POLITEKNIK SULTAN AZLAN SHAH
JABATAN KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
DCC50232 ENGINEERING SOCIETY
(CASE STUDY 1)
MUHAMMAD AMIRUL BIN ROSLEY 15DKA22F1068
NAMA PENSYARAH: PUAN FITRIYAH BINTI MOHD ROSLAN
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Lists of content
NO CONTENTS PAGE NO
1.0 Introduction 1-2
2.0 Part 1 3-8
3.0 Part 2 9-14
4.0 Conclusions 15
5.0 References 16
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The release of toxic substances into the environment is known
as environmental pollution, and it causes serious problems like
desertification, ozone depletion, and climate change. The UN
defines pollution as the presence of external chemicals in
inappropriate amounts at times and places. Concerns about space
pollution are on the rise, with the atmosphere and hydrosphere
being the most polluted regions. Recognizing ecosystems as
complex structures impacted by both natural and human factors of
which human activity is a crucial component is essential to
understanding the environment. Numerous environmental risk
factors are highlighted by the World Health Organization as
contributing to a variety of diseases, especially in children. Both
direct and indirect consequences of pollution on the environment
have an immediate and long-term influence on the air, water, soil,
wildlife, and human health. Furthermore, the partnership
In the Middle Ages, improper food waste disposal led to the
spread of infectious diseases by attracting rodents and insects.
Today, inadequate waste management continues to pose health
risks. Laws governing waste management aim to protect human
health and the environment by establishing principles such as
optimal environmental choices, regional approaches, and the
"Polluter Pays" principle.
Effective waste management includes prevention, reuse,
recycling, and proper disposal. A significant challenge is waste
sorting for recycling, often requiring manual processes that drive up
costs. For example, different types of plastics (like PET and PVC)
cannot be recycled together. To mitigate waste, consumers should
choose biodegradable products with minimal packaging.
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Japan serves as a model with its comprehensive recycling
legislation, which includes detailed sorting instructions for residents.
In urban areas globally, waste production averages 3.5 kg per
person per day, exacerbated by population growth and rising living
standards.
Hazardous materials in the environment arise from various
sources, including wastewater discharge and agricultural chemicals.
With around 70,000 harmful substances in use, ongoing pollution
poses severe threats. For instance, millions of plastic items pollute
oceans, highlighting the urgent need for improved waste
management strategies.
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2.0 PART 1
a) People experience a wide range of health effects from being exposed to air pollution.
Effects can be broken down into short-term effects and long-term effects. Analyze the effect
of short-term and long-term of air pollution on human health. (Minimum three diseases of
each effect for short-term and long-term)
short-term exposure to air pollution can cause immediate health problems. This
exposure can trigger symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations like children, elderly or
individuals with pre-existing conditions. one of the effects of short-term of air pollution is
I. Asthma attack
Air pollution is a significant contributor to asthma and other lung diseases,
exacerbating symptoms and leading to more frequent hospital visits. It is also
associated with increased mortality rates. Air pollution can increase your risk
of getting asthma or can worsen your symptoms if you already have asthma.
II. Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the sudden development of inflammation in bronchial tubes—the
major airways into your lungs. It usually happens because of a virus or
breathing in something that irritates the lungs such as tobacco smoke, fumes,
dust and air pollution. In bronchitis, the cells lining the bronchial tubes
become infected, leading to inflammation. This infection typically originates
in the nose or throat and subsequently spreads to the bronchial tubes. As the
body mounts an immune response to combat the infection, the bronchial tubes
swell, which triggers coughing.
III. Eye and Throat Irritation
irritation, itching, and discomfort can result from pollutants that irritate the
mucous membranes in the eyes and throat, such as particulate matter and
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ozone. People who are exposed to haze or high amounts of pollution
frequently complain of this.
Long-term exposure to polluted air can have more severe and chronic impacts,
leading to the development or progression of serious diseases. Prolonged exposure to
pollutants over months or years can impair lung function, weaken the immune system, and
increase the risk of various diseases, such as:
I. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD is a heterogeneous disease
characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitations. This
disease is associated with significant exposure to noxious particles or gases
and influenced by host factors, including abnormal lung development The
incidence and mortality of COPD have increased every year, leading to a
serious economic and social burden. COPD will become the third leading
cause of death globally and the fifth leading cause of economic disease burden
worldwide in 2020. Smoking, air pollution, occupational exposure, respiratory
infection, and genetic factors such as a1-antitrypsin deficiency are all risk
factors for COPD, with cigarette smoke being the largest contributor to COPD
development, followed by air pollutants
II. Lung Cancer
Exposure to air pollution can lead to cancer, stroke, respiratory, cardiovascular
diseases and other health issues. Nearly half of lung cancer cases in people
who have never smoked are estimated to be related to air pollution. Air
pollution is threatening progress being made in reducing the burden of cancer
worldwide by contributing to the rise of the number of cancers diagnoses each
year – cancers that are preventable. Reducing air pollution only directly
mitigates the risk of developing lung cancer,
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III. Cardiovascular Disease
Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of illness and
death. In high-income nations, the incidence of CVD and associated mortality
has significantly decreased over the last 50 years, primarily as a result of the
reduction of modifiable risk factors such diabetes, smoking, and high blood
pressure. Even if traditional risk factors are less common in low- and middle-
income nations, a considerable burden of CVD still exists there; pollution and
other environmental variables are major contributors to this attributable risk.
Growing data highlights the close link between pollution and harmful health
impacts.
b) Evaluate the sustainable concept and technique in controlling and monitoring air
pollution based on the standard requirement in the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA
1974).
The Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA 1974) in Malaysia provides a legislative
framework for managing and controlling pollution, including air quality. This act sets
standards for emissions, regulates industrial activities, and aims to safeguard public health
and the environment. Such as:
I. Emission Standards and Pollution Control Equipment
The concept of Emission Standards and Pollution Control Equipment is set
limit by EQA 1974 on emissions of harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide or
carbon monoxide, from various sources. The law requires industries to install
control systems to reduce emissions and adhere to the set limits. This concept
is using techniques such as electrostatic precipitators, scrubbers, and catalytic
converters to reduce industrial emissions. These technologies are sustainable
as they help to capture and neutralize pollutants before they enter the
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atmosphere, thereby preventing harm to both human health and the
environment. EQA 1974 encourages sustainable industrial practices by
regulating the installation of these devices. However, consistent maintenance
and observation are necessary for these systems to function effectively. In
keeping with the goals of the Act, putting in place cutting-edge pollution
control equipment could further enhance sustainability.
II. Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)
Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) is a monitoring equipment
that tracks the levels of pollutants released by factories over time. This
complies with the EQA 1974 need for precise monitoring to ensure
compliance to air quality regulations. CEMS machines measure pollutants in
real time using sensors and software, producing data that can be examined to
continually monitor the quality of the air. If emissions surpass the allowed
limits, this technology enables prompt responses and offers actionable
information. Because it promotes responsibility and proactive pollution
reduction, CEMS is a very sustainable strategy. The Act's goal of lowering air
pollution is supported by real-time monitoring, which enables enterprises to
modify their operations in response to emission levels.
c) Air pollution also often caused water pollution problem, when toxic elements fall
from the sky directly into water. As a result, the aquatic systems suffer a large shock. Relate
how air pollution affects water quality and aquatic life.
I. Acid Rain and Water Quality Degradation
Acidic compounds are created when air pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO₂)
and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) combine with water vapor and other substances in
the environment. The pH of water bodies is immediately impacted by these
substances when they eventually fall to the earth as acid rain. Lakes, rivers,
and streams become more acidic because of acid rain, which lowers their pH.
This alteration in the chemistry of water makes harmful elements like
aluminium more accessible while dissolving vital nutrients like calcium and
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magnesium. Because aluminium is toxic to fish and invertebrates, it can be
especially dangerous when it leaks into the water. Fish are extremely sensitive
to pH variations, particularly species like salmon and trout. Acidic water can
cause gill dysfunction, lower their chances of reproducing, and potentially
increase their mortality rates. Acidification can also harm larvae and eggs,
which can result in population decreases.
II. Heavy Metal Contamination
Waste combustion, coal combustion, and industrial activities can all release
heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury. Before settling on water
surfaces or in nearby soils that flow into bodies of water, these metals can
travel great distances in the sky. Heavy metals contaminate the aquatic
environment for extended periods of time after sinking into lakes, rivers, or the
ocean and remaining in the sediment or water column. These harmful metals
build up in the food chain and eventually reach hazardous concentrations since
they are not biodegradable. Fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life are poisoned
by heavy metals. Mercury contamination, for example, causes
bioaccumulation and biomagnification, in which the concentration of mercury
rises the food chain and impacts mammals, including humans, and predators
like fish-eating birds. Exposure to mercury can disrupt aquatic species'
reproductive systems and induce neurological damage in fish, which lowers
population numbers.
d) Exposure to ambient noise and air pollution from road traffic has been associated with
an increased risk of adverse health effects, such as heart disease and mental health. Explain
how noise pollution can cause heart disease.
Noise pollution, particularly from road traffic, can indeed contribute to heart disease.
Chronic exposure to elevated noise levels can have several physiological and
psychological effects that increase cardiovascular risk.
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I. Stress Response Activation
The sympathetic nervous system manages the body's stress response, which is
triggered by noise pollution exposure. Stress hormones including cortisol,
adrenaline, and noradrenaline are released when the body perceives loud,
unpredictable, or continuous noise as a threat. These hormones cause the
blood arteries to tighten by raising blood pressure and heart rate. Chronically
high levels of these stress hormones can lead to buildup of plaque,
inflammation, and blood vessel damage over time. All of which are risk
factors for heart disease.
II. Increased Blood Pressure and Hypertension
High levels of road traffic noise have been linked to an increased risk of
hypertension, according to studies, blood pressure rises as the body's natural
reaction to continuous noise stress. If noise exposure persists, this condition
might become chronic. One of the main risk factors for heart disease is high
blood pressure, which damages the heart and blood vessels over time by
making the heart work harder to pump blood. Left ventricular hypertrophy, or
thickening of the heart walls, can result from chronic hypertension, which
lowers heart function and raises the risk of heart failure.
III. Metabolic Changes
As the body attempts to adjust to continuous stress, prolonged exposure to
noise pollution has been linked to metabolic abnormalities, such as elevated
blood glucose and lipid (fat) levels. Metabolic syndrome, which greatly
increases the risk of heart disease, is associated with elevated blood glucose
and lipid levels. The "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated in
metabolic syndrome, raising the risk of heart disease and clogged arteries.
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3.0 part 2
a) Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill are sites where waste is isolated from the
environment until it is safe. It is considered when it has completely degraded biologically,
chemically and physically. Illustrate the engineering elements in a sanitary landfill with the
complete diagram. Briefly explain every element.
i) Disposal area
Waste is primarily dumped at the disposal area of the landfill. To contain the trash,
lessen odour and prevent litter from blowing away, it is usually stacked with
alternating waste and cover material (soil or synthetic covers). The purpose of
disposal area is to manage garbage in a manner that minimizes air exposure,
possible contamination, and environmental effect.
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ii) Leachate piping system
A system of perforated pipes placed at the landfill's base is known as the leachate
piping system. Leachate, a hazardous liquid created when pollutants are absorbed
by rainwater seeping through garbage, is collected by these pipelines. Leachate
piping system is used to transport and collect leachate in order to keep it from
getting to groundwater and contaminating it. The leachate treatment plant receives
the collected leachate after that.
iii) Leachate treatment plant
The collected leachate is treated at this plant to eliminate dangerous pollutants and
impurities. Physical, chemical, and biological techniques are frequently used in
treatment to lower toxicity and guarantee that the water satisfies legal
requirements. to prepare the leachate for reuse or safe release without endangering
the environment. The overall environmental impact of the landfill is reduced by
effective treatment.
iv) Gas recovery
Carbon dioxide and methane are among the landfill gases produced by the
anaerobic breakdown of organic waste. A gas recovery system uses a network of
wells and pipes, frequently covered with a covering to stop gas escaping, to collect
these gases. to stop greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere,
which would cause global warming. One advantage of captured methane is that it
can be used as a renewable energy source, such as to generate electricity
v) Ground water monitoring system.
The landfill is surrounded by monitoring wells that are used to regularly evaluate
the quality of the groundwater. In order to find any leachate that might have
escaped the leachate system, these wells are placed at different depths. The goal is
to identify any indications of contamination early so that remedial measures can be
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taken quickly to stop additional groundwater pollution and save the environment
and human health.
b) Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills can produce objectionable odors and landfill
gas can move through soil and collect in nearby buildings. Of the gases produced in landfills,
ammonia, sulfides, methane, and carbon dioxide are of the most concern. Landfill gas
contains many different gases. Methane and carbon dioxide make up 90 to 98% of landfill
gas. The remaining 2 to 10% includes nitrogen, oxygen, ammonia, sulfides, hydrogen, and
various other gases. Both gases are described as greenhouse gases thus contributing to global
warming.
1. Analyze the process of gas production at municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and
relate it to global warming.
I. Hydrolysis
The first stage, hydrolysis, breaks down organic materials into smaller
compounds that bacteria may break down. The majority of municipal solid
waste MSW is made up of ligno-cellulosic material. One important aspect
influencing the amount of carbon source needed for biogas production is the
hydrolysis of lingo-cellulosic material. Which is amylase, the protease and
lipase are examples of extracellular enzymes that outwardly naturally break
down organic materials in this process. The lengthy chains of complex
proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are broken down into smaller pieces by
bacteria. Polysaccharides, for instance, can be changed into monosaccharides.
Amino acids and peptides are separated from proteins. Leachate recirculation
reduced waste-stabilization time and was effective in enhancing gas
production and improving leachate quality, especially in terms of COD.
II. Acidification
A sizable portion of municipal solid waste (MSW)is composed of ligno-
cellulosic material. The output of biogas is affected by the acidity of these
components. In the second stage, acid-producing bacteria transform the
fermenting bacteria's intermediates into carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2),
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and acetic acid (CH3COOH). Because they are facultatively anaerobic, these
bacteria can thrive in acidic environments. They require carbon and oxygen to
make acetic acid. They do this by using either bounded oxygen or oxygen that
has been solved in the solution. In this way, the bacteria that produce acid
produce an anaerobic environment that is necessary for the microorganisms
that produce methane. Additionally, they break down low molecular weight
substances into organic acids, amino acids, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide,
alcohols, and trace amounts of methane. This mechanism is largely endergonic
from a chemical perspective because bacteria by themselves are not capable of
sustaining that type of reaction
III. Methane formation
The third phase involves the breakdown of low molecular weight molecules
by methane-producing bacteria. For instance, they create methane and carbon
dioxide by combining hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and acetic acid. As long as
anaerobic conditions are available, methane-producing microbes will exist in
the natural environment. They must be anaerobic and are quite sensitive to
changes in their surroundings. For vital functions of these bacteria that
consume hydrogen also, stable temperature mode is very important. Yield
from municipal solid waste (MSW) varies due to the heterogeneous nature of
MSW. Theoretically, estimated values of biogas based on stoichiometry vary
between 150 and 265 m3/tone Although landfill sites are the sources of
methane, the landfill gas needs to be purified to increase the methane
concentration
IV. Carbon Dioxide and Methane
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that has a warming potential that is
more than 25 times greater than that of CO₂ over a 100-year period. It makes a
substantial contribution to global warming as it leaks from the landfill into the
sky. Even though it is less powerful, carbon dioxide still contributes to climate
change and is a greenhouse gas.
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2. Recommend the integration of sustainable concepts and techniques in
controlling and monitoring environmental pollution in solving landfill gas
emissions.
I. Landfill Gas Collection and Recovery Systems
Microbes and chemical reactions with the garbage when the putrescible
material starts to decompose in the landfill cause landfill gas to be produced.
The content of trash and the geometry of the landfill determine the rate of
production, which in turn affects the chemical composition of the waste, the
microbiological populations within it, the thermal range of physical
conditions, and the biological ecosystems that coexist concurrently in the
majority of sites. The natural byproduct of solid waste decomposition in
landfills is landfill gas, which is mainly made up of carbon dioxide and
methane and is then burned to produce power. There are hundreds of distinct
gases that make up landfill gas. Typically, landfill gas has 40% to 60% carbon
dioxide and 45% to 60% methane by volume. Landfill gas also includes small
amounts of nitrogen, oxygen, ammonia, sulphides, hydrogen, carbon
monoxide, and nonmethane organic compounds (NMOCs) such as
trichloroethylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride. When released into the
environment, methane, a major component of landfill gas (LFG), is a powerful
greenhouse gas. There are significant energy, financial, and environmental
advantages to reducing emissions by capturing LFG and using it as an energy
source. By lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, landfill gas
energy projects improve air quality and lower potential health hazards.
Additionally, LFG initiatives boost local economies, generate cost savings,
increase energy independence, and create jobs.There are substantial prospects
for increasing landfill gas energy on a global scale.
II. Leachate Recirculation and Bioreactor Landfills
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Organic waste gets quickly transformed and decomposed in a bioreactor
landfill. The addition of fluids and air to improve microbial processes results
in an increase in waste decomposition and stability. This bioreactor concept is
not the same as the conventional "dry tomb" method of municipal landfilling.
Bioreactor landfill is known as "any permitted Subtitle D landfill or landfill
cell where liquid or air is injected in a controlled fashion into the waste mass
in order to accelerate or enhance bio stabilization of the waste." There is more
than one design for a bioreactor landfill, and it will vary depending on the
operational procedure used. Three broad categories of bioreactor landfill
layouts exist. First, Aerobic. The bottom layer's leachate is extracted, pumped
to liquid storage tanks, and then carefully recirculated into the landfill. To
encourage aerobic activity and hasten waste stabilization, air is introduced into
the waste pile through either vertical or horizontal wells. Second, Anaerobic.
To achieve the ideal moisture levels, moisture is provided to the waste
material by recirculated leachate and other sources. Landfill gas is the result of
anaerobic biodegradation, which takes place without oxygen. It is possible to
absorb landfill gas, mostly methane, for energy projects and to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Lastly, Hybrid (Aerobic-Anaerobic).The hybrid
bioreactor landfill uses a sequential aerobic-anaerobic treatment to quickly
break down organics in the higher portions of the landfill and collect gas from
the lower portions, thereby speeding up trash degradation. When operating as
a hybrid, methanogenesis begins earlier than in aerobic landfills.
III. Continuous Monitoring and Data Collection
The technique use is by Install cutting-edge monitoring systems to
continuously monitor the landfill's temperature, pressure, and gas emissions.
Methane detectors and infrared sensors may be placed around the landfill's
perimeter as part of this. Methane is caught and used as a renewable energy
source instead of being released into the atmosphere. For example, methane
can be used in landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE) systems to generate heat or
power.
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4.0 conclusions
In conclusion, Air pollution affects ecosystems, water bodies, and human health,
making it one of the most urgent environmental and public health problems in the world
today. In addition to having a negative impact on mental health and quality of life, prolonged
and brief exposure to pollutants including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate
matter, and volatile organic compounds can cause serious health problems like respiratory
and cardiovascular disorders. Beyond its immediate negative impacts on health, air pollution
exacerbates environmental problems including acid rain, climate change, and biodiversity
loss, which in turn affects the quality of water and soil.
Lastly, Air pollution and emissions from landfills and other waste disposal facilities
pose serious problems for the environment and public health. Natural decomposition
processes in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills result in the production of greenhouse
gasses, mainly carbon dioxide and methane. If these gasses are not properly managed, they
may leak into the atmosphere, affecting air quality and causing global warming. They may
also damage nearby soil and water sources.
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5.0 REFERENCES
I. EPA. (2022). Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. This document provides an overview of common pollution control
equipment such as scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and catalytic converters used
to comply with air quality standards.
II. Environmental Quality Act 1974. (2021). Laws of Malaysia: Environmental Quality
Act 1974 (Act 127). The Malaysian government outlines emission standards, control
technologies, and regulatory measures required for industrial pollution management
under the EQA 1974.
III. Department of Environment, Malaysia. (2021). Continuous Emission Monitoring
Systems (CEMS) Guidelines. This document outlines Malaysia’s requirements for
CEMS, including installation and real-time monitoring to comply with the EQA 1974.
IV. EPA. (2023). What is Acid Rain? U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This
resource provides a detailed overview of acid rain, its formation, environmental
impact, and how it affects ecosystems, water bodies, and human-made structures.
V. National Geographic Society. (2021). Acid Rain: Causes, Effects, and Solutions.
National Geographic provides an accessible explanation of acid rain, its causes,
effects on water bodies, soil, and organisms, and mitigation efforts.
VI. World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Health Risks of Heavy Metals from
Long-range Airborne Transport. This WHO publication discusses the sources, health
risks, and environmental impact of airborne heavy metals, particularly mercury,
cadmium, and lead, and how they contaminate soil and water ecosystems.
VII. Munzel, T., et al. (2018). Environmental Noise and the Cardiovascular System.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(6), 688-697. This study discusses
the effects of environmental noise, including metabolic changes that contribute to
cardiovascular risks.
VIII. Basner, M., et al. (2014). Auditory and Non-Auditory Effects of Noise on Health. The
Lancet, 383(9925), 1325-1332. This article provides an in-depth review of noise
pollution’s impact on health, highlighting the link between chronic noise exposure and
hypertension.
IX. CLU-IN | Technologies > Remediation > About Remediation Technologies >
Bioreactor Landfills > Overview. (n.d.). CLU-IN.
https://cluin.org/techfocus/default.focus/sec/Bioreactor_Landfills/cat/Overview/
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