The diploma thesis deals with the application of membrane processes for the treatment of washing water from sand filters of pool technology to parameters suitable for its reuse, not only on a theoretical level, but also on a real example. The experimental part deals with the monitoring of relevant parameters given by Decree no. 568/2000 Sb. and other technologically significant water quality indicators. All monitored parameters in the reverse osmosis permeate reached satisfactory values and thus it was concluded that the effluent water is suitable for reuse. Instead of being discharged into the sewer, it is possible to recycle 70 to 80 % of the washed water per day thanks to the applied technology, which saves approximately 20 m3 of water per day.

This dissertation is the study about the future of solar power stations in the Czech Republic, describing the history, composition, principle of solar power stations and types of defects. Is primarily focuses on the future and recycling of solar power stations and solar panels. The conclusion of this disertation describes and evaluates own survey which is oriented on operators of the solar power stations.

Today, a large part of the recycling facilities inert waste goes to landfill.  Landfilling with waste leads to greenhouse gasemissions and the accumulation of pollutants that are liable to leak into the surrounding environment. Water and waste expertise in Norr AB (Vakin) is responsible for all waste management in the municipality of Umeå and Vindeln and aims to climb up the waste hierarchy by finding ways to recycle landfill waste. Today 100% of the landfill fraction is deposited. The purpose of the study is to investigate alternative treatment methods of waste in a landfill fraction, to reduce the amount of landfill waste. A sorting analysis was performed at Dåva landfill and waste facility in Umeå AB (Dåva DAC) to investigate the waste content in a landfill fraction. Interview questions were sent via e-mail to communal recycling centers to compare the handling and content of the required landfill fraction. The result show that landfill fraction contained hazardous waste, glass, porcelain, concrete, plasterboard/insulation, metal, combustible/plastic, brick, stone, tile/clinker and cardboard. To recycle construction and demolition waste, the fraction must be uniform and free of extraneous material The conclusion is that concrete, tile/clinker, brick and stone are sub-fractions that have the greatest potential for recycling. With a better waste sorting at the recycling facility, the amount of landfill fraction can be reduced.

Recycling is one of the most important strategies for combating plastic pollution. However, before plastic waste can be converted into other items, the different types of plastic present in it must be sorted, a time-consuming and expensive process. Indeed, it is often more cost-effective to manufacture new plastic materials than to recycle existing plastic waste. Researchers are therefore attempting to eliminate the sorting process altogether and directly recycle the mixed plastic waste. While this would lead to phase-separated mixtures with temporally evolving domains and poor fracture toughness properties, these problems could be mitigated to some extent by incorporating surfactant-like macromolecular compatibilizers, such as block copolymers or random copolymers (RCPs). These compatibilizers preferentially localize at polymer/polymer interfaces, lowering droplet coalescence and interfacial tension in the process. Moreover, the macromolecular structure of these compatibilizers enables them to form entanglement networks across the interface, thus enhancing stress transfer and fracture toughness. Nanoparticle (NP)-based compatibilizers have recently attracted attention due to their significantly stronger suppression of droplet coalescence under certain conditions. Unfortunately, while these compatibilizers work relatively well in oil/water emulsions, they perform poorly in immiscible polymer blends. This is because most polymer blends consist of hydrophobic components, making the NPs gravitate toward one of the bulk phases rather than the interface. Moreover, their rigid cores function as stress concentrators in polymer matrices, causing further deterioration to the fracture toughness properties of the blend. In this dissertation, we construct hybrid compatibilizers consisting of NP cores and outer grafted polymer layers. In this manner, the desired features of both macromolecules and NPs are combined into a single compatibilizer: the NP cores suppress droplet coalescence, while the polymer grafts direct the NPs to the interface and form entanglements. We investigate the effectiveness of these hybrid compatibilizers in three critical areas: NP localization control, droplet coalescence suppression, and fracture toughness enhancement. In each area, we perform systematic studies using an immiscible polymer blend composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) in order to find the optimal compatibilizing effect as a function of graft chemistry, graft molecular weight, and grafting density. We demonstrate that the most efficient hybrid compatibilizers are those with a surfactant-like architecture. For example, silica NPs sparsely grafted with PS chains can form a dense monolayer packing at the immiscible PMMA/PS interface. In this example, surfactancy is derived from a balance of enthalpic interactions: the silica core strongly interacts with the PMMA phase, while the PS grafted layer mixes intimately with the PS phase. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance is readily controlled by varying the contact area of each interaction through the grafting density or the graft molecular weight. Similarly, we show that silica NPs grafted with surfactant-like polymer chains, such as styrene–methyl methacrylate RCPs, can also localize at the PMMA/PS interface. Here, surfactancy is derived mainly from the RCP grafts. There are two advantages to using RCP grafts. First, it allows for interfacial localization even if the grafted layer completely encapsulates the silica core (i.e., at high grafting densities). Second, RCP grafts can entangle on both sides of the interface and thus transmit stress more efficiently than PS grafts, which only entangle on the PS side of the interface. There are two advantages to using this latter approach. First, RCP grafts can entangle on both sides of the interface and thus transmit stress more efficiently than PS grafts, which only entangle on the PS side of the interface. Second, it allows for interfacial localization even if the grafted layer completely encapsulates the silica core (i.e., at high grafting densities). Our research shows that both forms of hybrid compatibilizers significantly outperform conventional ungrafted macromolecular compatibilizers in droplet coalescence suppression. Interestingly, coalescence can be suppressed even when the hybrid compatibilizers only partially cover the dispersed droplets. We believe that this is due to the grafted layers forming strong entanglement networks around the droplets that function as barriers to coalescence. Linear rheology experiments corroborate this reasoning: the low-frequency storage moduli of the compatibilized blends approach a plateau when the NP grafting density is increased, suggesting the presence of a network structure at the interface. For fracture toughness experiments, we employ RCP-grafted NPs to exploit their entanglement on both sides of the interface. We show that when a moderate grafting density is used, the fracture toughness of the PMMA/PS interfaces exceeds that of the interfaces compatibilized with ungrafted RCP analogs. This again results from the brush entanglement network at the interface. Specifically, in the moderate grafting density zone, RCP brushes form a more connected entanglement network than ungrafted RCPs and are thus more efficient at transmitting stress across the interface. In summary, we have developed a method for accurately controlling the localization of NP-based compatibilizers in immiscible polymer blends. We have also identified the grafting conditions under which these hybrid compatibilizers outperform conventional macromolecular compatibilizers in both droplet coalescence suppression and fracture toughness enhancement.

Recycling is an increasingly important part of waste management, as a measure to reduce the issues connected to the growing amount of waste in the world. An official recycling scheme has recently been implemented in the city of Buenos Aires in Argentina as a way to reduce the amount of waste that is being landfilled. The aim of this study is to assess the recycling system, using the holistic approach of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM), and establish the main influencing factors and their correlated issues. The purpose of the study is to contribute to sustainability within the area of waste management and provide a basis that can be used for future research and suggestions. The methodology included a literature review and background research, field studies and data collection. The study includes the elements of waste generation, primary disposal, collection, treatment and final disposal. It was found that the main factors that are influencing the recycling system concern technological focus, misinterpreted drivers underlying the system, conflicts between stakeholders and a lack of systematicity and flexibility. The conclusion finds that the recycling system is still in its early stage, but in need of improvements and would benefit from the more holistic approach of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management.

The aim of this work was to study the possibilities of using magnetite for phosphorus removal and recovery from wastewater. It was also aimed to investigate how the structure of magnetite influences the efficiency of adsorption and desorption of phosphorus. Methodology used in this study is literature review and laboratory experiments. The study is mainly focused on the influence of Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio in magnetite (coefficient K) on the P removal and recovery rate. Several sets of experiments were also done to study the influence of some factors (e.g. contact time, starting concentrations, amount of base needed, etc.) on the efficiency of the processes. Study results showed that magnetite has a great potential for phosphorus removal because of its high efficiency, especially at low concentrations of input phosphorus. It was also found that the contact time and sedimentation time of the method is relatively small. Recovering of magnetite is also possible, but for its reuse additional renovation stage is needed. It was concluded that magnetite purification could be preferably used as the polishing method. It can be introduced in already existing wastewater treatment facilities and substitute some older technologies. The method seems to be easy in starting and operation; it has relatively low operational and investment costs.

El presente plan de negocios expone la viabilidad, técnica y económica, asociada al cambio de modelo de negocio de una empresa en marcha de servicios, dedicada a la recolección de residuos sólidos y peligrosos, con algún nivel de separación desde el origen, para posteriormente ser procesados (clasificados) y comercializados. REDSYL es una sociedad anónima cerrada creada con RUC: 20536794558, ubicada en Huarochirí, cuyo fundador Ing. José Carlos Salsavilca, el cual actualmente realiza las labores de gerente general, interviene en el desarrollo, formalización y crecimiento de su empresa. Esta empresa se dedica al recojo y tratamiento de residuos sólidos de tipo industrial, hospitalario, y peligrosos; residuos líquidos de tipo industrial peligrosos y no peligrosos, succión y limpieza de pozos sépticos, succión y mantenimiento de trampas de grasa y otros servicios. Actualmente adolece de problemas de estrategias de gestión que ponen en riesgo la sostenibilidad de la empresa en el corto plazo. Como resultado del trabajo presentamos al gerente general de REDSYL un Plan de Sostenibilidad basado en la legislación actual Decreto Supremo N° 005-2010-MINAM Reglamento de la Ley Nº 29419 que regula la actividad de los recicladores, dando cumplimiento a la ley ayudará a mejorar el modelo de negocio. Así como, poner al mundo de los negocios una solución innovadora y creativa, que apoye significativamente el desarrollo sustentable, a través de emprendimientos basados en obtener simultáneamente beneficios económicos y ambientales. / This business plan exposes the feasibility, technical and economic, associated with the change of business model of a service company, dedicated to the collection of solid and hazardous waste, with some level of separation from the source, to later be processed (classified) and marketed. REDSYL is a closed company created with RUC: 20536794558, located in Huarochirí, whose founder engineer José Carlos Salsavilca, who currently performs the duties of general manager, is involved in the development, formalization and growth of his company. This company is dedicated to the collection and treatment of industrial, hospital, and hazardous solid waste; hazardous and non-hazardous industrial liquid waste, suction and cleaning of septic tanks, suction and maintenance of grease traps and other services. Currently it suffers from problems of management strategies that put the sustainability of the company at risk in the short term. As a result of the work, we present to the general manager of REDSYL a Sustainability Plan based on the current legislation Supreme Decree No. 005-2010-MINAM Regulation of Law No. 29419 that regulates the activity of recyclers, complying with the law will help to improve the business model. As well as, putting an innovative and creative solution to the business world, which significantly supports sustainable development, through ventures based on simultaneously obtaining economic and environmental benefits. / Trabajo de investigación

Superparamagnetic nanocomposite microparticles, compromised of magnetite nanoparticles in a silica matrix, have been synthesised and surface-modified to act as adsorbers for substances (e.g. toxic heavy metals or valuable resources) dissolved in fluids like water. The particles can be used for a magnetic-extraction-assisted separation process of these target substances which thereby can be recovered from the fluid. / In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden superparamagnetische Nanokomposit-Mikropartikel, bestehend aus Magnetitnanopartikeln in einer Silica-Matrix, hergestellt. Die Oberfläche der Partikel wurde modifiziert, so dass die Partikel als Adsorber für gelöste Substanzen (z.B. giftige Schwermetalle oder Wertstoffe) in Fluiden wie z.B. Wasser eingesetzt werden können. Mit Hilfe der Partikel kann eine Abtrennung und damit Rückgewinnung der Zielstoffe auf Basis eines Magnetseparationsprozesses durchgeführt werden.

Thermomechanical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) typically includes a decrease in the polymer´s intrinsic viscosity and therefore a reduction of the molecular weight. Consequently, thermomechanical recycling is usually a downcycling of the product. However current methods to increase the molecular weight such as solid-state polymerization or the usage of chain extenders are time consuming or introduce foreign molecules into the PET´s molecular chain. Thus, the aim of this work was to try to increase the molecular weight in the molten state in an extruder, to decrease the processing times. The processing times are reduced compared to the solid-state polymerization because in the molten state the movability of the polymer chain is increased. Moreover, no supplementary substances are added for the processing so that no foreign structures are introduced during reprocessing. Virgin PET pellets were extruded at 285°C, 290°C and 295°C set temperature and 2rpm, 4rpm, and 7rpm screw rotation rate. Afterwards the PET´s properties were investigated by measuring their intrinsic viscosities, conducting a 1H NMR and a DSC measurement. Additionally, pre-experiments were conducted to explore the possibilities of feeding industrial scrap polyester fabrics into the extruder. The polymer characterization showed that the intrinsic viscosity and therefore the molecular weight of the processed samples decreased with the parameters chosen for this experiment. Samples processed at 285°C and 7 rpm showed in the average the highest intrinsic viscosities and therefore the highest molecular weight of all processed samples. Additionally, the results of the 1H NMR and the DSC indicated degradation reactions such as thermal degradation and hydrolysis. Thus, further research is necessary to find an easily accessible recycling method for polyester textiles and reduce the amount of polyester textile waste. However, it is possible to feed long textile stripes into the twin screw extruder and reprocess it to a strand which is an important step for further recycling.

Starting in the early 2000s, a number of U.S. communities have adopted "zero waste" commitments to reduce waste as much as possible through recycling, composting, and other means. Little in-depth information exists about the impetus for or efficacy of these efforts. The author sought to build knowledge on the topic by conducting case studies of two communities: the zero waste efforts of Boulder, Colorado, and the Zero Waste Zones established in Atlanta. The two cases presented an interesting contrast, in terms of sector driving zero waste: public in Boulder, and private in Atlanta. The study aimed to use the experiences of these two communities, supplemented with background research on materials management and application of relevant theory, to develop a set of considerations for more informed pursuit of zero waste. The author gathered qualitative data by conducting unstructured interviews of the actors involved with the zero waste efforts in Boulder and Atlanta. Interview questions concerned, e.g., zero waste goals and plans, the impacts of zero waste on the business or organization, and influential individuals or organizations. The study produced the following set of considerations: Definition of waste determines priorities and impacts of zero waste efforts; responsibility for waste arbitrarily resides with consumers and local government instead of producers; the private, public, and nonprofit sectors each play important roles in waste reduction; local government should not bear the full burden of materials management; and state and federal government can offer useful policy tools to advance zero waste. / Master of Urban and Regional Planning