Software Applications In Solid And Hazardous Waste

As part of a program supported by the Gateway Engineering Education Coalition, faculty from seven universities developed a set of case studies, collectively known as “Shared Resources: Modules to Support Environmental Engineering Education.” The “Shared Resources” were developed as modules. That is, they were designed to be used as supplements in existing environmental engineering courses. Each module contains all of the materials the students will need to complete the exercise (except the software if it is licensed) and detailed information for the instructor on the use of the materials, including some sample results and discussion points. This paper describes a series of modules related to solid and hazardous waste. Five modules deal with the application of software. These modules are built around the following software packages: (1) BIO1D, a one-dimensional mass transport code which is useful for introducing students to the basic processes and approaches to bioremediation, (2) BIOPULME II and BIOPLOT, a two-dimensional mass transport code used for bioremediation design, (3) SWPlan which can help students evaluate fundamental strategies for solid waste management, (4) HELP 3.04 and HELP Model for Windows which can be used to analyze hydraulic barriers for solid waste facilities, and (5) AIRFLOW/SVE, a code that automates the two-dimensional analysis of the multicomponent gas-phase transport of contaminants in the vicinity of a single vapor extraction well. Many of these software packages can be used for class demonstrations as well as for student exercises. Two additional modules are case studies dealing with radioactive waste. In the first case study, students are given basic information on radiation and methods for handling radioactive material. They are then asked to identify and evaluate options for cleaning up a plutonium spill. In the second case study, students receive basic information on lowlevel radioactive waste and disposal facilities for it. They are then asked to assess a site selected for a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility. The basic information needed to complete the case studies is provided in both written and electronic form.