Rural Waste Research Articles

Rheological properties and microbial community structure in continuous dry co-digestion of corn straw and cow manure

The continuous dry co-digestion of corn straw (CS) and cow manure (CM) was studied in horizontal stainless steel push-flow reactors. The highest volumetric CH4 production of 0.76 L/(L·d) was obtained at the condition of total solid content (TS) = 25% with CM:CS = 1:2 (basis of TS). With the increase of TS content, the shear stress increased, which may be due to that the higher TS caused stronger interparticle flocculation. The viscosity increased with the enhance of proportion of CM, indicating that CM was more disadvantaged for the flow of materials than CS. When TS increased from 25% to 30%, CH4 production sharply decreased, which could be caused by the high viscosity (30 Pa·s) of the substrates, resulting in decreasing of mixing efficiency and formation of dead zones in the digester. Clostridiales and Methanosarcina were positively correlated with TS, indicating that both are more suitable for growth in dry anaerobic digestion (AD) than other microorganisms. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of continuous AD of agricultural and rural wastes.

Burning of Municipal Solid Waste: An Invitation for Aerosol Black Carbon and PM2.5 Over Mid–Sized City in India

Waste management is the main concern of most cities in developing countries. The proper procedure is needed to reduce Municipal solid waste, that’s why burning is the cheaper way to decrease solid waste. The main aim of this study is to assess the concentration of Black Carbon and PM2.5 during the MSW burning sites in Jamshedpur. The continuous measurement was taken during the burning period in three phases at Industrial, Urban, and Rural waste burning sites having respective average BC concentrations observed as 145 ± 46, 101 ± 33 & 95 ± 33 μg m−3, and PM2.5 as 1391 ± 358, 998 ± 319, 957 ± 313 μg m−3. BC and PM2.5 concentrations show significant diurnal variations with maximum average concentration at the midnight phase due to large temperature fluctuation (lower mixed layer height) in the atmosphere. This evaluation during burning period exceeds regular day estimates by around 5–6 times. The rate distinction of BC by the Aethalometer model indicates that source apportionment of BC is more sensitive in assessing BCBB (biomass burning) with an average fraction of 82% at 880 nm because waste trash burning in the dump yard was mostly solid. Pearson correlation analysis shows strong correlations between BC and PM2.5 concentration that is primarily attributable to well-known nearby sources such as vehicular emissions.

Rural waste management model in creating an inclusive economy

Waste is a common problem faced in various regions, a lot of waste has not been handled especially in the rural areas. The percentage of waste generated in villages is higher than in the urban areas, mostly due to the larger number of residents in villages. But behind the waste problem, there is an economic opportunity if the village can manage it well. Currently, there are villages that have succeeded in managing their waste that can realize an inclusive economy inside their villages. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to develop a village waste management model in implementing an inclusive economy. This research method used descriptive qualitative data collection through in-depth interviews, FGD’s and observation. The results showed that the village waste management model includes a management team, processing plan, technology, financing, utilization and collaboration. This village waste management model involves various parties and the participation of village communities inclusively proven to reduce poverty and stunting in the village.

A Bibliometric Review of Rural Living Environment Improvement Research in China Based on CNKI Database: 1992–2022

Improving the rural living environment has become one of the hot issues in the study of rural revitalization in China. Based on 972 high-quality journal articles, in the database of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), this paper provides a detailed bibliometric review of research on the improvement of the rural living environment in China, from 1992 to 2022. Based on a descriptive statistical analysis of the publication trends, authors, institutions, source journals, and high-frequency keywords of the sample literature, this paper uses cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis to quantitatively analyze the main research fields, hot topics, and improvement directions. The results show, that the study of the improvement of the rural living environment presents a good trend. The main research include six aspects: rural sewage improvement, rural waste management, rural environment collaborative treatment, rural toilet improvement, new rural construction and management, and rural environmental green development. Among them, the research heat and abundance of research results of the first three, is higher than the latter three. To further deepen the research related to the rural living environment improvement in the future, issues such as rural toilet improvement, new rural construction and governance, and green development of rural environment, need more attention.

Zero-added conversion of chicken manure into dual-reaction-center catalyst for pollutant degradation triggered by peroxymonosulfate

Fecal pollution in rural areas and water pollution caused by emerging contaminants (ECs) are two international environmental problems. Here, we propose a new strategy to address the two problems simultaneously through the resource utilization and harmless transformation of poultry manure as a kind of water purification catalyst with zero addition. The ordered bonding of intrinsic metal-organic species is realized in the resourcelized procedure by a one-stage calcination-annealing method, which results in the formation of electron-rich/poor microregions. With the triggering of a small amount of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), the energy/electrons of ECs are utilized by the dissolved oxygen in water driven by the electron-rich/poor microregions on the catalyst surface. As a result, the system exhibits excellent performance in removing various ECs. The degradation rate can even be maintained above 94.3 % after 10,000 cycles. This work indicates a sustainable approach to the effective utilization and treatment of rural waste and pollutants.

Effects of Incentives and Penalties on Farmers’ Willingness and Behavior to Separate Domestic Waste-Analysis of Farm Household Heterogeneity Based on Chain Multiple Intermediary Effects

It is important to investigate the influence of incentives and penalties on farmers’ willingness and behavior towards domestic waste separation and the mechanism of influence. It is helpful for the government to formulate policies to guide farmers to actively participate in domestic waste separation, solve the problem of rural domestic waste pollution, and improve the effectiveness of rural waste separation management. By using the public data of 2020CLES, we analyzed the influence of incentives and penalties on farmers’ willingness and behavior towards domestic waste separation by using the Probit model, based on the technology acceptance model, using a chain of multiple mediating effects. The results are as follows. Firstly, the net effect of incentives and penalties on farmers’ willingness and behavior to separate household waste was 6.86%, and the net effect of separation behavior was 33.37%. Relatively speaking, the strengthening effect of incentives and penalties on farmers’ domestic waste sorting behavior is stronger than the promotion effect on farmers’ domestic waste sorting intention. Secondly, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness had significant chain mediating effects, with perceived ease of use having the strongest mediating effect. Thirdly, the incentives and penalties have a stronger effect on promoting the willingness of female farmers, elderly farmers, and farmers with low education to separate domestic waste. Finally, the influence of individual and household characteristics of farmers on their willingness and behavior to separate household waste varies. Accordingly, suggestions for improving the willingness and behavior of farmers to separate domestic waste are proposed in the following aspects: improving the reward and punishment system, making good use of market instruments, and increasing farmers’ awareness level and value recognition of domestic waste separation.

Household and household-related waste generation and characteristics in rural areas: A case study in Tanjungsari Sub-district

Waste management issues in rural locations differ from those in metropolitan ones. Unmanaged waste has the potential to harm the rural environment. Understanding the generation and characteristics of household and household-related waste is the starting point for planning waste management. Accurate measurement of waste generation and characteristics helps optimize waste reduction and recycling efforts. Therefore, this study aims to measure the waste generation and characteristics in rural areas using the Indonesia National Standard 19-3964-1994 method. The survey team visited 60 samples of residential and non-residential properties in the Tanjungsari Sub-district for eight consecutive days. Based on the results, the waste generation was 0.34 kg person-1 day-1. Organic waste (food waste, leaves, paper, and wood) accounts for the majority of garbage (81,34%), followed by inorganic materials (plastic, fabric, other materials, metal, and glass) at 15.66%, 1.86%, 0.91%, 0.12%, 0.11% respectively. The residential waste density is 196.1 kg m-3, while in non-residential areas is 63.63 kg m-3. Family size and income, living habits, and the type of economy or industry that develops have influenced the rural waste generation and composition. Rural waste management strategies need to consider organic waste as a raw material in composting or fermentation.

Rural Waste Reduction Potential in The South of Gunungkidul Regency

The waste reduction paradigm is closely related to the circular economy's goal of maximizing value at every point in the product's life. Composting and recycling plastics is a simple way of reducing waste. Understanding the waste reduction potential can provide an overview of the value of goods at the end of their useful life. Therefore, this study aims to provide an overview of the potential for waste reduction through composting and recycling of waste. This study took place in 6 sub-districts in the south of Gunungkidul Regency. Secondary data on the generation and composition of household waste was obtained from the Environmental Service. Waste reduction potential is calculated using the projected waste generation in 2035. The analysis carried out includes analysis of waste generation and composition, projected waste generation, and waste reduction potential. The waste generation in the south of Gunungkidul Regency is 0.4 kg per day with an organic waste composition of 70.43%. The projection of waste generation shows that in 2035 the waste generated will be 105,770,60 kg per day or 38,602.41-tons per year. The potential for composting raw materials is 59,590.58 kg per day, and recycled waste is 8,043.59 kg per day. 64% of the total waste generation can become raw material for products with economic value. The economic potential generated from the two products from waste reaches a gross profit of IDR 7,445,808,408 per month. The economic potential will be great if the product management operations are not on a household scale. Product feasibility studies and economic feasibility studies can be interesting topics.

Preparation of a novel hydrogel of sodium alginate using rural waste bone meal for efficient adsorption of heavy metals cadmium ion

Adsorption has been an important method for removing heavy metals from industrial wastewater. However, there has been a lack of an environmentally friendly, low-cost, biodegradable and easily recyclable material. China produces bones are not fully utilized leads to a waste of resources Therefore, efficient application of bone meal (BM) for remediation of contaminants in water would provide a promising alternative for resource utilization of bones. In this paper, we use a combination of BM and sodium alginate (SA) to prepare a novel BM/SA/calcium ion (BM/SA/Ca2+) double cross-linked composite hydrogel (BMSAH). Enhance the mechanical structure of SA while making the BM easy to recycle and reuse. The morphology and structure of the BMSAH were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM-EDS. suggesting that the BMSAH can provide a larger specific surface area and high number of adsorption sites. The effects of the solution pH, ionic strength and contact time on the adsorption capacity of the BMSAH were investigated in depth, Under different conditions, BMSAH has a strong adsorption capacity of >90 %. XPS and FT-IR analysis showed that Cd2+ was adsorbed mainly via coordination interactions and hydrogen bonds with the carboxyl groups and nitrogen atoms in the BMSAH. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model, particle diffusion model and Isothermal adsorption lines indicate that the surface of the BMSAH is non-uniform suggesting that the adsorption of heavy metal ions by the BMSAH involves a combination of surface adsorption and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms, which is an overall chemical-physical adsorption process. In addition, the adsorption capacity of BMSAH remained above 90 % after three desorption cycles. Our work provides a new method for the preparation of a low-cost, high mechanical performance, biodegradable and easily recyclable physical hydrogels used for the removal of heavy metal ions.

An Analysis of the Factors behind Rural Residents' Satisfaction with Residential Waste Management in Jiangxi, China.

With the increasing environmental and health problems caused by residential solid waste (RSW), upgrading waste disposal services has become a key priority in rural areas of developing countries. Waste disposal services can be improved by incorporating the end-user evaluation of the services and the infrastructure. This study aims to analyze the respondents' satisfaction with waste disposal services and infrastructure in rural China, which has not been well documented in the previous literature. For this purpose, we applied the ordered probit model on survey data of 1064 rural residents of Jiangxi, China. In two separate models, two independent variables, i.e., users' ranking of waste disposal management services and waste disposal management infrastructure, were regressed on five sets of policy, personal, social and demographic, environmental, and village characteristics of the respondents. Our results show that rural residents have relatively high satisfaction (level four out of five) with RSW services. We found a significant correlation between all five investigated characteristics (personal, social and demographic, environmental, and village characteristics) and respondents' satisfaction with RSW management. However, the correlation differs in magnitude and direction among different respondent groups, where gender, minority status, the sanitary condition of household toilets, and treatment of toilet waste at the village level have the largest influence on satisfaction. It was found that male respondents, ethnic minorities, residents with non-farming status, and respondents with more sanitary household toilets have higher satisfaction levels. Our results provide crucial references for decision-makers to effectively promote the further optimization and improvement of rural waste disposal systems in the future.

New sustainable utilization approach of livestock manure: Conversion to dual-reaction-center Fenton-like catalyst for water purification

Rural pollution is largely caused by the accumulation of waste biomass, such as livestock manure and crop straw, which is extremely difficult to dispose of due to the simultaneous need to non-destructively treat metal and organic matter. Untreated fecal waste fluxes have contributed to more than 870,000 sanitation-related deaths annually worldwide. The existing disposal methods are accompanied by large amounts of energy and resource consumption and GHG emissions, which are not conducive to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Herein, we pioneer a new approach to sustainable resource utilization by subjecting unprocessed livestock manure to a Dual-Reaction-Center (DRC) Fenton-like catalyst directly through the ordered bonding of intrinsic metal-organic species via an in situ 2-stage calcination-annealing process with zero emissions and zero pollution. The directional electron transfers along with the generated metal cation–π interactions during the resourcelized process led to the formation of electron-rich/-poor microregions. Through triggering by a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the removal of refractory pollutants reaches 100% within a very short time in this system, which also shows a long-term purification effect on actual wastewater, accompanied by the utilization of intrinsic energy from the pollutants and dissolved oxygen. This study is expected to advance the resource utilization of rural waste and the sustainable development of environmental factors.

What Factors Affect Farmers' Levels of Domestic Waste Sorting Behavior? A Case Study from Shaanxi Province, China.

Waste sorting is a key element for solving the current predicament of rural waste management. In the pilot areas of China, farmers’ domestic waste sorting behavior (DWSB) varies significantly, whereas there are few studies exploring the mechanism of its formation. To fill this research gap, this study constructs a research model of the internal logic of farmers’ waste sorting levels (i.e., no sorting; sorting recyclable waste; sorting recyclable and kitchen waste; and sorting recyclable, kitchen, harmful, and other waste) by considering circumstantial constraints (social norms in external factors) and psychological behavioral antecedents (personal norms and group identity in internal factors). Based on pilot survey data from farmers in Shaanxi Province, China, the results of the ordered logit model indicate that social norms and personal norms were the most significant predictors of the level of DWSB, while group identity was found to have no significant influence. Furthermore, the results of the grouping regression analysis showed that personal norms had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between social norms and farmers’ DWSB. Therefore, a more positive social atmosphere, better education, and personal environmental moral responsibility for domestic waste sorting should be established to enhance their levels of waste sorting behavior.

The Impact of Preservation Techniques on Methane-Arrested Anaerobic Digestion of Nutrient-Rich Feedstocks.

The carboxylate platform is a promising biomass-to-energy pathway that uses methane-arrested anaerobic digestion (MAAD) to convert biomass to carboxylic acids, which can be chemically converted to industrial chemicals and liquid fuels. Lignocellulose is an energy-rich carbon source, but lacks nutrients necessary for microbial growth. Chicken manure (rural waste) and sewage sludge (urban waste) are rich in nitrogen and useful macronutrients; therefore, co-digesting these wastes with lignocellulose improves MAAD performance. However, waste nutrients must be digested immediately, or preserved. This study investigated the effects of various preservation techniques - frozen (fresh), air-dried, and baked - on chicken manure and sewage sludge. Batch experiments were performed with office paper (carbon source) and chicken manure or sewage sludge (nutrient source) with different methods of preservation. Fresh substrates produced higher acid yields and biomass conversion (the amount of biomass consumed during digestion) than dried substrates. Baked chicken manure showed reduced conversion and total acid production, which suggests that oven-drying reduces digestibility. From the batch data, the Continuum Particle Distribution Model (CPDM) predicted results of a four-stage countercurrent digestion. The data are displayed on maps showing the impact of liquid residence time (LRT) and volatile solids loading rate (VSLR) on conversion and product concentration. Co-digesting office paper and wet chicken manure at a non-acid volatile solid (NAVS) concentration of 300g/Lliq, the model predicted a high total acid concentration of 52.8g/L and conversion of 0.89g NAVSdigested/NAVSfed at a volatile solid loading rate of 4g/(Lliq·day) and liquid retention time of 35days.

Design and operation of a fixed-bed pyrolysis-gasification-combustion pilot plant for rural solid waste disposal

This paper is to explore the use of rural solid waste (RSW) for pyrolysis-gasification-combustion in pilot plant scale aiming at sustainable management of rural waste in remote areas. Based on the experimental data obtained during pilot scale operation, the temperature in the furnace needs to be kept at least at 600 °C through analyzing the pyrolysis weight loss of the main combustibles in the RSW. Besides, the effects of the air supply method and ventilation rate on the pilot plant performance were explored. Results indicate that the active air supply method positively contributes to the performance of the pilot plant. The plant processed 10 t RSW/d, producing 12.82 g/Nm3 of tar with 1.75 % of ash. This study confirms the feasibility of the pilot plant for RSW disposal and provides theoretical support for the optimization of pilot plant operation.

Effect of Public Space on Collective Action for Rural Waste Management and the Mediating Effects of Social Capital

Public spaces enhance social interactions and contacts, yet few scholars have linked public spaces to the governance of commons for rural waste management. We thus explore the direct and mediated effects of public spaces on collective action for rural waste management. The research was conducted in the Jiangsu Province of Eastern China by interviewing 290 farmers from 9 different counties. The individual dataset was collected from the measurement of public space, social capital and collective action for rural waste management. Public space characteristics include scale, entering frequency and accessibility. A structural equation modelling approach was employed to analyse the path and relationship of these variables. The results show that public space has a direct and positive effect on collective action for rural waste management, which could be attributed to the specific dimensions of scale, entering frequency and accessibility. We also find that social capital positively mediates the relationship between public spaces and collective action. This study highlighted the importance of public space use to rural environmental governance. Social capital is recommended to promote the collective action for rural waste management. The results contribute to the literature on public space research and imply that public space should be considered by policymakers to enhance environmental development and rural revitalisation.

Grounding the Applicability of Eloquent Theoretical Waqf for Rural Waste Management: A Case Study of the Gresik Industry Region

Like many other cities, the industrial region of Gresik encounters problematic issues inherent in the burgeoning quantities of waste in landfill sites despite frequent policy implementations and other efforts from the local government. This study aims to examine and interlink between the possibility of the waqf concept and the growing number of waste issues in the Gresik industrial region. By harnessing ethnographical principles such as employing direct and consistent observations and reviewing numerous relevant literature surveys and archival documents, the study attempts to propose an executable design and model that will serve as a framework for stakeholders to address the weaknesses of current less favourable waste treatment programs. A comprehensive and rigorous consideration concludes that the viability of waqf can be a workable prospect and nucleus for an alternative solution and a complementary voluntary enhancement of effective regional policies and programs. An actionable and contributable waqf aspiration can start from the reformulation and rejuvenation of a rural waste bank which is designed to manage an effective balance between profitable and eco-friendly objectives. Professionalism and competence are significant factors in successfully enhancing the functionality of such an institution. Apart from the micro perspective, the bigger picture of a nexus of waqf and waste, including the current intermittent commitment from top policy makers transferred into timely execution, futuristic applicable technology, charitable giving and donation, and sensible collaborative cooperation, constitutes the conceivable determinants for the accomplishment of an efficacious program.

Full-Scale of a Compost Process Using Swine Manure, Human Feces, and Rice Straw as Feedstock.

Regarding the composting of rural waste, numerous studies either addressed the composting of a single waste component or were conducted at a laboratory/pilot scale. However, far less is known about the mixed composting effect of multi-component rural waste on a large scale. Here, we examined nutrient transformation, maturity degree of decomposition, and succession of microbial communities in large-scale (1,000 kg mixed waste) compost of multi-component wastes previously optimized by response models. The results showed that multi-component compost can achieve the requirement of maturity and exhibit a higher nutritional value in actual compost. It is worth noting that the mixed compost effectively removed pathogenic fungi, in which almost no pathogenic fungi were detected, and only two pathogenic bacteria regrown in the cooling and maturation stages. Structural equation models revealed that the maturity (germination index and the ratio of ammonium to nitrate) of the product was directly influenced by compost properties (electrical conductivity, pH, total organic carbon, moisture, temperature, and total nitrogen) compared with enzymes (cellulase, urease, and polyphenol oxidase) and microbial communities. Moreover, higher contents of total phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen, and total potassium were conducive to improving compost maturity, whereas relatively lower values of moisture and pH were more advantageous. In addition, compost properties manifested a remarkable indirect effect on maturity by affecting the fungal community (Penicillium and Mycothermus). Collectively, this evidence implies that mixed compost of multi-component rural waste is feasible, and its efficacy can be applied in practical applications. This study provides a solution for the comprehensive treatment and utilization of rural waste.

Beyond the Import Ban: Will China Tackle Its Waste Crisis?

Abstract The exponential growth of solid wastes in China has besieged its cities and villages, causing contamination of the land, water, and air and threatening public health and environmental safety. Efforts to expand safe disposal capacity by landfill and incineration have failed to catch up with the speed of waste increase. To tackle the looming waste crisis, China is shifting the focus of waste management from final disposal to waste prevention and reduction and waste to resource transformation by reuse, recycling, and recovery. This article analyses China’s waste management 2.0 under the revised Law on the Prevention and Control of Pollution by Solid Wastes and examines key regulatory initiatives including the waste import ban, the plastic ban, the extended producer responsibility scheme, and the compulsory waste-sorting program, which target the sources of waste generation. It further discusses the challenges ahead and criticizes the gaps in implementation of the municipal solid waste levy reform, green consumption, and the management of construction waste and rural waste.

Effectiveness of Extrinsic Incentives for Promoting Rural Waste Sorting in Developing Countries: Evidence from China

Rural areas in many developing countries lack an effective waste management system, leading to poor environmental hygiene. As an initial but integral step toward sustainable waste management, fostering better household compliance with waste‐sorting regulation has become an important policy agenda. This paper devotes attention to evaluating the effectiveness of extrinsic incentives, more specifically, reward–penalty schemes, on promoting rural households' participation in waste sorting. By exploiting an original survey of 1,058 rural households conducted in the Taihu Basin of China, we empirically find that (1) reward–penalty scheme considerably promotes rural households' engagement with waste sorting; (2) the more stringently the scheme is implemented, the higher the probabilities of more frequent sorting; and (3) point reward, which can be exchanged for vouchers used in local stores, is the most effective extrinsic incentive for promoting waste sorting. The findings provide insights for enhancing rural waste sorting in the developing world.

An analysis of the behavioral decisions of governments, village collectives, and farmers under rural waste sorting

In the process of rural revitalization in China, it is an urgent problem to realize rural waste sorting. This study analyzes the behavioral decision-making of village collectives in rural waste classification for the first time, constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model of governments, village collectives and farmers, and discusses the game relationship among the three stakeholders through dynamic decision replication analysis and evolutionary stability analysis. Zhejiang is one of the earliest provinces to implement rural waste classification with mature experience in China. Taking Zhejiang Province as an example, this paper evaluates the decision-making characteristics of the tripartite behaviors under the current situation and the evolution trends of the behaviors of various stakeholders by real numerical simulation, innovatively introduces the rural waste charging into the model, and discusses the feasibility of its implementation. The simulation shows that the following policies can improve the overall operational effect and promote stakeholders to implement waste classification earlier: the incentive supervision investment of county-level governments should be appropriately reduced to within 40 million yuan; the governments implement a policy of high reward and high punishment for the village collectives; the village collectives should reduce material rewards and maintain its management cost within 14 million yuan. The simulation also shows that the garbage charging is suitable to be popularized in rural areas with the ideal range of fees is 30–80 yuan. The purpose of this study is to seek effective policies and management schemes to improve the overall operational effect of rural waste classification in China.