Incorrect Disposal Research Articles

Chemical Upcycling of Expired Pharmaceuticals as a Source of Value-Added Chemicals for Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry.

Pharmaceutical and veterinary products are a class of contaminants of emerging concern, and their presence in the environment is due to continuous and incorrect disposal. Environmental scientists have been accumulating data on their adverse effects on animal populations since toxicological effects on wildlife were first published. Therefore, recycling strategies are needed. Valuable active ingredients can be extracted from expired pharmaceuticals and recycled according to various strategies. In an effort to reveal the potential of the chemical upcycling of expired pharmaceuticals, the active ingredients gabapentin and pregabalin were extracted and used as starting materials to prepare a small collection of promising substrates endowed with functionalities and structural three-dimensionality. Gabapentin 1 was transformed into aminoalcohol 3, spiroamine 4, and the bioactive azaspirolactam 5. The lactam analog 6 was synthesized from pregabalin 2. Due to the biological profile of 5 and the structural similarity of the N-alkylated derivatives 5l and 6b with the drug piracetam, a collection of potentially bioactive structural analogs 5a-l and 6a-b were also prepared. Simple extraction, synthesis, and purification procedures were used as a means of chemical and economic revaluation, resulting in moderate to good yields at a low cost.

Balancing Technological Innovation and Environmental Sustainability: A Lifecycle Analysis of 6G Wireless Communication Technology

Wireless communication has revolutionized the evolution of humankind. The rapid growth and development of mobile communication has created an ecosystem better than what has been before. However, issues such as ample energy consumption and resulting carbon emissions, a lack of proper disposal mechanisms for large amounts of electronic waste, and the recycling of electronic materials interrupt growth. When the world is waiting for the implementation of 6G mobile communication technology, it is mandatory to resolve these issues for the sustainability of 6G technology. In this review, we present the superiority of 6G over previous generations accompanied by issues that cause extensive damage to the environment. To mitigate this adverse effect, we present a lifecycle analysis of 6G wireless communication technology from production to disposal, focusing on issues surrounding electronic waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact. This study explains the intricacies of electronic parts, toxic compounds, and the dangers of incorrect disposal techniques. It also investigates energy consumption issues specific to 6G technology, such as manufacturing processes and network infrastructures that require considerable energy. We also present a quantitative evaluation of the 6G lifecycle in detail. In addition, we present a comprehensive strategy and insights to make 6G sustainable. Furthermore, we suggest an ecological policy for all stakeholders for the sustainability of 6G. We also present political and commercial implications for 6G. As the process of 6G development continues, we show the impact of network fragmentation on standardization, which helps improve sustainability. Finally, we conclude that while the existing research has made significant advances in 6G, there is a need for correct disposal techniques to refine the key government policies for managing e-waste. New cooling technologies and renewable energy sources must be adopted to reduce the current greenhouse emission of 200 g of CO2 and energy consumption of 2.5 kWh per GB for 6G networks.

Highly efficient removal of TBBPA and ATE by photocatalytic degradation with green synthesized NiO@CuHCF p-n heterojunction: Optimizations, kinetics, and mechanistic insights

Because of their incorrect disposal and persistence in environmental media, two frequently used brominated flame retardants (BFRs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and allyl 2,4,6-tribormorphenul ether (ATE) pose serious health concerns. A green technique was used to synthesize the NiO@CuHCF nanohybrids, and their ability to degrade target BFRs was examined. The optimal removal circumstances included a dose of 10 mg of nanocatalyst, a pH of 9, and 10 mg L−1. In 120 minutes, TBBPA and ATE were practically completely eradicated followed by first-order kinetics. High surface area, visible light active band gap, low recombination rate, robust cross-linking with contaminants, and catalytic free radical generation are some of the unique features of NiO@CuHCF. Under 120 minutes, the NiO@CuHCF was able to achieve an ideal elimination rate of 91–97 % and a debromination rate of over 75.4–82.3 %. After 8 cycles, the composite demonstrated excellent catalytic performance and minimal catalyst loss, demonstrating its stability and reusability. In comparison to parent nanoparticles, the investigation revealed that NiO-modified CuHCF exhibited higher degrading efficiency. To evaluate the catalytic efficacy of NiO@CuHCF, the actual sample was also analyzed. The hypothesis that the degradation efficiency of leachate BFRs was lower than that of controlled ones was rejected due to the potential leaching of extra analyte. Major reaction products or intermediates were discovered using HPLC and GC-MS, which also suggested a possible degradation pathway. NiO@CuHCF nanohybrid is a promising nanomaterial for the photodegradation of BFRs and other pollutants from environmental matrices, with further research and development enhancing their practical implementation.

Mitochondrial injury induced by triclopyr in the rat liver

The herbicide triclopyr (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid) is already considered an environmental problem due to damage caused by incorrect disposal, leaching, and aerial dispersion, which may pose risks to the environment and human health. Studies have evaluated metabolism, absorption, excretion, and active transport but there is no clear information about its mode of action (MoA) and its cytotoxic action potential remains unknown. In this context, mitochondria have been used to assess the toxicity of xenobiotics, for this reason, to identify the toxic mechanism of triclopyr, hepatic mitochondria from Wistar rats were exposed in vitro to different concentrations of triclopyr (0.5–500 µM). There was neither formation/accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, nor lipid peroxidation or changes in the mitochondrial antioxidant system, in addition to proper functioning of oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. Changes were found in NAD(P)H oxidation, membrane potential dissipation and mitochondrial calcium gradient. These results demonstrate that mitochondria suffer damage related to their bioenergetics and redox status but not to their structure when exposed to concentrations of triclopyr considered higher than those described as found in the environment so far. Highlights Triclopyr has a low mitochondrial uncoupling potential. The damage caused to the bioenergetics and redox state of the mitochondria is related to concentrations considered higher than those found in the environment. Even at high concentrations, triclopyr was not able to change the structure of the organelle after exposure. Oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production were not impaired after exposure. NAD(P)H oxidation resulted in potential membrane dissipation and mitochondrial calcium gradient dissipation. Triclopyr does not have RONS-forming properties, as well as it does not peroxide membrane lipids, it preserves membrane sulfhydryl groups and maintains the normality of the GSH/GSSG ratio.

Characterisation of household single-use packaging flows through a municipal waste system: A material flow analysis for New South Wales, Australia

Household single-use packaging has poor rates of recycling, and presents a challenge in transitioning to a circular packaging economy. This study characterises the flows of household single-use packaging in the municipal waste system for 2020–21 in New South Wales, Australia. Households are an important source of packaging usage in Australia, accounting for over 40 % of all packaging used in 2020–21. Our focus spans 17 single-use packaging materials and 11 formats. We estimate the composition of single-use consumer packaging in the kerbside collection stream, and the ultimate fate of used packaging. Results show 1000 ± 8 % kt of packaging was used by households in NSW in 2020–21 (∼123 kg/cap). Composition of the used packaging stream was dominated by glass (36 %), paper (29 %) and plastic (28 %) packaging. HDPE (26 % of plastic packaging), LDPE (24 %) and PET (19 %) were the main polymers in use. 63 % ± 5 % of used packaging was collected for recycling, and 34 % ± 7 % was recovered via recyclate generation and overseas exports. Glass packaging had the highest recycling rates at 52 % ± 3 %, while plastic packaging had the poorest at 11 % ± 10 %. Findings indicate incorrect disposal of recyclables at the household to mixed-waste systems as a major limitation of the system to improve recycling rates. Expansion in recovery capacity is also essential for improving recycling rates, and the potential for generating the packaging-grade recyclate essential for meeting recycled content targets. The study offers contributions to the understanding of consumer packaging managed within the municipal waste system. Insights gained have application in informing sustainable packaging and waste management strategies.

Consequences of the incorrect disposal of electronic waste when growing flower seedlings

Abstract The improper disposal of batteries has numerous consequences for the environment, since they contain potentially toxic metals that can be leached, infiltrating, and contaminating the soil layers, the groundwater, as well as the fauna and flora of nearby regions. Therefore, studies were conducted to simulate and analyze soil contamination by the release of potentially toxic metals from the incorrect disposal of alkaline batteries in the environment, in similar natural conditions, by doing leaching tests in fertilized soil resembling a landfill. Therefore, in this paper a simple experiment is proposed for sensitizing students toward the consequences of an incorrect disposal of batteries in the environment.

Will the Global Plastics Treaty break the plastic wave? The beginning of a long discussion road

Abstract We are experiencing the effects of the triple planetary crisis—climate change, loss of nature, and pollution—aggravated by plastic pollution. Despite widespread global awareness of the adverse effects of plastic pollution, its ongoing increase remains persistent, with an annual increase in plastic consumption and incorrect disposal contributing to this serious problem. In 2022, 175 nations agreed to begin negotiations by the end of 2024 on a binding international agreement to control the life cycle of plastics, including preventing marine pollution. To ensure the efficacy of the Global Plastics Treaty for mitigating plastic pollution, the extensive participation of researchers is imperative. The literature focuses on efforts in line with ongoing negotiations. In this study, a systematic review of the Global Plastics Treaty was conducted. The analyzed literature mainly focuses on the adverse effects of plastic pollution, legislation, governance, and the economy. The resulting comprehensive overview of the subject can support ongoing negotiations and guide future research about the Global Plastics Treaty.

Improvised Freon Extractor as an Innovative Trainer

The decade of the 1990's has been a challenging time for the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry worldwide. Due to its vital role in the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer, provisions of the Montreal Protocol and its various amendments required the complete phase-out of chlorine-containing refrigerant such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Appliances such as window type air-conditioners, motor vehicle air-conditioners, and refrigerators, rely on ozone depleting refrigerants and their substitutes. In this case, the regulation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which prohibits the venting of refrigerants compounds to the atmosphere must be followed. Along this line of concern, educational institutions need to be aware of this technological gap specifically in developing programs in Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration for environmental protection against incorrect disposal of refrigerant. The aim of this study was to develop an Improvised Freon Extractor as an Innovative Trainer to help students and instructors in the Bachelor of Industrial Technology and
 Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering courses in their effective teaching-learning of lessons in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning subjects. The results of the study revealed that the developed innovative trainer contains the following parts: electrical parts - includes the dual capacitor, banana plug, compressor, fan motor, air swing motor, air swing motor switch, thermostat switch, and selector switch; nonelectrical parts - frame housing, frame cover, suction and discharge valve, caster wheels, filter receiver drier assembly and condenser. The Improvised Freon Extractor as an Innovative Trainer was also found to be suitable to serve as an alternative learning material that assists the learning of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning subjects in the Bachelor of Industrial Technology and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering courses

REMOVAL OF DRUGS FROM AQUEOUS MATRIXES USING A REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANE

Pollution of water bodies by micropollutants is a problem of growing concern, especially regarding contamination with drug residues and metabolites. The presence of these substances in surface waters is related to deleterious consequences for the population and the environment. The incorrect disposal of drug residues and the low efficiency of conventional water treatment methods require the use of alternative methods, such as the use of membrane separation processes for the treatment of effluents. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a reverse osmosis membrane for the removal of ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium from an aqueous matrix. For this, permeation tests were performed with aqueous solutions of diclofenac and ibuprofen at a concentration of 10 mg∙L-1, alone and together. The hydraulic permeability of the membrane and the drug rejection efficiency were evaluated. The presence of drugs in the solution had little influence on the hydraulic permeability of the membrane. The minimum removal efficiency of both substances was greater than 98.5 %, generating a permeate stream practically free of drugs, whether evaluated separately or in the same solution. These results indicate the operational robustness of the membrane since neither the permeability nor the rejection were altered by the fact that we have the two drugs combined, in addition to demonstrating the potential use of reverse osmosis as a treatment method for the removal of residues and traces of drugs and other difficult-to-treat organic substances in aqueous matrices.

Industrial Solid Waste Management in a Metallurgical Plant: Effects of Environmental Rearrangement and Feedback

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a contingency arrangement (environmental rearrangement and feedback presentation) in a metallurgical company to increase the likelihood of proper disposal and separation of industrial solid waste. Theoretical Framework: The incorrect disposal of solid waste in companies produces a series of environmental damages and significantly hampers the effectiveness of reverse logistics. Method: Two owners and all employees of a metallurgical company in Paraná, Brazil, participated. The procedure consisted of three stages: (1) analysis and detailed description of the current disposal conditions before the intervention; (2) strategic rearrangement of containers for waste disposal location, accompanied by a weekly record of the types of waste discarded during the intervention; and (3) installation of informative signs providing monthly feedback on the quantity of waste discarded. Results and Conclusion: The structural rearrangement of the environment, with the strategic placement of containers in easily accessible locations and the inclusion of signs identifying the types of waste in each of them, coupled with regular feedback on the quantity of waste disposal from the metallurgical plant, resulted in a highly effective management of solid waste in the company. We concluded that the intervention improved the company’s industrial solid waste management and expanded the reverse logistics practice. Implications of the Research: The intervention contributed to local-level management, which could inspire similar changes in the socio-environmental management practices of other organizations. Originality/value: The study contributes to scientific advancement by proposing the contingency arrangement based on Behavior Analysis principles.

A review of the application of low-cost adsorbents as an alternative method for biosorption of contaminants present in water

Introduction: When using conventional methods to remove contaminants present in water, it generates limitations, such as low efficiency values, and the need for a large operating area added to a high operational cost. As a result, the scientific community has focused its efforts on improving existing removal methods, such as adsorption more focused on the use of biosorbents. These are generally zero-cost waste materials in nature that have a large volume, an example is those generated in agriculture, such as rice husks, peanut husks, cassava husks, and fruit husks, among others. Methodology: This study sought to carry out an extensive review through a broad database, providing biosorbents already produced and used to remove various contaminants. For certain contaminants such as dyes and some heavy metals, dead or live biomasses present promising removal results. The great advantage is that these materials generally present insufficient management, causing several environmental problems. Once used as biosorbents, they solve the problem of bioaccumulation and support the treatment of effluents, making the process sustainable. Results: The most satisfactory results were obtained in the removal of heavy metals, while the use of microbial biomass presented a lower performance, being more dependent on the control of nutrients and other parameters involving the process. The removal of other organic compounds presented greater complexity since they presented functional groups of varying ionic nature, which influence the interaction have the functional groups present on the surface of the biosorbent. Conclusions: Finally, Biosorption presents several advantages such as its cost-benefit, high effectiveness, easy implementation, and how fibrous residues are used, the active sites are freer to adsorb substances and chemicals. Added to this, it enables the use of waste which supports management, reducing environmental pollution resulting from incorrect disposal, making the process sustainable globally.

Exploring pharmacists’ perception of medicines waste and how they can help reduce the burden

Abstract Introduction Medicines waste can occur due to a variety of reasons and lead to financial and environmental implications. Previous studies have investigated how patients manage medicines waste and have identified that the reasons for incorrect disposal could be due to patient convenience, lack of awareness or safety concerns with children1. In this study we have explored the pharmacist's perception of medicine waste to inform future polices that could be introduced to reduce medicines waste. Aim To explore the knowledge and views that pharmacists have about medication waste, and the methods that they use to reduce it, to inform how medication waste is managed. Methods Following ethical approval, a two-phased study was conducted among pharmacists from various sectors in England, 20 of whom had their independent prescribing qualification. In phase one a questionnaire was developed to explore the perceptions of the pharmacists. This included how much of an impact methods such as deprescribing and the education of patients could have on the reduction of medicines waste. The electronic questionnaire was emailed through local and regional networks such as pharmaceutical committees and affiliates of the university. In the questionnaire we asked respondents if they would like to participate in phase two of the study, which involved an interview to gain in-depth knowledge and further perspective. The interviews were recorded and transcribed and then coded into the four themes by the researchers; causes of waste, barriers preventing the reduction of waste, systems in place to reduce waste and patient education. Results When pharmacists were asked how high of a priority reducing waste was in there practice they worked at on a scale of 1 (high priority) to 5 (low priority). It was found that most ranked it to be a low priority, with 12 respondents choosing one and over half (55.9%) choosing 1 or 2, indicating that to pharmacists reducing waste is not currently prioritised in practice. When asked about how often they educate patients on medicine waste disposal, most gave the response either often (32.4%) or sometimes (38.2%) suggesting most patients are not educated about medicine waste disposal. During interviews, the reasons for medicine waste not being a priority was due to time constraints and lack of incentives. Discussion/Conclusion Whilst a small scale study only, the findings suggest that whilst pharmacists seem to see medicine waste as a big issue in the UK, they may not see medicine waste as a high priority in practice. This may be due to a lack of incentives and needing more spare time to perform activities to reduce waste in practice. Schemes and incentive programs need to be implemented to encourage pharmacists to reduce medicine waste in practice before pharmacists are likely to actively try and reduce waste. Further research needs to be done to evaluate for possible schemes or incentive programs and the cost-effectiveness of the schemes in terms of money saved and total medicine waste reduction.

Ecological soap production using green chemistry principles

The reuse of fatty materials for soap production is considered a viable alternative to minimize environmental problems such as the eutrophication of lakes and rivers and to reduce the high costs of effluent treatment and domestic water supply. This research presents protocols for ecological soap production from the determination of the saponification index (SI) using the principles of Green Chemistry. The chemical greenness of the produced soap was assessed using mass and holistic metrics. The SI measurement ensured a final product without residues, aligning with the principles of Green Chemistry: principle 1 (waste prevention) with a Factor E of 0 and an Atomic Economy of 100%. Additionally, the Green Matrix and Green Star analyses demonstrated a more sustainable experimental approach for bar soap production, with 45% higher greenness compared to traditional soap and 95% greenness for ash soap. The changes in the saponification process by the principles of green chemistry allowed ecological soap production without residues, an innocuous product to health and the environment. The methodology proposed in this research can contribute to minimizing an environmental problem related to the incorrect disposal of non-biodegradable oil.

Rethinking gold mining wastewater treatment with an integrated process of membrane distillation and membrane contactors for minimal waste discard and resource recovery

The generation of wastewater in the mining industry is followed by concerns about the environmental impacts derived from its incorrect disposal. This study intended to simultaneously treat and recover water for reuse, sulfuric acid, and copper from gold mining wastewater, from an innovative integrated system of membrane distillation (MD) and non-dispersive solvent extraction (NDSX). The performance of this system was compared when different polymeric membranes (namely polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) were tested. The PP membrane yielded better results in terms of distillate flux (0.67 ± 0.32 L/m2h), owing to its reduced thickness compared with the other membranes. However, the PTFE membrane demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of rejection efficiency, achieving values >99.2 %. The occurrence of fouling due to the organic phase was observed, requiring periodical cleaning protocols and the development of oleophobic membranes to reduce the fouling rate in MD. In the extraction and re-extraction processes the PTFE membrane outperformed in terms of extraction efficiency (recovery of 94.0 % for acid and 97.3 % for copper). The results were explained by its greater porosity and lower roughness, variables that directly impacted the mass transfer of sulfuric acid and copper across the membrane. The study, therefore, demonstrates potentiality in the recovery of high-quality water, sulfuric acid, and copper, clearing the path of technologies with the potential to lower the wastewater discarded from industrial facilities.

Aspectos morfológicos e impactos patológicos da equinococose cística no fígado de ovelhas abatidas e relação hospedeiro-parasita

ABSTRACT Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasite-borne disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus belonging to family Taeniidae, is an endemic disease, distributed worldwide as a neglected parasite with socioeconomic repercussions. It causes severe alterations in liver of infected host, and it could be fatal if untreated. The main objective of the present study is to measure and evaluate the condition of hydatidosis in slaughtered sheep in Al Baha region, Saudi Arabia. A total of 601 slaughtered sheep in Al Baha abattoirs were examined for hydatidosis during the year 2020. Various organs were examined for the presence of parasite cysts, and the cyst contents were examined by light microscopy. Also, liver sections infected with cysts were examined for pathological alterations and host-parasite interactions. Forty-two animals were infected (6.09%) with the highest prevalence during summer. During gross examination, it was observed that the sheep liver is the most affected organ by the disease. The liver contained multiple cysts with varying sizes, filled with clear to slightly turbid fluid containing protoscoleces. Detailed sections of the infected liver revealed significant fibrosis around the central vein, portal vein congestion, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and necrosis. Sections through hydatid cysts showed the presence of three surrounding layers with a laminar membrane bordering the cyst lined by a germinal epithelium surrounding several brood capsules with many protoscolesces inside supported by a set of rostellar hooklets. Considerable efforts should be spent to control the transmission of parasitic cysts and inhibit the incorrect disposal of infected meat from slaughterhouses. Also, more focus should be done on epidemiological and control programs of these parasites.

Pesticide Application as a Risk Factor/Behaviour for Workers’ Health: A Systematic Review

The main objective of this review was to determine the main risks that agricultural workers are exposed to during pesticide application, which may have a harmful effect on their health and on public health. This systematic review was based on the PRISMA guidelines. A search for articles was conducted in the Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases. Fifteen articles were selected considering their assessment of agricultural workers’ knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, practices, and behaviours, identifying the main risks and risk factors for disease associated with the unsafe handling of pesticides. The main risk factors identified were age, education, pesticide safety training, farming experience, and contact with other farmers/intermediaries resulting in pesticide access. The most frequent risk behaviour was an application of pesticides without personal protective equipment (PPE), incorrect disposal of empty packaging and waste, and undervaluation of label information, as well as other unsafe practices. Multidisciplinary and more effective training must be delivered to enhance pesticide-safe usage. This will empower workers to adopt more conscious and safer behaviours while using pesticides.

Synthesis, characterization, and reusability of novel nanobiocomposite of endophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus and magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) with dye bioremediation potential

The incorrect disposal of textile dyes, such as Reactive Black 5 (RB5), causes several problems for living beings and the quality of the environment. Nanobiocomposites (NBC) produced from endophytic fungi (potentially remediation dyes-agents) and magnetic nanoparticles have high biotechnological potential due to their superparamagnetic behavior, which would allow their recovery through the magnetic field after the bioremediation process. This work aimed to obtain a new nanobiocomposite from the interaction of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) with the endophyte Aspergillus flavus (Af-CL-7) to evaluate its bioremediation capacity and to reduce the toxicity of RB5 and its reuse. Before obtaining the NBC, Af-CL-7 showed discoloration of RB5 and it was tolerant to all tested concentrations of this dye. The discovery of the nanobiocomposite textile dye bioremediator product presents a significant environmental advantage by addressing the issue of water pollution caused by textile dyes. The NBC called Af-Fe3O4 was successfully obtained with the magnetized endophyte, and their magnetic properties were verified by VSM analysis and by action of magnetic fields generated by Nd-Fe-B magnets SEM analyzes showed that the nanoparticles did not cause any damage to the hypha morphology, and TEM analyzes confirmed the presence of nanoparticles in the fungus wall and also inside the cell. The NBC Af-Fe3O4 and Af-CL-7 showed, respectively, 96.1% and 92.2% of RB5 discoloration in the first use, 91.1% e 86.2% of discoloration in the validation test, and 89.0% in NBC reuse. In the toxicological bioassay with Lactuca sativa seeds, NBC showed a positive reduction in the toxicity of RB5 after treatment, allowing the hypocotyl growth to be statistically similar to the control with water. Thus, we highlight the promising obtaining process of NBC that could be applied in bioremediation of contaminated waters, wherein the industrial economic cost will depend on the fermentation efficiency, biomass production and nanoparticle synthesis.

Development of a Sustainable Community Environmental Management Model by Using the Process Engage Educational Institutions and Communities

Background and Aims: The amount of municipal solid waste generated tended to increase during the year 2017-2019 and there is more reuse of municipal solid waste, in which incorrect disposal tends to decrease, but with the situation of the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 since the beginning of March 2020, and continued until a new wave of outbreaks in late 2020 and early 2021. The problem of solid waste is increasing, the Local authorities will collect and transport waste, which the municipality will do by itself, but some hire private companies to carry out the collection in the area for waste management problems that are mostly found as residual waste. Thus, this research was; (1) to study the problems and needs of sustainable community environmental management. (2) To find a model and develop a sustainable community environmental management model by using the participation process of educational institutions and communities. Materials and Methods: This research was a qualitative study in Kaeng Loengchan Sub-district, Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province. The research tools were semi-structured, observational, and recording interviews with a target population of 30 participants. Use content analysis. Results: The results showed that; (1) The community environmental problem that is currently facing is the continuous increase of solid waste from consumption and household consumption which, if not properly managed, will cause chronic problems. (2) Sustainable community environmental management model found that (1) the implementation of the 5R principles in the household, (2) the establishment of a community waste bank, and (3) the use of an application system to help collect solid waste management data. Conclusion: The local government should develop further by incorporating them into local ordinances to develop and support the budget for expanding the results to other areas. And the development of a sustainable community environmental management model by using the participation process of educational institutions and communities.

Heavy metal contamination in soils of a decommissioned landfill southern Brazil: Ecological and health risk assessment

The incorrect disposal of waste negatively influences the population's quality of life and harms the environment. In Brazil, waste disposal in the open air is still a reality, which generates concerns about the contamination of the areas surrounding these dumpsites. The present work evaluated the possible environmental risks of a deactivated dumpsite in southern Brazil. The soil was characterized by physical and chemical tests, emphasizing the analysis of heavy metals Al, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn. Using geostatistical tools, it was possible to determine the distribution of these heavy metals in the influence of the landfill, since the metals Mn, Fe, and Zn showed a significant difference about the reference soil, indicating that they came from leaching from the landfill. The dispersion of the metals along the slope showed a tendency towards mobility since the highest concentrations were at elevations below the landfill. The area was considered contaminated due to the high scores of the evaluated indexes pollution, as the Improved Nemerow Pollution Index, which considers pollutant concentration, toxicity, and environmental impact to provide a measure of contamination, and was equivalent to 6.44, indicating that the area is contaminated. However, it presented low ecological risks, with a potential ecological risk of 18.55. As well as low risks to human health, with hazard index below the limit considered critical to health (HI < 1). Thus, the results of this study showed that the metals are released around the deactivated deposit, which compromises the environmental safety of the site, mainly due to its proximity to bodies of water that supply the region. Thus, the permanent control and monitoring of the areas of deactivated dumpsites are essential to avoid further pollution and should be included in the management plans for deactivating these deposits throughout the country.

Solvothermal synthesis of g-C3N4 nanosheets modified carbon quantum dots for enhanced photocatalytic degradation

The incorrect disposal of industrial waste water has caused widespread concern of researchers due to its serious harm to people's health and ecological environment. Photocatalytic technology is widely used for wastewater purification owing to its simple operation, no secondary pollution and clean energy. In this study, carbonaceous composites were constructed by combining graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via hydrothermal method. The size of CQDs was about 8 nm, distributing over the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets, and the existence of their interface interaction was confirmed. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) is considered to appraise the photocatalytic performance of the g-C3N4/CQDs composites under visible light. The obtained composites display better photocatalytic activity than the pure g-C3N4 nanosheets. The obtained g-C3N4/CQDs composite (CN-20) from 20 mL of the CQDs solution (∼1 mg mL−1) and 20 mg of g-C3N4 nanosheets displays the excellent photo-degradation efficiency and its apparent rate constant (kapp) is 4.0 times that of g-C3N4 nanosheets. In addition, CN-20 exhibits almost negligible influences of real environmental (pH value, inorganic anions, humic acid and source of water) on the degradation of MO, indicating potential in practical application. Furthermore, the g-C3N4/CQDs composite shows the enhanced cycle stability and the postulated mechanism of MO photocatalytic degradation is illustrated in detail.