Plastic Sachets Research Articles

Exploring the Expediency of Waste Materials as Modifiers for Bitumen Mixes

This research explores industrial waste materials (waste plastic bottle and waste sachet water) as potentially modifiers for Hot Bitumen Mix (HBM) and Warm Bitumen Mix (WBM). This research becomes necessary because of the poor performance of HBM and WBM. Review of literature revealed that independent use of Waste Plastic Bottle (WPB) and Waste Sachet Water (WSW) significantly enhanced the performance of HBM and WBM. However, literature is scanty on blended use of WPB and WSW. The HBM samples were produced using 60/70 penetration grade of bitumen. Additive (sasobit) was added to the bitumen at 3.5 wt. % of the bitumen for the production of WBM. The HBM and WBM were modified by incorporating blended WPB and WSW thereby forming a composite mixture. The composite was varied at a proportion of 0 – 18 wt. % at 2% interval by 1:1 of the bitumen. The index properties of the HBM and WBM were analyzed. The modified HBM and WBM samples were characterized for microstructure using the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The softening point and penetration index increased with increasing composite mixtures. The penetration reduced with increasing content of the composites. However, the optimum performances were obtained at 10 and 14 wt. % of WPB and WSW for HBM and WBM replacement, respectively, with specific gravity, penetration index, ductility and viscosity of 96, 54, 92, and 75% for HBM and 91, 32, 88, and 89% for WBM, higher than the control mix, respectively. The XRF revealed an enhancement in the adhesion and interlocking in the mineral structure. Exploring WPB and WSW as a modifier for the bitumen mixtures is feasible due to the improved performance of the bitumen mixes. Furthermore, incorporation of the waste materials through their conversion into useful raw materials is an environmental way of waste disposal, and sustainability.

Community Environmental Management to Create Jobs and Generate Income in Krasang District, Buriram Province, Thailand

This research aimed to study the environmental conditions, management and guidelines for community environmental management to create jobs and generate income in the community to solve poverty problems in Krasang District, Buriram Province. The researcher used the sample group according to the Taro Yamane table getting the 400 people. The research instruments were questionnaires. The statistics used for the research were percentage, mean, standard deviation, T-Test and F-Test. The research results found that the most common community environment was the garbage consisting of plastic, coffee or ovaltine bottles and sachets, soft drink cans, wet garbage, dry garbage and electronic waste. The community environmental management to generate income in the community included the waste management for transformation getting the highest mean (4.54). However, when considering the details, it was found that the first rank was the providing of knowledge on making consumer goods from plastic waste as a career. When classified by gender, there were no different opinions. When comparing residents who had lived in the community for a long time, only opinions on waste management were found significantly to have no different opinions at the .05.

Exploring Materials for Constructing Fancy Dress Masquerade Costumes in Winneba, Ghana (1958-2020)

The representation of Fancy Dress masquerades in Ghana, particularly in Winneba, has been revered as part of the country’s popular culture. Fancy Dress masquerade performances, which originated in coastal towns of Ghana during the 18th century under the aegis of colonialism, are currently seen in popular parades and club competitions. Undoubtedly, the utilisation of costumes forms the cornerstone of Fancy Dress masquerading. Although Fancy Dress masquerade costumes add to the depth and breadth of the performance, little empirical study exists on the materials used to construct costumes for this performance. In this study, we explore materials used to construct Fancy Dress masquerade costumes in Winneba, Ghana, from 1958 to 2020. Using a qualitative approach, multiple instruments, and engaging thematic and document analytical frames to analyse the data, the findings of the study revealed the use of fabrics; leather and jute bags. The rest were foam; agricultural products; paper, strawboards and used packaging boxes; net, fibre and plastic sachets to construct costumes such as ‘cowboy’, ‘tigers’ and ‘hunters’. With a treasure trove of materials, fabrics were chiefly used due to their unique physical properties. On the heels of the finding, we recommend that practitioners explore non-conventional and sustainable materials to maintain ecological sustainability. Ultimately, the study advances the understanding of masquerade costumes by addressing gaps in the literature and providing new perspectives.

Effects of seasonal variation on the characteristics of stranded marine debris within Rambut Island Wildlife Reserve, Indonesia

Monitoring and assessing the items stranded on shorelines is a crucial step in addressing the threat posed by marine debris to our ocean. The objective of this study is to examine the occurrence and categorize marine debris that accumulates on the beach and mangrove area of Pulau Rambut Wildlife Reserve from the transitional season 2 to the rainy season. The abundance of marine debris is significant in transitional season 2. There is no significant difference between different seasons. The dominant form of debris among all macrodebris categories during transitional season 2 was plastic, accounting for 46.38% of the total. Single-use plastics like styrofoam, shoes, sandals, gloves, plastic wrap, and plastic sachets were found to be the most common types of large-scale plastic debris, comprising 60% of total macroplastic debris. The debris found on Rambut Island is believed to originate from debris carried by rivers that flow into Jakarta Bay. The presence of seasonal winds, currents, waves, and tides further contribute to the accumulation of debris in this area.

Estuary Clean Up dalam Mendukung Pengelolaan Kawasan Pesisir Desa Sungai Nibung Kalimantan Barat

Desa Sungai Nibung is a coastal with high biodiversity, so this village has been designated as a conservation area in West Kalimantan with the main conservation target is mangrove. The mangrove ecosystem has an important ecological role, namely as a habitat for marine and coastal biota. A maintained ecosystem will protect the survival of the biota within it. Therefore, managing coastal areas is essential and a shared responsibility. One of the challenges faced in the management process in Desa Sungai Nibung is plastic waste pollution. This waste comes from disposal and runoff from land, which can enter rivers and the sea. Plastic pollution also comes from fishing activities, such as ship traffic, responsive fisheries, and cultivation. This waste needs to be appropriately managed because there is no final waste disposal site (TPA). Household waste and waste from several shops (plastic food and drink packaging) are dumped directly around the building. The accumulation of plastic waste will continue to increase. Therefore, cleanup activities were carried out to reduce plastic waste. Apart from that, this activity aims to educate activity participants about the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment. This community service activity was carried out by a lecturer in Marine Science, FMIPA, Tanjungpura University, who involved students from the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. Beaches and coastal clean-up from macroplastic waste are carried out in residential areas, docks, and areas near fishing activities and ecotourism areas. Implementation of PKM activities consists of permission and coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The waste from activities varies from plastic bags, sachet packaging, and food containers to fishing lines. Plastic waste dominates compared to other waste. Participants' understanding concerning plastic waste pollution and its negative impact on the environment and aquatic organisms increased after the activity took place.

Troubled water: Tracing the plastic tide on Sierra Leone’s beaches

Abstract This study provides the first investigation into quantities, types, and potential sources of anthropogenic beach litter in Sierra Leone. Beach litter surveys were conducted monthly at four sites over 11 months. A total of 72,901 litter items (1,246 kg dry weight) were categorised. Across all sites, an average of 1,657 items per 100 m (SD = 1,639) and 28.32 kg per 100 m (SD = 37.48) were recorded. Plastics accounted for 70% of the litter by count and 49% by weight. The three most abundant items by count were plastic bottles (25%), plastic caps and lids (13%), and plastic water sachets (12%). By weight, the three most abundant items were plastic bottles (36%), flip-flops (20%), and shoes (9%). Litter amounts decreased from wet to dry season. We provide the following policy recommendations: improving drinking water access and sanitation, waste management, infrastructure and behaviour change.

WRITTEN REPORT OF UNILEVER AS A CONTRIBUTOR TO PLASTIC WASTE IN INDONESIA

Unilever, one of the worlds largest fast-moving good companies, has been criticized for its contribution to plastic waste in Indonesia. This report explores the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), its importance for companies, and delve into the history of the company and its role in Indonesias plastic waste crisis. The paper also discusses the challenges faced by the CreaSolv technology for recycling plastic sachets in Indonesia and possible solutions to address the issue. In addition, the paper discusses how the company could improve the recycling process, redesign packaging to be more sustainable, and scale up the recycling technology to have a larger impact.

Achieving sustainable source reduction of marine litter for ocean conservation in West Africa: Insights from single-use plastic consumers in Liberia

Source reduction of marine litter is the most preferred approach to addressing the global problem of the entry of plastics into the environment, including the ocean. Policies to achieve this reduction within the African region have so far had limited success. Studying the behavioural dimension of the use of single-use plastics (SuPs) may provide the knowledge basis for developing sustainable plastic policies for desired impact. This study sought to determine the influence of socio-demographic factors and awareness of environmental impacts of plastics on the use of SuPs in West Africa using Liberia as a case study. The SuPs studied include carrier bags, drinking water sachets and bottles, drink/beverage bottles and expanded polystyrene packs. The results show that different prevailing socio-demographic factors influence the different uses of SuPs. Level of education and income levels of the respondents, for instance, had significantly positive influence on the patronage of bottled water, bottled drinks and expanded polystyrene packs. While on the other hand, rising income level had a significant negative influence on the use of sachet water alone. It also showed that awareness of environmental impacts of SuPs had no significant influence on the use of plastic carrier bags and sachet water but rather increased significantly the use of all other SuPs. The observed patterns of use of the SuPs imply underlying factors that need to be thoughtfully considered in developing SuP reduction policies and SuP management infrastructure as matters of priority. The study recommends that similar studies should be conducted in other parts of Liberia as well as across Africa to provide a basis for the development of effective behaviour intervention programmes. This study also provides a scientific context to apply recommendations of this study to other West African countries with similar issues and challenges with marine litter menace.

Plastics debris characteristics in Cikapundung River

River plays the important role for transporting plastics from land to the ocean. Cikapundung river is one of tributary rivers which contributes significantly to Citarum River. The Cikapundung river transports the riverine plastic debris from the area of Bandung City and Bandung District to Citarum River that finally flows to the North Java Sea through its estuary at Muara Gembong-Bekasi. The aim of the study is to monitor plastic debris characteristic of in Cikapundung. It is important to understand the characteristic of plastic debris from the settlement area which potentially contaminates the sea. Monitoring was conducted in April to June 2021 by using net sampler 2x1x3 meters. The sampler was set at two transversal sites across the river in 15-30 minutes each. The observations were conducted three times (morning, noon, and afternoon) of each sampling day. Collected plastics were estimated the weight and the volume, and were separated, enumerated and classified afterwards. The top three common plastic types both in weight and number founded in Cikapundung river including plastic bags, clear plastic bags and sachet. The majority of commonly encountered plastics were clear plastic bags, plastic with aluminum, sachets (plastic packing), plastic bags, and plastic cups. It reflects the dominance of domestic source wastes rather than industrial plastic debris.

Rapid detection of bacterial load in food samples using disposable respirometric sensor sachets

We describe a new sensor platform for simple on-site analysis of total aerobic viable counts (TVCs) in food samples, which uses disposable sealable plastic sachets with phosphorescent oxygen sensor inserts and liquid growth media. Food samples are collected, placed directly in the sachets, which are then sealed and incubated at 30 °C while monitoring (hourly or endpoint) sensor signals non-invasively with a commercial handheld reader FirestingO2. The growth of microbiota produces characteristic respiration profiles, from which sample initial TVC load is quantified: the Threshold Time (TT, in hours), when the sensor signal reaches the set signal threshold, is determined and calibration equation is applied to it to calculate sample TVC load. The initial calibration equation, which provides the conversion of measured TT values (hours) into TVC, was generated with pure Escherichia coli culture: log(CFU/g) = 8.30–0.60 *TT25 ° for signal threshold of 25 degrees phase. Another calibration equation, which provides a better representation of whole food microbiota, was generated with a panel of 90 different food samples: log(CFU/g) = 8.53–0.60 *TT25°. This simple sensor system shows good correlation with traditional plate counting TVC method (ISO 4833) and suitability for autonomous on-site or in-field operation. Time to result of 1–6 h provided by the sensor sachet system is more than seven time faster than for the standard method.

Recognition of Clear Plastic Sachets for Manipulator with RGB Hand-Eye Camera

Recognition of Clear Plastic Sachets for Manipulator with RGB Hand-Eye Camera

Generic Pheromones Identified from Northern Hemisphere Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) Are Attractive to Native Longhorn Beetles from Central-Southern Chile.

We conducted field bioassays with several known cerambycid pheromones in two zones of central-southern Chile: (1) Las Trancas (Ñuble region) and Coñaripe (Los Rios region) (Study 1) and (2) Rucamanque and Maquehue (La Araucania region) (Study 2). Up to eight compounds were tested individually, including 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone, (2R*,3S*)- and (2R*,3R*)-2,3-hexanediol, fuscumol, fuscumol acetate, monochamol, 2-methylbutanol, and geranylacetone. Compounds were loaded in plastic sachets placed in either multiple funnel or cross-vane panel traps hung in trees in a randomized block design (n = 3 or 4). The number of treatments and bioassay periods varied depending on the study. A total of 578 specimens belonging to 11 native species were collected, with the three captured in the highest numbers being Eryphus laetus (292 specimens), Calydon submetallicum (n = 234), and Chenoderus testaceus (n = 20). The three species are of economic importance: E. laetus is considered a minor pest in apple orchards, and the other two species infest Nothophagus hosts, including some timber species. Traps baited with 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone collected significant numbers of both sexes of the two most abundant species, and this compound was the only treatment that attracted C. submetallicum. (2R*,3R*)- and (2R*,3S*)-2,3-Hexanediols were also significantly attractive to E. laetus. Our results suggested that 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone and 2,3-hexanediols, which are known pheromone components of cerambycid species worldwide, are also likely to be conserved aggregation pheromone components among some species in western South America.

Controlled release of Michelia alba oil vapour from plastic sachets to control the growth of Aspergillus flavus on brown rice and its possible mode of action

This study aimed to create antifungal volatile-releasing sachets, from various commercially available synthetics (Tyvek®; high density polyethylene; HDPE, polypropylene/polyethylene; PP/PE and polyamide/polyethylene; PA/PE) and bio-based plastic sachet materials (Polylactic acid; PLA and cellophane), containing Michelia alba (MA) essential oil to be used against A. flavus on malt extract agar (MEA) and brown rice. In addition, the bioactive compounds (total phenolic content and total flavonoid content) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) of brown rice after treatment by the active sachets were examined. Results indicated that different sachet materials affected the release of the linalool and caryophyllene as antifungal volatiles. Tyvek® and PP/PE had a suitable permeability for controlling the release of the volatiles, which could be matched with the maximum concentration within 48 h, whereas PA/PE, PLA and cellophane had lower permeability. The antifungal volatiles released from Tyvek® and PP/PE sachets containing MA essential oil at 300 μl could completely inhibit the growth of A. flavus on MEA and brown rice for at least 20 days using accelerated conditions at 25 °C and 80%RH. No spore germination or deformed hyphae of A. flavus could be observed in the treated brown rice when compared to the control which showed swelling spores and regular structure with uniformity. In addition, the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of brown rice treated with MA essential oil in the Tyvek® and PP/PE sachets were higher than in the control. Therefore, this study demonstrates a good opportunity to implement antifungal volatile-releasing sachets containing MA for shelf-life extension and improving the antioxidant activity of brown rice.

Technical and Economic Viability of Distributed Recycling of Low-Density Polyethylene Water Sachets into Waste Composite Pavement Blocks

In many developing countries, plastic waste management is left to citizens. This usually results in landfilling or hazardous open-air burning, leading to emissions that are harmful to human health and the environment. An easy, profitable, and clean method of processing and transforming the waste into value is required. In this context, this study provides an open-source methodology to transform low-density polyethylene drinking water sachets, into pavement blocks by using a streamlined do-it-yourself approach that requires only modest capital. Two different materials, sand, and ashes are evaluated as additives in plastic composites and the mechanical strength of the resulting blocks are tested for different proportion mix of plastic, sand, and ash. The best composite had an elastic modulus of 169 MPa, a compressive strength of 29 MPa, and a water absorptivity of 2.2%. The composite pavers can be sold at 100% profit while employing workers at 1.5× the minimum wage. In the West African region, this technology has the potential to produce 19 million pavement tiles from 28,000 tons of plastic water sachets annually in Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia. This can contribute to waste management in the region while generating a gross revenue of 2.85 billion XOF (4.33 million USD).

Spatio-temporal variation and seasonal dynamics of stranded beach anthropogenic debris on Indonesian beach from the results of nationwide monitoring

The first stranded macrodebris study on a national scale in Indonesia was conducted on 18 beaches from February 2018 to December 2019. The average weight and abundance of beach debris were higher between October and February (rainy season). The highest stranded macrodebris was located in Ambon, Manado, Takalar, and Padang. Plastic (46.38%) was the most prevalent type of debris across all macrodebris categories, with single-use plastics such as plastic sachets, plastic bags, and plastic bottles being the dominant macroplastic debris (64.64%). Based on CCI, HII, and BGI, 18 beaches are "moderately clean," with few hazardous items observed, and "Good." This anthropogenic macrodebris is thought to be more localized (55%) than transboundary macrodebris. Litter control and environmental quality of this Indonesian coastal region should be improved through a proactive and flexible approach. Finally, extensive stranded beach debris monitoring is recommended to better understand the distribution of macrodebris in the region.

Biocomposite production from waste low-density polyethylene sachets and Prosopis africana pods biomass residue

Plastic litter has become a major concern in solid waste management in recent times due to the adverse effect on the environment. In most developing countries, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste bags and sachets constitute a significant portion of plastic wastes that are generated daily, leading to an unnecessary environmental burden that needs to be addressed. In this study, we report the use of Prosopis africana pod particles as fillers in LDPE matrix (obtained from waste plastic sachets) for biocomposite production. Biocomposites were produced from 150µm average filler size for 10, 20, 30 wt% filler contents, using hand lay-up method. The compression, flexural, impact, and tensile strengths; water absorption and the biodegradability characteristics of the prepared biocomposites were determined using ASTM standards. In comparison with the control sample, the prepared biocomposites samples exhibited 103% improved impact strength of 34.3 J and better resistance to deformation (flexural modulus of 348.9 N/mm2; Young’s modulus of 237.9 N/mm2) at 30 wt % filler content. Biocomposite sample with the 10 wt% gave the highest tensile strength of 8.3 N/mm2. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the fractured sample shows good adhesion in the matrix. Findings from this work indicate that valorization of LDPE waste sachet and prosopis pods agricultural residues can be a value-addition, affordable waste management method for producing biocomposites towards indoor applications.

COMBINING EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR) AND DEPOSIT REFUND SYSTEM (DRS) POLICY FOR HIGHER RECOVERY AND RECYCLING OF PLASTIC BOTTLES AND SACHET WATER WASTE: APPLICATION OF VENDING MACHINE AND DESIGNATED RETURN DEPOT CENTRE IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Waste management (Plastic, PET Bottle, Can, and Glass Bottle, mostly from drink and beverage packages) is an important issue in today's world, as the volume of waste increases daily. This is especially important in developing countries like Nigeria, where there are no strong institutionalized frameworks for waste management, and as a result, increasing waste poses a threat to human well-being. Given the increase in population in these countries, it is necessary to adopt sustainable and practical solutions. Especially in Lagos, where the environmental problem of plastic waste is on the rise. Although the government is making commendable efforts to reduce the increasing volume of plastic waste in the state, they are insufficient, as it has been reported that plastic waste accounts for 15% of total waste volume according to the Lagos state waste characterization index. However, with the rise in various environmental problems caused by plastic waste, this paper proposed combining the extended producer responsibility (EPR) and deposit refund system (DRS) to achieve a high rate of recovery and recycling of waste plastic bottles and sachets. The innovative approach used green technology (vending machine) as well as indigenous knowledge are practical solutions in Lagos state. The paper is also significant because it intends to implement the developed solution in a dense urban and rural setting in Lagos, which can be replicated in other states in Nigeria. Furthermore, the components discussed in this paper are elements that allow the proposed concept to function effectively and efficiently. The proposed concept will serve as a link between Lagos and Nigeria's current linear economy and the future circular economy of plastic production and management.

ISOLATION AND SCREENING OF MARINE BACTERIAL ISOLATES AGAINST CLINICAL PATHOGENS

Objective: The marine organism produce a large array of metabolites with relevants in drug discovery, these metabolites have biological activity such as antibacterial, antioxidant and antitumor. The present study was undertaken to isolate marine bacteria from the marine soil sample and were tested against clinical pathogens.
 Methods: The soil sample were collected in a sterile plastic sachet. The isolates were enumerated using the spread plate technique in Zobell marine agar. The ten isolated marine bacteria were tested against six clinical pathogens by the point inoculation method and agar well diffusion method.
 Results: Among ten bacterial isolates M5 exhibited a maximum antibacterial activity and it was identified as Pseudomonas japonica by 16S rRNA sequencing.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that isolation of Marine bacterial samples can offer a numbers of microbial strains for sources of new biomolecules from Marine sources.

Slave to sachet economy: Socio-cultural insights

This paper investigates the socio-cultural insights on the Philippines’ massive consumption of plastic-sachets packed products and the peoples’ disposal habits of single-use plastic sachet wastes. A mixed-method approach was used including a focus group discussion among 6 environmental experts, and a critical selection of concepts from the literature. Deductive thematic analysis aided the main findings. The socio-cultural lens reveals that “Tingi” culture, the society’s old practice of patronizing retail products, and the peoples’ preference for convenience, further fueled by multinational corporations (MNCs) marketing strategies, have enslaved the society to a sachet economy. Furthermore, people’s lackadaisical attitude toward the environment shown in their massive littering habits and poor enforcement of environmental laws damaged the environment. It is recommended that the government should compel the MNCs to reduce the production and sale of plastic sachets by 5% and convert these into refillable containers. Such action will substantially reduce sachet wastes that go to the waterways by as much as 600 million packs annually. Also, the government should adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy in which the responsibility of managing plastic sachet wastes is passed on to the MNCs. Environmental nudges, penalties, and incentivizing projects adhering to a circular economy should also be implemented. The issue of over-consumption and disposal of single-use plastic sachet waste in the Philippines is inadequately explored from a socio-cultural lens. This study fills the gap in knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon to address the environmental threat resulting from peoples’ single-use plastic sachet consumption and disposal behavior.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT THROUGH WASTE REDUCTION DOMESTIC BASED ON RECYCLED PRODUCTS IN MARGATANI VILLAGE, KRAMATWATU DISTRICT, SERANG REGENCY

This community partnership program aims to invite and empower the community to play an active role in increasing environmental awareness by providing education, assistance, and evaluation to process household waste and used cooking oil into various handicraft products. This activity has economic value with implementing a Digital Waste Bank and evaluation and development related to the marketing strategy of handicraft products. This activity is based on the problems related to the lack of public awareness in protecting the environment, as seen from the many points of garbage that should not be seen piling up in the surrounding environment. The lack of public knowledge about waste management and converting waste into goods of economic value by utilizing the waste itself. The priorities agreed to be resolved to relate to 1) Increasing environmental awareness, 2) How to manage household waste properly, 3) How to process plastic sachets into handicrafts with economic value, 4) How to manage used cooking oil into products. The solutions provided are socializing environmental awareness and training (coaching and mentoring) on household waste management in collaboration with digital waste banks integrated with e-wallets such as Dana, OVO, Gopay, Shopeepay, and others. Training on plastic processing of food, beverage, and plastic detergent or dishwasher products into crafts and used cooking oil into soap can be sold and generate economic value