Mechanical, Biological, Thermal treatment of Waste(Environmental Science)

The following Learning Outcomes and Key Skills will be assessed:
Knowledge and Understanding
a) Recognise the diverse nature of wastes which can be consolidated by composting, anaerobic digestion, and energy from waste technologies (incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis);
b) Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the microbiological and biochemical processes involved in the aerobic and anaerobic biostabilisation of wastes;

Subject-specific Skills

e) Review the regulatory framework controlling the bioprocessing and thermal treatments of wastes;
f) Assess the advantages and disadvantages of a range of bioprocessing and thermal treatments from both an environmental and economic viewpoint;
g) Evaluate strategies available to reduce the environmental impact of bioprocessing and thermal treatment facilities;

Key Skills

h) Distinguish facts from values, evidence from opinion and reason logically;
i) Communicate complex ideas clearly and accurately in an appropriate style;

Write a report considering the mechanical and biological (composting and anaerobic digestion) treatment of wastes. In your report consider:

(i) Waste Strategy 2007, legislative and economic drivers associated with the move away from landfill towards biological treatment processes.
(15%)

(ii) Mechanical separation and size reduction.
(15%)

(iii) An overview of both the (a) anaerobic digestion and (b) composting processes. This overview should include details of the chemical, biological and physical characteristics of each of these processes. Also include a discussion of the advantages and limitations of each process.
(70%)

Include a brief introduction and conclusion.

You should include figures and tables to efficiently capture and present information. These need to be appropriately labeled/ referenced and discussed in the text.

Your report should be referenced using the Harvard system in the text and include a full reference list at the end of your report. Include a minimum of 12 references from a range of sources including journal articles. See the following Harvard system referencing guide.