Glossary

Recovery of raw materials from waste, their re-introduction into the economic cycle and use in the creation of new products.

Procedure whereby waste is broken down mechanically before being biologically decomposed (e.g. through composting).

Combination of ->activated sludge procedure and membrane filtration. The aim of this process is the extensive cleaning of biologically contaminated wastewater such that it can be used as service or process water.

Use of a filter applied to a supporting layer for removing anything from tiniest particles to dissolved substances from wastewater. Depending on the individual application, the filter material can be made of stainless steel, plastic or textile fabric.

Pd is the chemical symbol for palladium, a white transition metal that belongs to the platinum group of metals and is thus also a precious metal. Palladium is an excellent catalyst for the acceleration of chemical reactions. Its uses include dechlorination in water treatment, for which it is finely distributed across membranes.

Possessing a balanced, moderate nutrient level. Condition of water bodies between nutrient-rich (-> Eutrophic) and nutrient-poor (->Oligotrophic).

Colourless, volatile organic compound. MTBE/vapour/air mixtures are highly flammable and explosive. Primarily used as an antiknock agent in gasoline.

Chemical substances used to kill microbes (virucides for viruses, bactericides for bacteria, fungicides for fungi etc.). They belong to the group of -> biocides and are contained in many paints, cleaning agents and cosmetics, primarily to ensure long shelf lives.

Community of micro-organisms.

Physical (mechanical) ->membrane (separation) procedure (filtration method). All substances within a liquid that are larger than the membrane pores are retained by the membrane. Filtration using membranes with a pore size > 0.1 micrometer is known as “microfiltration”, while pore sizes < 0.1 micrometer are used in “ultra-filtration”.

Eight development objectives agreed by the heads of state and government of 189 countries in the Millennium Declaration of 2000. The goals, which originate from four spheres of action (1. Peace, security and disarmament, 2. Development and eradication of poverty, 3. Protection of our shared environment, 4. Human rights, democracy and good governance) and have a primary aim of securing a sustainable future, are to be implemented by 2015.

Conversion to inorganic substances.

The mixed-in-place procedure (MIP) is used to create vertical concrete walls in the soil. The ground is mixed with a cement suspension thus forming a concrete-soil structure. The main advantage of this process is that no other materials are required. The procedure is used to seal off landfills and contaminated sites.

Dynamic formation of landforms through erosion and sedimentation, e.g. due to weather effects or hydrological processes.

Relating to the external form.