Cadmium and lead flow analysis as a decisions support data for waste management

Abstract

Striving for EU membership, the Republic of Serbia must adjust its waste management practices to comply with EU directives, including targets to reduce biodegradable waste disposal in landfills, as outlined in its Waste Management Program 2022 - 2031. Cadmium and lead, two highly toxic heavy metals, that are present in municipal solid waste, can pose high environmental and human health threats if not properly managed. The research evaluates how different technologies for biodegradable waste treatment influence the transformation of cadmium and lead flows through waste management systems. Hence, two waste management scenarios were modelled and developed for the Republic of Serbia, where the flows of cadmium and lead are monitored. The results indicate the differences between quantities and concentrations of cadmium and lead emitted in environmental media, thus confirming the various impacts of different waste technologies on achieving the vital goal of waste management - protection of the human health and the environment. The research concludes the crucial role of the versatile approach, where the quality of waste management outputs are highlighted.