Generation, characterization and reuse of solid wastes from a biodiesel production plant
Graphical abstract
Introduction
Nowadays, environmental concern has reached different sectors of society and, notably the industry. By fostering identification of competitive advantages, profitable opportunities along with positive evaluation of stakeholders, many industries adapt their activities to the sustainability concept (Sheldon and Yoxon, 2006). Thus, an adequate system for natural resources, solid wastes, effluents and atmospheric emissions management is a prerequisite to remaining competitive in short- and long-term (Restall and Conrad, 2015, Carter and White, 2012, Theodore and Theodore, 2009). Besides, an effective system allows the planning of activities aiming to eliminate or minimize environmental adverse impacts through preventative actions, mitigation measures or remediation (Glasson et al., 2013).
Both municipal and industrial solid wastes are usually related to environmental contamination since they may contain toxic components, harmful to human health and environment (Santos et al., 2015, Maciel and Jucá, 2011, Giusti, 2009, Mbuligwe and Kaseva, 2006). Thus, in an effective environmental management plan takes into account the amount and types of wastes generated, as well as strategies for their minimization, especially when the main goal is the manufacturing of environmentally-friendly end products (Marchettini et al., 2007). Freeman and Lounsbury (1990) defined waste minimization as the adoption of techniques to reduce or eliminate the volume of waste and its negative impact on environment. In many cases, due to the costs associated with the reduction in the volume and toxicity of wastes (Leemann, 1988), coupled to the concept of sustainable business, development of strategies for effective waste management is required, particularly for new industrial processes, such as the large-scale production of biodiesel (Felizardo et al., 2006). This research aimed to identify and characterize the industrial solid wastes generated by a biodiesel production plant in Brazil and to present strategies for the management of these residues.
Section snippets
Methodology
This research was based on two approaches; at first, an exploratory study was carried out aiming to identify obstacles and possible solutions related to the application of proper waste management practices. Interviews were carried out in loco with both operational and management staffs, also documents, reports and environmental balances at the industrial plant were evaluated. Method employing case studies requires an in-depth analysis of one or more situations and analysis of the behavior of
Waste management practices
Based on the information collected during the interviews and from factory’s standards and reports, it was noticed that waste management at the plant is based on the identification of unusable materials, designation of responsibility for the wastes, the minimization of these materials and determination of routes involving the operations of collection, storage, treatment and final disposal.
The management practices begin with the incoming of raw materials, consumables, water and energy. These
Conclusions
Issues regarding the adherence of business operations to the concepts of environmental sustainability, especially related to the production of biodiesel, motivated the development of strategies to characterize and improve the management of wastes generated at a biodiesel production plant. The minimization of residues at the plant can be achieved through the reuse of a hazardous waste in the production of ceramic artefacts. Also it was found that this procedure does not influenced the final
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis and to Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. for providing financial support.
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