Mode Of Disposal Research Articles

Groundwater contamination from point sources. A hazard index to protect water supply wells in intermediate cities

Fresh water is of vital importance and therefore, the availability of water in urban areas has been a priority objective in the world for many years. One of the greatest challenges related to any natural resource management process is to achieve the best possible compatibility between the “ideal” and the “possible” situations. Nowadays, urban water management is a key objective particularly in intermediate cities of developing countries where human and economic resources in governmental agencies are limited. So, it is necessary to count with a tool as simple as possible, in order to allow control efforts to be prioritised. The aim of this paper is to develop a hazard index (HI), in order to identify which point sources of groundwater contamination need to be more frequently controlled and to recognise public supply wells that may be threatened. This index was applied in Mar del Plata city, located in the south-east of the Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The HI was defined as a weighted sum of three variables: Potential Contamination Load (PCL), Effluent Disposal mode (ED) and the distance from the point source to groundwater supply wells or Well Protection Areas (WP). HI results for each point source showed that all buried fuel tanks, soil and stone quarries present high HI as well as 2% of the industries. On the other hand, 90% of the inventoried industries and a landfill present the lowest HI values. Some recommendations based on two strategies (mitigation or prevention) are proposed.

Effect of source-classified and mixed collection from residential household waste bins on the emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds

The implementation of domestic waste classification following the principles of reduction, recycling, and harmlessness is an effective method to improve the urban and rural environments and to promote resource recycling. However, in many developing countries, the community residents lack awareness of the benefits of classified collection, which leads to a lack of initiative to classify MSW. To make the people realize the importance of MSW classification and increase the classification dynamics, Suzhou, China was taken as an example in this study, and residential areas were selected as sampling sites for classified and mixed collection of domestic waste. The main components of the odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the dustbins via different disposal modes were determined by sampling in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In addition, the ozone formation potential (OFP) and human health risk assessment of the VOCs were analyzed. Halogenated compounds were the major pollutants from the household waste dustbins of the residential areas. However, aromatic compounds contributed the most to the OFP of the VOCs. The OFP of VOCs reached the highest peak in summer, which was 1.02 × 103 μg/m3. Furthermore, more attention needs to be paid in classifying waste to reduce the concentration of OFP. Although there was a carcinogenic risk in spring and summer, it declined after waste classification. Compared with mixed collection, the source-classified collection of garbage had advantages in terms of controlling the emission of VOCs, ozone formation potential, and human health risk. These results could provide the evidence demonstrating the advantages of waste classification and attract people's attention. Furthermore, the results can also provide impetus to those countries, where separate collection of waste has not yet been implemented, to improve the enthusiasm for classification and the integrity of waste classification system. Residents should be encouraged to classify household waste in residential areas.

Strength characteristics and stability analysis of GGBS stabilised fly ash-overburden dump

ABSTRACT Stability of OB dump slope has been a major concern and require a proper design for safe mining operation. Utilisation of fly ash with OB material for construction of mine haul road and external dumping, may provide an alternative mode of fly ash disposal. In this study, fly ash was mixed with OB material at different percentages to evaluate the compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and shear strength parameter. Tests were also performed with the addition of a different percentage of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) with fly ash-OB mix. Further, the effects of GGBS at various curing period on CBR and UCS characteristics were highlighted. Numerical modelling was carried out for dump containing OB material, fly ash and GGBS at different proportions to evaluate the Factor of Safety (FoS) and to suggest the optimum dump geometry. Experimental result infers that maximum CBR and UCS values were obtained for 78% OB material, 10% fly ash and 12% GGBS at 28 days curing period. Based on the observed FoS from numerical modelling, an optimal multiple regression model and artificial neural network model have been suggested for the direct prediction of FoS by various input parameters.

CHINA’S REFERENCE TO THE EXPERIENCE OF EU WASTE DISPOSAL AND MANAGEMENT

With the development of global economy, the more and more domestic waste comes from human beings, the management level and efficiency of waste disposal affect the economic development of the region and the living standard of the people, and the garbage disposal mode of the European Union is advanced and efficient. It is of great reference significance for China with a large population. This paper proposes to improve the ability of garbage disposal and waste utilization in China through advertising, charging by quantity, encouraging recycling, subsidizing environmental protection enterprises, and perfecting environmental legislation.

Strength Characteristics and Stability Analysis of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) Stabilized Coal Mine Overburden-Pond Ash Mix

The increasing quantity of overburden (OB) removal and disposal in external dump needs proper management for active mining operation. Coal consumption in thermal plants generates huge quantity of pond ash thus, requires an alternative mode of ash disposal. In this study, attempt has been made to evaluate different geotechnical properties of OB-pond ash mix at various proportions. Effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) on compaction characteristics, shear strength parameters, California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) value at different curing period has been presented. It was found that mix proportion containing 78% OB, 10% pond ash, and 12% GGBFS exhibited maximum UCS and CBR value at 28 days curing period. Stability analyses of dump composed of different proportions of OB material, pond ash, and GGBFS were carried out using numerical modelling to suggest the suitable dump profile. It was observed from numerical modelling that dump profile of 60.0 m height and 32° slope angle can be suitably adopted for all mix proportions. Based on the various input parameters, empirical model and multiple regression model have been developed to predict the CBR value and factor of safety respectively. Significance of various input parameters were analysed using sensitivity analysis and found that slope angle is highly sensitive parameters.

Pollution Control in Meat Industry

Meat industry generates various wastes such as effluent, emissions and solid wastes that pose environmental and health problems. The effluent released from the meat industries finds its way into the natural water resources and degrade the water quality. The solid wastes of meat industry create a public nuisance by way of foul smell if it is not handled properly. The effluents, as well as solid wastes of meat industries, are possible sources of pathogens that are hazardous to human health. Waste minimization, segregation of wastes and treatment, processing of wastes to make possible recoveries of by-products and the final disposal are the basic steps for containment of pollution from the meat industry. The effluent treatment technologies include primary treatment, secondary treatment and tertiary treatment. Composting, biomehtanation, rendering, incineration and burial are the processes for disposing of the solid wastes generated by meat industries. Appropriate treatment process is selected considering the level of pollution, mode of disposal and the environmental standards. The treatment and processing of meat industry wastes minimize the pollution problems and also give scope for the recovery of by-products such as bone and meat meal, tallow, methane and manure that have commercial values. The meat industries also generate odours that are required to be contained using suitable control devices. The paper seeks to give an overview of the pollution control technologies currently in use for the treatment of effluents and solid wastes, and possible recovery of by-products.

“How can we leave the traditions of our Baab Daada” socio-cultural structures and values driving menstrual hygiene management challenges in schools in Pakistan

IntroductionDespite the growing attention to the relationship between menstruation and girls schooling, there remain many challenges to addressing the issue. Current interventions, which mostly focus on developing WASH infrastructure and sanitary hygiene management products, while necessary, may not be sufficient. This paper aimed to identify the root causes of poorly maintained WASH infrastructure, and understand the deeply embedded socio-cultural values around menstrual hygiene management that need to be addressed in order to provide truly supportive school environments for menstruating girls. MethodsQualitative data were collected in rural and urban sites in three provinces in Pakistan using participatory activities with 312 girls aged 16–19 years, observations of 7 School WASH facilities, 42 key informant interviews and a document review. ResultsThree key themes emerged from our data: (1) a poorly maintained, girls-unfriendly School WASH infrastructure was a result of gender-insensitive design, a cultural devaluation of toilet cleaners and inadequate governing practices; (2) the design of WASH facilities did not align with traditionally-determined modes of disposal of rag-pads, the most common used absorbents; (3) traditional menstrual management practices situate girls in an ‘alternate space’ characterised by withdrawal from many daily routines. These three socio-culturally determined practices interacted in a complex manner, often leading to interrupted class engagement and attendance. ConclusionsTo be truly effective, current menstrual hygiene management strategies need to address the root causes of poor WASH infrastructure and ensure facility design is sensitive to the gendered and deeply embedded local socio-cultural values and beliefs around menstrual hygiene management.

Legal and Illegal Processes of Building Disposal Under the Vision of Urban Planning

To solve the problem of illegal buildings, laws were used to control illegal buildings from the perspective of urban planning. Illegal buildings were legalized by reissuing relevant procedures. Illegal buildings were confiscated and auctioned. Illegal buildings that endanger public safety were completely removed. Illegal buildings that meet the safety standards were transformed into citizens' affordable housing and other disposal modes. The results showed that China's current laws on the lack of identification of illegal buildings, legal lag, legislative dispersion and many of the problems involved in illegal construction were cross-types. There were both frontier subject issues and ubiquitous issues. Regardless of the extent of the aspects involved, the legal issues of studying illegal building governance have always been the main line and the main tone of social development. Therefore, by perfecting laws and regulations on illegal building management, the administrative enforcement mechanism for illegal buildings is improved and publicity efforts are strengthened. The legal consciousness of the people is enhanced.

Pesticide Availability and Usage by Farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana

Background.Over and improper use of chemical pesticides can have adverse effects on the environment, human health, and social capital.Objectives.The present study investigated pesticides available in the market, as well as handling and usage of pesticides by farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana.Methods.Cluster sampling was used to select 20 communities from the Tolon District. Simple random sampling was then used to select 5 households from each community and one farmer from each household, giving a sample size of 100 farmers.Results.The survey identified 39 agrochemical shops in the Tamale Metropolis. Thirty-six different pesticides were identified on the market, mainly comprised of insecticides and herbicides. The predominant active ingredients were cypermethrin and glyphosate in insecticides and herbicides, respectively. The survey revealed 18 kinds of pesticides commonly used by the farmers on their fields, with atrazine being the most commonly used herbicide (42%) and Lambda Super 2.5 EC the most commonly used insecticide (50%). The study also revealed that 64% of the respondents disposed of their empty pesticide containers indiscriminately and 44% stored used and unused pesticides in their bedrooms.Conclusions.The mode of disposal of used pesticides containers and storage of pesticides by the respondents contribute to human health and environmental hazards. Measures to educate farmers on pesticide usage and storage to help accomplish the target of environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural production should be taken by the appropriate authorities.Participant Consent.ObtainedCompeting Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Effect of Reactor Temperature on Pyrolysis of Lignocellulosic Medical Waste in a Fixed Bed Reactor

The lethargic modes of medical waste disposal in many developing countries have been a cause of concern to many regulatory agencies. In this study, effect of reactor temperature on pyrolysis of lignocellulosic medical waste in a fixed bed reactor was investigated. Gauze bandage was procured from AKOL Pharmacy, Ogbomoso, South-Western Nigeria. Samples of the gauze bandage, 40 g each at a time, were fed into a retort and the retort inserted into a developed fixed bed reactor for pyrolysis at different temperatures (300, 400, 500 and 600 oC) with a residence time of 15 minutes. Tar, gas and char yields were weighed using an electronic balance (WT20002T, RS232C) and were further expressed in percentage of the initial weight of the sample. Results showed that tar and gas yields increased with increasing reactor temperature while char yield decreased with it. Both intraand extra-particle secondary reactions were insignificant and therefore could not influence the yield spectra of products. The highest yield of tar, gas and char were 52.08, 28.42 and 52.7%, respectively while the lowest yield were respectively 30.50, 16.80 and 19.50%. Lignocellulosic medical waste can be a viable source of biofuels and raw materials respectively for sustainable development and for chemical industries.

Conditions, consequences and prevention ways of behind-the-casing flow in deep well injection disposal of liquid waste sites

The main detection methods, signs, geotechnical conditions, factors and potential consequences of liquid radioactive waste (LRW) behind-the-casing flow are described in the paper. Based on the modeling results for the real LRW components behind-the-casing flow, the mechanism of behind-the-casing flows evolution in the intervals of wells with increased permeability of cement stone are presented. The concentration of LRW components in these intervals changes significantly in time and depends not only on their current concentration in the waste and the permeability of the rock, but also on the pressure gradient, the direction and absolute value of which are determined by the well operation mode and natural hydrogeological conditions. It is noted that behind-the-casing flows of groundwater and LRW components are formed primary in injection wells, above its filter and top of aquifer used for LRW disposal (operational aquifer). The behind-the-casing flows lead to technogenic changes in the geological environment, which are local in space and time, and reduce the safety of such facilities as deep-level disposal sites for LRW (DDF LRW).
 The vertical channel of increased permeability around injection wells and behind-the-casing flows may be prevented by improving the design and construction materials of wells, adjustment of the LRW disposal mode and other methods, including the use of new sealing materials and clarifying technical solutions.

Spimes Not Things. Creating A Design Manifesto For A Sustainable Internet of Things

The rhetoric that surrounds the Internet of Things (IoT) contends it will bring about utopian transformative change throughout society, particularly in regards to sustainability. Little discourse however, recognises the intrinsically unsustainable nature of IoT devices themselves. Under a facade of innovation, the IoT is a breeding ground for superfluous, novelty ‘gizmo’ products whose design incorporates environmentally damaging modes of manufacture, consumption and disposal. To bring attention to this growing unsustainable design culture, we have produced a manifesto entitled Spimes Not Things: A Design Manifesto for A Sustainable Internet of Things. It is the synthesis of a practice-led research project which explores Sterling’s spimes concept using Design Fiction methods, as part of a Research through Design approach. This paper outlines the manifesto’s creation, its theoretical foundations and its intentions. The manifesto is the first step towards the reframing of design practices that will contribute to a more sustainable IoT product paradigm.

Rock-welding materials development for deep borehole nuclear waste disposal

Various versions of deep borehole nuclear waste disposal have been proposed in the past in which effective sealing of a borehole after waste emplacement is generally required. In a high temperature disposal mode, the sealing function will be fulfilled by melting the ambient granitic rock with waste decay heat or an external heating source, creating a melt that will encapsulate waste containers or plug a portion of the borehole above a stack of the containers. However, there are certain drawbacks associated with natural materials, such as high melting temperatures, inefficient consolidation, slow crystallization kinetics, the resulting sealing materials generally being porous with low mechanical strength, insufficient adhesion to waste container surface, and lack of flexibility for engineering controls. In this study, we showed that natural granitic materials can be purposefully engineered through chemical modifications to enhance the sealing capability of the materials for deep borehole disposal. The present work systematically explores the effect of chemical modification and crystallinity (amorphous vs. crystalline) on the melting and crystallization processes of a granitic rock system. The approach can be applied to modify granites excavated from different geological sites. Several engineered granitic materials have been explored which possess significantly lower processing and densification temperatures than natural granites. Those new materials consolidate more efficiently by viscous flow and accelerated recrystallization without compromising their mechanical integrity and properties.

Theses from OCMS: Funerary Rites in Nepal: Cremation, Burial and Christian Identity

This study explores and analyses funerary rite struggles in a nation where Christianity is a comparatively recent phenomenon, and many families have Christian and Hindu, Buddhist and Traditionalist ( kiranti) members, who go through traumatic experiences at the death of their family members. The context of mixed affiliation raises questions of social, psychological and religious identity for Christian converts, which are particularly acute after a death in their family. Using empirical research, this thesis focuses on the question of adaptation and identity in relation to church life, within the familial and social sphere of individual Christians and within the wider society in which they live, particularly with reference to death and disposal. This research has used an applied theology approach to explore and analyse the findings in order to address the issue of funerary rites with which the Nepalese church is struggling. For the need of adaptation, this study seeks to understand the funerary rites of the host culture alongside Jewish-Christian characteristics of adaptation, especially in terms of the Nepalese Evangelical Christian context. It also poses the challenge of finding an identity in a wider cultural and societal milieu. The case studies and interviews have portrayed tripartite relationships and tensions between an individual, family and church or community at the death in a ‘split’ family where a Christian convert’s loyalty to the deceased and the family is tested. Participation and non-participation in the last rites create problems for both the church and the family, and some solution needs to be found. The study has discovered that adaptation of the technique of the funerary rites, rather than of their content, could ease this tension in a ‘split’ family, and enhance a family and community’s reconciliation and solidarity. The mode of disposal, whether burial or cremation, could be used and a theology of cremation be developed in order to provide a theological framework.

Ways to Create Complex Objects of Copyright and Disposal of Rights Thereon

The scientific and technological revolution that occurred in the 20th century led to the emergence of new types of objects of intellectual property rights, while creating the need for their legal regulation. The nature of a complex object of copyright as the most popular and attractive one from an economic and commercial point of view is investigated in the article. The author pays special attention to the study of the order of disposal of a complex object of copyright, the legal structure of which determines the specifics of legal regulation in the sphere of disposing of rights to complex objects. The article contains an analysis of the special mode of creation, use and disposal of various independent objects created to achieve one goal. It is concluded that the absence in the legislation of a clear and structured (by analogy with other agreements relating to the creation and disposal of rights to the results of intellectual activity) regulation of an agreement between co-authors will make such a regime for creating complex objects unattractive from a commercial point of view (due to greater risks arising from the legal uncertainty of this regime). This will significantly reduce the interest of creative thought to independently organized projects and eventually will affect the economic sphere.

Emergency disposal of urban rail transit based on distributed workflow

Under the background of the network operation of urban rail transit, the rapid expansion of rail network structure in various cities, on the one hand, has promoted the rapid development of rail transit industry. On the other hand, it put tremendous pressure on the daily operation and management of rail transit operators. The traditional centralized disposal mode is not in a position to meet the increasingly complex network and passenger demand any more. In this paper, based on the distributed workflow theory, a distributed multi-aircraft collaborative system framework is established for emergency management of urban rail transit and an emergency response model, using Oracle database management system as the main technical to realize the digital management of contingency plans, the theory is finally applied in practice, and the design of the urban rail transit emergency response system for OCC layer is realized.

Inappropriateness of medication use and associated health risks: A cross-sectional study from Pakistan

Purpose : To evaluate the patterns of medication use and medication appropriateness among people in different regions of Pakistan. Methods : A cross-sectional study involving 410 individuals in four provinces of Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) as well as the capital city, Islamabad, via a convenient sampling method. The questionnaire used comprised three major sections: (a) medication use patterns of the population, (b) medication storage and wastage practices, and (c) development of secondary disease after medication use. The questionnaires were completed under the supervision of pharmacists trained for the purpose. Results : The majority of the study population preferred bottle caps for taking oral liquid medicines (83.9 %), and the proportion using bottle caps was highest in Punjab (55.2 %) followed by Sindh (21.8 %). A significant proportion of the population consider the use of very hot water as a reconstitution medium for suspensions (36.3 %). In many cases, suspensions were constituted by mere estimation of the vehicle used (56.1 % from Punjab, 18.9 % from Sindh, 16.1 % from KPK, 7.7 % from Baluchistan, and 1.1 % from Islamabad). Significant differences were observed in the handling of leftover drugs among respondent populations, as well as the overall diverse modes of disposal recorded (43.9 %). Doctors (46.6 %) and relatives were the main sources of instructions on medicine usage (37.6 %). A disinclination to purchase a full course of medicine was observed. Knowledge of medicine storage and measuring tools for oral liquids showed striking peculiarities among the various study populations. Conclusion : Inappropriate medication use among the general population of Pakistan requires educational interventions and awareness programs to promote rational drug use in the society. Keywords : Inappropriate, medication, population, healthcare, use

Medication waste disposal practices among patients attending selected out patient departments in a tertiary care institution: a cross sectional survey

Background: Medication waste has major implications on human and animal health, environmental safety and the health economy. Low and middle income countries have paid less attention to proper medication waste disposal at household and community level. This is the first baseline assessment on medication waste disposal practices among the general public in Sri Lanka.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey, conducted via face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire among selected outpatient clinics at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. A non-probability sampling technique was used to achieve a representative sample from each clinic. The data collectors were trained prior to administering the questionnaire. Data was presented as descriptive statistics using percentages. Chi-square test was used to find associations.Results: From the total number of participants (n=200) majority were females 135 (67.5%). Majority of the participants (78%) stated that they have unused medicines at home. Among them, tablet form was the commonest (78%) followed by topical preparations (49%). Commonest reason for having unused medicines at home were self-discontinuation as illness resolved (57.5%). There was a significant difference between the knowledge and practices when disposing tablet form (<0.001), syrups (0.002), topical preparations (0.04) and sharps (<0.001). Majority (23%) discarded sharp to rubbish bins. Rubbish bin was the commonest mode of disposal for all dosage forms as well as devices.Conclusions: In this sample majority had unused medicines at home which was compatible with the pattern seen in other countries and need proper attention.

Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Disposal in the Belt and Road Initiative: A Preliminary Proposal for Chengdu City

The Chinese green Belt and Road initiative is promoted. This study takes Chengdu as a key hub under the Belt and Road initiative. The municipal solid waste disposal is the point to control pollution and move toward sustainability. Hence, sustainable municipal solid waste disposal needs to be studied. The prior studies are absent in the planning scenarios analysis. This study proposes a case study to propose three planning scenarios for waste disposal to enhance its sustainability. Scenario 1 represents the current waste disposal mode in Chengdu; Scenario 2 considers all the wastes being incinerated; and Scenario 3 focuses on the incorporation of three disposal methods, i.e., anaerobic digestion, incineration, and landfilling. These three scenarios are assessed based on their greenhouse gas emissions, costs, and public acceptance, to determine the optimality for future managerial practice. Results indicated that Scenario 3 has the highest overall efficiency, yet is challenging in terms of economic feasibility. The limitations of the study are also discussed.

Lab-on-a-Valve Mesofluidic Platform for On-Chip Handling of Carbon-Coated Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes in a Disposable Microsolid Phase-Extraction Mode.

Mesofluidic lab-on-a-valve (LOV) platforms have been proven suitable to accommodate automatic micro-solid-phase extraction (μSPE) approaches with on-chip handling of micrometer-bead materials in a fully disposable mode to prevent sample cross-contamination and pressure-drop effects. The efficiency of the extraction process notably depends upon the sorptive capacity of the material because the sorbent mass is usually down to 10 mg in LOV devices. Nanomaterials, capitalizing upon their enhanced surface-to-volume ratio and diversity of potential chemical moieties, are appealing alternatives to microbead sorbents. However, the handling and confinement of nanomaterials in fluidic chip structures have been challenging to date. This is most likely a consequence of the aggregation tendency of a number of nanomaterials, including carbon-based sorbents, that leads to excessive back-pressure in flowing systems along with irreproducible bead loading. This paper addresses these challenges by ad hoc synthesis of hybrid nanomaterials, such as porous carbon-coated titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2-NT@pC). Tailoring of the surface polarity of the carbon coating is proven to foster the dispersion of TiO2-NT@pC in LOV settings while affording superior extraction capability of moderately nonpolar species from aqueous matrices. The determination of trace-level concentrations of butylparaben (BPB) and triclosan (TCS) in seawater samples is herein selected as a proof-of-concept of the exploitation of disposable nanomaterials in LOV. The mesofluidic platform accommodating μSPE features online hyphenation to liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for reliable determination of the target analytes with excellent limits of detection (0.5 and 0.6 ng/L for BPB and TCS, respectively) and intermediate precision (relative standard deviation <5.8%). For 5.0 mL of sample and 200 μL of eluent, enrichment factors of 23 and 14 with absolute extraction efficiencies of 90% ± 14% and 58 ± 8% for BPB and TCS, respectively, were obtained. The relative recovery values of 107% (BPB) and 97% (TCS) in seawater demonstrate the applicability of online LOV-LC/MS/MS using TiO2-NT@pC for handling troublesome environmental samples.