Environmental aspects of industrial/hazardous waste description and characterization from chemical & petrochemical industries in developing arid region : a case study of Yanbu

Elkomi, Mohamed Babiker A.

Abstract

The management of industrial waste represents a significant challenge in terms of both quantity and type of wastes (particularly hazardous wastes) produced. In addition the relevance of current waste management practices in the developed wet countries maybe far from optimal when applied to arid regions.

The aims of the study can be summarised as follow:
- Identify the source and quantities of hazardous waste generated in the western region Saudi Arabia.
- Obtain accurate information on the character and composition of the waste generated by the major industrial plants in the study area.
- Review the current waste management practices in the region and the study area
- Provide information on whether the waste can be treated or disposed off using other processes such as physical, chemical or stabilisation, and this will be based on the reviewed waste management practices world-wide.
- Suggest appropriate and proper methods for waste management, which suit the arid hot climatic condition, taking in accounts the geology, soil type, culture and policy of the area. These factors are believed to play a major role in setting up any method for waste management.

In this research 68 industries were identified in the western region of Saudi Arabia and the major thirteen chemical and petrochemical industries were used in this case study of Yanbu. Data was collected for industrial waste components, category and quantity and used to assess important factors associated with handling systems, treatment capacities and determining the waste disposal facilities such as incinerators or hazardous waste landfills.

Waste streams identified were characterised, described, and classified with reference to the waste processing. The results of this evaluation are evaluated and discussed to establish a greater understanding of the property of the waste generated in the area in order to generate strategy for waste management

Based on the waste characterisation, over 70 waste streams were identified, of which 18 waste streams were found to be hazardous and in need of special handling. Current waste management systems were evaluated, and areas of environmental importance were identified. Various options for waste minimisation, treatment, and disposal have been considered.

Recommendations based on the data evaluated in this study have been made for environmentally sound long and short-term solution aims of the industrial/hazardous waste management in arid region supporting industrial activities.

Citation

Elkomi, M. B. A. Environmental aspects of industrial/hazardous waste description and characterization from chemical & petrochemical industries in developing arid region : a case study of Yanbu. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4221532

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: May 7, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Geography
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4221532
• Additional Information: Department of Geography, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Dec 1, 2001