Improper Waste Disposal Research Articles

Temporal evolution of nitrate in Meoqui-Delicias aquifer in Chihuahua, Mexico

The continued input of nitrate (NO3) into groundwater is a global problem, mainly associated to excess fertilizer and improper disposal of human and livestock waste. Nitrate accumulation in oxic aquifers of semiarid areas makes these zones especially susceptible to pollution. Nitrate in Meoqui-Delicias aquifer, located in an important irrigation district in Chihuahua, Mexico, was quantified in 2021 in 63 drinking water wells. Samples collected were analyzed in laboratory and results were compared to 2003 and 2006 data available for those wells. Nitrate values varied from 0.7 to 23.2 mg/L and 22 % of the wells contained NO3 above drinking water guidelines (10 mg NO3-N/L). A low to moderate nitrate pollution index (NPI) and a slight NO3-N variation with time was observed for most wells. Values of NO3-N/Cl < 1.0 support an anthropogenic origin of nitrate. No association was found between NO3-N and well depth. The most susceptible areas to nitrate contamination were identified as those areas with high NO3-N and increasing concentration with time. The lack of a pattern of contamination suggested leakage of manure leachate at a few points as the most likely contamination source. The consistently high NO3-N content (>10 mg/L) in three deep wells constitutes a serious concern. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v18i1.1415

Comprehensive Assessment of Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Practices in Ishaka-Bushenyi Municipality: Implications for Public Health and Environmental Sustainability

Proper management of pharmaceutical waste is crucial for safeguarding public health and the environment. This study aimed to comprehensively assess pharmaceutical waste management practices in hospitals, pharmacies, and households within Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Uganda. The study employed a qualitative case study design, gathering data through observations, interviews, and questionnaires administered to five pharmacies, two hospitals, and 100 households. The results revealed that the mean amount of pharmaceutical waste generated by pharmacies and hospitals in Ishaka was 40.5 kg ± 32.39 kg per month, of which 26.83 kg ± 29.10 kg were disposed of safely. However, 60% of the waste was categorized as hazardous. The study found that while most facilities used labeled or color-coded containers for waste segregation, the practice of segregation was inconsistent, with 71.43% of the facilities not segregating their waste. Incineration (42.86%) and dilution followed by flushing in protected soak pits (42.86%) were the primary disposal methods employed by the facilities. Concerningly, only 4% of households returned unused or expired medications to pharmacies, with the majority disposing of them in dustbins (46%) or flushing them down toilets (41%). The findings also highlighted gaps in awareness and training, with 50% of pharmacy staff not receiving any training on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal, and only 14.29% of the facilities having established waste management guidelines. These deficiencies in knowledge and practices contribute to the suboptimal management of pharmaceutical waste, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies, targeted training programs, and community-based initiatives to enhance pharmaceutical waste management practices in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and similar settings. Addressing these challenges is crucial for mitigating the adverse impacts of improper pharmaceutical waste disposal and promoting sustainable healthcare waste management. Keywords: Pharmaceutical waste, Waste management, Disposal practices, Awareness, Hazardous waste.

Awareness About Solid Waste Management – A Study with Reference to Home Makers in Chennai

This study's objective is to evaluate the levels of knowledge and practices that are linked with the management of solid waste among homemakers in Chennai. Specifically, the research will focus on the city of Chennai. Managing garbage in an effective manner is becoming an urgent need for those who want to live a sustainable lifestyle. This is due to the fact that the population is expanding and the urbanisation rate is rising. This research evaluates the knowledge, of homemakers in regard to the disposal of garbage.
 The ubiquitous waste management strategies that are used in households are investigated in this study, with a special emphasis placed on the role that homemakers play as key factors in shaping these practices. In this study, the grasp of concepts such as recycling, segregation of the solid waste, and the impact that improper waste disposal has on the environment is investigated. The purpose of the insights that were gathered from the study is to bring to light potential areas that may be improved via intervention and development.
 The purpose of this awareness is to provide homemakers with the information they need to adopt waste management practices that are socially and ecologically responsible. This will ultimately result in a cleaner and greener Chennai. The findings of this study have the potential to serve as a valuable resource for residents, government, community, and environmental activists, therefore fostering a collective commitment to the implementation of responsible waste management practices.

Does the incorporation of shell waste from aquaculture in the construction of marine facilities affect the structure of the marine sessile community?

The growth of the human population causes significant harm to ecosystems, directly affecting the biological diversity of coastal areas by replacing natural habitats with artificial structures such as breakwaters, ports, and marinas. The hard substrate from those marine facilities lacks the topographic complexity of natural habitats. Because of that, artificial habitats usually do not support a diverse community to the same extent as rocky shores in the surroundings. To address this issue and bring a strategic solution to the improper disposal of shell waste from aquaculture farms, we evaluated how increasing the environmental heterogeneity of walls by incorporating mussel and oyster shells on artificial concrete affected the diversity of sessile organisms from the subtidal zone. Adding shells to concrete positively affected ascidians' richness. Substrates with added shells supported more species than flat substrates in total. They promoted species that did not occur on flat substrates that simulated the traditional walls of marinas and harbors. However, it did not affect the number of bryozoans and the average species richness. Consequently, incorporating shells resulted in communities with completely distinct structures from those on flat substrates. Adding shells affected the community structure, reducing the dominance by the exotic bryozoan Schizoporella errata, and promoting the occurrence of other groups, such as ascidians. Using shell residues from aquaculture on marina walls adds substrate for colonization. Still, it is also likely to provide refuges for fragile and vulnerable organisms, like crevices and pits in natural habitats. Because of that, the increment in diversity was mostly group-specific and restricted to ascidians. This research reinforces the importance of creating complex artificial coastal structures, inspired by the blue economy, for a more heterogeneous coverage of sessile communities and reduced presence and dominance of exotic species. Thus, the strategy tested here, besides the effects on the sessile community, also supports efforts to reduce inappropriate waste disposal in the environment.

Penegakan Hukum terhadap Peraturan Daerah Nomor 6 Tahun 2012 Tentang Pengelolaan Sampah dan Sanksi Hukum Serta Kendalanya Di Kota Semarang

Waste, as a byproduct of human activities or natural processes, poses a serious issue due to its substantial and challenging quantity. Problems include waste piles in urban areas and a lack of waste disposal areas around street vendors. This research, titled "Law Enforcement on Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2012 Regarding Waste Management and Legal Sanctions and Challenges in Semarang City," aims to elucidate how the law is applied concerning waste management in Semarang City. This non-doctrinal study employs a normative-empirical juridical approach with a qualitative method. The research is conducted at the Environmental Agency of Semarang City, with primary data sources consisting of interviews with stakeholders from the Waste Management Department and secondary data from legal materials. Data analysis utilizes a qualitative narrative method. Research findings indicate that law enforcement related to Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2012 in Semarang City has been implemented by the local government in accordance with existing provisions. However, deficiencies in community participation persist, such as the habit of improper waste disposal and inadequate waste bin provision. This is attributed to the cultural norm of indiscriminate waste disposal that has become prevalent in society. Additionally, public understanding of "Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2012" regarding Waste Management remains insufficient, particularly regarding the legal penalties for violating the provisions of the regulation.

Development of Small-scale Integrated Hydroponics—Animal Waste Bioreactor (AWB) for Romaine Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longofolia) Production

As improper processing and disposal of animal waste cause negative impacts on the environment, the animal industry sector must shift to more sustainable practices to lessen these effects. Recently, the application of the circular economy concept in agriculture, using animal waste as part of nutrient cycling, has emerged as a sustainable approach. The study aims to develop and test the small-scale integrated hydroponics-animal waste bioreactor (AWB) for romaine lettuce production using chicken manure tea (CMT) derived from dried chicken manure as a primary nutrient source. Three integrated hydroponics-AWB systems, with varying concentrations of CMT at 1,000 ppm, 1,200 ppm, and 1,400 ppm total dissolved solids (maintained within an upper and lower bound of 50 ppm), were constructed, tested, and compared to conventional hydroponics that used a nutrient solution maintained at 1,000 ppm TDS. The test result suggests that the ideal concentration of CMT in the system is 1,000 ppm. Within the optimum manure tea concentration, the small-scale integrated hydroponics-AWB produced romaine lettuce with growth parameters comparable to conventional hydroponics. In addition, increasing the CMT concentration to 1,400 ppm negatively impacts the plant growth parameters of romaine lettuce. The developed small-scale integrated hydroponics-AWB system provides a viable approach for growing lettuce using animal waste as the major source of nutrients. The developed production system could help mitigate the negative environmental effects of improper handling and disposal of animal waste and dependence on chemical-based nutrient solutions in hydroponic crop production.

Growing crisis of urban rat infestation in Karaj city, Iran: Insights from hotspot mapping and social network analysis

To control the increasing growth of rat populations in metropolitan areas, several factors need to be considered to mitigate the risks posed by rats. Identifying rat density hotspots with more efficient methods and assessing people's experiences and attitudes toward them can be useful in prioritizing rat control efforts. We focused on the two most common species of rats (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) in the metropolis of Karaj, the fourth most populous and the largest immigrant-friendly city in Iran. The urban rat infestation is one of the problems caused by the high population growth in Karaj and the insufficient development of urban infrastructure and waste collection. It has led to discontent and public concern about rat infestations and there is a need to address the associated threats. We applied the Kernel Density Function and Optimized Hotspot Analysis to the presence points of the aforementioned types of rats and found that while Optimized Hotspot projects a macro view of hotspots at the city level, the Kernel Density Function prioritizes neighborhoods for initial actions. In addition, social network analysis with complementary regression models was conducted to determine people's experiences. The results show that fear of rats and concern about their presence form the basis of people's attitudes toward rats and lead to feelings of hatred. Moreover, economic harm reinforces people's motivation to control or eliminate this species. Despite their unpleasant feelings toward rats, people have a great influence on the growth of rat infestations by creating food sources through improper waste disposal. They prefer to use traps and poison instead of disposing of household waste and following the principles of cleanliness as preventive measures and believe that the lack of proper garbage collection by the municipality is the most important reason for the growth of rat populations. They are not sufficiently aware of their position in addressing this crisis. Our findings argue for the formation of a stronger network between the relevant authorities and residents, especially those living in the hotspots, to educate them about their role in rat control and to gain their cooperation in improving the city's waste management system.

National Solid Waste Policy (NSWP): Challenges and Advances after 10 Years of Implementation

A decade after the implementation of the National Solid Waste Policy (NSWP), municipalities continue to face challenges in implementation. This study aimed to assess the influence of the Municipal Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (MISWMP) and proper waste disposal in the main cities of the country, in light of the National System of Information on Solid Waste Management (NSISWM). The analyzed data indicate slight advances related to what the National Solid Waste Policy (NSWP) proposes, stemming from difficulties in implementing the policy itself and/or making its instruments viable, especially in cities in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Practices such as improper waste disposal in open dumps or controlled landfills and incineration characterize the reality of Brazil, even a decade after the publication of the NSWP. Among the adopted strategies, waste recycling emerges as significant, with emphasis on composting and energy generation from biogas. There is a need for the integration of municipalities, states, and the Union to provide support for them to better exploit the potential in the generated waste, based on dominant technologies. It is also noteworthy the absence of updated data and cities' non-compliance with individual declarations in the NSISWM, regarding the provision of public solid waste management services, contradicting the policy itself and hindering the transparency of each municipality's data, making it difficult or even preventing monitoring by interested parties, civil society, and public and private entities.

Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Hospital Waste Management at Capital’s Health Care Facility, Pakistan

The improper disposal of solid waste, particularly in developing countries, poses significant threats to the natural environment and public health, leading to increased pollution and disease prevalence. Hospital-generated solid waste, characterized by its heightened toxicity and contagion potential, further exacerbates these risks when mismanaged. This study undertakes an evaluation of the solid waste management (SWM) practices implemented at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad, with a specific focus on assessing their impact on the staff responsible for SWM. The data collection process encompasses on-site visits to check and compare the hospital wastes data available athospital servers as well as by the structured questionnaires. According to the gathered data, PIMS Hospital generates an annual total of 61,030 kilograms of hazardous waste and 254,866.9 kilograms of non-hazardous waste. Given its status as the capital's healthcare facility, PIMS Hospital maintains a well-established and satisfactorily functioning standard of SWM system. This system includes the segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste at the point of generation, facilitated by a color-coded scheme. Non-hazardous waste is then transported to a secure covered storage site using specialized trolleys, while hazardous waste is safely disposed of through the utilization of on-site, double-chambered incinerators. Data analysis underscores the heightened occupational risks faced by SWM personnel, including an increased likelihood of sharp injuries, and disease exposure, as well as the prevalent experience of stress and anxiety. The study's findings necessitate the imperative adoption of standardized practices for the proper handling, treatment, and disposal of solid waste by the involved staff. Furthermore, a critical recommendation arises from the need for routine health monitoring of SWM workers by qualified medical professionals through established mechanisms to mitigate the potential transmission of diseases to their family members. Such measures are paramount in safeguarding the health and well-being of both the SWM staff and the broader community.

Spatio-temporal distribution and carcinogenic assessment due to potentially toxic elements in aquifer water of Ganga and Yamuna River basins, India

The spatial and temporal dispersion of potentially toxic elements (PTE) are evaluated for shallow groundwater samples of Delhi and Patna considering PTE pollution index (HPIPTE), evaluation index (HEIPTE), cancerous and non-cancerous effects, hazard coefficient index (HQI) and overall hazard index (HInc) considering fuzzy entropy weights and source identification is done through PCA. The evaluation of groundwater indicators as pH, TDS and PTE (As, Ni, Mn, B, Pb, Fe and Zn) indicated 6.67% and 3.33% of sampling stations exceeded the threshold limit, HPIPTE > 100 for arid and humid periods of Delhi, whereas 3.33% and 13.33% of sampling stations come under high contamination in the banks of the Ganga in arid and humid seasons respectively. The hazard coefficient index (HQI), only 18% and 21% of the specimens were in the grade of low pollution in both the seasons of Delhi and Patna. The trend of HQI is followed as, HQIAs>HQIPb>HQIFe>HQIMn>HQINi≥HQIZn>HQIB in Delhi region for both Young and elders in both seasons, while the sequence is followed as, HQIAs>HQIPb>HQIFe>HQIMn>HQIZn>HQINi>HQIB in the Ganga River basin area for elders and Young. The index (HInc) found 4 Young & 3 elders and 4 Young & 4 elders (Patna, arid and humid seasons) whereas 6 Young and 5 elders (Delhi, arid and humid seasons) affected as per the index per 1000 cases reported. The PC1 (As, Fe, Mn, and Pb) and PC2 (pH, As, Fe, and Pb) extracted from PCA pointed to the effects of evolution of contamination, hydrogeochemical reaction, disintegration of rocks, its dissolution, dispersion, and dilution in unconfined deep aquifers. Rapid depletion of groundwater table may cause the influx of As contamination in the shallow groundwater, whereas high Pb, Fe, Mn and Ni may be the reasons of nearby industries and improper waste disposal process. The findings and GIS mappings may put some light on the PTE over the Rivers which can help the local government and decision makers to formulate safe and protective bounds, to reduce the rate of contamination and to protect the water ecology and environmental system.

Perceived Environmental Health Effects of Clinical Waste Disposal in Ahoada Local Government Area of Rivers State Nigeria

The study examined the perceived health effects of clinical waste disposal in Adoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria on people. Purposive and random sampling techniques were employed for the collection of the data set comprising a sample size of 184 respondents selected from health/medical personnel, cleaners in health facilities, waste handlers, nurses, midwives, and doctors through structured questionnaires including basic statistical techniques using a criterion of 2.50 on the 4-point Likert scale. The result of the various analyses conducted revealed that the major types of waste generated from hospitals and medical facilities are needles, syringes scalpels, blades, and lancets, including placentas and other human tissues as well as papers, plastics, and glasses. The analysis from the returned questionnaires further indicates that the main methods of clinical waste disposal and treatment of used medical instruments/tools (autoclaving) include open burning of clinical wastes such as paper, plastic, cans, etc. The implications of the observed poor and inappropriate disposal of clinical waste in the study area include a high risk of infection among health/medical personnel and the spread of communicable diseases in the neighborhood. Given the depth of the analysis and the results generated, the study recommends the deployment of more qualified medical and para-medical personnel to the local government health facilities and the provision of modern equipment to tackle the rising cases of infectious diseases and community health associated with improper clinical waste disposal in the study area.

Environmental Impacts of Inadequate Disposal of Heavy Metals in Soil, Water, and Air

The improper disposal of electronic waste poses significant risks to human health through soil contamination and subsequent water pollution. This text aims to shed light on the detrimental effects of such actions. The primary objective is to identify the impacts of irresponsible disposal of electronic waste and batteries on soil and, by extension, water sources. Specific objectives include exploring how heavy metals from these waste products can be correctly disposed of to prevent harm to animals and humans. Additionally, the text seeks to underscore the necessity of discussing existing public policies for proper waste disposal. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather insights from experts in the field. Researchers have proposed various approaches to address this issue, emphasizing the urgency of adopting sustainable practices for electronic waste disposal. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to reconsider current practices and implement sustainable methods for discarding electronic devices. By doing so, we can mitigate water, soil, and air contamination, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission to humans.

SELECTION OF SUITABLE LANDFILL SITE FOR WASTE DISPOSAL IN ILORIN METROPOLIS USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

Rapid urbanization globally has aggravated and worsen the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in cities, especially the developing countries. This article underscores the pressing need for effective waste management solutions from the unruly contamination of soil and groundwater, or improper waste disposal and focuses on the selection of suitable landfill sites using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques. With a global increase in MSW generation, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, the environmental and health consequences of open dumping is hazardous. The study employs Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) within the GIS environment, considering criteria such as elevation, slope, aspect, soil properties, proximity to roads, water bodies, and settlements. The analysis integrates diverse data sources, including remote sensing and soil databases, offering a comprehensive evaluation of topographical factors, soil characteristics, and accessibility. Results indicated that approximately 29.73%, falls under the category of “Restricted Area,” totaling 18,887.18 hectares. High Suitable areas cover 15.85% of the region, comprising 10,070.28 hectares, while “Very High Suitable” areas, though minimal in coverage at 0.02%, represent nearly perfect sites totaling approximately 12.35 hectares. The results offer valuable insights into landfill suitability, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable waste management strategies.

Comprehensive Assessment of Hygiene Factors Contributing to Poor Healthcare Facility Conditions in South Sudan: Implications for Public Health

Poor hygiene practices in healthcare facilities contribute significantly to the spread of diseases and compromise public health outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings like South Sudan. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the multifaceted factors influencing hygiene conditions in selected healthcare facilities in South Sudan. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from Juba Teaching Hospital, Bentiu State Hospital, Nyal Primary Health Care Centre, and Ganyliel Primary Health Care Centre. The study population included medical professionals, hospital staff, patients, and visitors. The results revealed a range of individual, environmental, and health facility factors contributing to poor hygiene. Individual behaviors such as inadequate hand washing, improper waste disposal, and lack of infection control awareness were identified as significant contributors to poor hygiene. Environmental factors such as inadequate sanitation infrastructure, unreliable water supply, and improper waste management practices were also found to exacerbate hygiene challenges. Moreover, health facility factors including overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and limited waste disposal resources further compounded the issue. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant correlations between these factors and poor hygiene outcomes, underscoring the complexity of the problem. Recommendations for improving hygiene standards encompassed comprehensive training programs, infrastructure upgrades, robust infection prevention policies, community engagement initiatives, and quality improvement measures. By addressing these multifactorial challenges, healthcare facilities in South Sudan can enhance hygiene standards, mitigate disease transmission, and improve overall public health outcomes. This study contributes valuable insights to the global discourse on healthcare hygiene and underscores the urgent need for tailored interventions in resource-constrained settings to ensure safe and hygienic healthcare environments. Keywords: Poor hygiene, waste management, South Sudan, Health care, Respondents, Environmental

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.