Name: Franz M De Guzman

Section CE1

Solid Waste Management

1. State the average mass of solid waste produced per capita per day in the Philippines.

Source: National-Solid-Waste-Management-Status-Report-2008-2018.pdf (emb.gov.ph)

According to National Solid Waste Management Status Report from a base year 2010 waste
generation rates vary as low as 0.10 kg/capita/day in the municipalities outside of Metro Manila
and highly urbanized cities. The average per capita generation rate for the Philippines is 0.40 kg.

2. Define the following terms: combustion, pyrolysis, gasification. What is the difference among
these processes?
Combustion:
Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs between a fuel and an oxidant, typically oxygen.
The reaction releases energy in the form of heat and light. The most common example of
combustion is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas to produce energy. When you
burn a candle or light a campfire, you're witnessing combustion in action.
Pyrolysis:
Pyrolysis is a chemical process that involves heating organic materials, such as wood, at high
temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This causes the material to break down into smaller
molecules, including gases, liquids, and solids. Charcoal is an example of pyrolysis. When wood
is heated to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, it breaks down into charcoal.
Gasification:
Gasification is the process of converting carbon-based materials, such as coal or biomass, into a
gas that can be used as fuel. This process involves heating the material at high temperatures in
the presence of a limited amount of oxygen or steam. The result is a gas that can be used to
produce electricity or as a fuel for vehicles. Syngas is an example of gasification. Syngas is a
mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other gases that is produced by gasification.
Now, let's discuss the differences between combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification:
Combustion requires both fuel and oxygen, while pyrolysis and gasification can occur in the
absence of oxygen.
Combustion produces heat and light, while pyrolysis and gasification produce different products,
such as gases and liquids.
Combustion is typically used to produce energy, while pyrolysis and gasification can be used to
produce a variety of products, including biochar, syngas, and biofuels.
Combustion releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, while pyrolysis and gasification
can potentially sequester carbon in biochar or use it as a fuel source, making them potentially
more environmentally friendly.

3. List the major public health and environmental issues dealing with incinerators.

The major public health and environmental issues associated with incinerators in the Philippines
include:
Air pollution: Incinerators produce emissions such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
oxides, and other toxic pollutants, which can contribute to respiratory illnesses and other health
problems.
Hazardous waste disposal: Incinerators are commonly used to dispose of hazardous waste, which
can include materials such as medical waste, chemicals, and electronic waste. If these materials
are not properly handled, they can pose a risk to public health and the environment.
Environmental contamination: The ash and other residues produced by incinerators can contain
heavy metals and other toxic substances that can contaminate soil and groundwater if not
properly disposed of.
Health and safety risks for workers: Incinerator operators and workers are exposed to high levels
of pollutants and hazardous materials, which can pose health and safety risks.
Public opposition: Incinerators are often opposed by local communities due to concerns about
the health and environmental impacts of the facilities.

4. List and discuss the factors pertinent to the selection of a landfill site.

First , location the landfill site should be located away from residential areas, water bodies, and
other sensitive ecosystems to minimize the risk of contamination and reduce potential impacts on
public health. Second, topography the site should have suitable topography to allow for proper
drainage and prevent erosion. Third, soil type the soil should be able to support the weight of the
landfill and provide adequate protection against seepage. The climate should be suitable to
prevent leachate production and reduce odors. Fourth, land use the site should not be located in
areas with high-value land use such as agricultural or forested lands. Fifth, waste characteristics,
the landfill should be designed to accommodate the type and volume of waste that is expected to
be generated in the area.
5. Define leachate and explain why it occurs.
Leachate is a liquid that is formed when water comes into contact with waste materials in a
landfill. The water can dissolve and absorb contaminants from the waste, resulting in a toxic
liquid that can pose significant environmental and health risks if not properly managed.
Ramifications of leachate can be serious, including:
Leachate can percolate through the soil and contaminate nearby groundwater sources, as well as
surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes. Leachate can produce methane gas and other
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions.
The formation of leachate occurs in several steps: When waste is deposited in a landfill, it begins
to decompose, producing liquid and gaseous byproducts. As rainwater or other liquids come into
contact with the waste, it begins to dissolve and absorb contaminants from the decomposing
material. The resulting liquid, which is known as leachate, can percolate through the waste and
soil, potentially contaminating groundwater and surface water sources.I f the leachate is not
properly contained and treated, it can pose significant environmental and health risks.

Sources:
Combustion and pyrolysis (unacademy.com)
5.1. Gasification Introduction | netl.doe.gov
Philippines’ Waste and the Ban of Incineration – GLOBAL RECYCLING (global-
recycling.info)
Incineration Not a Solution, Green Groups Warn Western Brands Found Polluting the
Philippines - GAIA (no-burn.org)
Methodology for the Regional Landfill Site Selection | IntechOpen
Leachate - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics