Incineration_of_waste.pdf (227.86 kB)
Incineration of waste at Casey Station, Australian Antarctic Territory
Version 2 2023-06-23, 11:06
Version 1 2023-05-26, 15:48
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-23, 11:06 authored by JS O'Brien, John ToddJohn Todd, LK KriwokenThe Australian Antarctic Division manages four permanent stations in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic. At each station a municipal waste incinerator is used to dispose of putrescible waste, wood, paper, cardboard, and plastics. Incineration significantly reduces the volume of waste but this combustion also emits toxic compounds. This study examined the waste incineration stream at Casey Station, Australian Antarctic Territory. The waste stream was sorted, burnt, and the incinerator emissions monitored. Twelve chemical compounds in gaseous emissions and heavy metals in the ash were measured. Results indicate that emissions of carbon monoxide are higher than one might expect from a small incinerator, and hydrocarbon emissions from the incinerator exceed combined hydrocarbon emissions from other sources on station. Arsenic and copper concentrations in ash, which is returned to Australia for disposal, exceed limits for hazardous waste disposal and so treatment would be required. Recommendations are provided on controlling source material in order to reduce or eliminate toxic emissions and undertaking incinerator maintenance to optimise combustion.
History
Publication title
Polar RecordVolume
40Issue
214Article number
3Number
3Pagination
221-234ISSN
0032-2474Department/School
Geography, Planning and Spatial SciencesPublisher
Cambridge University PressPublication status
- Published
Repository Status
- Open