A REVIEW OF POLYMERIC GEOSYNTHETICS USED IN HAZARDOUS-WASTE FACILITIES

The generation of hazardous wastes from various sources including chemical industries, hospitals, households, etc., is a worldwide problem and is particularly acute in the United States. The petrochemical and refinery industries produce about 70% of this waste. Geographically, the greatest production of hazardous wastes is known to occur along the United State Gulf coast. Presently, it is estimated that about 80% of the total waste remains toxic for years or even centuries. Inappropriate disposal of these wastes on land creates the risk of contaminating ground water and vegetation causing adverse health effects. This review addresses the geotechnical aspects of the problems related to the management of hazardous waste by the use of polymeric materials as 'barriers'. Important findings of research efforts on this topic from 1980 through mid-1994 are discussed. The review gives an awareness to the general public and addresses points of interest to field engineers and technologists for the proper handling of wastes by the use of the polymeric geosynthetics acting as membranes or barriers.