Chemical waste: Difference between revisions
i changed some of the stuuf that i reachered that was wrong |
|||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
In the laboratory, chemical wastes are usually segregated on-site into appropriate waste [[carboy]]s, and disposed by a specialist contractor in order to meet safety, health, and legislative requirements. |
In the laboratory, chemical wastes are usually segregated on-site into appropriate waste [[carboy]]s, and disposed by a specialist contractor in order to meet safety, health, and legislative requirements. |
||
[[File:Chemical Waste Disposal Guideline.jpg|thumb|267x267px|Chemical waste category that should be followed for proper packaging, labelling, and disposal of chemical waste.]] |
[[File:Chemical Waste Disposal Guideline.jpg|thumb|267x267px|Chemical waste category that should be followed for proper packaging, labelling, and disposal of chemical waste.]] |
||
Innocuous aqueous waste (such as solutions of [[sodium chloride]]) may be poured down the sink. Some chemicals are washed down with excess |
Innocuous aqueous waste (such as solutions of [[sodium chloride]]) may be poured down the sink. Some chemicals are washed down with excess wat |
||
Waste [[mercury (element)|elemental mercury]], spent [[acid]]s and [[Alkali|bases]] may be collected separately for [[recycling]]. |
|||
Waste [[organic solvents]] are separated into [[Organochloride|chlorinated]] and non-chlorinated solvent waste. Chlorinated solvent waste is usually incinerated at high temperature to minimize the formation of [[Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins|dioxins]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Shibamoto|first=T|year=2007|title=Dioxin formation from waste incineration.|journal=Reviews of environmental contamination and toxicology|volume=190|pages=1–41|pmid=17432330|author2=Yasuhara, A|author3=Katami, T}}<!--|access-date=10 March 2016--></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/environment/waste_management/l28072_en.htm|title=Waste incineration|last=Europa|access-date=10 March 2016}}</ref> Non-chlorinated solvent waste can be burned for [[energy recovery]]. |
|||
In contrast to this, chemical materials on the "Red List" should never be washed down a drain. This list includes:<ref name=":02"/> compounds with transitional metals, [[biocide]]s, [[cyanide]]s, [[mineral oil]]s and [[hydrocarbon]]s, poisonous [[organosilicon]] compounds, metal phosphides, [[phosphorus]] element, and [[fluoride]]s and [[nitrite]]s. |
|||
Moreover, the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) prohibits disposing certain materials down any UVM drain.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Chemical Waste Management {{!}} Environmental Health and Safety at UVM|url = http://www.uvm.edu/safety/lab/chemicalwaste#Selecting%2520the%2520Correct%2520Container|website = www.uvm.edu|access-date = 2016-02-04}}</ref> Including [[flammable liquid]]s, liquids capable of causing damage to wastewater facilities (this can be determined by the [[pH]]), highly [[Viscosity|viscous]] materials capable of causing an obstruction in the [[wastewater]] system, [[Radioactive waste|radioactive]] materials, materials that have or create a strong odor, wastewater capable of significantly raising the temperature of the system, and [[Pharmaceutical drug|pharmaceuticals]] or [[Endocrine system|endocrine]] disruptors. |
|||
Broken [[laboratory glassware|glassware]] are usually collected in plastic-lined cardboard boxes for landfilling. Due to contamination, they are usually not suitable for recycling. Similarly, used [[hypodermic needle]]s are collected as [[sharps waste|sharps]] and are incinerated as [[medical waste]]. |
|||
== Chemical Compatibility Guideline == |
|||
Many chemicals may react adversely when combined. It is recommended that incompatible chemicals be stored in separate areas of the lab.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Chemical Compatibility and Segregation Guides|url = http://orf.od.nih.gov/EnvironmentalProtection/WasteDisposal/Pages/chem_compat.aspx|website = orf.od.nih.gov|access-date = 2016-02-12}}</ref> |
|||
[[Acids]] should be separated from [[alkalis]], [[metals]], [[cyanides]], [[sulfides]], [[azides]], [[phosphides]], and [[Oxidise|oxidizers]]. The reason being, when combined acids with these type of compounds, violent [[exothermic reaction]] can occur possibly causing [[Flammability|flammable gas]], and in some cases [[Explosion|explosions.]] |
|||
[[Oxidizing agent|Oxidizers]] should be separated from [[acid]]s, [[Organic matter|organic materials]], [[metal]]s, [[reducing agent]]s, and [[ammonia]]. This is because when combined [[Oxidizing agent|oxidizers]] with these type of compounds, inflammable, and sometimes [[toxic]] compounds can occur. |
|||
=== Container compatibility === |
|||
When disposing hazardous laboratory chemical waste, chemical compatibility must be considered. For safe disposal, the container must be chemically compatible with the material it will hold. Chemicals must not react with, weaken, or dissolve the container or lid. [[Acids]] or [[Base (chemistry)|bases]] should not be stored in [[metal]]. [[Hydrofluoric acid]] should not store in [[glass]]. [[Gasoline]] ([[solvents]]) should not store or transport in lightweight [[polyethylene]] containers such as milk jugs. Moreover, the Chemical Compatibility Guidelines should be considered for more detailed information.<ref>{{Cite web|title = How to Store and Dispose of Hazardous Chemical Waste|url = http://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/research-lab/hazardous-waste/chemical.html#Select-compatible-containers|website = blink.ucsd.edu|access-date = 2016-02-12}}</ref> |
|||
== Laboratory waste containers == |
|||
Packaging, labelling, storage are the three requirements for disposing chemical waste. |
|||
=== Packaging<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = General Requirements|url = http://www.ehs.utoronto.ca/resources/wmindex/wm4.htm|website = www.ehs.utoronto.ca|access-date = 2016-02-19}}</ref> === |
|||
[[File:Chemical Waste Area.jpg|thumb|How to properly label, package, and store chemical waste safely.]] |
|||
For packaging, chemical liquid waste containers should only be filled up to 75% capacity to allow for [[Vapor|vapour expansion]] and to reduce potential spills which could occur from moving overfilled containers. Container material must be compatible with the stored [[hazardous waste]]. Finally, wastes must not be packaged in containers that improperly identify other nonexisting hazards. |
|||
In addition to the general packaging requirements mentioned above, incompatible materials should never be mixed together in a single container. Wastes must be stored in containers compatible with the chemicals stored as mentioned in the container compatibility section. [[Solvent]] safety cans should be used to collect and temporarily store large volumes (10–20 litres) of [[Flammability|flammable]] organic waste [[solvent]]s, precipitates, [[solid]]s or other non-fluid wastes should not be mixed into safety cans. |
|||
=== Labelling === |
|||
Label all containers with the group name from the chemical waste category and an itemized list of the contents. All chemicals or anything contaminated with chemicals posing a significant hazard. All waste must be appropriately packaged.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Laboratory|first=National Research Council (US) Committee on Prudent Practices in the|date=2011-01-01|title=Management of Waste|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55885/|language=en|access-date=10 March 2016}}</ref> |
|||
=== Storage === |
|||
When storing chemical wastes, the containers must be in good condition and should remain closed unless waste is being added. [[Hazardous waste]] must be stored safely prior to removal from the laboratory and should not be allowed to accumulate.<ref name=":0" /> Container should be sturdy and leakproof, also has to be labeled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chem.wisc.edu/deptfiles/docs/lab-waste-disposal-portrait.pdf|title=Laboratory Waste Disposal|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=10 March 2016}}</ref> All liquid waste must be stored in leakproof containers with a screw- top or other secure lid. [[Snap cap]]s, mis-sized caps, [[parafilm]] and other loose fitting lids are not acceptable. If necessary, transfer waste material to a container that can be securely closed. Keep waste containers closed except when adding waste. Secondary containment should be in place to capture spills and leaks from the primary container, segregate incompatible [[hazardous wastes]], such as [[acids]] and [[Base (chemistry)|bases]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mun.ca/sgs/current/chem_waste.pdf|title=PROCEDURES FOR LABORATORY CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Memorial University|access-date=10 March 2016}}</ref> |
|||
==Mapping of chemical waste in the United States== |
|||
[[TOXMAP]] is a Geographic Information System (GIS) from the Division of Specialized Information Services<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sis.nlm.nih.gov |title=SIS Specialized Information System |author= |work= |publisher=[[United States National Library of Medicine]] |accessdate=11 August 2010}}</ref> of the [[United States National Library of Medicine]] (NLM) that uses maps of the United States to help users visually explore data from the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]]'s (EPA) [[Toxics Release Inventory]] and [[Superfund Basic Research Program]]s. TOXMAP is a resource funded by the US Federal Government. TOXMAP's chemical and environmental health information is taken from NLM's Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov |title=Toxnet |author= |work= |publisher=United States National Library of Medicine |accessdate=11 August 2010}}</ref> and [[PubMed]], and from other |
|||
authoritative sources. |
|||
==Chemical waste in Canadian aquaculture == |
|||
Chemical waste in our oceans is becoming a major issue for marine life. There have been many studies conducted to try and prove the effects of chemicals in our oceans. In Canada, many of the studies concentrated on the Atlantic provinces, where fishing and aquaculture are an important part of the economy. |
|||
In New Brunswick, a study was done on the [[sea urchin]] in an attempt to identify the effects of toxic and chemical waste on life beneath the ocean, specifically the waste from salmon farms. Sea urchins were used to check the levels of metals in the environment. It is advantageous to use green sea urchins, [[Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis]], because they are widely distributed, abundant in many locations, and easily accessible. By investigating the concentrations of metals in the green sea urchins, the impacts of chemicals from [[Aquaculture of salmonids|salmon aquaculture]] activity could be assessed and detected. Samples were taken at 25-metre intervals along a transect in the direction of the main tidal flow. The study found that there was impacts to at least 75 m based on the intestine metal concentrations. So based on this study it is clear that the metals are contaminating the ocean and negatively affecting aquatic life. |
|||
[[Image:Underside.JPG|thumb|Green Sea Urchin or S. droebacheinsis'']] |
[[Image:Underside.JPG|thumb|Green Sea Urchin or S. droebacheinsis'']] |
||
Revision as of 20:56, 23 September 2019
Chemical waste is a waste that is made from harmful chemicals (mostly produced by large factories). Chemical waste may fall under regulations such as COSHH in the United Kingdom, or the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in the United States. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as state and local regulations also regulate chemical use and disposal.[1] Chemical waste may or may not be classed as hazardous waste. A chemical hazardous waste is a solid, liquid, or gaseous material that displays either a “Hazardous Characteristic” or is specifically “listed” by name as a hazardous waste. There are four characteristics chemical wastes may have to be considered as hazardous. These are Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity, and Toxicity. This type of hazardous waste must be categorized as to its identity, constituents, and hazards so that it may be safely handled and managed.[2] Chemical waste is a broad term and encompasses many types of materials. Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), Product Data Sheet or Label for a list of constituents. These sources should state whether this chemical waste is a waste that needs special disposal.[3]
Guidance for Disposal of Laboratory Chemical Wastes
In the laboratory, chemical wastes are usually segregated on-site into appropriate waste carboys, and disposed by a specialist contractor in order to meet safety, health, and legislative requirements.
Innocuous aqueous waste (such as solutions of sodium chloride) may be poured down the sink. Some chemicals are washed down with excess wat
Uranium in Ground and Surface Water in Canada
Another issue regarding chemical waste is the potential risk of surface and groundwater contamination by the heavy metals and radionuclides leached from uranium waste-rock piles (UWRP) A Radionuclide is an atom that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable. Uranium waste-rock piles refers to Uranium mining, which is the process of extraction of uranium ore from the ground. An example of such threats is in Saskatchewan, Uranium mining and ore processing (milling) can pose a threat to the environment. In open pit mining, large amounts of materials are excavated and disposed of in waste-rock piles. Waste-rock piles from the Uranium mining industry can contain several heavy metals and contaminants that may become mobile under certain conditions. Environmental contaminants may include acid mine drainage, higher concentrations of radionuclides, and non-radioactive metals/metalloids (i.e. As, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn).
The leachability of heavy metals and radionuclide from UWRP plays a significant role in determining their potential environmental risks to surrounding surface and groundwater. Substantial differences in the solid-phase partitioning and chemical leachability of Ni and U were observed in the investigated UWRP lithological materials and background organic-rich lake sediment. For Instance, in the uranium-mining district of Northern Saskatchewan, Canada, the sequential extraction results showed that a significant amount of Ni (Nickel) was present in the non-labile residual fraction, while Uranium was mostly distributed in the moderately labile fractions. Although Nickel was much less labile than Uranium, the observed Nickel exceeded Uranium concentrations in leaching. The observed Nickel and Uranium concentrations were relatively high in the underlying organic-rich lake sediment. Expressed as the percentage of total metal content, potential leachability decreased in the order U > Ni. Data suggest that these elements could potentially migrate to the water table below the UWRP. Detailed information regarding the solid-phase distribution of contaminants in the UWRP is critical to understand the potential for their environmental transport and mobility.[4]
Image of Uranium risk map may be found here: http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/waterres/cycle/groundwater/well/uranium.pdf
See also
- Industrial waste
- List of waste types
- Municipal solid waste
- Radioactive waste
- Toxic waste
- Waste management
- Water pollution
References
- ^ Hallam, Bill (April–May 2010). "Techniques for Efficient Hazardous Chemicals Handling and Disposal". Pollution Equipment News. p. 13. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
- ^ "LABORATORY CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES" (PDF). Environmental Health and Radiation Safety University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
- ^ "Waste - Disposal of Laboratory Wastes (GUIDANCE) | Current Staff | University of St Andrews". www.st-andrews.ac.uk. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
- ^ Environment, Department of Municipal Affairs and. "Uranium in Well Water - Water Resources Management". www.env.gov.nl.ca.
Further reading
- Committee on Prudent Practices for Handling, Storage, and Disposal of Chemicals in Laboratories, National Research Council. "7. Disposal of Waste". Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals (online book). The National Academies Press. pp. 147–150. ISBN 978-0-309-05229-0.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
External links
- Industrial Materials Recycling – US EPA
