Waste Testing: Environmental Management and Waste Analysis Methods

Waste Analysis within the Scope of Environmental Measurement and Analysis

What is Waste?

Waste can be defined as any substance that may have negative effects on the environment and human health as a result of production and industrial activities. Waste management within the scope of “Waste Management Regulation”: Prevention of waste generation, reduction at source, reuse, separation according to its characteristics and type, accumulation, collection, temporary storage, transportation, interim storage, recycling, recovery including energy recovery, disposal, monitoring, control and supervision activities after disposal.

Importance of Waste Tests

Waste testing is used to understand the potential impact of waste on the environment and to optimize recycling and disposal processes. Thanks to these tests:

Hazardous Substances Detection: Toxic, heavy metal or hazardous components in waste are identified.
Correct Management Strategies: Appropriate recycling or disposal methods are determined according to the type of waste.
Legal Compliance: Compliance with national and international waste management standards is ensured.
Reuse of Resources: Economic and environmental benefits are achieved by separating recyclable materials.

What are Waste Analysis Methods?

Various methods are used to analyze the physical, chemical and biological properties of waste. Here are the most common analysis methods and their areas of use:

1. Physical Analysis

Granulometry (Particle Size Distribution): Determines the physical structure and component sizes of wastes.
Moisture and Dry Matter Analysis (TS EN 12880): Measures the water content and dry matter content of the waste.
Density and Volume Analysis: Evaluates the mass and volume properties of waste.

2. Chemical Analyses

pH and Conductivity Determination: Determines the acidity or alkalinity of the waste and the ionic component density.
Heavy Metal Analysis: Concentrations of toxic metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium are measured in wastes.
Organic Matter Determination (TS 8336): It is a test that evaluates the carbon-based component content of the waste.
Loss on Ignition Test (LOI): Determines organic matter and carbonate contents.

3. Biological Analyses

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): Evaluates the environmental impact of waste by measuring its oxygen consumption potential.
Microbial Activity Tests: Analyzes biodegradation potential and microbial content in wastes.

4. Hazardousness Analyses

Test for Hazardous Waste Properties (TCLP): Measures the release of toxic substances to determine if the waste is hazardous.
Flammability and Explosivity Tests: Assesses the fire and explosion risks of waste.
Solubility and Leaching Tests: Measures the ability of the waste to leach or dissolve into the environment.

Waste Testing and Environmental Management Processes

Data from waste testing shapes environmental management strategies. The following elements are taken into account in these processes:

Source Segregation: Separation of waste into recyclable and hazardous components.
Recycling: Re-utilization of plastics, metals, glass and organic materials.
Disposal: Disposal of non-recyclable waste in an environmentally sound manner.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Analysis of the direct or indirect environmental impacts of wastes.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Waste Testing. We also provide services in Wastewater Analysis.

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