Improper Waste Disposal Research Articles

COCONUT FIBER AND PULVERIZED RICE HUSK AS ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS IN CONSTRUCTING CEMENT BOARD

Improper disposal of agricultural waste is causing problems in the world today. Since it was seen that using rice husk and coconut fiber can help humans and their environment, this study investigated if coconut fiber and risk husks are potential alternative ingredients in making cement boards. With this, a quantitative experimental design was used to answer the questions this study sought. After the experiment, it was found that rice husk-coconut fiber is not feasible enough in terms of its flexural strength; however, using the rice husk-coconut fiber cement board for interior purposes is recommended. With the limitations of the study, it is also recommended for future researchers to survey rice husk-coconut fiber cement board to use variations with higher water, rice husk, coconut fiber, and cement ratio that can improve the strength and durability of the rice husk-coconut fiber cement board.

Knowledge and practices among nurses and laboratory technicians towards biomedical waste management

Background: Unmanaged sanatorium waste carries a severe threat of nosocomial infections, which are contagious. Improper disposal of biomedical waste poses a significant environmental and health threat to healthcare facilities, staff and communities, highlighting the growing challenges of managing this waste. Aims and Objectives: The study was aimed at evaluating the adequacy of knowledge and practice concerning biomedical waste management amongst nurses and laboratory technicians. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving 101 participants, including 50 nurses and 51 laboratory technicians, from June 2022 to 2023, using a validated self-administered Google Form questionnaire. The study used the Chi-square approach to conduct intergroup comparisons amongst nurses and laboratory technicians. Results: Statistically significant P values were found for age, sex, qualification and years of experience in a survey, with the highest qualification being postgraduation (46.5%). However, 45.5% had <1 year of experience, indicating a diverse demographic distribution. Conclusions: Continuous learning and professional development are crucial in healthcare, with tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps and waste management guidelines, ensuring successful implementation and accessibility for a diverse workforce.

Critically High Burden of Acute Malnutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Children Under 5 Years in the Rural Settings of Southern Ethiopia.

Globally, acute malnutrition threatens the lives of several million children under 5 years of age. Malnutrition affects the social, economic, and medical aspects of all countries. In Ethiopia, acute malnutrition is not decreasing at the intended rate for unclear reasons. This study aimed to assess the burden of acute malnutrition and its associated factors among children under 5 years of age in a rural setting of southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 421 children. Mothers/caretakers were interviewed using interviewer-administered questionnaire, while their children's height/length and weight were measured. Logistic regression analyses were used and presented as the crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The burden of acute malnutrition among children under 5 years of age in the study area was 22.6% (95% CI = 18.5-26.8). Fathers with primary education (AOR = 4.48; 95% CI = 1.93-10.39), households with improper solid waste disposal (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.11-5.82), not usually sleeping under insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.01-3.19), unacceptable children dietary diversity score (DDS) (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.28-5.14), and unacceptable household DDS (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.02-5.00) were factors associated with acute malnutrition. The prevalence of acute malnutrition among children was critically high. Upgrading paternal educational status, encouraging safe solid waste disposal, ensuring consistent use of ITN, and improving both child and household DDS should be stressed.

Evaluating Drinking Water Quality in Salem District Using the DEMATEL Method

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and crucial for maintaining a healthy life. This study focuses on the analysis of drinking water quality in the Salem district, assessing the concentration of various pollutants and their associated health risks. Water samples were collected from bore wells, tube wells, and hand pumps. Major sources of contamination identified include the improper disposal of sewage and solid waste, excessive use of agrochemicals, and the poor condition of the piping and transportation network. Water pollution, particularly contamination with coliform bacteria, is linked to water-borne diseases such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, dysentery, and viral hepatitis. These contaminants are a significant cause of health issues. To mitigate health risks, it is crucial to immediately stop using contaminated drinking water sources and limit the excessive use of agricultural chemicals that contribute to water pollution. The current study also aims to examine the factors influencing the selection of supply chain management (SCM) suppliers, utilizing the Neutrosophic Decision-Making and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. A proactive approach was adopted to enhance DEMATEL's performance and achieve a competitive edge, using neutrosophic set theory to mark values on a new scale. A case study implementing this method is presented, which involved collecting data through interviews with experts on the Neutrosophic DEMATEL model. The research is intended for use in management, procurement, and production contexts. In terms of drinking water quality, the study found that R+C Omalur ranked highest, while Sankari ranked lowest. Conversely, Ri-C Sankari scored the highest, with Omalur ranking the lowest in another drinking water quality metric.

Effects of Clay Minerals on Enzyme Activity as a Potential Biosensor of Soil Pollution in Alice Township

Inadequate waste management and illegal trash dumping continue to be the leading causes of severe environmental pollution. Human exposure to harmful heavy metals has emerged as a serious health concern on the continent. Some people in Alice, a small town, grow their food in home gardens. They use animal manure and compost derived from soil obtained from landfills to enhance the fertility of the garden soil. Heavy metal heaps in garbage disposals are constantly present, releasing dangerous amounts of metal into the environment. The harmful effects of heavy metals on plants lead to unsanitary conditions and environmental problems. Animals and people who consume these vegetables may also be at risk for health problems. Assessing the soil’s enzyme activity can potentially lessen the negative effects of the accumulated pollutants and improve the soil’s overall health and quality. Soil enzymes are biologically active components that have a catalytic impact and are released from root exudates, crop residues, and animal remains. The activity of enzymes serves as an excellent bioindicator of soil cleanliness and quality because they are sensitive to heavy metals. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to quantify the mineral elements in soil using 40 kV parallel beam optics, 30 mA, and CuKα radiation. Meanwhile, the activity of the enzyme was essayed in different coupled substrates. Thirteen (13) clay minerals were found, including Talc 2M, Kaolinite 2M, and Chlorite Lawsonite Muscovite 2M1. The detected trace elements have high concentration levels that exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) allowed levels. The identified elements affected the enzyme activity at different levels. The Mn, Al, Si, V, Ti, and Ca negatively affect soil enzyme activity, specifically invertase (INV). However, the amount of Mg, K, Fe, and Zn showed a slightly positive effect on the same enzyme (INV). According to this view, these elements come from several sources, each with a particular impact on soil contamination and enzyme activity. High levels of heavy metals in this study may be due to improper waste disposal, limited recycling opportunities, lack of public awareness, and inadequate enforcement of waste management regulations. It is essential to employ Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, correct disposal techniques, suitable agricultural methods, preventive regulations, and efficient waste management to mitigate the negative effects of heavy metals on the environment.

Study on Mechanical Properties and Microscopic Mechanism of PVA-Modified Recycled Brick Aggregate Concrete

This paper addresses a range of environmental issues stemming from the improper disposal of construction waste and its low recycling rate by examining the effects and mechanisms of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution in modifying recycled aggregates. Basic physical properties, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to study these effects and mechanisms. Tests on basic mechanical properties were performed to assess the impact of aggregate modification and the brick-concrete ratio on recycled brick-aggregate concrete’s mechanical characteristics. Nuclear magnetic resonance and microhardness tests were performed to analyze the influence exerted by PVA modification on the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), microstructure, and pore structure, thus exploring the connection between modified recycled-brick-aggregate concrete’s microstructure and its icromechanical properties. The findings show that the water absorption and crushing index of recycled aggregates (RA) immersed in a 10% PVA solution for 24 h decrease significantly, while the apparent density increases most notably. This phenomenon can be ascribed to the development of a PVA coating on the exterior of the reused aggregates. The optimal mechanical properties for recycled brick aggregate concrete (RAC) occur when the replacement rate is 30% and the brick-concrete ratio is 1:1. The compressive strength is 44.2 MPa, the bending strength is 15.6 MPa, and the splitting tensile strength is 3.85 MPa. Additionally, the modification with PVA results in a higher percentage of transition pores, while simultaneously reducing the percentage of macropores. There is an uptick in the frequency of harmless and less harmful pores, and a declining proportion of harmful and more harmful pores. The ITZ’s structural morphology in the RAC is effectively improved by the coating structure formed through the bonding of the polymer with cement hydration products, and PVA modification reduces the thickness of this zone.

Investigating waste in the ambit of environmental sociology in Bhubaneswar, India

ABSTRACT Rapid urbanization brings along with it an array of challenges including housing issues, traffic congestion, proliferation of slums, water and sanitation issues, poor air quality, increased crimes, unemployment and problems of waste management. Water and air pollution due to improper disposal of solid waste poses significant threat to urban health and thereby resulting in poor living conditions. Solid waste has been studied extensively by natural scientists, ecologists, and conservation scientists. However, the study makes an attempt to analyze the sociological aspects of solid waste in urban space. With the help of the theoretical lens of political-ecology and actor-network theories, the current study uncovers the linkages, conflicts, and power relations between political, and social components of the solid waste management issues in the Indian city of Bhubaneswar. Resorting to mixed method and obtaining relevant date through survey, semi-structured interview schedule, and ethnography, the study locates power relations between caste, class, and gender groups, resulting in ‘urban metabolism.’ Waste has also become hybrid due to heterogeneity, relationalities, multiplicities, and framing. The study suggests that recognizing and empowering underrepresented actors can actively shape and meaningfully reorient waste discourse in Bhubaneswar.

Impact of MDRs on COVID-19 Patients Among Developing Countries

Abstract: The COVID-19 virus has killed more than 6.3 million people worldwide. The misuse of antibiotics increased during epidemics, leading to the spread of MDRs. Although antibiotic use is increasing in both developed and developing countries, the utility level and abuse are higher in developing countries. This could have negative consequences for the vaccine, especially considering that many developing countries reported the emergence of many resistant microbes even before the pandemic. Infectious diseases, social and cultural pressures, and telemedicine facilities can all contribute to the overuse of antibiotics. The emergence of multidrug resistance is a major concern, especially in developing countries where health services are already inadequate and diagnostic capacity and facilities for disease prevention and control are inadequate. This might be the major cause of the extensive spread of such diseases. Improper waste management and disposal in hospitals and communities make it easy for clean water to leak from the area, causing many diseases and causing many antibiotics. The potential for microplastics to be turned into anti-bacterial products is also of particular concern for low- and middle-income countries. In the present review, we aim to examine the impact of multidrug resistance in ESKAPE infections coupled with healthcare-associated infections and determine their risk of secondary infection in COVID-19 patients in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 epidemic from a multidisciplinary perspective, identify the challenge for developing countries and seek solutions to solve this problem.

Analytical methods for determining environmental contaminants of concern in water and wastewater

Control and prevention of environmental pollution have emerged as paramount global concerns. Anthropogenic activities, such as industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal, introduce a wide range of contaminants into various ecosystems. These pollutants encompass organic and inorganic compounds, particulates, microorganisms, and disinfection by-products, posing severe threats to human health, ecosystems, and the environment. Effective monitoring methods are indispensable for assessing environmental quality, identifying pollution sources, and implementing remedial measures. This paper suggests that the development and utilization of highly advanced analytical tools are both essential for the analysis of contaminants in water samples, presenting a foundational hypothesis for the review. This paper comprehensively reviews the development and utilization of highly advanced analytical tools which is mandatory for the analysis of contaminants in water samples. Depending on the specific pollutants being studied, the choice of analytical methods widely varies. It also reveals insights into the diverse applications and effectiveness of these methods in assessing water quality and contaminant levels. By emphasizing the critical role of the reviewed monitoring methods, this review seeks to deepen the understanding of pollution challenges and inspire innovative monitoring solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable global environment.•Urgent global concerns: control and prevention of pollution from diverse sources.•Varied contaminants, diverse methods: comprehensive review of analytical tools.•Inspiring a sustainable future: innovative monitoring for a cleaner environment.

SOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS BY RECYCLING MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE

Multifaceted human activities are accompanied by the release of large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which is one of the reasons that can lead to disruption of natural processes occurring in the atmosphere. About 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from industrial processes. Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, as well as lack of recycling or improper disposal of waste, can upset the balance of the ecosystem. In addition to industrial waste, municipal solid waste (MSW) is a source of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. When solid waste is used as a renewable energy source, significant amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. In this regard, the disposal of solid waste waste and subsequent processing can play a certain role in solving a serious environmental problem that concerns all of humanity. The article is devoted to the issue of environmental problems caused by the accumulation of MSW, which can become potentially dangerous for environment and human health. The objective of the study was to study the possibility of using fractions separated by a large MSW processing center operating in the country as secondary raw materials, as well as developing an environmentally friendly method for processing MSW for their disposal. The possibility of transforming the organic component, separated by sorting during solid waste disposal, into organic-mineral fertilizers has been studied. To neutralize the raw organic component of MSW from helminths, mineral waters of Azerbaijan were used, coming to the surface at a temperature of 25-75°C, containing 5-18% H2S As a mineral component of the fertilizer, phonolite is used, which is part of the rock of volcanic origin in the Lerik region of Azerbaijan, containing potassium, necessary for the development of plants. To eliminate the acidity of the resulting pulp before granulation, local shell rock was used. The neutralized organomineral component of MSW was mixed with pre-crushed phonolite until the nutrients were completely transferred into the pulp, followed by drying in an oven for 1.5-2 hours at a temperature of 100-110°C. The resulting mass was cooled for 30 minutes to ripen, then shell rock was added. During the processing process, organic compounds present in MSW undergo hydrolytic destruction. A technological process has been developed for producing potassium-containing organomineral fertilizer by processing the organic component of solid waste using local natural resources, which is protected by an AR patent. Keywords: ecology, waste management, municipal solid waste, recycling, organomineral fertilizers.

YOLOv5n++: An edge-based improved YOLOv5n model to detect river floating debris

Rivers serve as vital water sources, maintain ecological equilibrium, and enhance landscapes. However, the looming issue of floating debris stemming from improper waste disposal and illegal discharge, poses an imminent threat to river ecosystems and their aesthetic appeal. Conventional human-led inspections prove labor-intensive, inefficient, and prone to errors. This study introduces an innovative approach for river debris detection, employing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) imagery in conjunction with a refined YOLOv5n model. This approach offers three key contributions. Primarily, the YOLOv5n model is bolstered by integrating the Efficient Channel Attention (ECA) module and reshaping the MobileNetV3 backbone to align with MobileNetV3S, thereby significantly streamlining computational demands and model intricacy. Additionally, precision and speed are augmented by eliminating the detection head for larger targets, while decreasing computational requirements. Subsequently, to counter dataset scarcity, we curate a UAV-derived river debris dataset, encompassing five prevalent debris types, serving as an indispensable resource for method refinement and assessment. Lastly, the upgraded model’s evaluation on Jetson Nano yields an mAP of 87.2%, merely 0.7% lower than the original YOLOv5n model. Remarkably, the refined model achieves substantial reductions of 57.1% in parameters, 52.6% in volume, and 54.8% in GFLOPs. Additionally, inference time is abbreviated to 57.3ms per Jetson Nano image, 13.4ms faster than the original. These findings underscore edge computing’s potential in river restoration. In conclusion, the fusion of deep learning object detection and UAV imagery empowers adept river debris detection.

Safety of Chinese Cabbage Waste and Rice Straw Mixed Silage and Its Effect on Growth and Health Performance of Hu Sheep

Improper disposal of vegetable waste can cause serious environmental pollution, but because they contain huge water content and organic matter, they are not suitable for disposal by methods such as incineration and landfill. However, vegetable waste contains a large amount of nutrients and have some complementary effects with rice straw in terms of physical structure, nutrients, and moisture. In this experiment, the plant feed (corn husk, peanut shells and sorghum shells) was used as the control group (CON group), and the mixed silage of Chinese cabbage waste and rice straw (mixed silage) was used as the experiment group (TRE group), and its safety performance was evaluated by testing its toxin content, pesticide residues, vitamin contents and feeding experiment of Hu sheep. In the animal experiment, 16 healthy Hu sheep (5.5 months, 39.11 ± 4.16 kg) were randomly divided into two groups of 8 each. The results of the safety performance evaluation showed that the content of mycotoxins, heavy metals, and nitrites as well as pesticide residues in the crude feeds of both groups were within the range of Chinese feed hygiene standards. In addition, the levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) and aflatoxin (AFT) in the CON group were lower, while the content of ochratoxin (OTA) and zearalenone were higher than those in the TRE group (p < 0.05). The levels of plumbum(Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and nitrite in the CON group were lower than the mixed silage, while the levels of As were higher than the mixed silage (p < 0.05). It is worth noticing that the content of vitamin B2 (VB2) and vitamin C (VC) in the TRE group was higher than the CON group (p < 0.05). The results of the feeding experiment showed that the mixed silage did not affect the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, organ index, and intestinal index of Hu sheep (p > 0.05). In addition, the mixed silage reduced the weight of omasum, the proportion of omasum to live weight before slaughter, the amount of compound stomach, and the proportion of compound stomach to live weight before slaughter, which were higher than those in the TRE group (p < 0.05). The thickness of the basal layer of the rumen abdominal sac, the red blood cell count, the content of IL-10, and TNF-α in the blood, and TNF-α content in the rumen of the Hu sheep in the TRE group were higher than the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the feed safety index content of the mixed silage did not exceed the Chinese feed hygiene and safety standards and did not cause adverse effects on the growth performance of the Hu sheep, and it improved the immune performance of the body and digestive tract of the sheep to a certain extent and promoted the healthy development of the sheep.

The burden of intestinal parasitic infections in Antioquia, Colombia: impact in childhood growth development and nutritional status

Gastrointestinal protist (GP) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections cause significant morbidity among children in poor-resource settings of tropical and sub-tropical countries including Colombia. Few prospective transversal studies investigating how GP and STH infections affect growth development and nutritional status during childhood have been conducted in this country, none of them in the Antioquia Department. This microscopy-based study estimated the prevalence of GP and helminth (including STH) infections in faecal samples from schoolchildren (n=384) collected during April-May 2019 in three municipalities of the Antioquia Department. Demographic, epidemiological, and household data were elicited through face-to-face interviews. Parasite detection was carried out by direct microscopic examination of both fresh smears and concentrated faecal material. Children (aged 6-15 years) also had their haemoglobin (Hb) levels, height and weight data collected, and BMI estimated. Data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall, 60.7% (233/384) of schoolchildren were infected by at least one intestinal parasitic species. Among GPs, Blastocystis sp. was the most common species found (47.7%, 95% CI: 42.6-52.8), followed by G. duodenalis (15.9%, 95% CI: 12.4-19.9). Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora cayetanensis were sporadically identified (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.1-1.4 each). Among helminths, the most prevalent species found were Trichuris trichiura (6.0%, 95% CI: 3.8-8.9) and Enterobius vermicularis (1.0%, 95% CI: 0.3-2.6). Hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis were found at prevalence rates <1%. Underweight, overweigh, or obese schoolchildren had 1.2 times greater chance of being infected with intestinal parasites than their counterparts with a healthy weight (P-value: 0.015). Variables significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being infected by intestinal parasites include living in a household with unfinished flouring, not wearing shoes, being in close proximity to rodents, and having improper waste disposal. Relatively simple interventional measures directed towards the improvement of household conditions, access to sanitary toilets, and promoting shoe wearing can significantly reduce childhood infections by GP and helminths in the Antioquia Department.

An integrated study of water quality in the Ganol River Basin, India: Application of hydro‐chemical, multivariate statistical, and water quality index techniques

AbstractThe Ganol River, a vital water source for Meghalaya, India, faces significant environmental degradation due to human activities, primarily the improper disposal of domestic and commercial wastes. This study aims to assess the current water quality of the Ganol River through hydro‐chemical analysis, multivariate statistical methods, and Water Quality Index (WQI) analysis. Over a span of 6 years (2014–2020), monthly water samples were collected from ten source points or stations along the river. The findings revealed that some environmental variables had mean values below the standard limit, while others, notably dissolved oxygen (DO) and turbidity, had higher values. The Pearson correlation coefficients was used to establish the closeness or relationship within and between physico‐chemical characteristics, with some displaying strong positive connections and others showing moderate to negative correlations. The study identified several key environmental contaminants, including conductivity, BOD, COD, TSS, D.O, chloride, TDS, sulphate, hardness, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fecal coliform, and total coliform, based on their highest factor loading values. Such contaminants are significantly impacting aquatic life and the overall ecosystem of the Ganol River. Moreover, the Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment indicated a continuous decline annually in the water quality of the Ganol River. This decline poses a severe threat to the river's sustainability and the well‐being of the communities relying on it for various purposes.

Prevalence and determinants of diarrhea morbidity among under five children of west Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundDiarrhea is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of diarrhea morbidity among under-five children in the west Shewa zone. MethodsThe community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted among 1004 study participants with under five children. The relation of covariates and diarrheal disease was checked using logistic regression at 95 %CI, where variables with p < 0.05 were statistically significant. ResultsThe finding revealed that the two-week prevalence of diarrhea in the west Shewa zone was 18.7 %. Children living in Ambo [AOR = 0.492, 95 %CI (0.255, 0.948)], Dendi [AOR = 0.413, 95 %CI (0.222, 0.769)], Toke kutaye [AOR = 0.462, 95 %CI (0.240, 0.889)], Bako Tibe [AOR = 0.522, 95 %CI (0.275, 0.993)] were less likely affected by diarrhea. Feeding by cup and spoon [AOR = 0.656, 95 %CI (0.433, 0.995)] and feeding by bottle [AOR = 0.577, 95 %CI (0.362, 0.922)] were less likely affected by diarrhea. Using untreated water [AOR = 1.795, 95 %CI (1.184, 2.721)], complementary feeding before six months [AOR = 1.798, 95 %CI (1.261, 2.565)], improper waste disposal [AOR = 2.041, 95 %CI (1.394, 2.989)], unvaccinated for rotavirus [AOR = 1.990, 95 %CI (1.162, 3.410)] were more likely develop diarrhea. ConclusionOur study identified that one in five under-five children was affected by diarrheal morbidity. It was determined by the woreda of respondents, drinking water, child feeding method, complementary feeding initiation time, waste disposal, and rotavirus vaccination. All concerned bodies should intervene based on the cause of the disease.

Prediction of groundwater contamination in an open landfill area using a novel hybrid clustering-based ai model

Groundwater is a vital resource that provides drinking water to over half of the world’s population. However, groundwater contamination has become a serious issue due to human activities such as industrialization, agriculture, and improper waste disposal. The impacts of groundwater contamination can be severe, including health risks, environmental damage, and economic losses. A list of unknown groundwater contamination sources has been developed for the Wang-Tien landfill using a groundwater modeling system (GMS). Further, AI-based models have been developed which accurately predict the contamination from the sources at this site. A serious complication with most previous studies using artificial neural networks (ANN) for contamination source identification has been the large size of the neural networks. We have designed the ANN models which use three different ways of presenting inputs that are categorized by hierarchical K-means clustering. Such an implementation reduces the overall complexity of the model along with high accuracy. The predictive capability of developed models was assessed using performance indices and compared with the ANN models. The results show that the hybrid model of hierarchical K-means clustering and ANN model (HCA-ANN) is a highly accurate model for identifying pollution sources in contaminated water.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Urban Soils: Health Impacts on Humans and Plants: A Review

This research looks at how the growth of cities and industries affects the levels of heavy metals in the soil, which can impact people's health. We find out where the pollution comes from, such as factories, car fumes, and improper waste disposal, by reviewing existing studies. We use different methods to test the soil for heavy metals and study how exposure to these metals in urban areas affects people's health. The evidence shows a connection between high levels of heavy metals in city soil and health problems like breathing issues, brain disorders, and overall toxicity in the body. We also explore how these metals get into the human body, highlighting the importance of understanding how they are available and the ways people are exposed. To deal with polluted city soils, we look at different ways to manage the soil and suggest sustainable methods to reduce heavy metal pollution. Our discoveries add to what we know about urban environmental health, emphasizing the need for actions to protect city residents. Ultimately, this study aims to give important information and insights to policymakers, city planners, and public health officials for managing and lessening the health risks linked to heavy metal contamination in urban soils.

Case Study about the Improper Waste Disposal

Case Study about the Improper Waste Disposal

Prevalência e fatores associados à Insegurança Alimentar em famílias das comunidades quilombolas de Alagoas, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed identify the prevalence and factors associated with food insecurity in families from the remaining quilombola communities in Alagoas, Brazil. Methods This is a cross-sectional study involving families residing in a random sample of 34 out of the 68 quilombola communities in Alagoas. The dependent variable was food insecurity, defined by the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, and its association (prevalence ratio - PR and 95% CI) with the independent variables (socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental) was assessed through multivariable analysis (Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment). Results A total of 2,485 families were evaluated, of which 67.6% were experiencing food insecurity (32.9% mild, 20.1% moderate, and 14.6% severe). Variables associated with moderate + severe forms were: improper waste disposal other than public collection; households with ≤4 rooms; using inadequate water for consumption; households with &gt;4 residents; with residents &lt;18 years old; low educational level of the head of the family (≤8 years); belonging to the lower economic class (D-E); and being a beneficiary of the Bolsa Família Program. Conclusion Food insecurity affects more than two-thirds of quilombola families in Alagoas, constituting an expressive public health problem. In its more severe forms (moderate+severe), it is associated with worse environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic conditions.

Regulatory Gaps in Pharmaceutical Waste Management: A Case Study of Malaysia

Recent scientific studies emphasise the detrimental effects of pharmaceutical residues, such as antibiotics and endocrine disruptors, on aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste poses several risks, including the development of antimicrobial resistance and hormonal imbalances. This paper reviews Malaysia’s federal regulations on pollution and waste management to identify gaps in addressing pharmaceutical pollutants. A content analysis approach was employed, involving transcribing, reading, coding, categorizing, and identifying themes within the textual data. Recurring themes were then used to highlight gaps and opportunities for improving pharmaceutical waste management within the existing legal framework. The study discovered that while the current legal framework effectively manages pharmaceutical waste from point sources like healthcare facilities and manufacturing sites, there is a significant regulatory gap concerning household pharmaceutical waste. Such waste is neither regulated under environmental pollution laws nor included in hazardous or solid waste management regimes, posing a considerable risk to the country’s environment. The study recommends adopting extended producer responsibility to improve household pharmaceutical waste management and highlights the potential role of solid waste legislation in achieving this goal. By prioritizing pharmaceutical waste regulation and adopting proactive environmental protection measures, Malaysia can safeguard public health, ensure a cleaner ecosystem, and strengthen its commitment to sustainable environmental management. The study also noted that many developed nations have already integrated pharmaceutical markers into their water quality monitoring standards. Therefore, Malaysia should begin monitoring emerging pharmaceutical pollutants as well. Updating the National Water Quality Index to include pharmaceutical residues will further enhance efforts to protect the environment.