MODULE

AB WASTE MANAGEMENT
ENGINEERING
Module Overview
1
This module will discuss an overview of agricultural waste management engineering, the
state of the art technologies on AB waste management and the existing laws and regulations,
policy, and water quality standards in agricultural waste engineering disposal; which emphasizes
the Philippine clean water act of 2004.

Module Objectives / Outcomes:

1. Explain the principles of agricultural waste engineering

2. Discuss the RA 9275 and its implication to Agricultural Waste Management.

2. State of the Art Technologies of AB Waste Management and understand the process of
agricultural waste utilization.

WELCOME ON YOUR FIRST MODULE IN THE SUBJECT AB WASTE MANAGEMENT ENGINERING (ABE 427)

Lesson 1: Overview of agricultural waste engineering

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lessons the students will be able to

 Discuss AB waste management engineering

Time Frame: 2 weeks

Introduction:

This lesson will give information on AB waste management engineering. Overview of

the subject matter had been conferred in this module.

Activity:

1. List words (as many as you can) that comes into your mind when you hear/read the
word agricultural waste engineering

From the words listed on the above activity, choose only one word and explain its significance
/applicability on agricultural waste engineering.

Abstraction:

Figure 1.Agricultural Waste Utilization

AB Waste Engineering

Agricultural waste engineering focused on the scientific knowledge and engineering

technology related to the efficient management of agricultural waste. Its aspect will focus on
engineering knowledge to minimize the adverse impact of agricultural wastes on the
environment, groundwater and public health, and to make use of the agricultural waste as by-
products, as raw materials for new products, or as bio-sources of energy production. The main
objective of the agricultural waste engineering is to achieve integrated local recycling and reuse
of agricultural waste, i.e. for environmental protection, energy development, fertilizer
production, and water saving. It’s also aim to bring about economic and social benefits as well as
environmentally friendly technology and systems. Furthermore it covers wastewater treatment
and disposal, water pollution control, water recycling technology, water quality, air quality
control, and solid waste.

Let’s take an example an agricultural waste, agricultural residues are rich in bioactive
compounds. These residues can be used as an alternate source for the production of different
products like biogas and biofuel. The process in producing such products is an engineering
intervention in agricultural waste utilization.

Moreover, these waste utilization can help reduce the production cost and pollution load
from the environment.

Application:
1. In your own idea as a future agricultural engineer, think of an engineering intervention for
agricultural waste management ?

Lesson 2: State of the Art Technologies on AB Waste Engineering

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lessons the students will be able to:

 Identify state of the art technologies on AB waste management

Time Frame: 1 week

Introduction:

This lesson will give information on the state of the art technologies on AB waste
management engineering. The technologies presented in this lesson focused on the waste
management utilization and its conversion to energy.
Activity:

1. List technologies (as many as you can) that are utilized for agricultural waste
conversion to energy.

From the technologies listed above, choose on and expound it.

Abstraction:

Rapid increase in volume and types of waste agricultural biomass, as a result of intensive
agriculture in the wake of population growth and improved living standards, is becoming a
burgeoning problem as rotten waste agricultural biomass emits methane and leachate, and open
burning by the farmers to clear the lands generate CO2 and other local pollutants. Hence
improper management of waste agricultural biomass is contributing towards climate change,
water and soil contamination, and local air pollution. Furthermore, this waste is of high value
with respect to material and energy recovery. To manage waste agricultural biomass and to
convert it into a material resource, considerable efforts are being made by many Governments
and other entities, there are still major gaps to be filled, especially due to its “not in sight and not
in mind” phenomenon. There is a lack of awareness and capacity to divert most of the waste for
material and energy recovery. This would reduce the costs for waste disposal and would generate
the revenue from the sale of the recovered materials and energy.

Globally, 140 billion metric tons of biomass1 is generated every year from agriculture.
This volume of biomass can be converted to an enormous amount of energy and raw materials.
Equivalent to approximately 50 billion tons of oil2X , agricultural biomass waste converted to
energy can substantially displace fossil fuel, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and provide
renewable energy to some 1.6 billion people in developing countries, which still lack access to
electricity 3 . As raw materials, biomass wastes have attractive potentials for large-scale
industries and community-level enterprises.

Biomass takes the form of residual stalks, straw, leaves, roots, husk, nut or seed shells,
waste wood and animal husbandry waste. Widely available, renewable, and virtually free, waste
biomass is an important resource. With the global campaign to combat climate change, countries
are now looking for alternative sources of energy to minimize green - house gas (GHG)
emissions. Aside from being carbon neutral, the use of biomass for energy reduces dependency
on the consumption of fossil fuel; hence, contributing to energy security and climate change
mitigation. Although there is an emerging trend on the utilization of biomass conversion
technologies -- from combustion of rice husk and sugarcane bagasse to gasification of other
agricultural residues -- biomass is still largely underutilized and left to rot or openly burned in
the fields, especially in developing countries that do not have strong regulatory instruments to
control such pollutive practices. As a common practice, direct combustion of agricultural residue
results in air pollution thereby posing risk to human and ecological health. Biomass is a
renewable resource that causes problems when not used. The challenge, therefore, is to convert
biomass as a resource for energy and other productive uses.

State of the Art Technologies of AB Waste Management

Biogas

Composting

Ethanol Production

Conversion Routes for Cellulosic Agricultural Biomass Waste

Table 1: Cellulosic Waste Biomass Conversion to Energy
Table 2: Cellulosic Biomass Waste Conversion to Materials
 Table 2 shows the major conversion technologies for converting biomass waste to
materials and their products. The table illustrates the great potential of waste biomass for
conversion to a variety of materials.

Chart 2 Level Use of Energy Conversion

Chart 2 shows the level of use of the different conversion technologies for energy.
Household energy, mainly for cooking, heating and drying, are the most widely available
technologies. Biomass cook stoves, for instance, have hundreds of versions all around the world.
Those documented in the Household energy Briquetting Carbonization Combustion Gasification
Pyrolysis Bio-oil applications Bio-chemicals Research Pilot Demonstration Commercial 16
Compendium shows existing samples in the Southeast Asia. Gasification and Pyrolysis have
most technologies in the demonstration stage. These technologies are concentrated in Europe,
USA, Japan and India. Bio-oil and bio-chemical applications are mostly in the research and
development stage and are distributed in Europe, North America and Japan.
 Chart 3 shows the level of use for biomass conversion to materials. It shows age-old
conversion processes such as twining, decortication and tuxying as the most improved and
commercially available technologies. However, it also shows that there is a growing trend in
utilizing waste biomass for packaging and even as additive to building materials. Biorefinery
processes and reduction are mostly in research and development stage.
 Chart 3 shows the level of use for biomass conversion to materials. It shows age-old
conversion processes such as twining, decortication and tuxying as the most improved and
commercially available technologies. However, it also shows that there is a growing trend in
utilizing waste biomass for packaging and even as additive to building materials. Biorefinery
processes and reduction are mostly in research and development stage.

Chart 3: Level of Use for Material Conversion

STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGIES

1. 2-Drum Top Supported Boiler12 USA, Commercial

Crop Sugar, coconut, coffee, corn, peanut, rice,

switchgrass

Residue Bagasse, coconut hulls, coffee grounds, corn

cobs, peanut hulls, rice husks, switchgrass
Process Combustion

Equipment 2-Drum Top Supported Boiler

Main Products Heat and Steam

Technical Description of the Technology

2. M2 Gasification Technology13 USA, Commercial

Crop Sugarcane, forest

Residue Tar sands, cane stock, forestry, pulp or paper
waste
Process Gasification
Equipment M2 Gasifier
Main Product Syngas

Technical Description of Technology

The M2 uses gasification processes to convert any carbon based material into a synthetic
gas. Gasification uses heat and pressure which converts any carbon containing materials into
synthetic gas composed primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen which has a large number
of uses. Gasification adds value to low or negative value feedstock’s by converting them to
marketable fuels. The feed stocks used to create syngas depends on what’s readily available.
Cheap low grade coal is a readily available supply. In Alberta, Tar Sands provide an abundant
fuel source. An application in India under consideration utilizes cane stock from farming waste.
Urban applications include garbage and tires. Throughout North America, forestry, pulp and
paper waste can be used to be recycled into syngas and fed back into power plants. Various other
industrial wastes can be fed back into plants to recycle “lost energy”, that would otherwise go to
landfills. According to the US department of energy, gasification may be one of the best ways to
produce clean-burning hydrogen for tomorrow's automobiles and power generating fuel cells.
Hydrogen and other coal gases can also be used to fuel power generating turbines or as the
chemical "building blocks" for a wide range of commercial products.

Lesson 3: The existing laws and regulations , policy and water quality standards with emphasis
on Philippine clean water act of 2004

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lessons the students will be able to

 Identify and explain the Existing laws and regulations, policy and water quality standards with
emphasis on Philippine clean water act .

Time Frame: 1 week

Introduction:

This lesson will give information on the existing laws and regulations, policy and water
quality standards in agricultural waste engineering which gives emphasis on Philippine clean
water act of 2004 and Philippine Clean Air Act.

Activity:

1. List laws (as many as you can) that are related to Agricultural Waste Management
Engineering.
Abstraction:

REPUBLIC ACT 9275 “Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.”

“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”

 Why the need for the Clean Water Act?

As early as 1996, monitoring of the country’s rivers showed that only 51% of the classified
rivers still met the standards for their most beneficial use. The rest were already polluted from
domestic, industrial and agricultural sources.

Most studies point to the fact that domestic wastewater is the principal cause of organic
pollution (at 48%) of our water bodies. Yet, only 3% of investments in water supply and
sanitation were going to sanitation and sewage treatment.

A recent World Bank report pointed out that Metro Manila was second to the lowest in sewer
connections among major cities in Asia and less than 7% compared to 20% for Katmandu, Nepal
and 30% for Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Thirty-one percent (31%) of all illnesses in the country are attributed to polluted waters.
Clearly, to ensure access to clean water for all Filipinos, it was imperative that government put
together a comprehensive strategy to protect water quality.
  What is the Clean Water Act?

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275) aims to protect the
country’s water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries and commercial
establishments, agriculture and community/household activities). It provides for a
comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-
sectoral and participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

Highlights of the Clean Water Act

 How will water quality be managed?

Management of water quality will either be based on watershed, river basin or water
resources region. Water quality management areas with similar hydrological, hydrogeological,
meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the reaction and diffusion of pollutants in
water bodies are to be designated by the DENR in coordination with the National Water
Resources Board (NWRB).

 Who will manage these areas?

Management will be localized. Multi-sectoral governing boards will be established to

manage water quality issues within their jurisdiction.

 Who are the members of the Governing Boards?

Governing Boards shall be composed of representatives of mayors and governors as well as

local government units, representatives of relevant national government agencies, duly registered
non-government organizations, the concerned water utility sector and the business sector.

 What are the functions of the Governing Boards?

The Governing Boards will formulate strategies to coordinate policies necessary for the
effective implementation of this Act. They will create a multi-sectoral group to establish and
effect water quality surveillance and monitoring.
  How will discharges of wastewater be controlled?

All owners or operators of facilities that discharge wastewater are required to get a permit to
discharge from the DENR or the Laguna Lake Development Authority. Existing industries
without any permit are given 12 months from the effectivity of the implementing rules and
regulations (IRR) promulgated pursuant to this Act to secure a permit to discharge.

 How will domestic wastewater be addressed?

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with local
government units will prepare a national program on sewage and septage management not later
than 12 months from effectivity of this Act. A priority list will likewise be prepared which will
be the basis for the allotment of funds on an annual basis by the national government for the
construction and rehabilitation of required facilities.

On the other hand, LGUs are to provide the land including road right of the way for the
construction of sewage and/or septage treatment facilities and raise funds for the operations and
maintenance of said facilities.

The Department of Health (DOH) will formulate guidelines and standards for the
collection, treatment and disposal of sewage as well as the guidelines for the establishment and
operation of centralized sewage treatment system. The MWSS and other agencies mandated to
provide water supply and sewerage facilities are required to connect existing sewage lines,
subject to the payment of sewerage service charges/fees within five years following effectivity of
this Act.

All sources of sewage and septage are required to comply with the law.

 How will the discharge of wastewater be discouraged?

Anyone discharging wastewater into a water body will have to pay a wastewater charge. This
economic instrument which will be developed in consultation with all concerned stakeholders is
expected to encourage investments in cleaner production and pollution control technologies to
reduce the amount of pollutants generated and discharged.
Effluent trading per management area will also be allowed.

Rewards will also be given to those whose wastewater discharge is better than the water
quality criteria of the receiving body of water. Fiscal and non-fiscal incentives will also be given
to LGUs, water districts, enterprise, private entities and individuals who develop and undertake
outstanding and innovative projects in water quality management.

 What safeguards are provided for?

All possible dischargers are required to put up an environmental guarantee fund (EGF) as
part of their environmental management plan. The EGF will finance the conservation of
watersheds and aquifers, and the needs of emergency response, clean up or rehabilitation.

 What are the prohibited acts under R.A. 9275?

Among others, the Act prohibits the following:

1. Discharging or depositing any water pollutant to the water body, or such which
will impede natural flow in the water body
2. Discharging, injecting or allowing to enter into the soil, anything that would
pollute groundwater
3. Operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without the valid
required permits
4. Disposal of potentially infectious medical waste into sea by vessels
5. Unauthorized transport or dumping into waters of sewage sludge or solid waste.
6. Transport, dumping or discharge of prohibited chemicals, substances or pollutants
listed under Toxic Chemicals, Hazardous and Nuclear
7. Wastes Control Act (Republic.Act No. 6969)
8. Discharging regulated water pollutants without the valid required discharge
permit pursuant to this Act
 9. Noncompliance of the LGU with the Water Quality Framework and Management
Area Action Plan
10. Refusal to allow entry, inspection and monitoring as well as access to reports and
records by the DENR in accordance with this Act
11. Refusal or failure to submit reports and/or designate pollution control officers
whenever required by the DENR in accordance with this Act
12. Directly using booster pumps in the distribution system or tampering with the
water supply in such a way to alter or impair the water quality
13. Operate facilities that discharge or allow to seep, willfully or through grave
negligence, prohibited chemicals, substances, or pollutants listed under R.A. No.
6969, into water bodies.
14. Undertake activities or development and expansion of projects, or operating
wastewater treatment/sewerage facilities in violation of P.D.1586 and its IRR.

 What are the fines and penalties imposed on polluters?

The following are among the fines and penalties for violators of this Act and its IRR:

Upon the recommendation of the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB), anyone who
commits prohibited acts such as discharging untreated wastewater into any water body will be
fined for every day of violation, the amount of not less than Php 10,000 but not more than Php
200,000.

Failure to undertake clean-up operations willfully shall be punished by imprisonment of

not less than two years and not more than four years. This also includes a fine of not less than
Php 50,000 and not more than Php 100,000 per day of violation. Failure or refusal to clean up
which results in serious injury or loss of life or lead to irreversible water contamination of
surface, ground, coastal and marine water shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than 6
years and 1 day and not more than 12 years and a fine of Php 500,000/day for each day the
contamination or omission continues.
 In cases of gross violation, a fine of not less than Php 500,000 but not more than Php
3,000,000 will be imposed for each day of violation. Criminal charges may also be filed.

 Who should implement the Clean Water Act?

The DENR is the primary government agency responsible for the implementation and
enforcement of this Act, with the support of other government organizations, local government
units, non -government organizations and the private sector.

Towards this end, the DENR will review and set affluent standards, review and enforce water
quality guidelines, classify groundwater sources and prepare a national groundwater
vulnerability map, classify or reclassify water bodies, establish internationally accepted
procedures for sampling and analysis, prepare an integrated water quality management
framework and subsequently prepare 10-year management plans for each water management
area.

The roles of other key government agencies are:

• The Philippine Coast Guard shall enforce water quality standards in marine waters, specifically
from offshore sources.
• The Department of Public Works and Highways through its attached agencies shall provide
sewerage and sanitation facilities, and the efficient and safe collection, treatment and disposal of
sewage within their area of jurisdiction.
• The Department of Agriculture shall formulate guidelines for the re-use of wastewater for
irrigation and other agricultural uses and for the prevention, control and abatement of pollution
from agricultural and aquaculture activities.
• The Department of Health shall set, revise and enforce drinking water quality standards.
• The Department of Science and Technology shall evaluate, verify, develop and disseminate
pollution prevention and cleaner production technologies.
• The Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Interior and
Local Government, and the Philippine Information Agency shall prepare and implement a
comprehensive and continuing public education and information program.

Application:

Quiz 1.

Answer the following questions briefly:

1. What have you learned about RA 9275?

2. What do you think can agricultural engineer contribute in implementation of the Philippine
water act of 2004 and Philippine Clean Air act?

Module Assessment
 Part I

Direction: Answer the following questions. Write your answer in a clean bond paper.
Reminder: Kindly answer all the questions briefly.

1. Discuss the effects of agricultural waste disposal to environment.

2. Discuss the role of agricultural and biosystems engineer in waste utilization.

 Part II

Instruction: Submit report on what have you learned about the free webinar on
Agricultural waste management and biogas technology.

“WEBINAR ON AGRICULTURAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND BIOGAS

TECHNOLOGY “

SPEAKER: ENGR. ELMO T. BARRA

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Central Bicol State
University of Agriculture

Facebook live link:

https://web.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=449781272977636&ref=watch_permalink
  Part III

1. Laboratory exercise 1: Terminologies on waste management engineering

2. Laboratory exercise no. 2 : Compilation on different laws of waste management
Closure:

Congratulations and job well done. You’ve just finished module 1. If there are some parts of the
lesson that needs clarification, don’t hesitate to ask assistance from your instructor.
 Now if youre ready lets continue exploring module 2 , which is all about “Soil and Plant
Waste Management “.

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