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1	Evaluating the Use of Construction and Demolition Debris as Alternative Ingreditent Materials Amir H. Behzadan, Debra Reinhart University of Central Florida The objective of this project is to help the state reach its 75% recycling goal and to explore markets for tear-off asphalt shingles. During the first year, focusing on Orange County, researchers examined construction and demolition (C&D) debris generation from 2004-2010 (based on building permits issued during that time period) and evaluated various markets for those materials. The second year will focus on developing a model that can be used to predict C&D inventories and expectations for opportunities to recycle those products, and will also focus on potential markets for tear-off asphalt shingles, including characteristics testing and trial blends for asphalt paving.
2	Simulation Based Optimization for Planning of Effective Waste Reduction, Diversion, and Recycling Programs Nurcin Celik University of Miami The breakneck rate of population, economic development, urbanization, and industrialization inherent to modern society presents an ever-rising demand upon solid waste management and disposal mechanisms. This demand, coupled with heightened economic and environmental concerns, has created a significant need for a systematic and thorough analysis of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) collection, transportation and disposal methodologies to increase recyclable recovery and yield economic savings. The objective of this project is to develop a simulation-based decision-making and optimization framework for the analysis and development of effective solid waste management and recycling programs. The components of the proposed framework include a database and two main modules: an assessment module and a resource allocation optimization module. The assessment module identifies the sources of uncertainties in the system. The identified parameters are then incorporated into the resource allocation optimization module. The resource allocation optimization module involves a discrete-continuous model of the solid waste management system under consideration with respect to the waste types and characteristics, costs, environmental impacts, types, location and capacities of processing facilities, and their technological capabilities. Then, the multi-criteria problem of the allocation of limited resources (the quantities and characteristics of the refuse to be sent to various treatment facilities, to landfill, and to recycling) is solved via the embedded optimization mechanism in the resource allocation optimization module. Here, the optimum solution is considered as the combination of parameters that will lead to the highest recycling rate with minimum cost and maximum environmental benefits. The developed tool also enables the stakeholders to test several “what-if” scenarios in their system before arriving at a conclusion.
3	Usage of Microbial Fuel Cell Technology in Landfills. Year II. Enhanced Organic Compound Decomposition and Nitrogen Removal Gang Chen, Amy Chan-Hilton, Kamal Tawfiq FAMU/FSU Low cost, low maintenance and energy-generating onsite systems for the treatment of landfill leachate with high ammonium content are in urgent need, especially for landfills located in low population areas where landfills are smaller and often at a distance from sewage systems and lack trained personnel. The purpose of this study is to design and test two continuous microbial fuel cell (MFC) reactors, i.e., an ammonium oxidation/MFC reactor and a MFC/Anammox reactor for power generation as well as organic compound decomposition and nitrogen removal from landfill leachate. For this research, landfill leachate collected from landfills located in Northwest Florida will be treated in a laboratory scale continuous ammonium oxidation/MFC reactor, which is composed of an in-line nitrification column and a MFC reactor. Impact factors such as the organic load, retention time, pH, and alkalinity as well as nitrification reaction time will be investigated. At the same time, landfill leachate collected from landfills located in Northwest Florida will also be treated in a laboratory scale continuous MFC/Anammox reactor. Besides factors impacting organic removal such as the organic load and retention time, factors that may impact the nitrite accumulation in the Anammox reaction such as the dissolved oxygen concentration and alkalinity will be explored. The MFC/Anammox reactor will be compared with the ammonium oxidation/MFC reactor in terms of power generation as well as organic compound decomposition and nitrogen removal.
4	High-Temperature Steam Gasification of Agricultural and Municdipal Solid Waste and Converstion to Energy System Skip Ingley, Jacob N. Chung University of Florida The University of Florida researchers will conduct a one-year project researching the feasibility of high temperature (super-critical) steam gasification of municipal solid waste (MSW) and Florida farm biomass waste. The research will center on the use of a bench scale gasifier which was just recently used to investigate the high temperature steam gasification of woody biomass as the feedstock. This new research effort will allow the researchers to investigate the use of MSW and farm biomass feedstock resources to produce synthetic fuels. This innovative high-temperature steam gasification research with MSW and farm biomass will provide a platform for the demonstration of these renewable energy technologies and establish their commercial feasibility. The bench scale gasification system is comprised of several modules including a biomass/MSW material handling module, an innovative, state-of-the-art high-temperature steam generation module, several gasification modules (interchangeable) and a gas clean-up and residual collection module. The researchers will conduct experiments with the bench-scale gasifier using synthetic mixtures of typical MSW and farm wastes. The composition of gasifier outlet stream will be analyzed for several operational conditions to determine the effects of feed composition on the gasification products. A gas chromatograph/mass spectrophotometer will assist the researchers in quantifying the effluent gas stream from the gasifier. This study will address many of the technical, economic, and environmental challenges in the process of utilizing biomass fuels. The project demonstrates a unique innovation of using super critical high-temperature steam as both the heat source and the gasification agent in an oxygen-starved (air free) environment.. The impact on the environment in terms of air pollution and global climate control is minimized. The advanced technology developed in this project will help ensure the availability of a highly efficient technology to meet the cost-effective biomass to hydrogen mandate for future energy sources.
5	Characterization and Leachability of Coal Combustion Residues in Florida Lena Ma University of Florida Solid waste management and recycling are of major environmental concerns in Florida as well as in the nation. This project addresses an important solid waste in Florida, i.e., coal combustion residues (CCR) detailed in #2-4 of the current Center’s Research Agenda. CCR are the second largest waste streams generated in the US. Over 500 power plants nationwide generate >130 million tons of CCR each year. They are either recycled or disposed in landfills and on-site storage ponds. However, there are some concerns about the potential impacts of trace metals in CCR on the environment and ecosystem. The CCR spill in Kingston promoted USEPA to draft a proposed rule to regulate CCR under RCRA. The objectives of this research are two fold: 1) to collect and characterize CCR produced by major utilities in Florida including basic characterization and total elemental concentrations; and 2) assess the leachability and mobility of Hg and As in CCR when disposed on land or in ash ponds. We will employ EPA methods to assess Hg and As leachability when disposed on land under equilibrium conditions using batch experiments. For Hg and As mobility, we will use column experiments simulating ash slurry stored in ash ponds. Our research should greatly benefit FDEP, the public and utility industries.
6	Onsite Treatment of Leachate Using Energized Processes Daniel E. Meeroff Florida Atlantic University FAU has pioneered the advancement of landfill leachate treatment systems using the photochemical iron-mediated aeration process and the TiO2 photocatalytic process at lab scale in previous research funded by the Hinkley Center. In 2011, the Bill Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management issued a research grant to FAU Lab.EES to continue to develop advanced oxidation processes for detoxification of landfill leachate. Previous work funded by the Center has led to the development of reactor prototypes for pilot scale testing. These include a plug flow coil reactor and a falling film reactor. The objective of the proposed research is to test the prototype reactors at pilot scale for the removal of COD/BOD, ammonia, heavy metals, color, and pathogens. Another important aspect will be to develop a method to recover the photocatalyst for reuse, prior to safe discharge of the treated leachate. If this process is found is as cost effective as the laboratory bench scale version, a potential for large cost savings in leachate management can be realized.
7	Pump and Treat Aerobic Flushing Bioreacator Landfill Debra Reinhart University of Central Florida Conventional landfilling will leave the majority of waste constituents for later release; bioreactor landfilling will leave significantly less, but recalcitrant organics and ammonia remain problematic. The proposed Pump and Treat Aerobic Flushing Bioreactor Landfill (PTAFBL) will reduce the potential for pollutant leaching, dramatically shortening the post-closure care period and reducing the potential for long-term adverse environmental impact. The goal of this proposed research is to define the technological requirements of a PTAFBL as a means of sustainable landfilling of municipal solid waste through laboratory-scale simulation of the process. Results will permit quantification of the economics, pollution reduction potential, and energy consumption of the process in comparison with traditional and bioreactor landfills.
8	Biodegradability Enhancement of Bioreactor Landfill Leachate with Fenton Processes Walter Z. Tang Florida International University
9	Exploring Pathways and Limitations to Recycling Combustion Residues in Florida Timothy Townsend University of Florida This study aims to identify the current limitations to combustion residue reuse in Florida, as well as investigate possible pathways to facilitate the recycling of these materials. The end goal is to outline practical steps needed to foster combustion residue recycling or to evaluate whether such recycling should be a desired practice in Florida’s future. In detail, this research will be conducted to meet the following specific objectives: 1) compile and critically assess the state of science and practice with regard to the recycling of combustion residues, 2)form a working group of experts and foster a dialogue (through face to face meetings) on the current status and future of combustion residue recycling in Florida, 3) collect additional research data to assess fundamental questions regarding the potential for combustion residue based on critical data gaps identified in meeting objective 1 and based on feedback from the working group, and 4) produce a white paper that summarizes the research and the consensus of the working group, including recommendations for practical future steps needed to foster combustion residue recycling or to evaluate whether such recycling should be a desired practice in Florida.
10	Bioremediation of Landfill Leachate and Co-production of Biodiesel Ann Wilkie University of Florida The purpose of this research project is to identify algae that can effectively remediate landfill leachate. The study will characterize native Floridian algae for their tolerance of landfill leachate, effectiveness at remediating the landfill leachate, and the potential use of the algal biomass as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The research conducted under this project will lay the biological foundation for implementing algal bioremediation of landfill leachate in Florida.
11	Modeling to Determine H2S Emissions and Dispersion from Florida C&D Landfills David Cooper, Ph.D., University of Central Florida The human response to odors (particularly hydrogen sulfide (H2S), can vary greatly. Certain individuals can detect H2S as low as 1 part per billion (ppb); while others have less receptive olfactory senses, and can’t detect levels until they reach 10-20 ppb. Accompanying the concentration of such odors are other important factors such as duration and frequency of such offensive smells. Should an individual detect low quantities of odors on their leisure time, they are potentially more bothersome than higher concentrations present at other times (such as during normal working/sleeping hours). Wind speed, wind direction, stability class, temperature, topography, and emissions rates are all potential factors in this odorous equation. This research will help develop odor buffering distances around C and D landfills. These buffering distances will allow solid waste/landfill managers to have a definite, objective tool to not only justify, but predict where these odors may be transported around said landfill(s).
12	Recycling Cement Kiln Dust, Gypsum Drywall and Cathode-Ray Tubes in Concrete Structures Lena Ma, PhD., University of Florida This research will explore the feasibility of recycling cement kiln dust and gypsum drywall. There are some concerns in the potential transfer of contaminants such as heavy metals from these wastes into water bodies and/or the food chain. This research will characterize these wastes chemically, physically and mineralogically, and provide proper recommendation regarding their disposal and reuse options.
13	Slag Quality and Air Emissions From Plasma Arc Gasification of MSW: Bench-Scale Investigation Timothy Townsend, Ph.D., University of Florida Plasma technology has been proposed for municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment in several municipalities in Florida. Although a limited number of small-scale projects utilize plasma technology for MSW and other wastes in different parts of the world, this technology has not been used at the large scale being proposed in Florida. This reearch will provide data on the emissions and risks associated with solid and gaseous products of this technology.
14	Diverting Food Waste From Landfills Dr. Ann C. Wilkie, Ph.D., University of Florida Food waste represents a significant proportion of Florida’s municipal solid waste. Currently the vast majority of food waste is landfilled, where it can create many problems for solid waste handlers including methane emissions, nutrients and organic matter in leachate, and odor and vermin problems. This project examines the possibilities of diverting this food waste from landfills for anaerobic digestion.
15	Feasibility Study of Reusing Glass Aggregate from Crushed Cathode-Ray Tubes in Concrete Structures J. P. James, Ph.D., University of Miami Landfills today are being flooded with electronic equipment that is certainly hazardous to the environment. However, leaching, specially of lead, caused by the landfills condition (changes of pH level, chemical reactions, and rain), is phasing out landfills as a disposal method for lead-based glass. This research will explore the feasibility of reusing CRTs as fine aggregates &/or cement replacements in concrete.
16	Reductive Dissolution of Iron in Landfill Impacted Soils: Mechanisms and Development of a Predictive Modeling Tool Jean-Claude Bonzongo and Timothy Townsend, University of Florida Recently, anomalously high iron concentrations have been reported in groundwater monitoring wells at landfill sites at a number of lined and unlined facilities in Florida. The hypothesis that has been proposed by many is that the source of this iron is not the landfill leachate, but the native soils beneath the landfill as iron becomes mobilized due to changing pH and/or redox conditions in the environment underneath the landfill.
17	Analysis of Discard CRTs in Florida: Volume Projections and Disposal Management Options Amy B. Chan-Hilton and Gang Chen, FAMU/FSU This research will answer questions about trends in volume of discarded CRTs in the future, current CRT waste management practices and trends, and capacity for handling increase in CRT disposal.
18	Technical and Economic Feasibility of Solar Energy Harvesting at Florida’s Closed Landfills Berrin Tansel, Ph.D., Florida International University This research will determine the feasibility of using Florida’s landfills as power parks, relying on solar energy as a primary source.