. This process separates and composts decomposable organic waste. End products are stable, and yields are good soil conditioners. They can be used as a fertilizer foundation.
· Salvaging Procedure
Metal, paper, glass, rags, some types of plastic, and other materials can all be rescued, recycled, and reused.
· Fermentation/ biological digestion
Biodegradable waste is composted, and recycling is encouraged whenever practical. Hazardous wastes can be disposed of safely using the appropriate ways.
In case of wastewater, we can categorize the methods into four: physical wastewater treatment, biological water treatment, chemical treatment, and sludge treatment. Personally, I suggest physical, and biological wastewater treatment. We can utilize physical wastewater treatment to remove solids by utilizing methods such as screening, sedimentation and skimming. Then, we can utilize biological wastewater treatment, uses various biological processes to break down the organic matter present in wastewater, such as soap, human waste, oils and food. Microorganisms metabolize organic matter in the wastewater in biological treatment. It can be divided into three categories: Aerobic process; Anaerobic process and; Composting.
In my opinion, one of the best ways to prevent air pollution is to reduce the use of fossil fuels and start exploring how to effectively use alternative energies such as solar, geothermal, and wind. Also, each and everyone of us must be responsible enough and take into considerations all our actions.
