Industrial Ecology and Pollution Prevention

Subareas of Interest:

• Assessing/Minimizing the Environmental and Health Impacts of Industrial Fluids
• Developing Criteria for Selecting Appropriate Industrial Fluids
• Characterization and Amelioration of Toxicity of Metal-working Fluids
• Developing the Basis (common interests) for Creating Environmental Networking Organizations for Downstate Illinois

Shiv Kapoor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Project Dates: 9/1/06 – 6/30/08

Database Development for Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Metalworking Fluids in Machining Operations

The investigators propose to develop a database that will aid industrial users in the selection of metalworking fluids (MWFs) that are economical and minimize environmental impact. The researchers will evaluate ten MWFs for a variety of parameters and the results of the tests will be formulated into a product performance matrix to be used by end users to choose fluids based on specific performance qualifications. A MWF performance model will be developed from experimental data that will allow prediction of the performance of fluids not specifically evaluated.

Michael Plewa and Elizabeth Wagner, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Kishore Rajagopalan, Illinois Waste Management and Research Center
Project Dates: 6/1/06 – 6/30/08

Greening Metalworking Fluids Purchasing Using Multicriteria Methodologies

The researchers are developing methodologies that will help industrial users make intelligent choices in purchasing metalworking fluids (MWFs). The information to be gathered will include evaluations of the functional behavior of the MWFs in various industrial processes and the toxicity and associated health and safety aspects of the various fluids. This project compliments the work being done by Dr. Kapoor.

Thomas Bierma, Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University
Project Dates: 6/15/06 – 6/30/08

Expanded CMS Pilot Projects in SMEs

This project will build on earlier efforts to introduce the chemical management system (CMS) model into small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Illinois. The CMS model has been implemented at two SMEs in central Illinois and the companies saw substantial savings in material and energy costs during the first two years of implementation. The longer-term value of this approach is to improve the competitiveness of Illinois industries to ensure their financial viability into the future.

Susan Morgan and Jianpeng Zhou, Department of Civil Engineering, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
Project Dates: 6/15/06 – 5/31/08

Developing the Basis for Creating Environmental Networking Organizations in Downstate Illinois

The project involves the evaluation of the potential for the development of environmental networking organizations in the metro-east region of St. Louis to elevate the awareness and increase the use of WMRC services by local industries. A large amount of hazardous waste is generated in Madison and St. Clair counties, indicating that there is a potential need for pollution prevention assistance in the region. The project will identify potentially interested parties, define the needs of industry, explore the feasibility and usefulness of creating networking organizations in these two counties in western Illinois, and develop a networking organization model. The researchers will then work with WMRC to implement the recommendations of the project.