Anthropogenic Waste Research Articles

Floating Debris in the Low Segura River Basin (Spain): Avoiding Litter through the Irrigation Network

The Vega Baja region lays on the lower course of the Segura River (southeastern Spain). It is one of the six traditional “huerta” European landscapes and has an ancient, extensive, and complex network of irrigation and drainage channels. The accumulation of floating waste causes numerous economic, environmental, and landscape problems in its irrigation infrastructures, hindering farmers’ water management practices. This work classifies and estimates the total volume of floating waste at various points along the Segura River and its irrigation channels as a first systematic approach to define and quantify the problem of floating waste accumulation. Aerial images taken by a drone were analyzed over time and a manual count of residues was performed on selected points. The results obtained show that reeds and residues of riparian vegetation represent more than 95% of the floating debris volume measured on the riverbed. Anthropogenic waste, which represents less than 5% of debris volume, was characterized, finding that plastics of domestic sources are the most abundant by count (14.9%) and only a reduced part of the floating waste can be attributed to agricultural activities (3.8%). Assessing the type and origin of the floating waste is essential to inform the actions required in order to avoid the floating waste reaching the Mediterranean Sea.

Flying the extra mile pays-off: Foraging on anthropogenic waste as a time and energy-saving strategy in a generalist bird

Food waste disposal represents a major global source of predictable anthropogenic food subsidies and is exploited by many organisms. However, the energetic cost-benefits of foraging on these food subsidies have remained largely unexplored. Here we investigate the year-round foraging decisions of resident white storks, Ciconia ciconia, in Iberia, and assess the energetic and time cost-benefits of foraging on both landfill waste and natural food sources. To do so, we use GPS and acceleration data from 55 individuals tagged in southern Portugal between 2016 and 2019. We find that the probability of attending landfill sites was 60% during the non-breeding season and 44% during the breeding season. Moreover, foraging on landfill waste is a time- and energy-saving strategy; although birds had to travel 20% further to exploit this resource during the breeding period, they spent overall 10% less energy than when foraging on natural prey. We show that this relationship could be mediated by a reduction in foraging time and an increase in foraging efficiency while exploiting landfill waste. Surprisingly, we do not find any evidence that landfill specialists experienced any competitive advantage during landfill exploitation over birds that visit landfills occasionally. These insights are key to predict how species that rely on landfills can be affected by waste reduction initiatives planned by the European Union, and implement the necessary management strategies.

Co-Digestion of Household Black Water with Kitchen Waste for a Sustainable Decentralized Waste Management: Biochemical Methane Potential and Mixing Ratios Effects

The generation of anthropogenic wastes, such as household human feces and kitchen waste, has resulted in a severe environmental impact. Sustainable management approaches to address disposal challenges and harness potential nutrient and energy values are urgently needed. This investigation assessed the anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and black water to identify the biochemical methane potential. The household kitchen waste showed improved performance at a dilution ratio of 50% with biochemical methane potential of 265 mL CH4/g volatile solid (VS), and that of the black water was 220 mL CH4/g VS without dilution. This trend indicates their easy biodegradation/digestibility and potential for energy recovery. The kitchen waste equal mix ratio of 50% v/v with the black water had the highest biochemical methane potential of 295.13 mL CH4/g VS when co-digested. High performance was due to the comparative balance in substrate concentrations that offered robust methanogenic activities without inhibitions. The effluent total chemical oxygen demand reduction of ∼90% and other physicochemical parameters showed that the codigestion treatment (kitchen waste and black water 50:50% v/v) was efficient. The codigestion route could offer a decentralized wastewater management system for energy recovery.

Abundance, composition and fluxes of plastic debris and other macrolitter in urban runoff in a suburban catchment of Greater Paris

Stormwater possibly represents a significant input for plastic debris in the environment; however, the quantification and composition of plastic debris and other macrolitter in stormwater are not available in literature and the amounts discharged into freshwater have been poorly investigated. To obtain a better understanding, the occurrence, abundance, and composition of the macrolitter in screened materials from stormwater were investigated at a small residential suburban catchment (Sucy-en-Brie, France) in Greater Paris. The macrolitter, particularly the plastic debris, was sorted, weighed, and classified based on the OSPAR methodology. On average, plastics accounted for at least 62% in number and for 53% of the mass of all the anthropogenic waste found in the screened materials. The most common items were plastic bags or films, crisp or sweet packets, cigarette butts, plastic fragments of unknown origin, garbage bags or garbage bag strings, foil wrappers, tampon applicators, plastic cups, and medical items such as bandages. Plastic debris concentrations in runoff water ranged between 7 and 134 mg/m3 (i.e. 0.4–1.7 kg.yr−1.ha−1 or 4.8–18.8 g.yr−1.cap−1). When extrapolated to the Greater Paris area, the estimated amount of plastic debris discarded into the environment through untreated stormwater of separate sewer systems ranges from 8 to 33 tons.yr−1.

Study of environmental safety of construction ceramics produced using anthropogenic waste

The study presents the research results confirming environmental safety of the ceramic material used for construction purposes, produced basing on low-plasticity clay from the Vladimir region with the introduction of 2.5 wt. % boric acid, 5 wt. % of electroplating sludge and 30 wt. % of cullet. The material environmental safety has been previously confirmed by Daphnia mortality method in diurnal water extracts from the chipped ceramic material samples, including possible mechanical damage and deterioration during the operation. The experimental studies embraced the determination of heavy metal ions concentration in diurnal extracts from the chipped ceramic material samples in neutral and acidic media. Additional studies dealing with the heavy metals migration into the extracts were carried out in static mode during 20 days. The research results confirm the environmental safety of ceramic material in neutral and acidic media during the heavy metals immobilization, caused by ceramics self-glazing and vitrification. The research results proved that the production of the developed material will expand the regional raw material base, will contribute to the utilization of large-capacity and toxic waste with simultaneous manufacturing of high-quality and environmentally friendly construction products for new buildings construction or existing buildings and structures reconstruction.

Evaluation of Physicochemical and Biological Parameters on the Water Quality of ShilabatiRiver, West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic activities affect the rivers and the entire basin in different dimensions. All the river basins including Ganga and Damodar are polluted from unplanned anthropogenic activities. This study is an attempt to access the quality of Shilabati River by computing water quality and pollution index using eleven parameters pH, COD, BOD, DO, TDS, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Phosphate, Chloride, Nitrate, and Turbidity measured at eighteen different sites. The BOD and TC counts are found to be 2.45 mg/l and 9334 MPN/100 ml; which reveal that the river water falls under the moderately polluted category of Central Pollution Control Board. The high phosphate concentration suggests a heavy load of anthropogenic and industrial wastes and contributes to the rise in COD and BOD. The high phosphate concentrations also account for the eutrophic water. The physicochemical parameters fall mostly under the E category of Central Pollution Control Board. The Water Quality Index, Comprehensive Pollution Index, and Eutrophication index values show that the river water quality is poor and seriously polluted indicating that the water is not suitable for drinking, domestic purpose, and also for healthy survival of aquatic life and needs urgent management.

Fatalities In Dromedary Camels Across The Arabian Peninsula Caused By Plastic Waste

Ecological impacts of widespread, plastic pollution and subsequent ingestion of anthropogenic waste, primarily plastic bags and ropes by dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and across the Arabian Peninsula is reported here. The ingested waste is turned into a collection of tightly packed indigestible materials which can include plastics, ropes, other litter and salt deposits trapped in the stomach or digestive tract forming a large stone-like mass termed as plastic gastroliths or polybezoars. Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), Dubai, UAE evaluated more than 30,000 camels since 2008, there have been 300 documented deaths contributed to polybezoars in the stomach. Here, we analyse a subset of five gastroliths extracted from dessicated camel skeletons found in the desert, weighing from 6.2-53.6 kg. Two random samples of anthropogenic material, primarily plastic bags and synthetic ropes, from each of these five polybezoars were analysed for polymer content, showing predominantly polyethylene and polypropylene. Gastrointestinal blockages were caused by these polybezoars, leading to sepsis from multiplying populations of gut anaerobes, and dehydration and malnutrition due to limited available space for food and water in the gut, which leads to a false sense of satiation. The frequency of these impacts result in a population-level effect of an estimated 1 % mortality rate for camels living in the region. The force of high winds and the open desert environment possibly lead to escape of plastic bags and other thin, film-like packaging easily force open waste bins and landfills, travelling long distances from waste management services, therefore, alternative systems are urgently required for package and deliver goods to replace plastic bags throughout the region of Arabian peninsula.

Processing of Anthropogenic Waste of Smelters of the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company


 
 
 The industrial sites of the smelters of the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company have accumulated a lot of anthropogenic waste, the processing of which is currently economically impractical. These primarily include tailings and beneficiation tailings, as well as waste granulated and copper smelting slag. This article conducts studies on technologies for x-ray-radiometric/magnetic separation enrichment of discard slags of MMSK as well as using jigging machines. Slag and slag enrichment tailings are used for cement production and road construction. For complex processing of fine copper smelting dusts OJSC Chelyabinsk zinc plant developed, tested and implemented a special technology. After implementation of ”Actions to process industrial waste generated by UMMC enterprises at metallurgical enterprises of UMMC-Holding Corp.”, the following were noted: concentrators and special beneficiation facilities process slag; R&D on complete processing of concentrator’s tailings was conducted; smelting dust was not stored but processed in full; the technology of implementing Waelz process for processing of steel smelting dust has been developed and commercially tested; the technology for extraction of copper and precious metals from pyrite dross is to be improved.
 
 
 
 Keywords: anthropogenic waste, dust, tailings, slag, pyrite dross
 
 
 
 
 

Potential Sources of Ammonium-Nitrogen in the Coastal Groundwater Determined from a Combined Analysis of Nitrogen Isotope, Biological and Geological Parameters, and Land Use

The origin of ammonium-nitrogen in Indonesian coastal groundwater has not been intensively examined, meanwhile the elevated concentration remains a concern. This research aims at tracing the potential sources of ammonium-nitrogen in the groundwater of Indramayu, Indonesia where groundwater is vital for livelihood. From results, a combined examination of nitrogen isotope, coliform bacteria, land-use, and geology confirmed the natural and anthropogenic origins of ammonium-nitrogen in the groundwater. In the brackish-water aquaculture region, groundwater has δ15NNH4 values from +1.8 to +4.8‰ signifying that ammonium-nitrogen is derived from mineralization of organic nitrogen to ammonium. Furthermore, ammonium has a significantly positive relationship with sodium indicating the exchangeable ammonium is mobilized to groundwater via cation exchange. Meanwhile ammonium-nitrogen from anthropogenic waste was detected in agricultural and residential region. The groundwater has more varied δ15NNH4 values, from −2.9 to +16.1‰, which implies attenuation of ammonium-nitrogen from several sources namely manure, mineral fertilizer, sewage, and pit latrines. Also, the presence of E. coli confirms the indication of human and animal waste contamination. However, since ammonium has no relationship with sodium, cation exchange is not feasible and ammonium-nitrogen flows into the groundwater from anthropogenic sources along with liquid wastes.

Industrial Applications of Dinoflagellate Phycotoxins Based on Their Modes of Action: A Review.

Dinoflagellates are an important group of phytoplanktons, characterized by two dissimilar flagella and distinctive features of both plants and animals. Dinoflagellate-generated harmful algal blooms (HABs) and associated damage frequently occur in coastal areas, which are concomitant with increasing eutrophication and climate change derived from anthropogenic waste and atmospheric carbon dioxide, respectively. The severe damage and harmful effects of dinoflagellate phycotoxins in the fishing industry have been recognized over the past few decades, and the management and monitoring of HABs have attracted much attention, leaving aside the industrial application of their valuable toxins. Specific modes of action of the organisms’ toxins can effectively be utilized for producing beneficial materials, such as Botox and other therapeutic agents. This review aims to explore the potential industrial applications of marine dinoflagellate phycotoxins; furthermore, this review focuses on their modes of action and summarizes the available knowledge on them.

A Dreadful Loop: Can Reverse Zoonosis of COVID-19 Seed Unrestrained Spread and Mutations in Wild Species and Transmission of Novel Strains to Humans?

The disucssion deals with a hypothetical but an emerging scenario: reverse zoonosis and consequences. The infection of SARS-CoV-2 is effectuated by interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor proteins. An immense diversity of mammals can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 via their ACE2 proteins, which has been proven on some 30 species. In a pandemic with numerous locations of community-wide spread of the zoonotic agent, human-animal contacts or anthropogenic wastes carrying SARS-CoV-2 allows reverse zoonosis, namely the transmission of the virus from infected persons to wildlife species. Reverse zoonosis of SARS-CoV-2 may seed unrestrained spread and mutations in wildlife and, at some stage, transmission of novel strains back to humans (“reverse anthroponosis”). With no human intervention, spontaneous behaviors of wildlife such as foraging, predation, mating, and defecating enable both in-species and cross-species transmission, facilitating genotype changes and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in various wildlife reservoirs. Multiple studies showed the complex evolutionary origin of SARS-CoV-2, which is susceptible to further mutations with its transmission between different hosts and species. As of week 21, 2020, a total of 11,627 genomes (34%) of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from humans showed single mutations, and there have been at least six published cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections around the globe since the first case appeared in Hong Kong on Aug 24, 2020. In all six cases, viral strains isolated from reinfected individuals showed substantial genetic differences from those causing their first infection. Although there has been no report on mutated SARS-CoV-2 strains from infected animals, COVID-19 is an evolving situation and recent accounts of clustered infections in farmed minks and reports of human-to-animal transmission in a New York zoo and in a Dutch mink farm highlighted these risks. Should reverse zoonosis occur on a considerable scale, mutated viruses may then spillover to humans again through different natural or intermediate hosts, forming a dangerous loop of zoonosis, anthroponosis, and reverse anthroponosis of the evolving virus between humans and other hosts. Once transmitted to humans, those novels strains will pose new challenges for future infection control by causing reinfections, re-emergent outbreaks, and rendering current vaccines less effective. In this article, we present this hypothesis based on emerging evidence on two-way spillover of SARS-CoV-2 between humans and animals, and call for early intervention with strategies proposed to prevent the risks down the road.

Spatial and seasonal variability of the planktonic ciliates assemblages along the Eastern Mediterranean Coast (Sfax coast, Tunisia)

In the present study we investigated the effects of restoration (northern coast) and anthropization (southern coast) on the spatial and seasonal distribution of ciliates communities in relation to environmental factors in coastal Sfax area. The low pH value was attributed to anthropogenic waste inputs around the southern coast. The nutrients concentrations, recorded in the southern coast, were higher than those recorded in the northern coast. Analyses demonstrated that ciliates communities’ structures showed significant differences between the northern and southern parts of the sampling coast (F = 6.54, df = 12, p < 0.001). Ciliates diversity was significantly more important in the southern coast (65 taxa) than in the northern coast (40 taxa). The ciliates abundance was 6.33 ×102±3.38× 102 cells L−1 in northern stations. The abundance of ciliates was high over the whole southern coast (12.12×102±3.78× 102 cells L−1), which increased during summer (27 × 102 cells L−1at station 1), and decreased during the spring (3 × 102 cells L−1at station 3). Tintinnids abundance was higher than naked ciliates abundance reported for all seasons, both in the north and south Sfax coast. Some tintinnids species, like Tintinnopsis beroidea, Tintinnopsis nana and Tintinnopsis parvula attained important abundance in the southern area, because they are able to survive under adverse conditions owing to its adaptive strategies. Tintinnidium balechi was a dominant and common species, with high occurrence and represented an important contributor to the ciliate communities. Pearson’s correlation coefficients showed that the seasonal ciliates variations were significantly correlated with nutrients (total nitrogen with tintinnids and orthophosphate plus total phosphate with naked ciliates).

ESTUDIO INTEGRAL DE LA CALIDAD DEL AGUA EN EL LITORAL DEL PUERTO SAN CARLOS, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MÉXICO

Physical, chemical and biological parameters were measured in March and November 2014. These water analyses were carried out at 22 sites on the coast of Puerto San Carlos (Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico), with the objective of assessing water quality and identifying possible sources of water pollution and its status according to Mexican regulations. The study area was divided into three zones according to its main activity: (1) thermoelectric power station, (2) fiscal port harbor and (3) San Carlos estuary, adjacent to the to the town of the same name. The measured physical, chemical and biological parameters were temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, nutrients, dissolved trace metals, and coliform bacteria. The results showed poor water quality in the three areas studied, in accordance with NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996 and the ecological criteria for water quality CE-CCA-001/89, in particular regarding phosphate, ammonium, and silicate (unregulated) concentrations, as well as the presence of Escherichia coli . The three zones are considered sources of anthropogenic contamination whose impact is greater in the warmest month and dead tides, probably due to the entry of water contaminated by anthropogenic waste derivatives. According to the sanitary authorities of the state of Baja California Sur, the certification of water quality in Magdalena Bay has been variable: it was not certified in 2014, whilst in the period 2015-2017 it was re-certified. Although this region is an important touristic and fishing site, it is at risk of contamination due to the lack of a wastewater treatment system in the town and the inadequate disposal of raw sewage from the port.

Anthropogenic materials used by birds to nest in an urban landscape of Costa Rica

Throughout the Anthropocene, urbanization has changed the environment for birds, modifying the types and abundance of available materials to build their nests. Discarded plastics and other anthropogenic materials are very abundant in urbanized and agricultural areas and are being used by birds to build nests, constituting a potential threat to them. Objective: To evaluate the materials used for several species of birds living in an urbanized environment. Methods: We evaluated the composition of 20 nests of several species of birds found in the campus of Universidad Nacional. Results: 52.6% of nests contained some sort of waste classified in 13 types of anthropogenic materials, where the most common were wool, strings and thread. The species with the highest percentage of nest weight comprised by anthropogenic material was Campylorhynchus rufinucha Conclusions: Our results demonstrates the widespread use of anthropogenic waste as nesting material.

The plight of camels eating plastic waste

Ecological impacts of plastic pollution are widespread, in all biomes and geographies. Here, we report the ingestion of anthropogenic waste, primarily plastic bags and rope by dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has led to a regional mortality rate of 1%. We define the ingested waste as a polybezoar, a collection of tightly packed indigestible materials which can include plastics, ropes, other litter and salt deposits trapped in the stomach or digestive tract forming a large stone-like mass. In the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) in Dubai, UAE, of the more than 30,000 camels evaluated from the region since 2008, there have been 300 camels observed post-mortem with polybezoars in their stomach, from both camels in the CRVL or recovered from desiccated skeletons found in the desert. Here, we analyze a subset of five polybezoars ranging from 6.2 to 63.6 kg. Polybeozars lead to gastrointestinal blockages, sepsis from increased gut bacteria, dehydration and malnutrition. Due to high winds and the open desert environment, plastic bags and other film packaging escape open waste bins and landfills, traveling long distances; therefore we suggest improved waste management and alternative systems to package and deliver goods throughout the region.

It's the product not the polymer: Rethinking plastic pollution

AbstractMismanaged plastic waste poses a complex threat to the environments that it contaminates, generating considerable concern from academia, industry, politicians, and the general public. This concern has driven global action that presents a unique opportunity for widespread environmental engagement beyond the immediate problem of the persistence of plastic in the environment. But for such an opportunity to be realized, it is vital that the realities of plastic waste are not misrepresented or exaggerated. Hotspots of plastic pollution, which are often international in their source, present complex environmental problems in certain parts of the world. Here we argue, however, that the current discourse on plastic waste overshadows greater threats to the environment and society at a global scale. Antiplastic sentiments have been exploited by politicians and industry, where reducing consumers' plastic footprints are often confused by the seldom‐challenged veil of environmental consumerism, or “greenwashing.” Plastic is integral to much of modern day life, and regularly represents the greener facilitator of society's consumption. We conclude that it is the product, not the polymer that is driving the issue of plastic waste. Contemporary consumption and disposal practices are the root of much of the anthropogenic waste in the environment, plastic, or not. Effective environmental action to minimize plastic in the environment should be motivated by changes in consumption practices, policies, and product design, and should be informed by objective science and legislation.This article is categorized under:Science of Water &gt; Hydrological Processes

Anthropogenic debris in the digestive tract of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) stranded in Golfo Nuevo, Argentina

Over the past fifty years, interactions between anthropogenic debris and a wide range of marine species have increased. In cetaceans, the most frequent interactions have occurred through ingestion and/or entanglement, with results ranging from minor injuries to death in affected animals. While debris ingestion is widely documented in odontocetes, records are scarcer in mysticetes. This study describes the finding of plastic litter in the digestive tract of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) juvenile male, which was found dead on the shores of Golfo Nuevo, Chubut, Argentina in 2014. During the examination of intestinal contents, anthropogenic waste was found and classified as macro-debris (25 mm-1 m). Although this whale likely died of causes not related to this finding, it is the first record of anthropogenic debris ingestion for this species. This event adds information about the potential impact of human-made debris on a variety of aquatic species and ecosystems.

Associations between human bacterial pathogens and ARGs are magnified in leachates as landfill ages

Landfills constitute the largest treatment and disposal reservoirs of anthropogenic waste on earth and they are continuously releasing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to the environment for decades via leachates. Little is known about the association between ARGs and human bacterial pathogens as a function of time. Here, we quantified 10 subtypes of ARGs, integrons, and human bacterial pathogens (HBPs). Except for the ARGs encoding resistance to sulfonamides, the subtypes encoding resistance to beta-lactams, macrolides, and aminoglycosides were not related to integrons (Spearman, P > 0.05). Over time presence of ARGs became increasingly more correlated with the presence of human bacterial pathogens (Procrustes test; R = 0.81, P < 0.05), which were primarily identified as the Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Rather than the prevalence of integrons, dynamics of the bacterial community, including the increased nitrogen metabolism activity of Proteobacteria and decreased bacterial diversity were assumed to lead to a magnified association between HBPs and target ARGs (Varpart; > 13%).

Sedimentary organic matter composition from tropical ports with distinct geographic and morpho-hydrodynamic characteristics: Evaluation through multiple biochemical markers

Increasing coastal urbanization and shipping activity-related environmental pollution advocate the importance of assessment of port ecosystems. Fatty acid biomarkers, elemental components, and biopolymers were used to evaluate the composition of sedimentary organic matter and benthic trophic status of Kolkata (freshwater, enclosed docks) and Kandla (seawater, macrotidal) ports of India. The sediment fatty acid composition indicated relatively fresh and energy-rich organic matter of phytoplankton and bacterial origin inside Kolkata port than the outside riverine station and Kandla port. Biopolymeric carbon (BPC), used as an indicator of trophic status, revealed eutrophic condition in Kolkata port with high accumulation of organic matter of autochthonous origin, attributed to poor water flushing and input of anthropogenic wastes. In contrast, Kandla port was meso-oligotrophic, rich in bacteria, and terrestrial plant-derived materials. Such an assessment of ports' trophic status helps to evaluate the health of the ecosystem and in management practices.

Unlocking the Fertilizer Potential of Waste-Derived Biochar

Mankind is facing a phosphorus (P) crisis. P recycling from anthropogenic waste is critical to close the P loop. Pyrolysis could be the ideal treatment for materials, such as sewage sludge (SS), pr...