Melanie Sattler - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Melanie Sattler
Pipelines 2019
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) process is a pipe rehabilitation method, which involves a liquid therm... more Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) process is a pipe rehabilitation method, which involves a liquid thermoset resin saturated material that is inserted into the existing pipeline by hydrostatic or air inversion, or by mechanically pulling-in and inflating. The liner material is cured-in-place using hot water, steam, or light cured using UV light resulting in the CIPP product. In response to the growing usage of CIPP installations and recent industry reports, National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) issued a request for proposals to facilitate a formal review of potential health impacts associated with CIPP. Previous studies have focused on the concentration of styrene present in the air of residential homes tied to storm water culverts and sanitary sewers during pipeline renewal. The objective of this paper is to summarize literature review results related to potential release of organic compounds during steam-cured CIPP pipeline renewal causing air emissions and water quality concerns. It was found that existing studies do not adequately capture worker exposures or levels in the surrounding areas to which workers or the public may be exposed. In addition, the reviewed papers had questionable methodologies, and therefore, the results presented are not conclusive. Therefore, it is recommended that additional sampling, data evaluation, and analysis be further carried out to have a comprehensive study of steam-cured CIPP emissions.
Journal of Cleaner Production
2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
Case Studies in Construction Materials
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy
The goal of this study was to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) for large onsho... more The goal of this study was to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) for large onshore wind turbines in the US, including all phases of the turbine's life cycle separately (materials acquisition, manufacturing, transportation, installation , operation and maintenance, and end of life) and multiple impact categories (environmental, human health, resource consumption). Particular attention was given to make the installation and maintenance phases complete and transparent. The contribution of this study is that it is the first comprehensive LCA for large wind turbines in the US, where different transport distances (including overseas transport of turbine parts), truck emission standards, mixes of electricity sources, and waste disposal practices will affect impacts, compared to those conducted for other countries. It is also the first comprehensive LCA to examine separately all 6 phases of the turbine's life cycle (in particular separating manufacturing from raw material acquisition/installation) and the first to evaluate turbine lifespan as a sensitivity parameter. The study was conducted for 200 Gamesa 2-MW wind turbines located near Abilene, Texas. SimaPro8 software was used for modeling, according to ISO 14040 standards. The manufacturing phase contributed the greatest overall impacts, which was consistent with other studies; hence, alternative methods of manufacturing should be explored to reduce impacts. Installation, transportation, maintenance, and raw materials acquisition ranked second through fifth, respectively. Consistent with other studies, end-of-life ranked last, which means that the disposal method (landfilling or combustion) for turbine parts which are not recycled makes little difference in terms of the overall turbine life cycle. Graphical abstract Keywords SimaPro · TRACI · Renewable energy · Wind energy · Onshore
Atmospheric Pollution Research
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy
Global ethanol production generates almost 100 billion liters per year of a high-strength liquid ... more Global ethanol production generates almost 100 billion liters per year of a high-strength liquid waste called vinasse. One sustainable method of treating vinasse using environmental biotechnology is anaerobic digestion, which generates biogas that can be used as a renewable energy resource. Although a number of models have been developed for predicting biogas generation rates, no previous study has modeled liquid organic removal rates for vinasse treatment. The goal of this research was thus to develop models for predicting liquid-phase organic removal rates for anaerobic treatment of vinasse. 6-L laboratory-scale batch reactors were filled with vinasse of six different compositions and operated at three different mesophilic temperatures (30, 35, 40 °C). Biochemical and chemical oxygen demand (BOD and COD) were measured over time using Standard Methods 5210B and 5220C. Based on data collected, multiple linear regression equations (R 2 = 0.79 and 0.94) were developed to predict first-order rate constants k BOD and k COD as functions of temperature and vinasse composition (initial values of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, and sulfur). The first-order models developed require a small number of readily available input parameters. They apply to treatment of vinasse from ethanol produced from corn and milo; future work can test their applicability to ethanol produced from other feedstocks. The models can be used for sizing/design of reactors for anaerobic treatment of vinasse.
Forum on Public Policy a Journal of the Oxford Round Table, Jun 22, 2012
Journal of Service Learning in Higher Education, Jul 23, 2014
J Air Waste Manage Assoc, 2009
Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is an odor-causing compound and hazardous air pollutant emitted frequently... more Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is an odor-causing compound and hazardous air pollutant emitted frequently from wastewater treatment facilities and chemical and primary metals industries. This study examined the effectiveness of biofiltration in removing COS. Specific objectives were to compare COS removal efficiency for various biofilter media; to determine whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is frequently produced along with COS under anaerobic conditions, adversely impacts COS removal; and to determine the maximum elimination capacity of COS for use in biofilter design. Three laboratory-scale polyvinyl chloride biofilter columns were filled with up to 28 in. of biofilter media (aged compost, fresh compost, wood chips, or a compost/wood chip mixture). Inlet COS ranged from 5 to 46 parts per million (ppm) (0.10-9.0 g/m3 hr). Compost and the compost/wood chip mixture produced higher COS removal efficiencies than wood chips alone. The compost and compost/wood chip mixture had a shorter stabilization times compared with wood chips alone. Fresh versus aged compost did not impact COS removal efficiency. The presence of H2S did not adversely impact COS removal for the concentration ratios tested. The maximum elimination capacity is at least 9 g/m3 hr for COS with compost media.
Journal of the Air Waste Management Association, Dec 18, 2013
The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with p... more The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.
Environmental Science Technology, Aug 15, 2011
Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is a preferred catalyst for photocatalytic oxidation of many air pollut... more Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is a preferred catalyst for photocatalytic oxidation of many air pollutants. In an effort to enhance its photocatalytic activity, TiO(2) was modified by pulsed plasma treatment. In this work, TiO(2) nanoparticles, coated on a glass plate, were treated with a plasma discharge of hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) gas. By appropriate adjustment of discharge conditions, it was discovered that the TiO(2) particles can be either directly fluorinated (Ti-F) or coated with thin perfluorocarbon films (C-F). Specifically, under relatively high power input, the plasma deposition process favored direct surface fluorination. The extent of Ti-F formation increased with increasing power input. In contrast, at lower average power inputs, perfluorocarbon films are deposited on the surface of the TiO(2) particles. The plasma surface modified TiO(2) nanoparticles were subsequently employed as catalysts in the photocatalytic oxidation of m-xylene in air, as carried out inside a batch reactor with closed loop constant gas circulation. Both types of modified TiO(2) were significantly more catalytically active than that of the unmodified particles. For example, the rate constant of m-xylene degradation was increased from 0.012 min(-1) with untreated TiO(2) to 0.074 min(-1) with fluorinated TiO(2). Although it is not possible to provide unequivocal reasons for this increased photocatalytic activity, it is noted that the plasma surface treatment converted the TiO(2) from hydrophilic to highly hydrophobic, which would provide more facile catalyst adsorption of the xylene from the flowing air. Also, based on literature reports, the use of fluorinated TiO(2) reduces electron-hole recombination rates, thus increasing the photocatalytic activity.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2016
The global demand for water transmission and service pipelines is expected to more than double be... more The global demand for water transmission and service pipelines is expected to more than double between 2012 and 2022. This study compared the carbon footprint of the two most common materials used for large-diameter water transmission pipelines, steel pipe (SP) and prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP). A planned water transmission pipeline in Texas was used as a case study. Four life-cycle phases for each material were considered: material production and pipeline fabrication, pipe transportation to the job site, pipe installation in the trench, and operation of the pipeline. In each phase, the energy consumed and the CO2-equivalent emissions were quantified. It was found that pipe manufacturing consumed a large amount of energy, and thus contributed more than 90% of life cycle carbon emissions for both kinds of pipe. Steel pipe had 64% larger CO2-eq emissions from manufacturing compared to PCCP. For the transportation phase, PCCP consumed more fuel due to its heavy weight, and therefore had larger CO2-eq emissions. Fuel consumption by construction equipment for installation of pipe was found to be similar for steel pipe and PCCP. Overall, steel had a 32% larger footprint due to greater energy used during manufacturing. This study compared the carbon footprint of two large-diameter water transmission pipeline materials, steel and prestressed concrete cylinder, considering four life-cycle phases for each. The study provides information that project managers can incorporate into their decision-making process concerning pipeline materials. It also provides information concerning the most important phases of the pipeline life cycle to target for emission reductions.
Pipelines 2019
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) process is a pipe rehabilitation method, which involves a liquid therm... more Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) process is a pipe rehabilitation method, which involves a liquid thermoset resin saturated material that is inserted into the existing pipeline by hydrostatic or air inversion, or by mechanically pulling-in and inflating. The liner material is cured-in-place using hot water, steam, or light cured using UV light resulting in the CIPP product. In response to the growing usage of CIPP installations and recent industry reports, National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) issued a request for proposals to facilitate a formal review of potential health impacts associated with CIPP. Previous studies have focused on the concentration of styrene present in the air of residential homes tied to storm water culverts and sanitary sewers during pipeline renewal. The objective of this paper is to summarize literature review results related to potential release of organic compounds during steam-cured CIPP pipeline renewal causing air emissions and water quality concerns. It was found that existing studies do not adequately capture worker exposures or levels in the surrounding areas to which workers or the public may be exposed. In addition, the reviewed papers had questionable methodologies, and therefore, the results presented are not conclusive. Therefore, it is recommended that additional sampling, data evaluation, and analysis be further carried out to have a comprehensive study of steam-cured CIPP emissions.
Journal of Cleaner Production
2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
Case Studies in Construction Materials
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy
The goal of this study was to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) for large onsho... more The goal of this study was to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) for large onshore wind turbines in the US, including all phases of the turbine's life cycle separately (materials acquisition, manufacturing, transportation, installation , operation and maintenance, and end of life) and multiple impact categories (environmental, human health, resource consumption). Particular attention was given to make the installation and maintenance phases complete and transparent. The contribution of this study is that it is the first comprehensive LCA for large wind turbines in the US, where different transport distances (including overseas transport of turbine parts), truck emission standards, mixes of electricity sources, and waste disposal practices will affect impacts, compared to those conducted for other countries. It is also the first comprehensive LCA to examine separately all 6 phases of the turbine's life cycle (in particular separating manufacturing from raw material acquisition/installation) and the first to evaluate turbine lifespan as a sensitivity parameter. The study was conducted for 200 Gamesa 2-MW wind turbines located near Abilene, Texas. SimaPro8 software was used for modeling, according to ISO 14040 standards. The manufacturing phase contributed the greatest overall impacts, which was consistent with other studies; hence, alternative methods of manufacturing should be explored to reduce impacts. Installation, transportation, maintenance, and raw materials acquisition ranked second through fifth, respectively. Consistent with other studies, end-of-life ranked last, which means that the disposal method (landfilling or combustion) for turbine parts which are not recycled makes little difference in terms of the overall turbine life cycle. Graphical abstract Keywords SimaPro · TRACI · Renewable energy · Wind energy · Onshore
Atmospheric Pollution Research
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy
Global ethanol production generates almost 100 billion liters per year of a high-strength liquid ... more Global ethanol production generates almost 100 billion liters per year of a high-strength liquid waste called vinasse. One sustainable method of treating vinasse using environmental biotechnology is anaerobic digestion, which generates biogas that can be used as a renewable energy resource. Although a number of models have been developed for predicting biogas generation rates, no previous study has modeled liquid organic removal rates for vinasse treatment. The goal of this research was thus to develop models for predicting liquid-phase organic removal rates for anaerobic treatment of vinasse. 6-L laboratory-scale batch reactors were filled with vinasse of six different compositions and operated at three different mesophilic temperatures (30, 35, 40 °C). Biochemical and chemical oxygen demand (BOD and COD) were measured over time using Standard Methods 5210B and 5220C. Based on data collected, multiple linear regression equations (R 2 = 0.79 and 0.94) were developed to predict first-order rate constants k BOD and k COD as functions of temperature and vinasse composition (initial values of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, and sulfur). The first-order models developed require a small number of readily available input parameters. They apply to treatment of vinasse from ethanol produced from corn and milo; future work can test their applicability to ethanol produced from other feedstocks. The models can be used for sizing/design of reactors for anaerobic treatment of vinasse.
Forum on Public Policy a Journal of the Oxford Round Table, Jun 22, 2012
Journal of Service Learning in Higher Education, Jul 23, 2014
J Air Waste Manage Assoc, 2009
Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is an odor-causing compound and hazardous air pollutant emitted frequently... more Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is an odor-causing compound and hazardous air pollutant emitted frequently from wastewater treatment facilities and chemical and primary metals industries. This study examined the effectiveness of biofiltration in removing COS. Specific objectives were to compare COS removal efficiency for various biofilter media; to determine whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is frequently produced along with COS under anaerobic conditions, adversely impacts COS removal; and to determine the maximum elimination capacity of COS for use in biofilter design. Three laboratory-scale polyvinyl chloride biofilter columns were filled with up to 28 in. of biofilter media (aged compost, fresh compost, wood chips, or a compost/wood chip mixture). Inlet COS ranged from 5 to 46 parts per million (ppm) (0.10-9.0 g/m3 hr). Compost and the compost/wood chip mixture produced higher COS removal efficiencies than wood chips alone. The compost and compost/wood chip mixture had a shorter stabilization times compared with wood chips alone. Fresh versus aged compost did not impact COS removal efficiency. The presence of H2S did not adversely impact COS removal for the concentration ratios tested. The maximum elimination capacity is at least 9 g/m3 hr for COS with compost media.
Journal of the Air Waste Management Association, Dec 18, 2013
The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with p... more The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.
Environmental Science Technology, Aug 15, 2011
Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is a preferred catalyst for photocatalytic oxidation of many air pollut... more Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is a preferred catalyst for photocatalytic oxidation of many air pollutants. In an effort to enhance its photocatalytic activity, TiO(2) was modified by pulsed plasma treatment. In this work, TiO(2) nanoparticles, coated on a glass plate, were treated with a plasma discharge of hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) gas. By appropriate adjustment of discharge conditions, it was discovered that the TiO(2) particles can be either directly fluorinated (Ti-F) or coated with thin perfluorocarbon films (C-F). Specifically, under relatively high power input, the plasma deposition process favored direct surface fluorination. The extent of Ti-F formation increased with increasing power input. In contrast, at lower average power inputs, perfluorocarbon films are deposited on the surface of the TiO(2) particles. The plasma surface modified TiO(2) nanoparticles were subsequently employed as catalysts in the photocatalytic oxidation of m-xylene in air, as carried out inside a batch reactor with closed loop constant gas circulation. Both types of modified TiO(2) were significantly more catalytically active than that of the unmodified particles. For example, the rate constant of m-xylene degradation was increased from 0.012 min(-1) with untreated TiO(2) to 0.074 min(-1) with fluorinated TiO(2). Although it is not possible to provide unequivocal reasons for this increased photocatalytic activity, it is noted that the plasma surface treatment converted the TiO(2) from hydrophilic to highly hydrophobic, which would provide more facile catalyst adsorption of the xylene from the flowing air. Also, based on literature reports, the use of fluorinated TiO(2) reduces electron-hole recombination rates, thus increasing the photocatalytic activity.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2016
The global demand for water transmission and service pipelines is expected to more than double be... more The global demand for water transmission and service pipelines is expected to more than double between 2012 and 2022. This study compared the carbon footprint of the two most common materials used for large-diameter water transmission pipelines, steel pipe (SP) and prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP). A planned water transmission pipeline in Texas was used as a case study. Four life-cycle phases for each material were considered: material production and pipeline fabrication, pipe transportation to the job site, pipe installation in the trench, and operation of the pipeline. In each phase, the energy consumed and the CO2-equivalent emissions were quantified. It was found that pipe manufacturing consumed a large amount of energy, and thus contributed more than 90% of life cycle carbon emissions for both kinds of pipe. Steel pipe had 64% larger CO2-eq emissions from manufacturing compared to PCCP. For the transportation phase, PCCP consumed more fuel due to its heavy weight, and therefore had larger CO2-eq emissions. Fuel consumption by construction equipment for installation of pipe was found to be similar for steel pipe and PCCP. Overall, steel had a 32% larger footprint due to greater energy used during manufacturing. This study compared the carbon footprint of two large-diameter water transmission pipeline materials, steel and prestressed concrete cylinder, considering four life-cycle phases for each. The study provides information that project managers can incorporate into their decision-making process concerning pipeline materials. It also provides information concerning the most important phases of the pipeline life cycle to target for emission reductions.