Informatics Publishing Limited

Siavash Sedighian ¹, Mohammad Ali Abdoli ¹, Mohammad Hossein Niksokhan ¹, Seon-Hong Kim ², Seung-Yeon Cho ²

Affiliations
1 University of Tehran, Tehran, IR
2 Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, KR

Abstract

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) are present in earth's crust with different concentrations. Human activities such as oil and gas production and mineral extraction and processing could enhance the natural level of NORM in by-products and waste streams. To protect public and workers from these enhanced NORM sources, clearance levels should be established. Clearance levels are regulatory limits which are defined in order to protect the environment and human from radiation sources. This study proposes a new approach to derive both generic and specific clearance levels. This approach consists of two scenario systems; Generic Scenario System (GSS) and Specific Scenario System (SSS). GSS is a comprehensive assessment tool which can be applied for any country. GSS is assembled by extensive research and actual NORM management methods. GSS investigates the radiological impacts of NORM from generation through final disposal. SSS is acquired through combination of GSS with field data and observation. This approach simultaneously considers both human health and economic aspects. To examine the implication of this method, Lavan Island in Persian Gulf is chosen for case study. The comparison between the generic and specific approaches for Lavan Island indicates that most exposure scenarios in generic approach which could result in extremely conservative values do not exist in specific scenarios regarding Lavan Island. Exposure groups, waste management options and enclosed circumstances of Islands, make them a preferable location to distinguish between SSS and GSS and understand the approach of this paper.

Keywords

NORM, Clearance Level, Waste Management, Generic Scenario System, Specific Scenario System.

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Ramin Zare ¹, Jafar Nouri ¹, Mohammad Ali Abdoli ², Farideh Atabi ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Management, Graduate School of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Aluminum dross as waste is always a problematic issue. The aim of this study is to apply a systematic method for the Aluminum waste management system selection problem in environment management. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this study, a methodology extended fuzzy TOPSIS and based on LCA is applied by using the nearest weighted interval approximations. The functional unit includes aluminum dross and aluminum scrap, which are defined as 1000 kg. The model is confirmed in the case of aluminum waste management in the city of Arak. The scenarios are ranked based on their closeness coefficient to the ideal solution. Results: Five scenarios, in a step-wise manner were surveyed. Based on study results and particularly the closeness coefficients, Scenario S4 was assigned as the most preferred choice with a weight of 0.723514. Also the Scenario S1with a value of 0.448137, Scenario S5 with a value of 0.354226, Scenario S2 with a value of 0.314215 and Scenario S3 with a value of 0.204909 were ranked from second to fifth respectively. The results of the present study illustrated that the procedure is simple in calculations and set priorities. It is very appropriate for solving MCDM problems. Conclusion/Application: From the application perspective, this research will provide a valuable insight for managers to attempt to improve the environmental, social and economic condition all together at the same time.

Keywords

Aluminum Waste, Dross, LCA, TOPSIS

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