Metal and Chemical Pollution in Water & Soil

Project Description

Several recycled waste materials such as plastic, rubber, glass, sewage sludge ash (SSA), fly-ash (FA), scrap metals (slags), etc. are abundant in the waste stream that go to landfill and occupy the valuable landfill space. Research shows that these waste materials are used in several applications such as manufacturing mortar, concrete, and bricks. During the lifetime of these materials usage heavy metals and other chemicals can leach out and contaminate the water and soil. The heavy metal and other chemical contents in these waste materials are important to quantify to understand the future impact on water and soil pollution. In the proposed project several recycled waste materials will be collected from local recycling facilities and toxicity characteristics of leaching procedure (TCLP) tests following USEPA 1311 method will be performed to quantify the metal concentrations. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) test will be performed to quantify other chemicals.

Project Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Research Requirements

  • GPA
  • Able to work 5-10 hours a week

Duration

August 14, 2023-December 10, 2023

Contact: 

Dr. M.A. Karim mkarim4@kennesaw.edu