Waste Generation Research Articles

Unaccounted plastic: Estimating waste generation from marine vessels in Bangladesh

Solid waste mismanagement induces the release of a significant amount of plastic waste into the ocean, particularly in countries with poor solid waste management systems, such as Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the total plastic input of Bangladesh by multiple sources is still unknown. Waste input from land-based sources within 50 km coastline of this country is documented. However, the quantity of plastic entering the oceans from multiple sources, such as marine vessels, is still unknown and not documented. Passengers and goods are transported via marine vessels operating in Bangladesh's Inland Water Transport sector, which has the potential to generate a substantial quantity of plastic debris that remains unaccounted for. This study represented the initial attempt to quantify the amount of debris produced by passenger-carrying marine vessels in riverine systems. The estimated total amount of plastic waste generated per day per route from marine vessels stands at 76.6 kg. The total weight of plastic waste from all pathways was 436.3 kg, resulting in an estimated annual plastic waste generation of 157,068 kg. This yearly input is 0.6 % of Bangladesh's total mismanaged waste input into the Bay of Bengal, which is 0.79 million metric tonnes. The lack of implementation of regulatory measures and ineffective waste management systems can be pointed out as the main reason behind these plastic inputs. This paper identifies the current gaps in waste management practices for riverine plastic waste and is a forerunner to creating a baseline for unified policy formulation for the government.

Case evaluation of structural strength improvement of cement stabilized lateritic soil reinforced with sisal fibers and plastic waste strips

The progressive increase in the rate of production of plastic bottles by the beverage and food industries in Nigeria has increased considerably over time, constituting large volume of waste generations from plastic waste bottles. Also, increasing demand for eco-friendly soil improvement materials and the growing desire to minimize waste generated daily, prompted the need for this study to look into ways to use such wastes and other sustainable materials in soil improvement. This study investigated the potential use of sisal fiber and plastic waste strips as partial replacement for cement to enhance the geotechnical characteristics of lateritic soils. Various laboratory experiments were conducted, encompassing specific gravity determination, grain size distribution, compaction assessment, Atterberg limit, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and microscopic analysis. Sisal fiber and plastic waste strips were each varied at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% while maintaining a constant 5% cement added to all the mix proportions. Results of investigation revealed an enhancement in plasticity of the soils with both treatment methods. Liquid limit shows a steady drop from 43% in its natural state to 42% and 41% at 1% sisal fiber and 1% plastic strips content respectively, while plasticity index showed a decline from 14.8% in its natural form to 12.69% and 10.8% at 2% sisal fiber and 1% plastic waste strips content respectively. Strength properties of the treated soil increased with increase in admixtures content. Microanalysis of the natural and optimally modified soils showed alteration in the fabric arrangement of the particles of soils. Based on the results of the study, optimally 1–1.5% sisal fiber/5%cement and 1–1.5% plastic waste strips/5%cement meaningfully improved the soil strength and can both be used as sub-base materials for light trafficked roads.

Incineration Innovation: A Path to Efficient and Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management in Kuwait

Municipal solid waste management has become a critical global issue due to the rapid increase in waste generation driven by urbanization and population growth. This surge in waste poses significant environmental, social, and health challenges, exacerbated by inefficient recycling and waste-to-energy facilities. Effective waste management requires comprehensive strategies encompassing waste reduction, efficient collection, sorting systems, and advanced recycling and energy recovery technologies. This study highlights the potential of incineration as a waste-to-energy solution, specifically focusing on Kuwait. By analyzing various waste management technologies and their applicability, this study emphasizes the role of incineration in transforming municipal solid waste into electricity, thereby reducing landfill use and environmental impacts. The research includes a detailed review of the existing technologies, a case study on Kuwait’s waste management practices, and an evaluation of the economic and environmental benefits of implementing waste-to-energy incineration. The findings underscore the importance of tailored waste management solutions to address specific regional challenges, promote sustainability, and enhance public health and well-being.

A Study of waste generation and waste composition in Pasaran Island for the sustainability of tourism industry in Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract To date, no studies have been undertaken on Pasaran Island to investigate waste generation and composition, rendering this research significant for laying the groundwork for precise and sustainable waste management planning. Existing studies predominantly center on waste generation concerning community behaviour, stakeholder roles in management, and the technical assessment of waste management aspects. Consequently, this study aims to quantify waste generation and composition on Pasaran Island. Sampling adhered to the SNI-19-3694-1994 standard over eight consecutive days, focusing on household waste for domestic waste samples and selecting commercial establishments, mosques, and schools as sources for non-domestic waste samples. The research reveals an average waste generation rate of 0.13 kg/person/day on Pasaran Island. Organic waste predominates, constituting 44% of the total, originating from household activities like kitchen waste and waste deposited on the island by the sea. Plastic, encompassing bottles, bags, and food packaging, ranks as the second most prevalent waste type at 26% of the total. Residents in tourist areas exhibit distinct waste generation characteristics. The findings can be utilized for the development of the tourism sector to consider organic waste as the primary focus, it must be addressed first.

Waste Generation and Recovery in a Developing Country: A Case Study of Western Province, Sri Lanka

The study’s findings serve as a crucial foundation for policymakers, environmentalists, and stakeholders to take necessary actions and develop sustainable waste management strategies tailored to the specific challenges faced in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, contributing to broader global efforts to mitigate the growing waste crisis. It’s a significant concern that the volume of waste is expected to triple by 2050, and the current waste management practices seem insufficient to handle this growth sustainably. The study indicates a per capita waste generation of 0.43 kg in Sri Lanka, with the Western Province at a higher rate of 0.53 kg. This data points to the urgency of addressing waste management practices in this region, especially considering its significance in the country’s GDP. The results also show that the total municipal waste generation in the Western Province is 3248 kg per day whereas the recovery is only 25% (803 kg) in terms of recycling and composting. Burning, burying, and open dumping are highlighted as other prevailing practices for managing waste, which have adverse impacts on the environment and public health. Further research is recommended to identify and address these unaccounted waste streams, especially those at the household level.

Evaluating Household Hazardous Waste Generation, Composition, and Health Risks in an Urban Municipality

This study aimed to assess the generation rate and composition of household hazardous waste (HHW) in Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality, Thailand. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on HHW generation and disposal practices from households in the municipality. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, and lead) and PCBs contamination. The potential health risks from ingestion exposure associated with heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contamination in the soil were evaluated. The result revealed that in 2023, the HHW generation rate was 11.95 kg/household/year, with the highest percentages occurring of electronic waste (17.40%), fluorescent lamps (16.98%), spray cans (12.38%), cleaning products (11.30%), and engine oil and lubricant oil products (9.87%). The majority of residents (92.90%) disposed of hazardous waste and general waste together in public waste containers. However, the health risk assessment indicated that the levels of heavy metals and PCBs in the soil were within the safe acceptable range for residents, with a total lifetime cancer risk from ingestion exposure of less than 1E-06 for both adults and children. The findings highlight the need for improved waste separation practices and the implementation of effective hazardous waste management strategies to minimize potential health risks and environmental impacts. This study serves as a basis for developing targeted interventions and policies to enhance household hazardous waste management in the municipalities and similar urban areas in Thailand. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-03-011 Full Text: PDF

Performance Evaluation of Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies in Herbal Processing and Extraction Industry

"Due to enormous quantities with hazards and complexity in nature is a big challenge for effective treatment of wastewater from pharmaceutical processes including herbal extraction through conventional methods of distillation. The situation is further aggravated in countries facing high rising population, urbanization, and industrialization resulting in the generation of industrial wastes. The study has been carried out in the herbal extraction industry by conducting stage-wise sampling of ETP based on the conventional method and further coupled with ozonation as an advanced treatment to comply with regulatory standards. Additionally, the same process was studied that implementing the best available technology (BAT) by providing ETP with advanced technology modules such as MBR (membrane bioreactor) + RO + O3 has not only resulted in compliance with standards but also reuse of treated wastewater into the process and utilities has been proved to be techno-economically a viable and sustainable option. Modifying existing aeration tanks and advanced oxidation through ozone injection post-biological treatment has resulted in COD and BOD reduction of 96.42% and 99.0% respectively. Whereas in the case of MBR + RO + O3, the values of pH, BOD, COD, TSS, and sulfide have been observed as 8.32, 2.0 mg.L-1, 14.0 mg.L-1, 1.0 mg.L-1 and 0.0 mg.L-1 respectively and 98% recovery of treated effluent, thus saving 44 KL.day-1 of freshwater resulting into significant financial benefits of Rupees 12.59 acs annually, which otherwise was outsourced through tankers."

Generation of Construction Waste in Hydroelectric Power Station in Nepal

Generation of Construction Waste in Hydroelectric Power Station in Nepal

Advances in extraction, utilization, and development of chitin/chitosan and its derivatives from shrimp shell waste.

Shrimp consumption is in great demand among the seafood used globally. However, this expansion has resulted in the substantial generation and disposal of shrimp shell waste. Through literature search, it has been observed that since 2020, global scholars have shown unprecedented interest in shrimp shell waste and its chitin/chitosan. However, these new insights lack corresponding and comprehensive summarization and analysis. Therefore, this article provides a detailed review of the extraction methods, applications, and the latest research developments on chitin/chitosan from shrimp shells, including micro-nano derivatives, from 2020 to the present. The results indicate that chemical extraction remains the primary technique for the extraction and preparation of chitin/chitosan from shrimp shells. With further refinement and development, adjusting parameters in the chemical extraction process or employing auxiliary techniques such as microwave and radiation enable the customization of target products with different characteristics (e.g., deacetylation degree, molecular weight, and degree of acetylation) according to specific needs. Additionally, in pursuit of environmentally friendly, efficient, and gentle extraction processes, recent research has shifted toward microbial fermentation and green solvent methods for chitin/chitosan extraction. Beyond the traditional antibacterial, film-forming, and encapsulation functionalities, research into the applications of chitosan in biomedical, food processing, new materials, water treatment, and adsorption fields is gradually deepening. Chitin/chitosan derivatives and their modified products have also been a focal point of research in recent years. However, with the rapid expansion, the future development of chitin/chitosan and its derivatives still faces challenges related to the unclear mechanism of action and the complexities associated with industrial scale-up.

Mineralization of fluoropolymers from combustion in a pilot plant under representative european municipal and hazardous waste combustor conditions

The goal of this study was to provide data to support mineralization of fluoropolymer waste and insignificant generation of PFAS as products of incomplete combustion (PIC) during incineration of fluoropolymer applications at their end-of-life. Destruction efficiency is not an acceptable metric to indicate mineralization and therefore we need to look for and measure products of incomplete destruction. A mixed sample of fluoropolymers representing 80% of commercial fluoropolymers was combusted at conditions representative of municipal and industrial waste incinerators operating in EU. State-of-the-art emission sampling and analytical methods (UPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS) were used for identifying and quantifying those PFAS whose standards were available. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed non-detect to negligible levels of PFAS evidencing mineralization of fluoropolymers.

GARMENT DURABILITY ANALYSIS – INFLUENCE OF TEXTILE MAINTENANCE

Textiles used in clothing pose a large environmental burden from their initial manufacturing, maintenance and end of life. Garment production is a major problem whose environmental impacts can be easily quantified since it is a defined production process. To implement sustainable processes, it is necessary to evaluate the entire life cycle of a garment, including its maintenance and end-of-life. In this study, the maintenance phase of the garment is investigated. The garment maintenance is divided into real applied steps, and these individual steps are analysed in terms of raw material especially regarding potential/real damage to the treated garment fabric. The different maintenance steps are contextualised by the survey and results of the questionnaire used for the study. This investigated which gentle maintenance practices the respondents use in practice. The source of the analysed data is a questionnaire survey made in the Czech Republic. The result is a thorough analysis of the maintenance practices associated with garments and an analysis of ways to extend the lifetime of garments and thus reduce their environmental burden caused by excessive waste generation.

Donnan dialytic transport and biological removal of yttrium from multi-element solutions

Yttrium (Y), classified among the rare earth elements (REEs), plays an important role in modern technologies, contributing to the increase in mineral extraction and processing activities. Consequently, this trend leads to an elevated release of economically significant but potentially dangerous elements into the environment. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is recognized as a concern due to the presence of hazardous elements, however, it simultaneously serves as a valuable secondary source of critical elements.This study explores the recovery of Y(III) from multi-element solutions that simulate real AMD in terms of pH, the presence of various divalent cations, and sulfate. It investigates the recovery of Y(III) from multi-element solutions using a two-stage approach: cation exchange membrane (CEM) for Donnan dialytic Y(III) transport followed by biological treatment for Y recovery. The efficiency of Y(III) transport across the acid-resistant CEM, Fumasep FKS-PEP-130, reached 68.6 %, even in the presence of accompanying cations. The addition of strain J19, highly resistant to Y, led to approximately 89 % removal of Y(III) from the feed compartment.The proposed CEM transport/biological treatment concept offers the first efficient Y(III) recovery approach. This method will benefit future assays with real-field AMD, as it minimizes waste generation while effectively separating metals from sulfate, thereby reducing environmental impact.

Performance of small-scale composting in low ambient temperatures: Effects of adding animal by-products and recycling leachates

Decentralized composting is an emerging method for managing biowaste, engaging waste generators as active recyclers in the waste management cycle. Evaluating performance and identifying optimization opportunities within this composting framework is essential to maximize its benefits and address its challenges. In small-scale composters, fresh waste is continuously mixed with previously added materials, shifting the typical composting process. As with larger systems, the composition of the feedstock influences the temperature profile and the quality of the final product. The issue of whether to include animal-source waste remains controversial in the development of standards and program guidelines. On the other hand, evaluating a leachate recycling method could help prevent nutrient loss and mitigate environmental impacts when bulking agents are lacking. In this study, kitchen and garden wastes were composted in 500-L static composters under cold climate conditions. We examined obtained compost stability, maturity, and quality parameters to determine the effects of adding animal by-product waste and/or recycling leachate. Our findings indicate that including animal by-products allows reaching sanitation temperatures under cold weather conditions and that recycling leachates could reduce nutrient losses and alleviate environmental and other user concerns while improving temperature, stability, maturity, and product quality patterns in decentralized composting.

Beyond tradition: charting a greener future for cassava starch industry using multi-criteria decision-making

Cassava, a staple food crop, is widely used for starch production, but its inconsistent supply, price volatility, and substantial waste generation pose challenges to the cassava industrial market's growth. This study aims to identify a sustainable biorefinery pathway by optimizing conventional cassava starch plants (business-as-usual, BAU) for economic and environmental benefits. Four scenarios were evaluated: animal feed from peel waste (Scenario 1), fungal protein from thippi waste (Scenario 2), fish feed from digested wastewater (Scenario 3), and conversion of all waste streams into animal feed, fish feed, and fungal protein (Scenario 4). Scenario 4 emerged as the best pathway using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, with a performance score of 0.282. Despite the highest energy consumption (18.91 MWh), Scenario 4 was favored for producing four value-added products alongside starch, yielding the highest profit at USD 8.85 million. In contrast, profits for BAU, Scenario 1, Scenario 2, and Scenario 3 were 1.91, 2.30, 5.01, and USD 8.79 million, respectively. Waste valorization in Scenarios 1, 2, 3, and 4 resulted in CO2 avoidance of 36.5., 42.6., 21.7, and 57.45 t CO2eq., respectively. However, producing value-added products increased energy consumption by 13, 73, 7, and 74% compared to BAU (4.58 MWh). The global warming potential analysis showed negative values for scenarios 2 and 4, at -436 and -434 kg CO2eq./t root, respectively. This study highlights the potential of a biorefinery approach for sustainable cassava starch production, providing insights for future research and policy development.

An evaluation of anaesthetic waste generation at a Johannesburg academic hospital

An evaluation of anaesthetic waste generation at a Johannesburg academic hospital

A Zwitterionic Hydrogel-Based Heterogeneous Fenton Catalyst for Water Treatment.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including xenoestrogens and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), demand urgent global intervention. Fenton oxidation, catalyzed by iron ions, offers a cost-effective means to degrade POPs. However, numerous challenges like acid dependency, catalyst loss, and toxic waste generation hinder practical application. Efforts to create long-lasting heterogeneous Fenton catalysts, capable of simultaneously eliminating acid requirements, sustaining rapid kinetics, and retaining iron efficiently, have been unsuccessful. This study introduces an innovative heterogeneous zwitterionic hydrogel-based Fenton catalyst, surmounting these challenges in a cost-effective and scalable manner. The hydrogel, hosting individually complexed iron ions in a porous scaffold, exhibits substantial effective surface area and kinetics akin to homogeneous Fenton reactions. Complexed ions within the hydrogel can initiate Fenton degradation at neutral pH, eliminating acid additions. Simultaneously, the zwitterionic hydrogel scaffold, chosen for its resistance to Fenton oxidation, forms strong bonds with iron ions, enabling prolonged reuse. Diverging from existing designs, the catalyst proves compatible with UV-Fenton processes and achieves rapid self-regeneration during operation, offering a promising solution for the efficient and scalable degradation of POPs. The study underscores the efficacy of the approach by demonstrating the swift degradation of three significant contaminants-xenoestrogens, pesticides, and PFAS-across multiple cycles at traceconcentrations.

Evaluating energy generation potential from municipal solid waste in an open dumping site of Khulna

The expanding global population, waste output, land scarcity, and environmental deterioration make waste-to-energy (WtE) technology a feasible option for managing MSW. This study explores the economic benefits of WtE in the Rajbandh open dumpsite in Khulna and the potential of generating energy from MSW. The electricity generation potential under alternative scenarios namely scenario 2 (landfill gas to electricity (LFGTE)), scenario 3 (mass-burn incineration), scenario 4 (hybrid LFGTE, mechanical–biological treated (MBT) anaerobic digestion (AD) and incineration), and scenario 5 (hybrid AD and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) incineration) is based on projected waste generation over the next 20 years, taking population growth into account. These four options are compared to Business as Usual (BAU). Scenario 3 has the highest electricity generation capacity at 207799.73 MWh/year, followed by hybrid RDF-incineration/MBT-AD (scenario 5), LFGTE, however, lowest generation at 30683.07 MWh/year. Net Present Value (NPV), Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), and Payback Period define each scenario’s economic feasibility. Due to its greatest NPV of approximately 41.378 million USD, Scenario 3 is the most economically beneficial. Sensitivity analysis has been done selecting some sensitive parameters to evaluate the robustness of the output. Waste reduction model (WARM) estimates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use for each scenario. However, scenario 3 has the lowest GHG emissions and energy use. In addition to reducing GHG emissions and energy usage, recycling waste increased NPV and economic benefits. This analysis reveals that scenario 3 is the best way to generate power, provide economic benefits, and reduce energy consumption for ecologically friendly waste management in Khulna City.

Participation of Business Actors in Implementing Circular Economy on Batik Products in Kauman Batik Kampoeng, Pekalongan City

This research explores the application and potential of batik business actors in the implications of the circular economy (CE) model in Pekalongan, Indonesia. As a prominent cultural heritage, the batik industry is essential to the regional economy. However, conventional linear production and consumption practices have resulted in environmental challenges, resource depletion, and waste generation. By embracing CE principles that emphasize resource efficiency, waste reduction, and closed-loop systems, the batik industry in Pekalongan can develop sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. This study examines critical aspects of CE implementation, starting with community participation in the batik, drawing insights from successful CE implementation in other industries. The implementation of CE in other industries is the role of business actors in the business chain outside Kampong. This paper analyzes the potential benefits and challenges of implementing CE in the Pekalongan batik industry and the role of stakeholders in promoting circularity. By highlighting the feasibility of the CE model, the results of this research are that the level of community participation in implementing a CE has not been maximized with the potential remaining production output so that this aspect of the condition becomes a sustainable opportunity to encourage sustainable practices in the Pekalongan batik industry.

TG-FTIR-Py-GCMS analysis and catalytic pyrolysis mechanism of textile waste by red mud catalyst for liquid fuel production

The substantial generation of textile waste (TW) and red mud (RM) has resulted in significant resource wastage and environmental challenges. Co-utilization technology of solid waste is an effective approach to improve waste utilization efficiency. In this study, RM catalytic pyrolysis experiments of TW were conducted using TG-FTIR and Py-GC–MS for liquid fuel production, and TW and RM were recycled simultaneously. At the optimal experimental conditions (temperature of 600 °C and feed catalyst ratio of 2:1), the tar yield and higher heating value (HHV) of TW pyrolysis catalyzed by RM were 73.43 wt% and 32.34 kJ/g, respectively. Additionally, experiments on the pyrolysis of various TW types revealed that LDPE and PP are suitable for tar production, while cotton, nylon, and PET are more suitable as feedstock for syngas production. The RM catalytic pyrolysis mechanism of textile waste is that Fe2O3 in RM exhibits significant catalytic activity in enhancing tar and syngas yields. However, during the catalytic process, Fe2O3 undergoes reduction to Fe3O4, resulting in diminished catalytic performance of the RM. After five cycles of use, the RM essentially lost its catalytic activity due to the accumulation of char and tar. All experimental findings of this study could offer an effective guideline for TW recycle and promoting RM utilization toward the waste-to-energy circular economy.

SOLID WASTE FROM OIL PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION: IN THE CONTEXT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

In the contemporary energy industry, oil pipelines are extensively used; presentation of various effect on environment is might be caused in course to their transportation. Pipeline construction, operation and maintenance are majorly generated solid waste. Such waste can range from metal scraps, plastic materials and grounds with opaque plant covers. The wastes produced are, additionally, environmental contaminations which is a detrimental recipe to local ecosystems. Soil and water sources pollution is one of the most serious problems in Azerbaijan. The management strategies through remedial techniques are developed to minimize the environmental impact of waste generation. Management and disposal of solid waste take place at the environmental protection.