Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
affecting the environment, even in a society that is perhaps the greatest
waste producer in the world, the United States. However, most of these per-
ceptions are wrong and due to misinformation from the defenders of the
stainless steel industry, which should begin to feel the shudder from these
plastic parts. Would there be a time soon when there will be biodegrade-
able bioreactors? Perhaps. Would there be a time soon when there will be
nonleaching bioreactors and other plastic components? Perhaps sooner than
later. However, until such changes come about, the manufacturer should
realize that a lot of work goes into developing these components, and equip-
ment suppliers are not likely to switch over to different materials from the
ones they have had a lot of experience working with. Design and material
changes are difficult to make, as it requires a tremendous amount of valida-
tion work to ensure that a component would work as it is supposed to every
time it is used. Table 12.1 gives an overview of comparisons of various dis-
posal options:
The environmental hazard threat from disposable components is
unfounded; more so, when we look at the overall threat by other such
risks.
TABLE 12.1
At-a-glance comparison of single-use bioprocess system disposal options
Option
Advantages
Disadvantages
Landfill, untreated
Lowest operating cost, no
capital cost
Not an option for hazardous
waste; perceived as
environmentally unfriendly
Landfill, treated
Inexpensive, no capital cost
Perceived as environmentally
unfriendly
Grind, autoclave, and landfill
Generally accepted as safe,
reduces landfill volume
Significant capital cost,
requires extra handling
Recycling
Environmentally appealing
Impractical for mixed
materials
Incinerate
Generally accepted as safe
May be legally restricted and
costly
Incinerate with generation of
stem or electricity
(cogeneration)
Most environmentally
benign, some return on
investment
May be legally restricted, and
presents the highest capital
cost
Pyrolysis
Produces usable pure
diesel fuel; fuel produced
burns more cleanly than
that produced from a
refinery
New technology—few
options available; subpar
efficiency
Source:
http://www.bpsalliance.org/
