Disposal Methods Research Articles

Chemical characterization and phytotoxicity assay of Novolac phenolic foam resin from healthcare services: Challenging environmental liability.

Novolac phenolic foam resin (NPFR), a polymer of phenol and formaldehyde, is used in healthcare to ensure thermal stability of cold chain products. Post-use, NPFR is classified as non-hazardous solid waste and disposed of in landfills without prior treatment. However, it contains formaldehyde and phenol, two well-established toxicants, posing environmental and health risks. The full extent of these risks has not been evaluated, raising concerns about NPFR disposal. This study investigates the chemical and toxicological properties of NPFR to assess its environmental implication and the potential consequences of its disposal to support proper management strategies. The SEM-EDS revealed C, O, Ca, Na, Si, S, and K as the main elements. TGA-DSC curves showed mass losses related to dehydration (8.2% - 180°C) and organic matter degradation. According to the FTIR spectrum, traces of formaldehyde and phenol were found. GC-FID revealed formaldehyde levels: 660mgL-1 [σ=23.72] for solid fraction of NPFR and 441mgL-1 [σ=16.20] for a liquid fraction, while the content of phenol was 242mgkg-1 [σ=8.30] for a solid fraction of NPFR, and 210mgL-1 [σ=9.10] for a liquid fraction. These constituents confer toxicity to the residue. In the Lactuca sativa bioassay, the NPFR extract was considered as toxic at concentrations ranging from 31 to 125gL-1, indicating a significant risk to plant life and, by extension, to the ecosystem. Based on these results, it may be concluded that the NPFR, classified as an environmental liability, requires a reevaluation of current management practices due to the risks associated with its conventional disposal methods. Furthermore, the current study provides relevant results and can contribute to public solid waste management policies, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Collection of household used cooking oil in urban areas of Greece: Opinions and practices of local inhabitants

Abstract The implementation of household-level used cooking oil collection systems in the EU is still in its early stages of development, and the level of households’ participation remains low. Limited literature is available on this subject. Our study aims to contribute to the current literature by filling the knowledge gap from the viewpoint of the system user, the inhabitant. We conducted, in 2023, an online qualitative survey to explore the current state, habits, practices, and opinions of the inhabitants of the Thessaloniki Urban Area regarding used cooking oil handling. The findings, from the 1,429 participants in our survey, showed a significant lack of knowledge regarding the recycling of used cooking oil (33.6% unaware) and a low participation rate (20.9%), even among those who typically recycle (24%). The dumping of used cooking oil into a sink (48.1%) or toilet (22.3%) is the prevailing method of disposal for UCO non-recyclers. Lack of knowledge (67.2%) is the most frequent reason for not recycling, followed by inadequate organisation of the collection programs (11.3%) and the inconvenience of collection sites being far from the residences (6.7%). Almost all the residents were dissatisfied with the state and municipalities’ attempts to advertise and inform them of this issue. Our findings demonstrate the urgent need to address the issue of collecting used cooking oil from households to protect the environment and meet the EU goal of incorporating renewable sources in its overall energy consumption until 2030.

Co-hydrothermal carbonization of polyvinyl chloride and rice straw for solid fuel production: Investigation into effect of solid to water ratio using box Behnken design and response surface methodology

Co-hydrothermal carbonization (co-HTC) of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and biomass is a promising method for the responsible disposal of both waste streams. Temperature and holding time were considered as the dominant factors in the production of chlorine-free and energy-dense hydrochar. However, the effect of solid-to-water ratio (S:W), which determines wastewater generation remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of S:W ratio and its synergistic effect with temperature and holding time on dechlorination efficiency (DE), higher heating values (HHV), and energy yield (EY) of hydrochar from blended PVC and rice straw (RS) using design experiment methodology. Two optimal conditions for the highest DE and HHV were identified as 250 °C-60 min − 1:5 and 250 °C-90 min-1:10, respectively. The likely optimal condition for EY was 220 °C-60 min-1:5. Statistically significant synergistic interaction was found between temperature and holding time in terms of the DE, although the effect of holding time became less pronounced with increasing temperature. RS was found to wrap the PVC intermediates during co-HTC, resulting in co-hydrochars with identical surface functional properties to RS-derived hydrochar. Notably, this study found that the S:W ratio is proportional to the enhancement of DE and HHV, as well as the removal of HCl-soluble alkali and alkali earth metals (AAEMs). Lowering the water content in co-HTC engenders similar behavior to pyrolysis, where the released HCl played an autocatalytic effect in the dechlorination of PVC, thus enhancing the DE in the elimination pathway.

Pyrolytic conversion of construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) wood wastes in Québec to biochar: Production, characterization, and identifying relevant stability indices for carbon sequestration.

Management of heterogeneous construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) wood residues in Québec brings into light, a widespread topic under discussion related to their current disposal methods in landfills, that may lead to environmental concerns. With rising forfeitures from a legal standpoint, alternative treatment methods for CRD wood wastes are being explored. Thermochemical biomass conversion techniques can be employed to depolymerize low-quality end-of-life CRD wood and valorize it to bio-based products. Biochar, a carbonaceous material obtained through heat treatment of wood under the absence of oxygen via slow pyrolysis, can be tailored for specific end-use applications in hard-to-abate industrial sectors pertinent to energy, composite materials, and environmental amendments. However, there is a scarcity of comprehensively understanding CRD wood pyrolysis and projecting the biochar product's stability due to a lack of relevant studies and frequent inconsistencies amidst currently available methods. Nevertheless, in the present study, CRD wood is pyrolyzed in a horizontal tube furnace of two scales under laboratory conditions. Temperatures ranging from 300 to 800°C, biomass residence time (BRT) of 30-120min, heating rates of 20-55°C/min, and mass of feedstock between 100 and 500g were the operational conditions chosen for experimentation. Evaluation of biochar stability was carried out by the proximate and ultimate analysis, Van-Krevelen plots, TGA/DTG profile, R50 recalcitrance, SEM-EDX, and Raman ID/IG methods. Data analysis indicated that carbon content (89-90%), FC (70-74%), TSF (73-75%), R50 (0.64-0.65), and ID/IG (0.972) increased with an increase in BRT (120min) and pyrolysis temperature (800°C) rendering its utilization in metallurgical applications as a reductant. A surface area of 220-270m2/g was also detected for these biochar at 800°C recommending its implementation for adsorption applications. Biochar's cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and hydrophobicity also increased at high temperatures nurturing the ability to be used for soil pH adjustment as part of remediation activities. SEM-EDX proved that ash content predominantly harboring alkaline and alkaline earth metals (AAEM) like Ca and K also increased but to a certain point from where their devolatilization is implicit, thereby concentrating stable carbon. As for functionalities in biochar, they decreased from 500 to 800°C verifying the rejection of oxychemicals groups. Noticeable striations associated to C-H/C-O/C=O vibration, stretching, and bending from FTIR spectral bands were linked to terminal dehydrogenation, condensation, and aromatization reactions highlighting the development of CC and CC linkages commonly assigned to aromatics. Evident from low Van-Krevelen H/C (0.51-0.09) and O/C (0.08-0.02) indices, it can be extrapolated that high-temperature biochars in PR:1 and PR:2 possess a high permeance that could bolster its utilization in carbon sequestration/draw-down and other CDR applications.

Determining an Optimal Combination of Meteorological Factors to Reduce the Intensity of Atmospheric Pollution During Prescribed Straw Burning

Currently, large-scale burning is an important straw disposal method in most developing countries. To execute prescribed burning while mitigating air pollution, it is crucial to explore the maximum possible range of meteorological changes. This study conducted a three-year monitoring program in Changchun, a core agricultural area in Northeast China severely affected by straw burning. The data included ground-level pollutant monitoring, ground-based polarized LiDAR observations, and ground meteorological factors such as planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS). Using response surface methodology (RSM), this study analyzed key weather parameters to predict the optimal range for emission reduction effects. The results revealed that PM2.5 was the primary pollutant during the study period, particularly in the lower atmosphere from March to April, with PM2.5 rising sharply in April due to the exponential increase in fire points. Furthermore, during this phase, the average WS and PBLH increased, whereas the RH decreased. Univariate analysis confirmed that these three factors significantly impacted the PM2.5 concentration. The RSM relevance prediction model (MET-PM2.5) established a correlation equation between meteorological factors and PM2.5 levels and identified the optimal combination of meteorological indices: WS (3.00–5.03 m/s), RH (30.00–38.30%), and PBLH (0.90–1.45 km). Notably, RH (33.1%) emerged as the most significant influencing factor, while the PM2.5 value remained below 75 μg/m3 when all weather indicators varied by less than 20%. In conclusion, these findings could provide valuable meteorological screening schemes to improve planned agricultural residue burning policies, with the aim of minimizing pollution from such activities.

From Smoke To Sickness : Rethinking Waste Incineration For A Healthier Southern Taraba

This study investigates the impact of solid waste incineration on public health in Southern Taraba, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 1,200 respondents were sampled through Taro Yamane's formula. Data were collected using questionnaires. Findings reveal that while a majority of residents are aware of incineration practices, many believe it serves as an effective waste disposal method. However, the research highlights significant health risks associated with incineration, including respiratory issues, air and land pollution, and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Respondents reported symptoms such as shortness of breath, sore throats, and dizziness, attributed to exposure to toxic emissions from incineration. The study corroborates existing literature that underscores the harmful effects of improper waste management practices. Recommendations emphasize the need for safer waste disposal methods and public awareness campaigns to mitigate health risks and promote environmental sustainability in the region.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Selected Community Pharmacists towards the Disposal of Unused and Expired Medicines at Kalaburagi City

Purpose: Disposing of unused and expired drugs presents a critical challenge with far-reaching implications for public health and environmental well-being. This issue has gained increasing attention as pharmaceutical consumption rises globally. Improper disposal practices can contaminate water bodies, soil, and ecosystems, endangering human and aquatic life. Hazards to human and environmental health and safety are high when pharmaceuticals that have been used and are no longer needed are not properly disposed of. This is why the current research is an effort to gather data on the understanding of Kalaburagi City's community pharmacists regarding proper disposal of leftover and expired medications. Methodology: The study was conducted in various areas and colonies of Kalaburagi city, over six months from March to August 2023 for evaluating opinions with regards to disposing of unwanted medicines. Tools and teaching aids used for the study are specially designed pretested and validated questionnaires, leaflets, and videos. The study design used is “A case-control study”. The inclusion criteria were, Pharmacists willing to participate, Government pharmacists, and Private pharmacists. The exclusion criteria were, Pharmacists who were not interested in participating, and person without a pharmacy background. The survey was carried out in Kalaburagi city and was divided into two groups North (test) and South (control). The test group received counseling regarding the methods of disposal of unused and expired medicines and leaflets, whereas the control group received only leaflets. Results: A study of 461 pharmacists found that 79% were male and 21% female, with 42.3% aged 31 to 40. Notably, 92% regularly check medication expiry dates, and 85% are concerned about drugs polluting the environment. An overwhelming 94% support drug take-back programs. Most pharmacists (84%) recognize improper disposal as a health risk, and 92% return expired medicines to manufacturers. For disposal methods, 49% suggest returning expired meds to pharmacists, while 10% recommend flushing and 24% advise disposal in sinks. There is a push for increased consumer awareness, with 50% wanting healthcare professionals to educate on safe disposal, and 38% advocating for government-led programs. Conclusion: The awareness regarding, the impact of improper disposal of pharmaceutical products is still unknown. It is a cornered issue and needs to be focused on. The current methods and practices are not optimal and upgraded. Pharmacists possess knowledge regarding the proper disposal of unused and expired medicines. However, they often lack the attitude to implement these practices effectively. Lack of standardized disposal facilities, limited regulatory enforcement policies and public awareness regarding safe disposal have contributed to the gap between the knowledge and practice of pharmacists.

The Impact of Differently Prepared Mixed Plastic Waste Granules on the Structure and Properties of Concrete

The relatively low production cost and short lifespan of plastic products contribute significantly to the annual accumulation of plastic waste, raising serious environmental concerns. Conventional disposal methods like landfill and incineration not only waste valuable resources but also result in substantial secondary pollution. In response to the imperatives of sustainable development and environmental protection, in this work, different preparation methods (mechanical processing; heating and covering with milled sand and glass; covering plastic granules with polymers and then mineral materials such as microsilica and waste metakaolin; using other chemical additives) for plastic granules from waste and their influence on the properties of cementitious materials were studied. Lightweight concrete properties such as density, ultrasound pulse velocity, flexural and compressive strength, water absorption, and the interaction zone between the cement matrix and plastic granules were analyzed. It was determined that one-third by volume of natural aggregate can be replaced with specially prepared plastic granules from waste, obtaining a bending strength of the lightweight concrete of about 5 MPa, a compressive strength at 28 days of approximately 30 to 35 MPa, a density of about 1850 kg/m3, and an ultrasound pulse velocity of 3900 m/s.

Mitigation of microfibers in laundry effluent: Investigation of luffa fibers as an eco-friendly filtration system.

Domestic laundry wastewater is a major contributor to microfiber emissions in the aquatic environment. Among several mitigation measures, the use of external filters to capture microfibers from wastewater is one of the most efficient and commercially viable methods. This study attempted to develop an eco-friendly filtration medium to filter microfibers in laundry wastewater using luffa cylindrica fibers. Sourced luffa fibers were made into tight rolls and stacked in a filtration column to filter the effluent. The analysis showed that the alkali-treated luffa fiber rolls were more effective in filtering the microfibers than untreated luffa fibers. Hence, the alkali treatment process was optimized for better performance; an alkali concentration of 5.8%, treatment time of 5h, and 37°C temperature provide better performance. The characterization of alkali-treated luffa fibers showed significant changes in the morphology and removal of lignin and hemicellulose components, enhancing the physical adsorption of microfibers on the surface. The experimental filtration results showed that the developed filter can effectively remove up to 93% of microfibers from laundry effluent, and the efficiency remained superior for up to 15 filtrations. Furthermore, an increase in filtration leads to the accumulation of detergents in the luffa net-like vascular structure and reduced effectiveness. The use of the developed product in a real-time washing machine outlet was found to be effective with an efficiency of 98%. The developed product is a versatile and cost-effective solution, suitable for use in domestic washing machines. Its simplicity and ease of integration make it an effective and eco-friendly alternative for filtering microfibers from laundry effluent. The future direction of the study also suggests a sustainable disposal method for luffa fibers using it as a matrix material in red soil-based thermal or sound insulation panels and restricting the reach of microfibers into the environment.

Leveraging Municipal Solid Waste Management with Plasma Pyrolysis and IoT: Strategies for Energy Byproducts and Resource Recovery

The escalating challenges of municipal solid waste (MSW) management, exacerbated by the classification of MSW as hazardous waste due to the presence of heavy metals (HMs) and toxic compounds, necessitate innovative treatment strategies. Plasma pyrolysis has emerged as a promising technology for converting MSW into valuable energy byproducts, such as syngas, bio-oil, and slag, while significantly reducing waste volume. However, maintaining optimal operational parameters during the plasma pyrolysis process remains a complex challenge that can adversely affect both the efficiency and the quality and quantity of outputs. To address this issue, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) presents a transformative approach. By leveraging IoT technologies, real-time monitoring and advanced data analytics can be employed to optimize the operational conditions of plasma pyrolysis systems, ensuring consistent performance and maximizing resource recovery. This review explores the synergistic integration of plasma pyrolysis and IoT as a novel strategy for MSW management. The slag from plasma treatment can be efficiently channeled into anaerobic digestion (AD) systems, promoting resource recovery through biogas production and the generation of nutrient-rich digestate. This synergy not only mitigates the environmental impacts associated with traditional MSW disposal methods but also paves the way for sustainable energy recovery and resource management. Ultimately, this review presents a comprehensive framework for exploiting plasma pyrolysis and IoT in addressing the pressing issues of hazardous MSW, thereby fostering a circular economy through innovative waste-to-energy solutions.

Plant Adaptability to Improved Dredged Sediment

Traditional dredged sludge disposal methods are characterized by low resource utilization and high carbon emissions, leading to serious environmental pollution. This study used dredged sludge, composted pig manure, and sawdust as raw materials, and supplemented them with composite biological agents to prepare improved soil. Plant adaptability to the improved soil was comprehensively evaluated using factors such as seed germination index (GI). The alkaline nitrogen content in the improved soil increased by 78.61% compared to the dredged sludge, and the content of other nutrients such as available potassium also increased to varying degrees. Ryegrass seed GI increased by 51.06% in improved soil (IS1) compared to dredged sludge. The main dominant fungi in the improved soil (IS1) were Tausonia, Trichoderma, and Cystoflobasidium, which promote soil nutrient activation and antagonize pathogenic bacteria, making the environment more conducive to plant growth. Dredged sludge was successfully converted into planting soil. Fully utilizing the nitrogen, phosphorus, and other substances enriched in dredged sludge to provide nutrients for plant growth is an efficient method to achieve dredged sludge resource utilization.

Advancements in the Use of Bayer Red Mud as a Sustainable Cementitious Material in Concrete: Challenges and Opportunities

Bayer red mud is an industrial waste residue formed in the alumina process produced by the Bayer process in the alumina plant. At present, the main disposal method of red mud is to send it to red mud dam for storage. Due to its high alkali content, it causes serious pollution to the surrounding environment and becomes an ecological problem to be solved urgently. In this paper, the application progress of Bayer red mud in concrete is summarized. This paper focuses on the possibility of red mud as a cementitious material and deeply discusses the influence of red mud on the working performance and mechanical properties of concrete. Finally, the shortcomings in the current research of red mud concrete are pointed out, to provide a reference for the research direction of Bayer red mud in concrete.

ACCUMULATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN SOIL AND FAUNA WITHIN A SITE HISTORICALLY CONTAMINATED WITH COAL COMBUSTION RESIDUES.

Legacy contaminants tied to energy production are a worldwide concern. Coal combustion residues (CCRs) contain high concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements such as arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se), which can persist for decades after initial contamination. CCR disposal methods, including aquatic settling basins and landfills, can facilitate environmental exposure through intentional and accidental releases. Wildlife exposed to CCRs can experience numerous deleterious effects, such as on development, reproduction, and survival. In the current study, we quantified and compared concentrations of As, Hg, Se, and strontium (Sr) within soils and target fauna (three vertebrate and three invertebrate taxa) from a CCR-contaminated site and a reference site within the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, South Carolina, USA. Our objectives were to 1) compare current concentrations of tested elements in soil and resident fauna to levels from our reference site, 2) assess natural attenuation of elements in soils by comparing current concentrations to historic levels, and 3) evaluate the biomagnification potential of the elements measured via body burden and trophic position correlations among fauna. Element concentrations were higher in contaminated soils than reference soils; however, concentrations in 2022 were unchanged from concentrations measured in 2003, suggesting no natural attenuation of tested elements. Additionally, target fauna had elevated As, Se, and Sr levels in comparison to reference samples. A positive correlation was observed in southern toads between Sr concentrations and trophic position, as assessed by nitrogen stable isotope ratios, suggesting potential for biomagnification of Sr within our study system. Collectively, our results demonstrate that legacy contaminants are still present and bioaccumulate in a diversity of taxa in a CCR-contaminated site that has not received effluents in over 50 years, suggesting monitoring programs in CCR-contaminated sites should be maintained long term in the absence of remediation.

Staging of swine carcasses to mitigate leachate contamination in the environment.

Outbreaks of infectious diseases involving depopulation of animals require on-farm practices to stage carcasses when final disposal methods are unavailable. The current study assessed various materials and techniques for containing carcasses to minimize leachate and biological substances. The tested materials included tarps, soil, corn stover (CS), and lime, while the methods involved covers, chemical additives, barriers, and containment. Treatments included the following: 1) control, carcasses in a pile; 2) carcasses wrapped in tarp material; 3) carcasses covered with tarp material; 4) carcasses covered by soil; 5) carcasses placed on CS base with tarp cover; 6) carcasses on CS base with CS covering; and 7) carcasses on CS base with a lime covering. Each treatment was run in triplicate using three carcasses per replicate. Temperatures, headspace gas, and leachate from carcasses were collected over a 91-day holding period. Pairwise comparisons of means were made when treatments were significantly different. Carcasses lost significant amounts of their liquid contents in the first 27days. Leachate contents were initially filled with organic material and potassium that significantly declined with time, while Fe, Zn, and Cu concentrations increased significantly over time. Covers did not reduce leachate volume, but soil covers significantly reduced substances in the leachate. Corn stover barriers significantly reduced both leachate volume and substances in the leachate. Containing carcasses in tarp material was the most effective method for holding leachate and preventing its loss to the environment. This research demonstrates that growers should focus on sealing carcass containers and constructing barriers to limit surface contamination during depopulation events.

Comparative Analysis of Formal and Informal E-Waste Disposal Methods in Gurgaon: Implications for Environmental Pollution and Public Health

This research aims at the analysis of the effects of formal and informal methods of managing e-waste in Gurgaon–India. Having emerged as one of the most rapidly urbanizing cities in and around the technology belt of India southeastern Gurgaon is confronted with pressing issues of managing its increasing e-waste flow. The study aims to make a comparison of pollution situation as well as health impacts between formal and informal e-waste recycling industries. Research also shows that those methods involve informal processing of more than 95% of Gurgaon’s e- waste and result in much higher emission levels to the air, water, and soil as compared to the formal wash and drain recycling. This sector is common in developing nations and is considered hazardous to the environment as well as the health of workers as it involves the recycling of products that have hazardous chemicals that are released into the environment while recycling. E-waste categorized under informal disposal method has grave health impacts which have been proven by Toddler mortality ratio resulting from respiratory inferences and neuro disorder. The research also emphasises improved possibilities of controlled formal disposal systems on environmental conservation and health. These observations show how there is a dire need for improving legislation around these sectors, as well as increased surveillance of the informal sector that should be integrated into the formal recycling channels. In the light of the findings, it can be concluded that in order to have effective policy interventions on e-waste scenario in Gurgaon it is necessary to strengthen existing norms, public awareness and generation of context relevant technology in the growing urban paradigm.

Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medication Disposal: A Study on Rural Communities in Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow

Introduction: The increasing global consumption of medications has led to a significant rise in the improper disposal of unused and expired drugs, posing risks to both human health and the environment. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the understanding, beliefs, and behaviours related to the disposal of such medications within the rural community of Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2024 with 317 participants from rural Sarojini Nagar, including patients and attendants visiting the General and NCD OPD of PHC Sarojininagar, chosen purposively. Participants aged 18 years and above who provided consent were included, while those with cognitive or communication issues were excluded. Participants were interviewed by Junior Residents and Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire to evaluate demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices related to the disposal of unused and expired medications. Results: The study revealed a lack of awareness about proper disposal methods, with 77.3% of participants reporting no prior information on the subject. Only 14.8% were aware of drug take-back policies. A majority (87.9%) recognized the harmful effects of improper disposal, and 93.7% agreed that such practices negatively impact the environment. Despite this, 69.4% of participants reported keeping unused medications at home, and 78.0% disposed of expired medications by throwing them in household trash. Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant gap in knowledge and practices regarding safe drug disposal among rural community of Sarojini Nagar. There is an urgent need for targeted educational programs and the implementation of effective drug take-back systems to mitigate the risks associated with improper disposal. Raising awareness and providing clear guidance on safe disposal methods are crucial steps towards protecting public health and the environment in these communities.

Integration of Multi-Criteria Decision Model, Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geographic Information System for Landfill Site Selection: An Overview of Varanasi City

Effective solid waste management is essential in urban areas. Despite efforts by local authorities in Indian cities to handle waste through various methods, landfilling remains the most convenient disposal method. This study aims to identify the optimal site for scientific landfilling in Varanasi City using a multi-criteria decision-making model, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Geographic Information System (GIS). Initially, a comprehensive literature review, the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rule of 2016, and expert opinions were used to determine site selection criteria. Eleven criteria, including proximity to rivers or lakes, groundwater table, settlement proximity, and slope etc., were identified as crucial for landfill suitability. Experts assigned an appropriateness score to each criterion, ranging from 1 to 5, where 5 represented the best rating and 1 the lowest. As the criteria are not equally significant, weights were assigned based on their importance in decision-making using AHP. Criteria maps were prepared using ArcGIS 10.6.1, and a final map was generated through weighted overlay assessments. The investigation identified Khutahna (0.43 km2), Chhitauni (0.22 km2), Kakarhia (0.09 km2), and Kadi Chak (0.06 km2) as high-suitability zones for landfilling; Mustafabad (0.21 km2), Chandpur (0.15 km2), and Jalhupur (0.13 km2) as moderate-suitability zones; and the remaining section of the region as unsuitable. A site walkover is recommended to confirm the accuracy and suitability of the candidate locations.

NORM Management in the Oil and Gas Industry: From Production to Decommissioning

The accumulation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) during oil and gas production is a well-known phenomenon in mature markets with established legislation and disposal methods. In Brazil, MTE Regulatory Standard No. 37, issued in 2018, established the first labor regulation addressing NORM as an occupational hazard. Since then, oil companies have focused on managing waste disposal, with particular emphasis on NORM management. As Brazil anticipates an increase in decommissioning and dismantling activities, advancing methods, regulatory limits, and solutions for NORM management is critical. This article presents the specific regulations and the practical experience for radiological protection of workers and proper radioactive waste management within oil and gas installations. Through technical visits, dose rate monitoring, and legislative analysis, the study contextualizes the operational environment of exploration and production units, detailing health risks, waste characteristics, and storage requirements. The article also underscores the sector's complexity, emphasizing the variability in NORM accumulation across different installations and the necessity for targeted protective measures due to the potential exposure of employees during cleaning and inspection activities.

Analysis of carbon reduction potential from typical municipal solid waste incineration plants under MSW classification.

The disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As incineration becomes the primary method of MSW disposal in China, MSW incineration (MSWI) plants are expected to play a crucial role in mitigating GHG emissions in the waste sector. This study estimated the quarterly GHG emissions from two representative MSWI plants in Qingdao using a life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Additionally, the potential for GHG emissions reduction in MSWI was explored. The findings indicated that, in 2022, the GHG emission intensity for plants A and B were 56.55 and 96.73kg CO2-eq/t MSW, respectively. The fluctuating composition of MSW, particularly the proportions of recyclables and food waste, could significantly impact GHG emissions from MSWI. Surprisingly, a negative correlation was observed between net GHG emissions and the recycling efficiency of recyclables, suggesting that improving the sorting efficiency of recyclables may not yield substantial carbon reduction advantages for the final incineration of MSW. The utilization of waste heat for heating presented a higher potential for carbon reduction compared to incineration for power generation. Consequently, the reuse of residual steam heat, the application of carbon flue gas capture technology, and proper co-combustion with industrial solid waste or municipal sludge are viable strategies for mitigating GHG emissions from MSWI plants.

Evaluation of three solvent-based recycling pathways for circular polypropylene

Three solvent-based processes for recycling polypropylene are rigorously modeled and analyzed in terms of economic performance and CO2 emissions. The environmental impacts are subsequently compared with alternative methods of polypropylene disposal.