Surface engineering process risk

Figure 2.9 Surface engineering process risk chart, /c ...

Following this mainly engineering view point, the first volume Polymers -Opportunities and Risks I is dedicated to the basics of the engineering of polymers (materials, processing, design, surface, use phase, recycling, depositing) - but always in view of the environmental impact. 

To characterize the potential for human exposure and environmental release, the PMN submitter must describe occupational exposure, including the estimated number of workers exposed to the substance, the activities during which they would be exposed, and any protective equipment or engineering controls that would reduce exposure. Estimates of environmental release and exposme must include estimates of releases to air, surface water, land, incineration, or other media. The PMN form also requests optional pollution prevention information. The submitter may provide information on how the proposed manufacturing process or use of the new chemical substance contributes to source reduction, recycling achvities, and safer products or processes. The US EPA takes this informahon into account when assessing potential risks. 

Using these examples, and the case study from the Aspo Hard Rock Laboratory, we summarize two linked principles for the redox-related performance of sub-surface repositories and the risk posed by wastes in the geosphere. Redox potentials need to be considered as critical thresholds for many controlling processes corrosion of engineered barriers, solubility and sorption of metals and attenuation of organic contaminants through biodegradation. Redox capacities, on the other hand, indicate the total amount of reductants or oxidants required to maintain redox conditions above or below these critical thresholds for performance and risk. 

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