Management Of Such Wastes Research Articles

Data on the Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Quantity, Quality and Management of Solid Waste in Babol Hospitals

Medical waste is about 1-2 % of urban waste, which is very important in terms of health. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of the covid-19 epidemic on the quantity, quality and management of hospital waste data (infectious, common, sharp objects, and chemical waste) in the two periods before and during the covid-19 epidemic in Babol hospitals. In this regard, all 6 government hospitals were selected and investigated. Data were collected by the researcher using the standard checklist of the environmental and labor health center of the ministry of health. finally, the obtained data were analyzed using excel. The total solid waste produced by the studied hospitals before covid-19 pandemic was 3019.9 kg/day, of which 51.7 % was ordinary waste, 43.25 % was infectious waste, 3.11 % was chemical waste, and 1.93 % was sharp pointed waste. The total solid waste produced in 2021 was 3053.2 kg/day, of which 35 % was ordinary waste, 59.31 % was infectious waste, 3.35 % was dangerous chemical medical waste and 2.3 % was sharp pointed waste. Given the large amount and the danger of infectious waste in the hospital, careful and continuous monitoring of the management of such waste will be necessary to ensure, maintain and increase the level of health of the personnel, patients and all those referring to hospitals.• This study investigates the impact of the outbreak of covid-19 on quantity, quality and also it shows the types of medical waste (infectious, normal, sharp and chemical) in three consecutive years before and after the corona epidemic.• The impact of the spread of Covid-19 on the management of all types of medical waste has been investigated in this study.• The results of this study can be used to improve the management of waste production practices in hospitals, medical clinics and other similar centers.

Biodiesel production through transesterification of waste Pistacia- Terebinthus Oil by pharmaceutical waste as a heterogeneous catalyst: A sustainable solution for reducing external costs

A catalyst from the pharmaceutical waste of calcium and magnesium tablets was synthesized for biodiesel production from waste Pistacia-Terebinthus (PT) oil with the aim of creating added value and presenting a new approach for the management of such wastes. For this purpose, magnesium and calcium tablet wastes with a mass ratio of 70:30 (wt%) were calcined. The catalyst was investigated by several methods, such as thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and CHNS/O elemental analysis. The high specific surface area of the catalyst confirms that the utilized synthesis method resulted in the formation of a high number of active sites in its structure, which allows it to function as a suitable catalyst for this reaction. Furthermore, the impact of effective parameters on the treansestrification reaction was optimized and investigated by designing the experiments and applying the RSM method. The maximum mass yield of 96 % was obtained in optimal conditions (temperature of 70 °C, catalyst loading of 4.498 wt%, methanol:oil ratio of 1.968 (vol:vol), and reaction time of 120 min). The reusability of the catalyst was investigated in four successive cycles. The mass yield of the last test declined from 96 % to 71.4 %. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the produced biofuel revealed that it comprises 91.37 % methyl ester compounds (64.28 % 12-Octadecenoic Acid, Methyl Ester). To evaluate the external costs of biofuel (B100) and compare it with diesel, combustion simulation was done with Diesel-RK software, which showed that its external costs were 0.05388 (€/Lit fuel) less than those of diesel.

Autonomous Surface Water Cleaning Robots

t—Water resources are indispensable for sustaining life on Earth, playing a crucial role in various ecosystems and supporting human civilization. However, the escalating levels of plastic and waste pollution in water bodies have become a pressing concern in recent years. This pollution not only disrupts aquatic ecosystems but also compromises water quality and obstructs sunlight penetration. Additionally, the advent of the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the problem, with the widespread usage of disposable masks, gloves, and other biomedical waste further contributing to water pollution.The improper disposal of waste, especially biomedical waste, poses significant challenges to both public health and environmental integrity. Inadequate management of such waste not only jeopardizes human well-being but also threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems. Consequently, addressing waste management has become an urgent imperative, with potentially dire consequences if left unaddressed.In response to this critical issue, our paper proposes the design of an innovative product: an autonomous water cleaning robot. This robot is engineered to efficiently tackle the problem of improper waste disposal in water bodies. Its design features a sturdy mechanical frame, complemented by advanced sensor fusion and computer vision technologies, enabling it to operate autonomously in cleaning water surfaces.The autonomous water cleaning robot serves as a proactive solution to combat water pollution effectively. Equipped with sensors and cameras, it navigates water bodies with precision, identifying and collecting floating garbage and waste materials. By harnessing the power of automation, the robot can operate continuously, covering large areas of water bodies and efficiently removing pollutants.One of the key strengths of our design is its adaptability to diverse environments and types of pollutants. The robot's sensor fusion capabilities allow it to distinguish between various types of waste, enabling targeted and efficient cleaning. Moreover, its autonomous operation reduces the need for manual intervention, minimizing human labor and associated costs.Furthermore, the design prioritizes sustainability by incorporating environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient components. By utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar power, the robot minimizes its carbon footprint while maximizing operational efficiency. This approach aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change.In conclusion, the autonomous water cleaning robot represents a promising solution to the escalating problem of water pollution caused by improper waste disposal. Through its innovative design and advanced technologies, it offers a proactive and sustainable approach to preserving water quality and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. By addressing the root causes of pollution and promoting responsible waste management, our design contributes to the collective effort to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come. Keywords—Autonomous Robot, surface water cleaning,raspberry pi, machine learning, obstacle avoidance

Utilization of battery waste derived ZnO in the removal of dye from aqueous solution: A waste to wealth approach

Every year a huge amount of zinc carbon batteries is discarded as waste and the management of such waste has become a growing concern all over the world. However, from these waste carbon batteries different kinds of valuable materials could be recovered. On the other hand, different industries discharged large volumes of dye wastewater into the environment which has a profound impact on environment and as well as human health. In this study, ZnO was recovered from the waste carbon batteries through pyrometallurgy process and utilized it for the treatment of methylene blue and methyl orange dye water. The batch adsorption process was carried out to observe the effect of adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, stirring speed and temperature. Under the obtained optimal conditions adsorption kinetics (Pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order) and adsorption isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin) were analyzed. The results disclosed that 0.5 g and 0.6 g of ZnO showed maximum removal efficiency for MB and MO dye solution (50 ppm) whereas pH 13 and 6 were the optimal for MB and MO respectively. Kinetic studies indicate that both the adsorption processes were pseudo-second order. It was also revealed that based on regression coefficient R2 value the adsorption of MB and MO on ZnO is followed Langmuir model. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the MO adsorption on ZnO is a chemical adsorption process and MB adsorption is a physical adsorption process.

Tapping the Potential of Agriculture Transformation in Tanzania Under the BBT-YIA Program: the Case of Organic Waste Management

This study assess the available potential that can be tapped from organic waste generated under the BBT-YIA program. The study motivated by the ongoing Agriculture transformation in the Tanzania which aimed at increasing: the area under block farming; area under irrigation; and agriculture sector growth from currently, 41,000 acres to one million acres, 10% to 50% and 4% to 10% by 2030 respectively. However, every step of agricultural production, transportation, and processing generates wastes. Ineffective management of such waste cause social, economic and environmental concern. Despite that, there is potential of turning such waste into valuable resources. The study analyses the available potential that can be tapped from organic waste mostly crop residues generated in the block farms. The methodology involved purposeful selection of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Energy and Local Government authorities. Interviews, direct observations and documentary reviews were part of data collection techniques and the collected data were analysed using descriptive analysis. The findings show that the BBT-YIA program has a potential of producing 200,000 tons of animal feed annually; 14,129 tons of compost per month; creating about 56,490 jobs through organic waste recycling; generating 1.44 MW of electricity per day; and reducing Greenhouse gas by diverting 734,375 tons of crop residue disposal sites. The study recommends; establishment of biomass plants; organic waste recycling program; and compost production initiatives.

Towards integrated, and sustainable municipal solid waste management system in Shashemane city administration, Ethiopia

Solid waste generation is attested to be unavoidable product of human activities. Sustainable management of such waste is a pressing challenge faced in many developing countries today. The study was motivated by the fast growing population and the inefficient waste management system threatening the public health and the image of Shashemene city in Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were: to explore the existing household solid waste management practices, to examine the current governance system of municipal solid waste management, to investigate the contemporary challenges and opportunities of municipal solid waste management, and forward integrated and sustainable municipal solid waste management system for Shashemene city. Data were collected from sampled households, key informants, focus groups, and the city's environment. Data were analyzed by employing quantitative and qualitative methods. 94.8 % of the respondents opined that the solid waste generated in their city is organic in nature (Ash, and sweeps; leftover food, and vegetable peels; paper, and cardboards; green leaves, and grass; and cattle dung). 96.7 % of respondent households opined that they have temporary waste storage in their yards and trash bags were asserted to be widely used (87.6 %) in handling the trash in the courtyard. The waste sorting and recovering practices among the residents is very low and is certainly the major cause for inefficient and unsustainable management system of municipal solid waste in Shashemene city. Generally, a grand mean of 2.23 confirmed the absence of good governance in municipal solid waste management system in Shashemene city. Moreover, the significant proportion of responses ( ≥ 50 %) for each of the nine principles of good governance as either poor or very poor asserted governance failure of the municipal solid waste management system in Shashemene city. The results of the study confirmed that low public awareness on waste management; inadequate collection capacity; poor integration and coordination of stakeholders; environmentally unsound dump site; and illegal dumping by key stakeholders are the major challenges underpinning the unsustainable municipal solid waste management in the city. It is recommended that Shashemene city must adopt integrated sustainable municipal solid waste management system to substantially enhance the waste management service in the city leading to ultimate advancement of public health and environmental quality.

Mechanism of arsenic distribution and migration during iron extraction by copper slag-steel slag combined reforming: A potential solution to refractory wastes

In this study, a combined reforming and reduction smelting of copper slag-steel slag was proposed to recover iron (Fe) from solid waste while lowering the environmental risks associated with the management of such waste. In this process, copper slag was mixed with steel tailing to sinter, and made into pellets after magnetic separation. These two products were extracted by a smelting reduction process to obtain Fe, with a recovery rate of 98.63% and a grade of 92.91%. The migration and enrichment behaviors of arsenic (As) in the process were studied, and its mechanism was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, electron probe micro-analyzer, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The sequential extraction procedure was adopted to analyze the occurrence form of the hazardous As in the copper slag, while leaching tests allowed evaluating the environmental risk of the slag upon reduction smelting. The results proved that such reduction slag represent a stable and low-risk material. However, As was dispersed and released in each procedure of the process, potentially propagating its hazards into subsequent processes and life cycles. This study highlights the potential of an alternative route for the treatment of waste copper slag while recovering Fe from it. The reformed copper slag has strong adaptability, and the smelting reduction method exhibits a high recovery rate of Fe and low-risk reduction slag that can be widely used. It provides a valid reference for the safe management of heavy metal emissions and environmental risk awareness and helps to achieve large-scale consumption of copper slag and steel slag.

Carpet fiber recycling in regular-use concrete mixtures and associated life cycle analysis

This paper reports the characterization of post-consumer carpet fibers and optimization of concrete mixtures containing high volumes (2.5% and 5% as compared to ≤ 2% reported in past work) of carpet fibers, in an effort to contribute to the efficient management of such wastes. This study identifies the different fiber types in a typical post-consumer carpet bale using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and the range of tensile strengths demonstrated by the fibers. In order to quantify the sustainability of concretes containing carpet fibers, a cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis is carried out. The results demonstrate that the use of carpet fibers along with fly ash helps reduce the CO2 emission potential by ∼ 12.5% compared to conventional concrete, in addition to saving critical land area that would otherwise be needed to dispose of the ever-increasing amounts of carpet waste. Notable reductions (of up to 10%) in other environmental impact categories (e.g., acidification, eutrophication, etc.) are also observed with respect to conventional concrete. Even with the additional energy required to process the fibers, the overall energy consumption to produce carpet fiber reinforced concretes is similar to that of conventional concretes. The conditions under which carpet fibers become an environmentally sustainable approach for concretes designed to achieve a particular compressive strength are also outlined. It is expected that this work will pave the way for the management and beneficial utilization of otherwise landfilled shredded carpets in concrete applications such as slabs-on-grade.

From linear to a circular economy in the e‐waste management sector: Experience from the transition barriers in the United Kingdom

AbstractE‐waste generation is rising apace, and it is estimated that e‐waste production could reach 74.7 Mt by 2030. Hence, it is essential to develop tactics and methodologies for the formal management and treatment of e‐waste. The implementation of the concepts of a circular economy (CE) has been perceived as an efficient methodology for the efficacious management of such waste; however, the transition process from the linear economy to CE still involves several barriers. There are only a few studies that have integrated the concept of CE with e‐waste management for sustainability. This study will focus on the UK's household e‐waste management sector to identify and analyze the key barriers that impede the transition of the UK's e‐waste management sector to the CE model. For this purpose, a team of experts was formulated and their expertise was captured using the Decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology. The DEMATEL technique employs critical evaluation principles, measures the weights of the evaluation criteria, and helps in finding the most critical barriers through a visual structural model. The DEMATEL method also categorizes the factors into cause‐and‐effect groups and utilizes a visualization model to simplify the interdependence and intensity of the impacts of the various factors. The results revealed that the “Lack of processing technologies,” “Lack of returns and profits,” “Lack of expert knowledge,” “Lack of effective guidance and standards for the proper collection methods,” and “Lack of proper knowledge” are the most significant barriers obstructing the adoption of CE in the management of e‐waste in the United Kingdom. Thus, the government needs to take strong actions to give financial support in terms of incentives to the stakeholders for effective e‐waste handling.

Biorefineries development from agricultural byproducts: Value addition and circular bioeconomy

The increase in the human population in the world, industrialization, and rapid urbanization creates a big challenge for the agricultural revolution. Hence, to enhance the crop's productivity modern agricultural technology, hybrid seeds; management of full irrigation facilities, and the use of various fertilizers, and pesticides are being adopted. Though such advanced techniques enhance productivity, they also produce a huge amount of agro-waste. The proper waste management of such wastes is a headache for the farmers due to the lack of dumping lands, proper transportation, removal facilities, and lack of planned utilization. Since direct burning of the wastes do air, water, and soil pollution, a systematic utilization of these cheap wastes for the development of value-added products and chemicals will promote a clean and healthy environment for the biotic and abiotic components. A proper, efficient, and effective treatment system can break down waste biomass into simple forms and can be easily consumed by our natural and engineered microbial systems to produce bio-chemicals and bio-fuels. Value-added products from agro wastes are now needed every hour as far as the sustainable production of energy and biochemical is an important concern. Agro-waste utilization-based biorefineries can provide a big pillar for the development of a circular bio-economy. The review emphasizes the value-added products generated from agricultural byproducts/waste residue's utility, towards sustainability and a clean environment.

Construction of models for managing military waste generated under the conditions of war

The object of this study is military waste management models as a system of actions and processes aimed at choosing how to handle it. The task to devise ways to reduce military waste under conditions of increasing volumes and rates of its accumulation is considered. The policy of military waste management in the countries of hostilities was investigated; it was concluded that there are no effective mechanisms and schemes for managing such waste. Trends in the increase in the amount of military waste have been identified and a forecast of their further growth under the conditions of modern wars has been formed. The current legislative support for the implementation of waste management policies formed in the process of physical and moral deterioration of military equipment and ammunition in military units was analyzed. It was determined that the main subject of management of such waste is the state represented by state authorities and management. Models to manage military waste formed in the process of hostilities have been proposed. These military waste management models are based on the criteria of economic, social, and environmental efficiency. Special features of the research results are that the proposed models provide for the transfer of rights to perform certain stages in the waste management chain by subjects of the non-state sector of the economy. Distinctive features of the reported results are that they present alternative models for managing military waste formed in the process of warfare. The choice of model is determined by the priorities of the defense and policy of post-war reconstruction of the country's economy. The area of practical use of the results is the system of public administration bodies, which forms proposals for changes to the legislation in terms of forms of cooperation between the state and non-state sectors in the field of military waste management

The advantages of co-digestion of vegetable oil industry by-products and sewage sludge: Biogas production potential, kinetic analysis and digestate valorisation.

The production of edible vegetable oils generates considerable amounts of energy-rich waste, which is usually not utilised fully. Besides, inefficient management of such wastes can have a negative impact on the environment. On the other hand, this waste can also serve as a raw material for the production of high value-added products, such is biogas. The mono-digestion of seven different by-products and wastes from the vegetable oil industry was investigated in this study: Pumpkin seeds press cake (PSPC), grape seeds press cake (GSPC), olive mill pomace (OMP), coconut oil cake (CC), filtration additive (FA), spent bleaching earth (SBE) and sludge from a vegetable oil industry (SOI) wastewater treatment plant. In addition, co-digestion of these substrates was performed with municipal sewage sludge (SS). Besides inoculum, rumen fluid was added to the reactors to enhance biogas production. The biogas production potential of the tested substrates was monitored by measuring various parameters. A kinetic analysis was later carried out and a growth test was performed on the digestates to evaluate their potential for agricultural use. The highest biogas yields in the mono-digestion test were obtained with the substrates with the highest fat content: 1402, 1288, 830 and 750mL of biogas/gVS for SOI, FA, PSPC and CC substrate, respectively. Co-digestion of SS with by-products of vegetable oil industry such as FA, SBE, CC, SOI and PSPC increased the biogas yields by 94.9%, 74.1%, 30.8%, 27.4% and 23.6% compared to SS mono-digestion. Furthermore, the data for mono-digestion of PSPC, GSPC, and FA, and co-digestion of SS with these substrates, CC and SBE, have not been found in the literature to date. The maximum methane content ranged from 61 to 74vol%, while the chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency ranged from 42 to 78%. Relatively high fatty acids contents and ammonium concentrations were measured in the reactors. Kinetic analysis showed the best fit to the experimental data for the Cone kinetic model (R2>0.98). The First order kinetic model, Monod, and the modified Gompertz model also exhibited high R2 values. The digestates obtained from co-digestion proved to be excellent in the cress seeds growth test at digestate concentrations of 5-10wt%, while higher concentrations had a toxic effect.

Catalyzed pyrolysis of scrap tires rubber

Every day, a huge volume of scrap tires are produced worldwide, and landfill is an ineffective method of disposing of such hazardous waste. Pyrolysis can be used to convert tire rubber into energy, allowing for the management of such waste in the context of a circular economy. The composition and pyrolysis kinetics of granulated (0.6–0.8 mm) scrap tire rubber (TR) were assessed using thermogravimetry (TG). Data on rubber composition revealed that TG is a quick and accurate technique for determining TR composition. The TG tests with catalysts revealed that using alkali (K, Ca, and Mg) carbonates as catalysts improved the thermal degradation rate. The MgCO3 was able to duplicate the rate of TR thermal degradation. Data from a fixed bed pyrolysis reactor revealed oil yields of around 50% in the 673–773 K temperature range. The effect of alkali carbonate catalysts inferred from TG tests was confirmed by catalyzed pyrolysis tests. The calcium and magnesium carbonate catalysts significantly increased the gas product yield, with the CaCO3 catalyst having the greatest drop in oil yield due to likely secondary pyrolysis processes. Because of the low pyrolysis temperature, the acidic catalysts (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, and montmorillonite) had almost no effect on the pyrolysis product distribution. For all of the catalysts used, the ATR-FTIR spectra of the produced oils exhibited characteristics similar to those of diesel fuel. Data showed that alkali carbonate catalysts (mainly Mg and Ca), cheap and environmentally benign materials, can be used to tailor the TR pyrolysis products distribution allowing a more profitable process.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge on Biomedical Waste Management Among GNM Students at Selected School of Nursing, Vrindavan, Mathura, U.P.

Abstract: In pursuing the aim of abating health problems and enhancing the quality of care, healthcare facilities inevitably create waste that may itself be hazardous to health. Proper management of such waste is not only a legal, but also a social responsibility of the hospitals. Segregation at the site of waste generation is the first and foremost important step in healthcare waste management. It is emphasized as a means of ensuring that hazardous healthcare risk waste and healthcare general waste are separated and stored in appropriate containers. The importance of segregation is highlighted by the mere fact that only 10% to 25% of waste generated in health facilities is hazardous. Failure of this vital step turns non-hazardous waste into hazardous. Segregation also enables those who handle the containers outside the hospital wards to identify and treat them appropriately. There has been a sharp increase in the amount of waste generated from both health facilities and households. It is estimated that 0.5 to 2.0 kg per bed per day hospital waste is generated in India. Therefore, Biomedical waste must be properly managed and disposed of to protect the environment, general public and workers, especially healthcare and sanitation workers who are at risk of exposure to biomedical waste as an occupational hazard. Objectives 1-To assess the level of knowledge among the GNM students regarding Biomedical waste in selected hospital of Vrindavan. 2- To correlate the knowledge of GNM students regarding Biomedical waste with selected demographic variables Methodology: This study was conducted to assess knowledge among the GNM students regarding Biomedical waste in selected Hospital in Vrindavan, Mathura and the descriptive study design was selected. Population selected was GNM students and sample size were 70. The consent was taken from samples. The subjects were selected by convenient sampling technique. The structured questionnaires were distributed to the students to assess their level of knowledge regarding Biomedical waste management after obtaining an informed consent. Data was collected by using Structured Knowledge Questionnaire. Results: The study revealed that the level of knowledge among the students who has inadequate knowledge was 12.85% those who have moderate knowledge is 67.15% and adequate 20%. The chi-square test revealed that there was significant association with age, and training attended by students on Biomedical waste management and there is no significant association with year, source of information, area of working. Keywords: Biomedical waste, Management, knowledge

Twenty years of research on spent nuclear fuel in the context of final disposal at KIT-INE in multinational collaborative projects

Abstract. Disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in deep geological repositories is considered a preferential option for the management of such wastes in many countries with nuclear power plants. With the aim to permanently and safely isolate the radionuclide inventory from the biosphere for a sufficient time, a multibarrier system consisting of technical, geotechnical and geological barriers is interposed between the emplaced waste and the environment. In safety assessments for deep underground repositories, access of water, followed by failure of canisters and finally loss of the cladding integrity is considered in the long-term. Hence, evaluating the performance of SNF in deep geological disposal systems requires process understanding of SNF dissolution and rates as well as quantification of radionuclides release from SNF under reducing conditions of a breached container. In order to derive a radionuclide source term, the SNF dissolution and alteration processes can be assigned to two steps: (i) instantaneous release of radionuclides upon cladding failure from gap and grain boundaries and (ii) a long-term release that results from dissolution of the fuel grains itself (Ewing, 2015). In this context, research at KIT-INE has focused for more than 20 years on the behavior of SNF (irradiated UO2 and MOX fuels) under geochemical conditions (pH, redox and ionic strength) representative of various repository concepts, including the interaction of SNF with backfill material, such as bentonite as well as the influence of iron corrosion products, e.g. magnetite and radiolytic reactions on SNF dissolution mechanisms. Since 2001, KIT-INE has contributed with experimental and theoretical studies on the behavior of SNF under repository relevant conditions to six Euratom projects viz SFS (2001–2004), NF-PRO (2004–2006), MICADO (2006–2009), RECOSY (2007–2011), FIRST-Nuclides (2012–2014) and DISCO (2016–2021). Moreover, since 2007, overall 4 consecutive projects for the Belgian waste management organization, ONDRAF-NIRAS, were performed on the behavior of SNF under conditions representative of the Belgian “Supercontainer” concept. In this contribution, we summarize major achievements of theses research projects to understand and quantify the radionuclide release from dissolving SNF under repository conditions. In particular, the dependence of radionuclide release on the chemical composition of the aqueous and gaseous phase in the proximity of repositories in different types of host rock is discussed.

Rice husk Var. ‘Morelos A-2010’ as an eco-friendly alternative for the waste management converting them cellulose and nanocellulose

ABSTRACT The lack of environmental awareness of agricultural producers is one of the challenges facing the problem of agro-industrial waste, coupled with few resources allocated to the development of new technologies and poor government policies for the management of such waste. An important potential has recently been recognised, with the obtaining of cellulose as the basis of the production of nano biocomposites. The objective of this work was the obtaining and characterisation of cellulose and nanocellulose from agro-industrial residues of rice (Oryza sativa L.) Var. ‘Morelos A-2010’, in Morelos state. The methodology used included the analysis of husk samples with three replicas, ground and sieved, which were processed by alkaline extraction (NaOH) 5%, bleaching with sodium hypochlorite 1%, followed by a pretreatment with hydrochloric acid (HCl) 0.65%. After drying, the cellulose was subjected to acid hydrolysis with (H2SO4) at 64% and then a sonication process, washings with low centrifugation and final drying of the fibre. The final product was characterised by spectrum in (FTIR), (DSC) and visualisation of its morphology, by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed potential yields of 29 to 41% cellulose and a purity similar to the commercial standard of crystalline cellulose, which evidenced the possibility of using this agro-industrial by- product of Var rice. ‘Morelos A-2010’ as a source for obtaining nanocellulose in the region.

Sustainability assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste management applied to an Italian case.

Construction and Demolition Waste represents a priority stream for the European Union and has a large potential for closing the material circulation loop in line with the Circular Economy principles. The present study focuses on the socio-economic and environmental implications of the management of such waste in the Campania Region (Italy), with the aim of documenting the benefits of recycling actions and landfill avoidance. By using local primary data, and complementing them with data from literature and datasets, three scenarios have been investigated: i) Status Quo, i.e., a baseline scenario presenting the current management of Construction and Demolition Waste in the Region; ii) a Linear Economy scenario, considering the total flow disposed of in landfill and iii) a Best Practice scenario based on the implementation of selective demolition practices and increased recycling for the production of high-quality recycled aggregates. Special attention has been paid to the land use and socio-economic implications linked to the management of this flow, which are rarely considered. We quantify that, with the implementation of best practices, ca. 18 Mkg CO2 -eq. can be saved annually relative to the Status Quo alongside creating additional 1,000 jobs-eq. and incurring important benefits on land use. The results stress that the potential environmental and social benefits of selective demolition and best practices are significant, but the incurred economic costs may hinder their application and the resulting development of more circular economy actions in the construction sector, highlighting the need for incentives and tools to facilitate this transition.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Dental Waste Management Among Dental Practitioners in Chitwan

Introduction: Dental wastes are discarded materials after dental treatment which includes sharp instruments, infectious waste and body fluid, human parts, toxic agents, chemical, plastics body fluid etc. which are hazardous to health if not managed and disposed in proper way. So, dentists should manage such waste properly. This study was aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of dental practitioners in and surrounding district of Chitwan. Methods: This study was descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among 142 dental practitioners from June 2020 to August 2020 in Chitwan. This was a questionnaire-based study. Answers were coded with points and summarized and analyzed using descriptive statistics by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16. Results: Out of 142 study population 21% had excellent knowledge, 37% had positive attitude and 23% had good practice regarding dental waste management in and around Chitwan district of Nepal. Conclusions: Dental surgeons involving in this study has good academic knowledge of waste management, have positive attitude towards management of such waste and to upgrade knowledge, have good practice and think of better in conjunction with governing bodies.

Social Context of Solid Waste Disposal among Residents of Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

The study sought to assess the social context of solid waste disposal pattern of residents in Ibadan metropolis, in order to assess the Solid waste disposal patterns of people in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified solid waste disposal habits of residents, frequency of clearing the dumpsters, accessibility of waste dumpsters to people determines the waste disposal pattern of people; and analyze the willingness of people in Ibadan to pay for improved service. Solid waste management has been part of human activities right from time. Efforts by Oyo State Government is seen in the collection of dirt that have been placed on the medians. Waste generation is an unavoidable product of man activities, however, sustainable management of such waste is a challenge faced in many countries today. Nigeria, a developing country in Africa, has been in a quandary of how to efficiently manage the municipal solid waste its population generates. Many states in the country lack adequate plans and infrastructure required for efficient and sustainable management of municipal solid waste. For Ibadan, the largest city in Nigeria, the problem is further compounded by its rather large and still increasing population. In this research, Ibadan metropolis is taken as a case study; the rate of solid waste handling in households as regards solid waste management from household collection to final disposal are focused upon. The study found out that 45.6% drop their refuse in the dumpsters as 18.8% burns their refuse, 17.7% of the respondents drops their waste on the median, 12% in the drainage while 6% opts to drop their waste in the streams. On the effectiveness of the Private operators collecting waste from the respondents, the study found out that 7.6% effective, 37.5% of the respondents says the operators waste collection is poor, 7% says it is abysmal while 43.5% said it is not applicable to them because they do not have storage containers in their houses and as a result did not subscribe to their service. Many countries, particularly the developed ones, have employed options in the waste management hierarchy for sustainable management of their municipal solid waste and the blend of options employed is usually highly dependent on local factors. Following the waste management hierarchy, possible options for sustainable municipal solid waste management in Ibadan are discussed. It is concluded that waste reduction, reuse, and recycling are potential management options for the state. Landfilling will remain an important option for final disposal but reliance on this method could be significantly reduced if management options are exploited to the maximum in a sustainable solid waste management structure in Ibadan metropolis. Key Words: Waste handling, Ibadan Metropolis, Landfill, Municipal Solid Waste Word Count: 435

PROPUESTA DE MANEJO DE RESIDUOS SÓLIDOS EN LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS MATEMÁTICAS, FÍSICAS Y QUÍMICAS. UTM.

El principal productor de desechos sólidos (orgánicos e inorgánicos) es el hombre. En este contexto se hace necesario una visión de responsabilidad social e institucional en el tema del manejo de estos, porque la temática es de interés mundial (Vergara Villamizar & Castillo Payares, 2020). Las instituciones están llamadas a promover la concientización y manejo de dichos residuos. El trabajo de investigación fue realizado en la Facultad de Ciencias Matemáticas, Físicas y Químicas de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí y estableció como objetivo, elaborar una propuesta para la gestión del manejo de residuos sólidos basado en la norma ISO 14001:2015, con la finalidad de realizar una clasificación y recolección de datos del manejo de residuos sólidos orgánicos (residuos de comida) e inorgánicos (plásticos, papeles, vidrios, metales) que genera el área de estudio. La norma ISO utilizada presentó cuatro etapas siguiendo los lineamientos estándar: planificación, operación, evaluación y la actuación, esta es necesaria por su intención de propiciar la mejora continua en la calidad ambiental de su tratamiento y aumentar el desempeño del sistema de gestión ambiental dentro de la Facultad. Se utilizaron como instrumentos, técnicas de recolección de datos tales como: la observación de campo, encuestas y entrevistas que fueron realizadas a quienes forman parte de la facultad. Finalmente, se comprobó, que la problemática fue ocasionada por la falta de conciencia y poca cultura ecológica por parte de una fracción importante de estudiantes, docentes y personal administrativo. Al ser identificados los residuos que se generan y sus causas, se pudo concluir que la ejecución de la propuesta es de vital importancia para la facultad de matemáticas, puesto que esta se encuentra inmersa actualmente en una problemática ecológica, la cual afecta directamente al medio ambiente y a las labores diarias de dicha comunidad universitaria. Palabras claves: residuos, orgánicos, inorgánicos, norma ISO 14001:2015, sistemas de gestión.