Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025
06:26
Capturing Flow-weighted Water and Suspended Particulates from Agricultural Canals During Drainage Events
Published on: November 7, 2017
17.1K
Quantifying material flow of oily sludge in China and its implications
Francesca Dal Mas1, Xianlai Zeng1, Qifei Huang2
1State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
Journal of Environmental Management
|March 14, 2021
Summary
Oily sludge, a hazardous waste, requires better management. This study analyzes its treatment processes and national material flow, revealing a low utilization rate and the need for enhanced supervision and technology.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Oily sludge is hazardous waste with significant environmental and health risks.
- Current understanding of oily sludge treatment is insufficient for effective management.
- Lack of comprehensive data hinders policy development and resource recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze microlevel treatment processes (mechanical separation, incineration) of oily sludge.
- To predict the national material flow of oily sludge management in China.
- To identify valuable resource recovery opportunities and inform policy.
Main Methods:
- Established a microlevel database for common oily sludge treatment processes.
- Utilized Material Flow Analysis (MFA) for generation, pretreatment, recycling, and disposal.
- Modeled national oily sludge material flow and analyzed resource characteristics.
Main Results:
- Annual oily sludge generation in China ranges from 4.45 to 6.22 Tg.
- The average comprehensive utilization rate of oily sludge is approximately 36%.
- Current management systems fall short despite recent legislative updates.
Conclusions:
- Effective oily sludge management requires enhanced scientific understanding and data.
- Policy formulation needs to consider resource recovery and utilization.
- Strengthening supervision and technical processes is crucial for improved waste management.
