Research Interests
Research keywords:
sustainable waste management system
landfill design and operation
reuse of waste material
recycling and waste minimization
data driven waste policy
evidence-based standards and guidelines
waste modelling
illegal dumping and littering
Research interests:
My principal research interests are in the fields of environmental geotechnics and sustainable solid waste treatment. My ultimate research goal is to acquire the necessary knowledge that has valuable impact on geo-environmental practice and regulatory policies. I like to establish the theoretical background for the next-generation waste containment systems which are reliable, cost-effective and environmental friendly. Traditionally the design principles of waste management system have borrowed heavily on past experience and empirical equations. While this approach was accepted in the past for its simplicity, its unreliable performance failed to keep up with today’s emerging environmental standards. I like to provide engineering solutions that are based on sound scientific principles and are practical to implement.
Within the broad area of geo-environmental engineering, my latest research projects specifically address to the following key topics:
Development of sustainable waste management systems (WMS)
Use of novel environmental metrics and indices
Waste generation characteristics and recycling practices in Northern and remote communities
Diversion programs and policy on non-residential wastes
Waste economy and policy
Waste collection and transfer
Solar-powered smart bins
Dual-stage optimization on waste collection
GIS based vehicle routing problem
Waste containment system design and operation
Waste site selection using remote sensing data
Design standards and guidelines
The role of daily/intermediate covers on the geo-environmental performance of sanitary landfill
Pseudo-FOD landfill gas modeling and assessment of emission impacts
Leachate migration and groundwater quality at unlined landfills
Others:
Beneficial reuse of waste materials in civil and environmental applications
Cigarette butts littering and indoor smoking policy
The use of UAVs and drones in waste studies
Environmental geotechnics and waste mechanics
Student researchers wanted:
Individuals interested in pursuing graduate studies (or as undergraduate assistants) in the above areas are encouraged to contact me (kelvin.ng@uregina.ca).
Last updated: Feb, 2022.