Papers by Mala Hettiarachchi
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. There are two categories of MP: ... more Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. There are two categories of MP: primary and secondary. Primary or microscopic-sized MP are intentionally produced material. Fragmentation of large plastic debris through physical, chemical, and oxidative processes creates secondary MP, the most abundant type in the environment. Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental problem due to their abundance, poor biodegradability, toxicological properties, and negative impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms including humans. Plastic debris enters the aquatic environment via direct dumping or uncontrolled land-based sources. While plastic debris slowly degrades into MP, wastewater and stormwater outlets discharge a large amount of MP directly into water bodies. Additionally, stormwater carries MP from sources such as tire wear, artificial turf, fertilizers, and land-applied biosolids. To protect the environment and human health, the entry of MP into the envi...
Use of Settlement Profilers in a Full-Scale Bioreactor Landfill
GeoCongress 2012, 2012
Environmental Pollution, 2011
The developed numerical model simulations and field observations for estimating CH 4 oxidation ef... more The developed numerical model simulations and field observations for estimating CH 4 oxidation efficiencies under various operating conditions indicate that the long-term performance of MBFs is strongly dependent on environmental factors, such as ambient temperature and precipitation.
Comprehensive One-Dimensional Mathematical Model for Heat, Gas, and Moisture Transport in Methane Biofilters
Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management, 2007
The long-term operation of a methane biofilter depends on maintaining a favorable environment for... more The long-term operation of a methane biofilter depends on maintaining a favorable environment for methanotrophic bacteria within the porous medium supporting their growth. The concentrations of methane and oxygen, moisture content, and temperature were identified as the most important factors influencing the performance of methane biofilters (MBFs). This paper presents a comprehensive one-dimensional mathematical model capable of predicting the methane oxidation capacity of MBFs based on gas and moisture transport, and heat transfer. The finite difference method was used to spatially discretize the nonlinear partial differential equations and the equations were solved explicitly. The model was calibrated and verified using laboratory experimental data.
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Papers by Mala Hettiarachchi