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Using life-cycle assessments for the environmental evaluation of greenhouse gas mitigation options
15 Environment (pollution, health protection, safety)
96/03352 Thermal regeneration of an absorbent solution from vacuum-soda hydrogen sulfide removal process Grebenyuk, A. F. et al., Koks Khim., 1995, (3), 16-19. (In Russian) Discusses a study of the thermal regeneration of spent solution used for H 2S removal from coke-oven gases. In order to enhance the degree of regeneration of the absorbent solution and to improve the reliability of the equipment while reducing the amount of toxic substances released to the atmosphere, necessary modifications were made in the design of the reactor and in the process flow diagram.
96/03362 The UK offshore oil and gas industry Is one of the greenest around Petroleum Review, Dec. 1995, 49, (587), 552-553. A report on speech by the UK Trade and Industry Minister Lord Fraser of Carmyllie which detailed the current environmental credentials of the UK offshore industry. The speech was presented at the Enterprise Oil/HeriotWatt University Environmental Award to an academic research monitoring oil pollution in water.
96/03353 'To pump or not to pump' cost-benefit analysis of future environmental management optIons for the abandoned Durham coalfield Younger, P. L. and Harbourne, K. J. J. Chart. Inst. Water Environ. Manage., 1995, 9, (4), 405-415. Deep mining activity in the Durham coalfield has now ceased, and withdrawal of the regional dewatering scheme is being contemplated. Consequent groundwater rebound is expected to have severe and expensive environmental consequences, which could only be entirely avoided through indefinite pumping, but pumping is expensive. The overall outcome of an economic analysis, using both net present value and equivalent annual cost criteria, demonstrates that the option of continued pumping is less expensive than the option of abandoning pumping in all cases.
96/03363 The use of microal!i'ae for assimilation and utilization of carbon dioxide from fOSSil fuel·flred power plant flue gas Zeiler, K. G. et al., Energy Converso Mgmt., Jun.-Sep. 1995, 36, (6), 707-712. The accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, primarily as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels, has been linked to potential global climate change. Captures and utilization of the carbon dioxide by micro algae has emerged as a promising technology to help reduce emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants. Microalgae are of particular interest because of their rapid growth rates and tolerance to varying environmental conditions. The authors are currently conducting experiments on the growth of microalgae exposed to simulated flue gas. This technology is envisioned for open raceway cultivation ponds as a low cost implementation strategy. Coupling the production of fuel or commodity chemicals with the use of flue gas carbon dioxide as a microalgal nutrient is envisioned to be a costeffective method of reducing carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by fossil fuel-fired plants.
Trace elements as aIr pollutants In coking plant 96/03354 emissions Hein, M. et al., Glueckauj-Forschungsh., 1995, 56, (2), 80-83. (In German) Trace element emissions and immissions were measured in coking plants in the working area and environment air. 96/03355 Trace elements in coal Davidson, R. and Clarke, L. lEA Coal Research, Gemini House, 10-18 Putney Hill, London SW15 MA, £300.00 (non-member countries) £100.00 (member countries) 1996. The report concentrates on the elements in the US Clean Air Act Amendments list although important recent information concerning other trace elements is also included. The report begins with a description of the techniques used to determine the concentrations of trace elements in coal. 96/03356 Trace emissions from coal combustion: Measurement and control Sloss, L. L. Prepr. Pap-Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., 1995,40, (4), 793-797. Discusses trace emissions from coal combustion, including measurement and control, emissions of potential air toxics, legislation, effects of emission control technologies, and specific control of potential air toxics. 96/03357 Transfer of 137Cs from soli to chicken meat and eggs Amaral, E. C. et al., J. Environ. Radioactivity, 1995, 29, (3), 237-255. A garden from a residential house, contaminated by the accidential opening of a J)7Cs teletherapy source in Goiania, Brazil, was used to study the distribution and biological half-lives of radiocaesium in poultry after prolonged ingestion of contaminated soil. Based on these results, concentraion ratios between egg components and chicken meat of different types from soil were determined. 96/03358 Treatment of waste gas with electron beams (pilot experiment) Tokunaga, 0. Genshiryoku Kogyo, 1995, 41, (7), 24-29. (In Japanese) The paper discusses the electron beam treatment of flue gases from coal combustion, incinerators, tunnel air, and the trends in electron beam treatment. Tropical plants clean up the air 96/03359 Foster, D. Third Indoor Air Quality Conf., Mid. Career College, Jun. 1995, 7 pp. The paper discusses research carried out in the USA and the UK to determine the efficacy of plants in reducing indoor air pollution. Reports that research has been carried out on over 40 indoor plants to remove various chemicals and bioeffluents from the indoor air. Presents the results of the findings. 96/03360 Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induction by endotoxin-containing coal mine dusts In cultures of human macrophages and Its effects of pneumocyte type II cells Griwatz, U. and Seemayer, N. H. Toxicol. in Vitro, 1995,9, (4), 403-409. Describes how supernatants of macrophages exposed to quartz and coal mine dust were tested for the presence of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). 96/03361 UK drive to cut particulate emissions Jackson, K. Petroleum Review, Dec. 1995, 49, (587), p. 554. Reports that the UK government has promised tougher emission standards for vehicles following the publication of two reports calling for a reduction in airborne particulates in order to safeguard public health.
230
Fuel and Energy Abstracts May 1996
96/03364 Using IIfe·cycle assessments for the environmental evaluation of greenhouse gas mitigation options Nieuwlaar, E. et al., Energy Converso Mgmt., Jun.-Aug. 1996, 37, (6), 831-836. The complex structure of energy supply systems and the range of environmental issues involved, make decisions regarding the use of new or improved energy resources and energy technologies far from being straightforward. A life-cycle approach is required to reveal the full potential for an option to realize increased energy performance and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, the life-cycle assessment reveals possible bottlenecks regarding other environmental issues. 96/03365 Utilization of modified brown coal filter ashes as surface sealing for the protection of heavy metal contaminated sites of the Hettstedt lead foundry, Germany Thiede, K. and Werner, B. Muell Abfall, 1995, 27, (6), 416-422. (In German) Varying ratios of brown coal power station fly ashes and raw Cu foundry slags or Cu schist mining residues were used in field experiments as a potential replacing material for bentonite or HDPE foils as base liners or covering material for hazardous waste disposal sites. 96/03366 Valuing the impact of CO2 emissions Hope, C. and Maul, P. Energy Policy, Mar. 1996, 24, (3), 211-219. Valuing the impacts of CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere has been widely debated, with various studies suggesting very different costs when expressed in units of dollar per tonne of carbon emitted. There are many complex issues involved, and it is often difficult to determine the reasons for the wide range of costs proposed. In this paper, models based on two very different approaches, the PAGE and Intera models, are considered. By applying these models to calculating the marginal impact of CO 2 emissions it is shown that what appear initially to be divergent estimates can be reconciled. This process illustrates some of the key issues in this area, and a perspective is provided on which marginal costs are appropriate for different policy decisions. 96/03367 Vitrification of fly ash from waste incineration plants Cerdan, J. P. Tech., Sci., Methodes: Genie Urbain-Genie Rural, 1995, (5), 413-416. (In French) The household waste incineration ashes comprise a leachable fraction liable to endanger the soil and groundwater. French regulations today demand that these residues must be treated before dumping. Electricite de France therefore proposes a neutralizing process, a vitrification in an electric arc. For this study a 300 kg/h prototype unit was built. 96/03368 Volatility of 125 1 in fresh water Stephenson, M. and Motycka, M. J. Environ. Radioactivity, 1995, 28, (3), 295-311. To define the rate of 1291 transfer from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems, in support of the Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Programme, the authors measured rates of 1251 and l4C loss from glass flasks. The Atomic Energy of Canada Limited has proposed deep geological internment for the disposal of nuclear fuel waste. The proposed concept advocates a vault deep in plutonic rock on the Canadian Shield, with waste emplacement in corrosion-resistant metal containers protected by buffer and backfill materials.
96/03352 Thermal regeneration of an absorbent solution from vacuum-soda hydrogen sulfide removal process Grebenyuk, A. F. et al., Koks Khim., 1995, (3), 16-19. (In Russian) Discusses a study of the thermal regeneration of spent solution used for H 2S removal from coke-oven gases. In order to enhance the degree of regeneration of the absorbent solution and to improve the reliability of the equipment while reducing the amount of toxic substances released to the atmosphere, necessary modifications were made in the design of the reactor and in the process flow diagram.
96/03362 The UK offshore oil and gas industry Is one of the greenest around Petroleum Review, Dec. 1995, 49, (587), 552-553. A report on speech by the UK Trade and Industry Minister Lord Fraser of Carmyllie which detailed the current environmental credentials of the UK offshore industry. The speech was presented at the Enterprise Oil/HeriotWatt University Environmental Award to an academic research monitoring oil pollution in water.
96/03353 'To pump or not to pump' cost-benefit analysis of future environmental management optIons for the abandoned Durham coalfield Younger, P. L. and Harbourne, K. J. J. Chart. Inst. Water Environ. Manage., 1995, 9, (4), 405-415. Deep mining activity in the Durham coalfield has now ceased, and withdrawal of the regional dewatering scheme is being contemplated. Consequent groundwater rebound is expected to have severe and expensive environmental consequences, which could only be entirely avoided through indefinite pumping, but pumping is expensive. The overall outcome of an economic analysis, using both net present value and equivalent annual cost criteria, demonstrates that the option of continued pumping is less expensive than the option of abandoning pumping in all cases.
96/03363 The use of microal!i'ae for assimilation and utilization of carbon dioxide from fOSSil fuel·flred power plant flue gas Zeiler, K. G. et al., Energy Converso Mgmt., Jun.-Sep. 1995, 36, (6), 707-712. The accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, primarily as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels, has been linked to potential global climate change. Captures and utilization of the carbon dioxide by micro algae has emerged as a promising technology to help reduce emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants. Microalgae are of particular interest because of their rapid growth rates and tolerance to varying environmental conditions. The authors are currently conducting experiments on the growth of microalgae exposed to simulated flue gas. This technology is envisioned for open raceway cultivation ponds as a low cost implementation strategy. Coupling the production of fuel or commodity chemicals with the use of flue gas carbon dioxide as a microalgal nutrient is envisioned to be a costeffective method of reducing carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by fossil fuel-fired plants.
Trace elements as aIr pollutants In coking plant 96/03354 emissions Hein, M. et al., Glueckauj-Forschungsh., 1995, 56, (2), 80-83. (In German) Trace element emissions and immissions were measured in coking plants in the working area and environment air. 96/03355 Trace elements in coal Davidson, R. and Clarke, L. lEA Coal Research, Gemini House, 10-18 Putney Hill, London SW15 MA, £300.00 (non-member countries) £100.00 (member countries) 1996. The report concentrates on the elements in the US Clean Air Act Amendments list although important recent information concerning other trace elements is also included. The report begins with a description of the techniques used to determine the concentrations of trace elements in coal. 96/03356 Trace emissions from coal combustion: Measurement and control Sloss, L. L. Prepr. Pap-Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., 1995,40, (4), 793-797. Discusses trace emissions from coal combustion, including measurement and control, emissions of potential air toxics, legislation, effects of emission control technologies, and specific control of potential air toxics. 96/03357 Transfer of 137Cs from soli to chicken meat and eggs Amaral, E. C. et al., J. Environ. Radioactivity, 1995, 29, (3), 237-255. A garden from a residential house, contaminated by the accidential opening of a J)7Cs teletherapy source in Goiania, Brazil, was used to study the distribution and biological half-lives of radiocaesium in poultry after prolonged ingestion of contaminated soil. Based on these results, concentraion ratios between egg components and chicken meat of different types from soil were determined. 96/03358 Treatment of waste gas with electron beams (pilot experiment) Tokunaga, 0. Genshiryoku Kogyo, 1995, 41, (7), 24-29. (In Japanese) The paper discusses the electron beam treatment of flue gases from coal combustion, incinerators, tunnel air, and the trends in electron beam treatment. Tropical plants clean up the air 96/03359 Foster, D. Third Indoor Air Quality Conf., Mid. Career College, Jun. 1995, 7 pp. The paper discusses research carried out in the USA and the UK to determine the efficacy of plants in reducing indoor air pollution. Reports that research has been carried out on over 40 indoor plants to remove various chemicals and bioeffluents from the indoor air. Presents the results of the findings. 96/03360 Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induction by endotoxin-containing coal mine dusts In cultures of human macrophages and Its effects of pneumocyte type II cells Griwatz, U. and Seemayer, N. H. Toxicol. in Vitro, 1995,9, (4), 403-409. Describes how supernatants of macrophages exposed to quartz and coal mine dust were tested for the presence of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). 96/03361 UK drive to cut particulate emissions Jackson, K. Petroleum Review, Dec. 1995, 49, (587), p. 554. Reports that the UK government has promised tougher emission standards for vehicles following the publication of two reports calling for a reduction in airborne particulates in order to safeguard public health.
230
Fuel and Energy Abstracts May 1996
96/03364 Using IIfe·cycle assessments for the environmental evaluation of greenhouse gas mitigation options Nieuwlaar, E. et al., Energy Converso Mgmt., Jun.-Aug. 1996, 37, (6), 831-836. The complex structure of energy supply systems and the range of environmental issues involved, make decisions regarding the use of new or improved energy resources and energy technologies far from being straightforward. A life-cycle approach is required to reveal the full potential for an option to realize increased energy performance and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, the life-cycle assessment reveals possible bottlenecks regarding other environmental issues. 96/03365 Utilization of modified brown coal filter ashes as surface sealing for the protection of heavy metal contaminated sites of the Hettstedt lead foundry, Germany Thiede, K. and Werner, B. Muell Abfall, 1995, 27, (6), 416-422. (In German) Varying ratios of brown coal power station fly ashes and raw Cu foundry slags or Cu schist mining residues were used in field experiments as a potential replacing material for bentonite or HDPE foils as base liners or covering material for hazardous waste disposal sites. 96/03366 Valuing the impact of CO2 emissions Hope, C. and Maul, P. Energy Policy, Mar. 1996, 24, (3), 211-219. Valuing the impacts of CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere has been widely debated, with various studies suggesting very different costs when expressed in units of dollar per tonne of carbon emitted. There are many complex issues involved, and it is often difficult to determine the reasons for the wide range of costs proposed. In this paper, models based on two very different approaches, the PAGE and Intera models, are considered. By applying these models to calculating the marginal impact of CO 2 emissions it is shown that what appear initially to be divergent estimates can be reconciled. This process illustrates some of the key issues in this area, and a perspective is provided on which marginal costs are appropriate for different policy decisions. 96/03367 Vitrification of fly ash from waste incineration plants Cerdan, J. P. Tech., Sci., Methodes: Genie Urbain-Genie Rural, 1995, (5), 413-416. (In French) The household waste incineration ashes comprise a leachable fraction liable to endanger the soil and groundwater. French regulations today demand that these residues must be treated before dumping. Electricite de France therefore proposes a neutralizing process, a vitrification in an electric arc. For this study a 300 kg/h prototype unit was built. 96/03368 Volatility of 125 1 in fresh water Stephenson, M. and Motycka, M. J. Environ. Radioactivity, 1995, 28, (3), 295-311. To define the rate of 1291 transfer from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems, in support of the Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Programme, the authors measured rates of 1251 and l4C loss from glass flasks. The Atomic Energy of Canada Limited has proposed deep geological internment for the disposal of nuclear fuel waste. The proposed concept advocates a vault deep in plutonic rock on the Canadian Shield, with waste emplacement in corrosion-resistant metal containers protected by buffer and backfill materials.