Abstract Utilization of waste plastics (WPs) as energy and/or chemical sources is an important coal-based routes substitute for hydrocarbons recycling. Pyrolysis of WPs is a promising valorization strategy but suffers from the complexity of products. Herein, we proposed a new process for the pyrolysis of WPs into alkenes in the molten salt (Li 2 CO 3 -Na 2 CO 3 -K 2 CO 3 ) environment. The pyrolysis performance was investigated by using disposable waste mask (DWM) as typical WPs in molten salt reactor. Alkenes (C 2 H 4 and C 3 H 6 ), methane, CO and H 2 are the main products at 700 °C following with an alkene yield of 52.5 wt%. The molten salt acts as heat carrier, reaction medium and pyrolysis catalyst, which enables the fully conversion of disposable waste mask (DWM) into light alkenes and synthesis gas rather than tar or char. The feeding of CO 2 promotes the polyolefins reforming via the reduction of CO 2 into CO and depresses the weak decomposition of carbonates in the molten salts. This study provides a novel process for the efficient conversion of WPs into alkenes, which will be driven by concentrated solar power or waste heat. Graphical Abstract

Introduction Effective management of municipal solid waste (MSW)is a persistent challenge in India, where rapid urbanization and limited infrastructure contribute to unscientific disposal practices. Household (HH) waste constitutes the largest share of MSW, yet reliable data on its generation and composition remain scarce. This study presents a baseline assessment conducted in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, as part of the I-MISS intervention on HH waste segregation. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 215 HHs across slum and non-slum areas. Waste was collected daily for seven consecutive days, sorted into 23 predefined fractions, and analyzed for per capita and per HH-level generation, composition, and mis-sorting. Results Findings reveal an average daily per capita generation of 141.0 g and 146.7 g,and per HH generation of 651.4 g. Organic waste formed the largest fraction (69.1%), followed by plastics, paper, and textiles. Nearly half (48.1%) of the dry waste stream was mis-sorted, mainly due to organic and sanitary fractions being placed incorrectly. Mis-sorting was more pronounced in slum HHs, particularly for sanitary and hazardous sharp waste. Statistical analysis highlighted that family size, house type, and socio-economic status (SES) significantly influenced waste generation patterns, with smaller HHs and middle-income groups producing more waste. Discussion The study underscores the urgent need to strengthen HH-level segregation through targeted behavioral interventions and improved infrastructure. Emphasizing composting, recycling, and the safe disposal of sanitary and hazardous waste can enhance resource recovery and reduce environmental risks. These findings provide crucial evidence to inform urban waste management policies and design locally appropriate, sustainable strategies for Indian cities.

Dialysis therapy is a resource-intensive treatment for end-stage kidney disease that remains highly dependent on in-center hemodialysis in Japan. From both economic and environmental perspectives, it is necessary to reduce energy consumption and resource use, and minimize waste generation to achieve sustainable kidney healthcare. The clinic targeted in this study provides hemodialysis in a regional city and launched a resource-saving committee in 2008 to implement initiatives, appoint green champions, and monitor four environmental items (electricity, gas and water consumption, and waste generation) and financial effects. To retrospectively evaluate environmental impact, we calculated the carbon footprint. The median monthly consumption of electricity, gas, and water per hemodialysis patient was approximately 353 kWh, 17 m 3 , and 9 m 3 , respectively. These levels of resource consumption were nearly equivalent to those of an average Japanese household in 2022. Switching to a combination of city water and well water reduced both costs and environmental impact. However, the overall financial benefit and initial investment burden, such as for installation of light-emitting diode fixtures and developing the water supply system, were not fully investigated. The resource-saving committee appears to have mitigated both economic and environmental impacts to some extent; however, steady resource-saving efforts were accompanied by surging costs of electricity and medical waste disposal during the study period, indicative of recent general inflation in Japan. To achieve more sustainable dialysis therapy that balances environmental and health considerations, further proactive initiatives are needed to reduce resource use beyond the current scope, such as through individualized dialysate prescriptions.

Plastic waste accumulation is a global environmental issue. Current methods (recycling, incineration, landfilling, etc.) are not a sustainable long-term solution and so far they cannot prevent continuous accumulation of plastic waste worldwide. This article introduces the concept of deep geological disposal (DGD) of plastic waste as an alternative strategy. The concept principally differs from the traditional landfilling. In the latter, plastic waste is affected by chemical, physical, and microbial factors that cause plastic fragmentation and environmental leakage. On the contrary, DGD isolates plastic waste in abandoned mines, quarries and caves, ensuring safe long-term containment of the waste and the possibility of its reuse as a raw material in the future. Another advantage of DGD is that these geological structures usually have transport infrastructure and storage facilities, and, as a result, they offer a more controlled environment with reduced risk of leachate, microplastic dispersion, and surface pollution. The paper discusses the practical, economic, and environmental aspects of the concept of DGD of plastic waste. The proposal does not offer to replace other available mechanisms of plastic waste management, it presents DGD as a complementary and potentially effective method for addressing non-recyclable and mismanaged plastic waste worldwide.

ABSTRACT Waste composite solid propellants possess high calorific value but are challenging to stabilize as slurries. Incorporating fine fly ash optimizes particle size distribution, improves dispersion stability, and balances cost with fuel performance. In this study, dried slurry fuels prepared from crushed propellant and fly ash were analyzed for pyrolysis behavior using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with kinetic modeling. The effects of fly ash ratio, oxygen concentration, and heating rate were examined via single-factor tests and response surface methodology (RSM). Results indicate that fly ash content is the primary factor governing residue quality (p < .0001), with higher proportions enhancing thermal stability and suppressing rapid decomposition. Elevated oxygen concentration and heating rate increased reactivity and reduced residue. Kinetic analysis revealed that activation energy rose with fly ash content, while the 50% fly ash blend exhibited the lowest value (226.42 kJ/mol) and the highest reactivity. This research provides a theoretical basis and data support for the green disposal of propellant waste and the engineering application of mixed fuels.

Abstract Background Traditional health practitioners remain a primary point of contact for healthcare in rural communities, especially during health emergencies, due to their accessibility, cultural alignment, and affordability. However, critical deficiencies in infection prevention and control practices, among these practitioners, significantly contribute to healthcare-associated infections, increasing morbidity and mortality. This paper aims to highlight hygiene and infection control protocols observed by medical students during their community medicine postings among traditional health practitioners in rural Nigeria. Fieldwork context Final-year medical students observed practices and informally interacted with traditional health practitioners (Traditional bone setters and Traditional birth attendants) during their field placements in Odukpani LGA, Cross River State. Key observations Medical students observed several infection control gaps among traditional health practitioners, including inadequate hand hygiene, unsterile instrumentation, poor waste disposal, and unsanitary conditions. Treatment procedures often lacked proper aseptic techniques, with limited access to antiseptic or disinfectants, and disposable equipment were frequently reused. Additionally, patient records were poorly maintained, and referral systems unclear. Conclusion Strategic collaboration initiated during medical training through community-based postings could be a viable pathway to improve hygiene and infection control practices among traditional health practitioners for better health outcomes.

The circular economy approach aims to reduce raw material use and limit landfill disposal of industrial by-products. In the metal casting industry, waste foundry sand (WFS) disposal is a persistent financial and environmental challenge due to hazardous metal contamination. This study assessed three South African ferrous foundries’ sand streams—virgin, fettling/shot blast, and moulding/shakeout—using the toxicity characteristic leach procedure (TCLP) under the South African Waste Management Act. Results showed that while virgin sand was inert, fettling/shot blast and shakeout sands contained elevated Cr (0.024–1.02 mg/L), Mn (62–97 mg/L), and Ni (0.14–3.26 mg/L), exceeding inert waste thresholds (Cr: 0.05 mg/L; Mn: 0.5 mg/L; Ni: 0.07 mg/L). The shakeout sand, which accounts for 50–70% of total foundry waste, was the most critical stream. Particle size analysis revealed that the majority of sand (70%) falls between 600 and 75 µm, with hazardous metals concentrated in fine fractions (&lt;150 µm). These fines contained up to 94–97% magnetic metallic debris, primarily Cr, Mn, and Ni, and exhibited TCLP leachability above inert classification limits. By contrast, coarser fractions (&gt;150 µm) had low leachability and characteristics comparable to virgin sand. A simple size segregation treatment reduced hazardous metal content by up to 93–97%, rendering 75–85% of shakeout sand inert, while only 10–15% (fine portion) required hazardous waste disposal. These findings highlight that targeted removal of fines can substantially reduce disposal costs and environmental risk, supporting greener and more sustainable foundry operations.

The co astal karstic aquifer of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, is under constant environmental stress due to leakage from poorly constructed and managed septic systems and unregulated solid waste disposal sites within and around the town. The presence of the aforementioned pollution sources in the region motivated the implementation of a contaminant transport model and particle tracking analysis, based on results from a previously constructed groundwater flow model of the local aquifer. Simulations of contaminant plumes revealed a high dilution capacity, with chloride concentrations declining to background concentration levels within approximately 300m from the pollution sources (disposal sites and septic systems). This dilution is attributed to the high hydraulic conductivities in the regional aquifer and the presence of a groundwater dome located beneath the urban area. The dome was shown to significantly affect local flow patterns and gradients, as particle tracking analysis indicated longer travel times farther from its center. These findings suggest that the Puerto Morelos aquifer currently exhibits a high potential for contaminant attenuation under current pollution conditions. However, with expected population and tourism growth, improvement in wastewater and solid waste disposal management practices will be paramount to minimize the risk of groundwater contamination, which is the sole source of fresh water for the Puerto Morelos community.

BackgroundInadequate hygiene compliance among patients’ caregivers could significantly increases the burden of healthcare-associated infections. Strengthening caregivers’ understanding of hygiene management is essential for their active participation in reducing transmission risks during patient care. This study examined the efficacy of an infection control intervention to improve hand hygiene (HH) practices among caregivers.Changes in caregivers’ hand hygiene complianceImpact of Hand Hygiene Intervention among patient's caregiversMethodsFrom July to September 2024, we conducted a pre-post-intervention evaluation at four tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh. The intervention package comprised informative messages regarding the use of sanitizer and soap for HH, disposal of medical wastes, management of patient files, and visiting policies. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from caregivers of admitted patients. Prior to and following the intervention, a two-hour unobtrusive observation was carried out to document the caregivers’ activities and HH practices during patient care. Intervention efficacy was assessed using descriptive statistics and prevalence differences (PD).ResultsA total of 7,152 activities were documented from 234 sets of pre- and post-observation sessions, of which 85.3% required hand hygiene. The intervention resulted in a significant improvement in HH practices among caregivers, increasing from 5.9 to 16.8% following the intervention, with an overall PD of 10.9% [95%CI: 8.9, 14.7; p:< 0.001]. Caregivers were observed to be more adhere to hygiene practices in appropriate waste management [PD: 11.3%, 95%CI: 7.8, 16.7] and proper handling of patient files [PD: 8.4%, 95%CI: 6.9, 12.4]. The intervention led to a notable increase in the self-purchase of sanitizer bottles, rising from 7.7% to 11.2%. However, caregivers-visitors ratio per patient decreased from 3.23 to 1.41 following the intervention.ConclusionThe infection control intervention led to a significant improvement in caregivers’ hygiene compliance, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing infection prevention during patient care. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted, caregiver-focused infection control strategies to strengthen patient safety and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections within hospital settings.DisclosuresAll Authors: No reported disclosures

A review of multiphysics coupling numerical modeling techniques for risk assessment in geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste.

Synergistic effects of red mud, calcium carbide residue and phosphogypsum for eco-friendly road materials.

Urban waste management inequities in New York city: a case study on spatial patterns of controlled and uncontrolled street waste and their associated factors.

Efficient removal of 99TcO4- from nuclear waste is critical for radioactive waste disposal, yet current adsorbents face limitations in capacity and mechanistic clarity due to multimechanism interference. Herein, we propose a knowledge-data dual-driven (DKD) machine learning (ML) framework to elucidate the dominant mechanism for ReO4- (a nonradioactive surrogate for 99TcO4-) adsorption on covalent organic frameworks (COFs). By integrating domain-knowledge (expressed as mathematical descriptors for five adsorption mechanisms) into the ML model, the DKD approach achieved higher predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.93) and interpretability than the purely data-driven model (R2 = 0.91). SHAP analysis of the DKD model quantitatively identified the electrostatic interaction as the primary mechanism, contributing 66.7% to ReO4- uptake. Guided by this insight, we first broke through the conventional building block charge enhancement by directly introducing charge at the linkage, designing Tb-APDC-M─an imine-linked COF with an ultrahigh charge density. It achieved a record ReO4- adsorption capacity of 1689.78 mg g-1 (pH = 7, T = 298.15 K, dosage = 0.5 g/L), significantly exceeding the previous maximum of 1262 mg g-1. Spectral and DFT calculations confirm that the exceptional performance stems from the high charge density imparted by the iminium linkage. This work highlights the DKD framework's efficiency in pinpointing key mechanisms and enabling targeted adsorbent design for 99TcO4- removal.

This Perspective article reviews the current knowledge regarding the interaction of actinide elements with biomolecules, particularly amino acids, peptides, and proteins. We assess the significance of these interactions, especially in connection to nuclear waste disposal and the potential role of these interactions in the origin of life. Actinides have been observed to form stable complexes with carboxylate groups, resulting in oligomerization and affecting their environmental mobility. The text discusses the complex coordination chemistry of actinides, including the prevalence of hexanuclear An4+ clusters, and the implications of these findings for actinide transport and bioavailability as well as remaining challenges especially for mechanistic and thermodynamic aspects of this chemistry. Recent discoveries of lanthanide- and actinide-dependent enzymes, including methanol dehydrogenase and lanmodulin, suggest a potential for these elements to have been actively involved in early metabolic processes, rather than solely acting as environmental stressors. Despite the absence of direct evidence connecting natural reactors to the process of abiogenesis, a comprehensive understanding of actinide-biomolecule interactions is imperative for the evaluation of the nuclear geyser model and the resolution of the long-term challenges posed by the management of radioactive waste.

Springs are a critical source of freshwater in India, particularly in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions, the Western Ghats, and parts of central and northeastern India, where they support drinking water, agriculture, and local ecosystems. In recent decades, the quality of spring water across the country has deteriorated significantly due to a combination of natural processes and increasing anthropogenic pressures. This review synthesizes available literature on the status and trends of spring water quality deterioration in India, with emphasis on key physicochemical and microbiological indicators. Major drivers of degradation include land-use change, deforestation, unplanned urbanization, agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, sewage intrusion, and overexploitation of groundwater, compounded by climate-induced variability in rainfall and recharge patterns. Studies report elevated levels of nutrients, fluoride, iron, nitrates, heavy metals, and microbial contamination in several spring systems, often exceeding Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) limits for drinking water. The consequences of declining spring water quality for public health, rural livelihoods, and spring-dependent ecosystems are increasingly evident. The review underscores the need for regular monitoring, spring-shed based management, community-led conservation initiatives, and policy integration to safeguard spring water resources. Strengthening scientific research and governance frameworks is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of spring water supplies in India.

Integrated fruit waste management through a dynamic reverse logistics network using real-time data and machine learning.

The study is significant as it contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 6. The study is significant as it contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number six (SDG No.6) which aspires to ensure sanitation service provision for all citizens by 2030., which aims to ensure sanitation services for all citizens by 2030. In response to the global vision and in alignment with the National Water and Sanitation Policy. The government of Zambia has implemented many sanitation interventions across the Peri-Urban areas of Lusaka, hence, the study purpose was to explore stakeholders lived experiences of sanitation programmes in Lusaka’s George Compound, Zambia. the study purpose was guided by an objective which explored the challenges of solid waste in Pit Latrines in the Peri-Urban areas of Lusaka. The researcher, adopted qualitative approach in which an interpretive phenomenological paradigm mirrored the study. Moreover, the researcher adopted a relativist ontological stance, which posit that there is no single reality in understanding sanitation. In this study, the researcher explored sanitation through multiple perspectives. The study used an exploratory case study using a criterion-based purposive sampling in which participants with similar characteristics such as experience working in the sanitation sector and those that benefited from the sanitation interventions was applied. The study adopted a sample size of 29 Participants, disaggregated as 10 Males, 15 women, and 4 key informants. The sample size was determined in the field when no further new insights were emerging. The study revealed that most of the stakeholders poorly managed solid waste normally finds its way in the pit latrines as well as the faecal treatment facilities. Furthermore, most of the community beneficiaries expressed that their pit latrines fill up quickly because they are also used as solid waste dumping in pit latrines. Similarly, the study further established that solid waste collectors are not consistent in collecting solid waste, hence most of the people tends to resort in using the pit latrines as dumping areas. Lastly, the study established that most pit latrines are also used for dumping solid waste which affects the texture and increases cost for separation of sludge from solid waste. The disposal of solid waste has cost maintenance implication of the Faecal Sludge Treatment Facilities as well as impact on-site sanitation technologies. Hence policy makers need to rethink developing and implanting a robust behaviour change information education awareness programmes coupled with investments in community based movable trash bins to avert communities dumping waste into the pit latrines. The policy direction will buttress the community-based enterprises and other existing efforts aimed at mitigating against solid waste dumping into the Pit latrines.

This study examined how community education influences recycling and sustainable waste management behaviors in Barangay Nuro Poblacion, a rural locality facing resource and infrastructure constraints. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the research integrated quantitative and qualitative data gathered from structured surveys and interviews to assess how different educational strategies shape residents’ disposal practices. Descriptive analysis mapped current waste practices, while inferential methods, including correlation and regression, explored connections between educational initiatives and participation in sustainable behaviors. The sample comprised 186 residents drawn to capture diverse demographic perspectives, including age, gender, and socio-economic status. Results indicated that content quality and relevance, delivery methods, frequency and duration, and accessibility and inclusivity significantly influence behavior adoption, with content quality and relevance showing the strongest association. Demographic factors, particularly education and occupation, moderated recycling and waste-disposal practices, suggesting that higher educational attainment and formal employment correlate with greater engagement in waste reduction strategies and attitudinal shifts toward sustainability. Accessibility and inclusivity emerged as a critical driver of participation, highlighting the need for multimodal delivery (face-to-face, print, and digital formats) and accommodations for diverse literacy levels. Correlation analyses revealed robust positive relationships between education components and recycling, waste segregation, and composting adoption, underscoring the role of inclusive, culturally resonant content in mobilizing rural communities. The study concludes that sustained, community-driven education—supported by local governance and tailored content—can cultivate lasting environmental stewardship and more effective waste management in resource-limited settings. Recommendations address content tailoring, inclusive delivery, and policy-practice linkages to enhance program impact.

Rapid industrialization, population growth, and poor waste management have led to significant environmental and economic challenges. These issues underscore the need for effective disposal technologies to mitigate public health risks, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote resource recovery. This study aims to determine the most suitable sustainable solid waste disposal technology for the planned Çivril Solid Waste Disposal Facility in Denizli Province. To evaluate eight disposal alternatives: landfilling (A₁), composting (A₂), biomethanization (A₃), incineration (A₄), gasification (A₅), plasma treatment (A₆), pyrolysis (A₇), and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) (A₈), we employed fuzzy-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods: the Simple Weight Calculation (SIWEC) and Ranking Alternatives with Weights of Criterion (RAWEC). Twelve criteria, including environmental impact, legal compliance, and operational costs, were weighted using Fuzzy SIWEC, while the alternatives were ranked using Fuzzy RAWEC. The results identified composting (A₂) as the most suitable technology, whereas RDF (A₈) performed the worst. Validation through comparison with other MCDM methods (F-TOPSIS, F-SAW, F-MABAC, and CORASO) demonstrated high consistency. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that composting (A₂) and gasification (A₅) maintained stable rankings across different scenarios, while the rankings of other methods varied depending on decision-maker preferences. The integrated use of fuzzy-based SIWEC and RAWEC provides a reliable and systematic framework for sustainable waste management decision-making.

Health Care and Waste Streams.