Abstract
Inappropriate treatment and disposal of waste containing biohazardous materials occurs especially in developing countries and can lead to adverse effects on public and occupational health and safety, as well as on the environment. For the treatment of biohazardous waste, microwave irradiation is an emerging tool. It is a misbelief that microwave devices cannot be used for inactivation of solid biohazardous waste; however, the inactivation process, and especially the moisture content, has to be strictly controlled, particularly if water is required to be added to the process. Appropriate control allows also inactivation of waste containing inhomogeneous compositions of material with low fluid/moisture content. Where appropriate, especially where control of transport of waste cannot be guaranteed, the waste should be inactivated directly at the place of generation, preferably with a closed waste collection system. In waste containing sufficient moisture, there are direct useful applications, for example the treatment of sewage sludge or human feces. A number of examples of microwave applications with impacts for developing countries are presented in this review. In respect to energy costs and environmental aspects, microwave devices have clear advantages in comparison to autoclaves.
Highlights
In developing countries, a relatively low number of research facilities or commercial companies are working with microorganisms in higher biosafety level (BSL) containments, and a large part of biohazardous waste is generated in hospitals
It is a misbelief that microwave devices cannot be used for inactivation of solid biohazardous waste; the inactivation process, and especially the moisture content, has to be strictly controlled, if water is required to be added to the process
A relatively low number of research facilities or commercial companies are working with microorganisms in higher biosafety level (BSL) containments, and a large part of biohazardous waste is generated in hospitals
Summary
A relatively low number of research facilities or commercial companies are working with microorganisms in higher biosafety level (BSL) containments, and a large part of biohazardous waste is generated in hospitals. Segregation of waste prior to decontamination and/or disposal could be an important factor to save costs, which is especially relevant for low-income countries. The transport from waste generating facilities to the disposal site bears considerable risks [4], but in reality, uncontrolled transport ways within facilities or hospitals from the site of generation to the treatment site should not be disregarded. A variety of waste treatment technologies are available, and there is not one which is optimal for every need. From a variety of different technologies to treat biohazardous waste, microwave irradiation is emerging and may especially be helpful to solve specific issues in developing countries [6]. The aforementioned aspects are highlighted in the context of whether microwave technologies could be an alternative tool for improving the management and treatment of biohazardous waste with a focus on developing countries
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