Characteristics of Household Solid Waste Open Burning Emissions
Loading...
Authors
Firouzkouhi, Hatef
Issue Date
2021
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
Emission Factor , Open Burning Emissions , Optical Properties , Particle size distribution , Solid Waste Burning
Alternative Title
Abstract
Open burning of household waste is a common phenomenon in many rural areas in developing countries, such as South Africa. Due to limited resources for collecting and proper disposal of the waste,
household and municipal solid waste is often dumped in neighborhoods and are open burned in piles to
reduce odor and create space for the incoming waste. Uncontrolled, low temperature burning, and
smoldering conditions are typical associated with household waste fires. Emissions from these ground level
burns cause local and regional air pollution, leading to adverse health effects among community residents.
It is known that emissions from waste open burning can increase the risk of heart disease; aggravate
respiratory ailments, such as asthma and emphysema; and cause rashes, nausea or headaches. Solid waste
burning also produces harmful quantities of pollutants that settle on crops and in waterways, where they
eventually wind up in our food and affect our health. In addition, the large amount of greenhouse gases and
particles can affect global and regional radiation budget.
Despite their significant impact on air quality, human health, and climate, very few studies have
characterized emissions from open burning of household waste. In this study, we conducted a systematic
laboratory combustion of eight categories of wastes including: paper, rubber, textile, plastic (hard and soft),
vegetation (with three different moisture contents), food discards, and combined materials. Key results
include emission factors of important pollutants as well as size distribution and optical properties of smoke
particles. These data will provide key information for emission inventory, air quality management, climate
impact assessment, and health effects evaluation.