Question

Solid and Hazardous Waste Management:

1. What is the difference between direct and indirect site characterization methods?

2. Give an example of direct measurement method?

3. Give an example of indirect measurement method?

Answer 1

Solid and Hazardous Waste Management:

Hazardous wastes can take the form of solids, liquids, sludges, or contained gases, and they are generated primarily by chemical production, manufacturing, and other industrial activities. They may cause damage during inadequate storage, transportation, treatment, or disposal operations.

It is important to note that the definition of solid waste is not limited to wastes that are physically solid. Many solid wastes are liquid, semi-solid, or contained gaseous material.

A solid waste is any material that is discarded by being:

• Abandoned: The term abandoned means thrown away. A material is abandoned if it is disposed of, burned, incinerated, or sham recycled.
• Inherently Waste-Like: Some materials pose such a threat to human health and the environment that they are always considered solid wastes; these materials are considered to be inherently waste-like. Examples of inherently waste-like materials include certain dioxin-containing wastes.
• A Discarded Military Munition: Military munitions are all ammunition products and components produced for or used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) or U.S. Armed Services for national defense and security. Unused or defective munitions are solid wastes when:
  • abandoned (i.e., disposed of, burned, incinerated) or treated prior to disposal;
  • rendered nonrecyclable or nonusable through deterioration; or
  • declared a waste by an authorized military official.
    Used (i.e., fired or detonated) munitions may also be solid wastes if collected for storage, recycling, treatment, or disposal.

The difference between direct and indirect site characterization methods

A site characterization is conducted where a hazardous substance has been released, and there is potential for the contamination to reach people or adversely affect the natural ecology. In some cases, site characterization is carried out to provide background information, to provide information on site sensitivity or to monitor incremental impact from anthropogenic activities.

When site characterizations are complete, they provide accurate information about the presence and distribution of target contaminants in relation to the background environment, thereby facilitating cost-effective and efficient remediation.

The product of site characterization is a verified conceptual model. The conceptual model is developed from analysis of site operating history, regional geology and hydrology, validated results from prior investigations, and field investigation results. It identifies the contaminant sources, the receptors, and the pathways that contaminants can take to reach the receptors. Information about regional and site-specific geology/hydrogeology, as well as knowledge of the contaminant fate and transport, are necessary for making and revising sampling and analytical decisions.

Site Characterization (also called Subsurface Investigation or Site Delineation) is a process which may require the following steps: Data gap analysis. Detailed examination of lithology. Integration of regulatory requirements. Soil, soil-gas and/or groundwater sampling.

an example of direct measurement method

Direct measurement' refers to measuring exactly the thing that you are looking tomeasure, while 'indirect measurement' means that you're measuring something bymeasuring something else. For example of direct measurement is weight, distance, and so on