Waste Disposal Research Articles

Analytic hierarchy process geographic information system based model for sustainable construction and demolition waste landfill site selection

Properly managing waste generated by buildings and public works is a significant challenge in Tunisia, particularly in the city of Bizerte. The inadequate disposal of such waste can cause substantial harm to human life, property, and the environment. This paper proposes an multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) that utilizes the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) decision support tool to identify suitable landfill sites for construction and demolition waste (CDW) in Bizerte. The AHP method is widely used in MCDM applications. The approach involves classifying different scenarios based on various exclusion and appreciation criteria to determine the optimal locations for future landfills. Furthermore, the paper develops a conceptual approach for identifying better sites for the disposal of CDW, resulting in a comprehensive database capable of storing, accessing, and extracting information at both conceptual and operational levels. The proposed model considers spatial, technical, and environmental criteria in the selection of a suitable landfill site. The proposed methodology offers an effective and practical solution for properly managing CDW waste in Bizerte, Tunisia, and can be applied to other regions facing similar challenges.

Utilization of cold-rolling oil sludge via iron ore sintering co-processing technology: A strategy for industrial-scale disposal of hazardous solid waste

Utilization of cold-rolling oil sludge via iron ore sintering co-processing technology: A strategy for industrial-scale disposal of hazardous solid waste

Impact of MDRs on COVID-19 Patients Among Developing Countries

: The COVID-19 virus has killed more than 6.3 million people worldwide. The misuse of antibiotics increased during epidemics, leading to the spread of MDRs. Although antibiotic use is increasing in both developed and developing countries, the utility level and abuse are higher in developing countries. This could have negative consequences for the vaccine, especially considering that many developing countries reported the emergence of many resistant microbes even before the pandemic. Infectious diseases, social and cultural pressures, and telemedicine facilities can all contribute to the overuse of antibiotics. The emergence of multidrug resistance is a major concern, especially in developing countries where health services are already inadequate and diagnostic capacity and facilities for disease prevention and control are inadequate. This might be the major cause of the extensive spread of such diseases. Improper waste management and disposal in hospitals and communities make it easy for clean water to leak from the area, causing many diseases and causing many antibiotics. The potential for microplastics to be turned into anti-bacterial products is also of particular concern for low- and middle-income countries. In the present review, we aim to examine the impact of multidrug resistance in ESKAPE infections coupled with healthcare-associated infections and determine their risk of secondary infection in COVID-19 patients in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 epidemic from a multidisciplinary perspective, identify the challenge for developing countries and seek solutions to solve this problem.

Machine learning-assisted assessment of municipal solid waste thermal treatment efficacy via rapid image recognition and visual analysis.

Decentralized thermal treatment is a common method for municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal in rural areas. However, evaluating the effect of incineration has always been challenging owing to the difficult and time-consuming measurements involved. Herein, this study presented a rapid image recognition method for assessing the effects of thermal treatment on MSW using a neural network algorithm and a BAEVA 1.0 software based on the relation between the ignition loss of the incinerated bottom ash and its color properties. Through Pearson correlation analysis, the results demonstrated a strong correlation (R2>0.80) between the ignition loss and the R, G, and B color values. To enhance evaluation accuracy, we introduced the backpropagation artificial neural network (BPANN) algorithm, which exhibited an average evaluation error of only 3.21 in crossvalidation, 27.9% lower than that of the linear regression model. Building upon the BPANN, we developed BAEVA 1.0 as a software tool for thermal treatment effect evaluation. This tool exhibited advantages in functionality, convenience, and accuracy compared to existing methods. Overall, this research provides an important rapid assessment approach for evaluating the effects of MSW incineration when measurement conditions are unavailable.

Vanadium recovery from oil sands petcoke fly ash: A comprehensive techno-economic assessment.

Bitumen-derived petcoke contains significant quantities of vanadium, recoverable from the fly ash formed during combustion. Despite efforts to process vanadium recovery from petcoke, detailed cost information, critical for stakeholders and decision-makers, remains absent in the public domain. To address this gap, we developed data-intensive techno-economic models specifically for vanadium recovery from petcoke fly ash. The considered route involves roasting with NaCl, followed by water-leaching and vanadium precipitation. Through process modeling, we performed material and energy balances, sized equipment, assessed capital and operating costs, and determined the vanadium cost. For instance, a plant processing 16,000 tonnes of fly ash annually recovers 404 tonnes of vanadium pentoxide at $18.77/kg V2O5. Operating expenses constitute 88% of the total recovery cost, dominated by labor, gas cleaning, solid waste disposal, feedstock, and consumables. The developed scale factors reveal that production costs vary with plant size; currently, the cost exceeds market prices, but profitability could be achieved with a threefold increase in capacity. Uncertainty analysis indicates a vanadium cost ranging from $16.88 to $25.80 per kg V2O5, with a mean of $21.15/kg V2O5. Key cost drivers include carbon removal from off-gases, the on-stream factor, and solid waste management. Strategies such as alternative means of fly ash decarbonization and the use of leaching solid cake in commercial applications could significantly reduce production costs.

A self-designed pyrolysis-gasification-combustion pilot plant for rural solid waste disposal: The elucidation of emission factors

The research group developed a pyrolysis-gasification-combustion pilot plant (PGCP) to treat rural solid waste (RSW). Based on the study of previous operating conditions, this study further explored the characteristics of potential secondary pollutants in the plant, such as slag, fly ash and flue gas. In the present study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze slag and fly ash. Besides, the leaching toxicity, content and morphology distribution of heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn and Cr) in the slag of PGCP were also studied as well as the emission characteristics of various pollutants in flue gas. Results show that slag mainly contains CaCO3 and SiO2, while CaCO3 is mainly contained in fly ash. Moreover, the leaching toxicity of heavy metals in the slag did not exceed the limit value of the standard in China. The present study could provide technical support and data for optimizing the operation of plant-scale pyrolysis of RSW.

Nature Posters Enhance Subjective but not Objective Cleanness in Public Housing: Evidence from a Field Experiment

Littering has negative effects on the environment and is seen as a sign of social disorder. A previous field experiment in public housing buildings showed that implicit posters using eyes and nature posters were more effective in reducing litter than explicit posters using norms and financial costs. The aim of the present field experiment was to test the effects of the nature poster against a control group. We assessed “objective” (based on ratings of photos) and “subjective” cleanness (based on residents’ reports) and explored the role of connectedness to nature. Results from 182 waste disposal areas and 739 residents show that nature posters did not enhance objective cleanness, but did enhance subjective cleanness after one month. This effect was partly accounted for by feelings of connectedness to nature in residents. Also, objective ratings indicated greater cleanness compared to subjective cleanness ratings. We conclude that nature posters had little impact on objective cleanness but enhanced subjective experiences of cleanness, which can be an important driving force for feelings of social order and comfort.

Fuel Extraction from Plastic Waste

The extraction of fuel from plastic waste through the pyrolysis process offers a promising solution to address both environmental concerns and energy needs. In this project, a horizontal furnace setup is employed to conduct pyrolysis, utilizing a quartz tube containing small plastic pieces. The process involves raising the temperature within the furnace to initiate pyrolysis, leading to the breakdown of plastic polymers into valuable fuel components. The extracted fuel is subsequently subjected to testing to evaluate its properties. Through this innovative approach, we aim to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of converting plastic waste into a valuable energy resource, contributing to sustainable waste management and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This project is driven by the urgent need to reduce the harm that plastic waste is causing to marine life and ecosystems. Millions of tonnes of plastic are produced each year, making the disposal of plastic waste an urgent global concern. Using pyrolysis to turn plastic trash into useful fuel resources, this project aims to reduce environmental damage and promote sustainable energy sources.

Factor associated with diarrhea incidence in coastal area Bungkutoko, Kendari, Indonesia

Diarrhea is a health problem that has not been resolved until now, even this disease is the main cause of death in toddlers both globally and nationally. Diarrhea cases in the Nambo Health Center work area, Kendari City have continued to increase over the past 3 years. Bungkutoko is one of the sub-districts located in the coastal area of ​​Nambo District, Kendari City. Coastal areas include areas with inadequate sanitation access, with problems including the availability of clean water, toilets and other basic sanitation facilities that can be factors causing diarrhea. This study aims to determine the factors related to the incidence of diarrhea in the coastal area of ​​Bungkutoko. An observational analytic with cross sectional design was conducted in this study. This study was carried out in June 2024 in Bungkutoko Village, Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi Province. The sample consisted of 70 respondents obtained using non-probability sampling, accidental sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires and observation sheets, then processed and analyzed using a computer program. Data were analyzed bivariately using chi square test and fisher exact (if not eligible for chi square test) with 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results showed there was a relationship between water treatment before drinking and the incidence of diarrhea (p-value = 0.03), and there was no relationship between hand washing behavior (p-value = 0.09) and the condition of waste disposal sites (p-value = 0.25) with the incidence of diarrhea in the coastal area of ​​Bungkutoko, Kendari City. Therefore, it is expected that the community can process drinking water before consuming it to avoid diarrhea.

Evaluating Water Quality and Organo-Pesticide Contamination in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) in Wawan Rafi and Dambo Dam, Kazaure, Jigawa State:

The study investigated the presence of freshwater pollutants and their effects on Oreochromis niloticus(nile tilapia) in the Wawan Rafi and Dambo Dams of Kazaure, Jigawa State. The water samples were found to be within the World Health Organization's permissible guideline for temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. The mean value of temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and conductivity (EC) ranged between 23.13±0.8 and 28.25±0.7, 6.5-8.5mg/l, 7.347±0.3, 145.6±16 and 158.3±6.1. The mean turbidity obtained from all stations was far higher than the 5 NTU (Nephelometric turbidity unit) value recommended by the WHO, indicating that the water samples were more turbid than needed. Total dissolved solids content (TDS) levels in the water samples were above the WHO's recommended level, but TSS's mean values fell below the WHO's recommended limits of 450-2000mg/L. Mean hemoglobin levels varied between 6.230 g/dL and 7.570 g/dL, with low levels likely due to heavy metals altering hemoglobin's properties. The study found that Oreochromis niloticus had mean red blood cells (RBC) ranging from 1.180x1012/mL to 1.45x1012/mL, and mean white blood cells (WBC) ranging from 153.100 x 109/mL to 167.67 x 109/mL. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was unaffected by blood volume and the number of blood cells. The data suggests that Oreochromis niloticus has a unique cellular structure and composition. Heavy metals in water can significantly impact the life and lifespan of aquatic organisms, including fish and aquatic invertebrates. The average mean value of Lead (Pb) in the water sample falls above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of 0.01mg/l in all stations. Chromium levels are higher than the WHO permitted chromium level of 0.05mg/L, which can affect fish organs like gills and liver. Zn levels are lower than the WHO permissible level of 3 mg/L. The fish concentration of heavy metals analyzed in both Wawan Rafi and Dambo Dam had a highest value of Pb (mg/L) 0.1550±0.0, Cr (mg/L) 0.14205±0.0, Zn (mg/L) 1.7750±0.0, Cu (mg/L) 0.5400±0.,Cd (mg/L) 0.07850±0.0, and Ni (mg/L) 0.0475±0.0which are within permissible limit except for Pb, which is slightly higher than the recommended level. Various organo-pesticide were also detected in fish and water samples of both Wawan Rafi and Dambo Dam of which long-term exposure may lead to bioaccumulation in food chains, posing a threat to human health through dietary exposure. Recommendations include proper waste treatment, strict enactment of government policies on pesticide use, waste disposal, and proper sanitation around water sources. Further studies should focus on oxidative stress enzymes on Oreochromis niloticus in the study area.

Environmental Assessment of Hybrid Waste-to-Energy System in Ghana

Waste management in most parts of Africa is characterized by the disposal of mixed waste in unengineered landfills. The aim of this study is to assess the environmental impact of mixed waste received at a waste-to-energy plant in Ghana relative to the current model of landfilling. A Life Cycle Assessment was conducted using OpenLCA software version 2.3.1 based on the ReCiPe Midpoint method. For landfilling, LandGEM software version 3.03 was used. The results indicate that waste-to-energy has the potential to provide carbon savings of 3.52 tCO2eq/ton of waste treated compared to landfilling. Pyrolysis is observed to have high avoided burden across all impact categories, with the lowest Global Warming Potential of −2.3 kgCO2eq. Anaerobic digestion shows a near neutral environmental impact with the highest value of 47.56 kg 1,4DCB for Terrestrial Ecotoxicity, while Refuse-Derived Fuel and segregation processes show low environmental burdens. The net avoided burden is highest for global warming and non-carcinogenic human toxicity potential. Overall, the hybrid waste-to-energy model is concluded to be an environmentally preferred waste management option compared to conventional landfilling methods, and we recommend that decision-makers facilitate investments into it. It is also recommended for the development of local inventories and databases to encourage more country-specific environmental impact studies and to reduce uncertainty.

An Introduction to “Carbonate Reservoirs: Applying Current Knowledge to Future Energy Needs”

More than a century of exploitation of carbonate petroleum reservoirs has placed the geoscience subsurface community in a strong position to supply a wealth of knowledge and technology to our future energy needs. This special publication presents the latest learnings from carbonate oil and gas fields in key areas such as Brazil, the Middle East and North Africa, and demonstrates how the skills and workflows learnt in this industry can be directly applied to geothermal and radioactive waste disposal evaluations in carbonate successions. Particular reference is made to producing geothermal assets in Germany (Jurassic Malm reservoir), ultradeep geothermal exploration projects in The Netherlands (Carboniferous reservoirs), and feasibility studies of a deep geological repository for radioactive waste disposal in France (Jurassic). A common theme running through the special publication is the importance of recognising high-permeability zones which can have an enormous impact on producibility, whether in oil, gas or geothermal reservoirs. High permeability zones can result in high production rates, but can also be detrimental, whether due to early water breakthrough, resulting in bypassed oil, or H 2 S migration resulting in sour gas production. As we transition to alternative energy sources, this special publication looks back on the positive contributions of the oil and gas industry to our scientific knowledge and understanding, and discusses the ways in which carbonate and associated evaporite successions will play a critical role in our future energy needs.

Bioassessment of Macroinvertebrates in Coban Rais River, Oro-Oro Ombo Vilage, Post Administrative of Batu, Batu City

Coban Rais, part of the Brantas River upstream area, is a tourist destination with natural waterfalls and anthropogenic activities affecting its river health. This study analyzed river health using macroinvertebrates sampled at nine stations with varying land uses. Samples were collected with hand nets (500 μm mesh) using a 10-meter kicking technique in riffle areas. Data were analyzed using the SIGNAL2 index. A total of 76 macroinvertebrate families from 15 orders, 3 subclasses, and 1 suborder were identified. Station 4 had the highest diversity (33 families), including Hydropsychidae and Caenidae, while Station 9 recorded the lowest (7 families), including Naididae and Chironomos thummi. SIGNAL2 results categorized stations 1 and 2 as unpolluted (values of 6.26 and 5.39, respectively), stations 3–8 as lightly polluted (values between 3.71 and 4.79), and station 9 as heavily polluted (3.61). Recommendations include maintaining unpolluted stations through regular cleaning and erosion control, reducing waste disposal near lightly polluted stations, and treating livestock waste before discharge at heavily polluted sites. Public awareness campaigns are vital to promote river health and protect macroinvertebrate diversity.

Poisoned in their homes - Red blood cell abnormalities in lead-exposed residents of a Pakistani Industrial Zone.

The present study investigated the clinical and hematological effects of chronic lead exposure in the population residing in Shadi Pura, a small industrial zone in Lahore, Pakistan. A cross-sectional analysis of 149 participants recruited through health camps was conducted to explore the hematological manifestations of environmental lead exposure, focusing on various red blood cell (RBC) indices and morphology. Moreover, the study examined the differences in the impact of lead exposure on RBC indices and morphology between men, women, and children. Participants exhibited symptoms of lead poisoning, including fatigue, muscle pain, and headache, with a significant percentage of women (44%) reporting miscarriages. Iron deficiency anemia was highly prevalent among all sub-groups of the study population, with adult females showing a significantly higher prevalence than adult males. Male children were the most affected subgroup, with 93% displaying anemia. The RBC count in children remained unchanged, while 31% of male and 7% of female participants displayed elevated RBC counts. RBC indices, mainly mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), were below normal levels, with children being more affected than adults and adult males being the least affected group. Furthermore, RBC morphology was severely affected, with a considerable proportion of females and children displaying hypochromic microcytic morphology. Our results highlight variations in the hematological impacts of lead exposure in different sex and age cohorts. Overall, our findings underscore the urgency of addressing the issue of environmental lead exposure in similar industrial zones. It is critical to implement appropriate measures to reduce lead exposure and enhance the infrastructure for safe drinking water and waste disposal to protect the health of populations in such areas.

Social Interventions for Liquid Waste Management on Livelihood: A Case of Indore, India

Liquid waste disposal is a significant global issue, contributing to health hazards and unhygienic conditions. Addressing these challenges is critical, and one effective approach is through social intervention using Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) methods to influence individual behaviours. Changing people’s mindsets and introducing new practices is undoubtedly challenging, but Indore City has shown that it is possible. Through persistent efforts and innovative strategies, Indore has transformed itself into one of the cleanest cities in India. This success story highlights that with the right educational tools and community engagement, substantial improvements in waste management and public health can be achieved.

Relationship between design parameters of kitchen drainage system for restaurant and deposits: based on simulation and experiment

ABSTRACT This paper conducts a small-scale hydraulic experiment and uses numerical simulation to jointly investigate the relationship between kitchen pipe design parameters and Fat, oil and grease (FOG) deposits when using food waste disposers (FWDs). In the experiment, the amount of pipe deposition is measured to evaluate the impact of different slopes and U-bend and 90° bend. The deposition rates and positions are assessed for four slopes and elbows in the simulation. At a flow rate of 1.0 L/s and a slope of 1.20%, the adhesion amount of FOG deposits is maximum. U-bend has the greatest effect on the adhesion of the deposits while 90° bend is minimal. The deposition rate will rise with higher slope and flow rate. New design parameters are proposed, including that the most effective slope is 0.40% within the range of 0.40%-4.80%, the appropriate use of 90° bend and P-bend, and the optimum cleaning time.

Thermal Damage Impact on Negative Poisson's Ratio of Granite Under Brazilian Tensile Loading

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the effects of thermal damage on the tensile behavior of granite during Brazilian splitting tests, focusing on the negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) effect. Using digital image correlation and acoustic emission techniques, the research reveals that increasing thermal damage from 25°C to 800°C reduces granite tensile strength by up to 85.7% and induces a brittle‐to‐ductile transition. The NPR effect emerges, intensifies, and subsequently disappears as temperature increases, significantly altering stress distribution and deformation patterns. Local contraction zones created by the NPR effect can lead to overestimation of tensile strength in thermally damaged rock. Acoustic emission monitoring demonstrates a strong correlation between the NPR effect and microcrack development. These findings advance the understanding of rock mechanical behavior under thermal damage and provide practical insights for tensile strength evaluation in high‐temperature geological settings, such as deep underground energy development and nuclear waste disposal.

Thermochemical Techniques for Disposal of Municipal Solid Waste Based on the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Hypersoft Evaluation Based on the Distance from the Average Solution Technique

The processing and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) are global problems, particularly in low- to middle-income states like Pakistan. These economic systems will need to tackle problems regarding municipal solid waste disposal to accomplish a sustainable future in waste management. Still, the determination of MSW procedures is frequently influenced by unstable, vague, and inadequately stated criteria. To deal with this issue, we designed an interactive model that uses intuitionistic fuzzy hypersoft sets (IFHSSs) to find the optimal thermochemical processing system for MSW. The main objective of this research is to define interactional operational laws for intuitionistic fuzzy hypersoft numbers and to use these laws to build interaction aggregation operators (AOs) and ordered AOs along with their basic characteristics. Based on developed operators, a novel Evaluation Based on the Distance from the Average Solution (EDAS) technique is proposed to integrate multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) issues. The suggested strategy is used to analyze five thermochemical treatment techniques for MSW, using a case study focusing on Pakistan’s particular MSW administration problems to choose the most economical technique. Therefore, the new structure is assessed with established methodologies to illustrate its stability. The comparison of results proves that the implications of the stated approach will be more effective and capable than the existing approaches.

Assessment of Food Safety Regulation and Assurance System in Bangladesh's Milk Value Chain: Addressing Discrepancies and Strategies for Improvement

This study assesses the food safety regulation and assurance systems in Bangladesh's milk value chain, identifying discrepancies and proposing strategies for improvement. Conducted in three phases, it begins with a comprehensive review of secondary sources and consultations with experts, leading to the development and validation of checklists based on international food safety standards such as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), and the Global GAP system. These standards were harmonized with national regulations, and data were collected using actor-specific checklists via a mobile application. The final phase involved field observations, stakeholder workshops, and expert panel discussions, using triangulation and Delphi techniques to validate findings and develop improvement strategies. The study reveals distinct challenges in both the formal and informal milk marketing sectors, with the informal sector often bypassing essential safety measures. Even within the formal sector, small and medium-scale operations struggle with maintaining adequate safety protocols. Specific concerns included the lack of registration and licensing, especially for cattle and buffalo farms, and the absence of certification for milk collectors. While chilling centers and sweetmeat shops showed moderate compliance with regulatory standards, significant gaps remain in biosecurity measures, waste management, animal housing, and record-keeping. Challenges in animal health management, such as improper disposal of veterinary waste and inadequate isolation of sick animals, were prevalent. Concerns about poor hygienic practices during milking, insufficient cool chain facilities, and inconsistent use of quality control measures were also noted. Only a small proportion of chilling plants and sweetmeat shops followed proper labeling and traceability protocols, posing risks to consumer safety. To address these issues, the study recommends strengthening the regulatory framework, improving laboratory testing, and ensuring comprehensive record-keeping. A theory of change approach is proposed, focusing on capacity building, harmonizing regulations with international standards, and engaging stakeholders to improve food safety outcomes. The findings underscore the urgent need to address critical gaps in the food safety system in Bangladesh’s dairy sector to safeguard public health and promote the sustainability of the industry. SAARC J. Agric., 22(2): 257-273 (2024)

Platanus occidentalis L. fruit-derived carbon materials for electrochemical potassium storage

In the post-lithium-ion battery era, potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have been considered as a promising candidate because of their electrochemical and economic characteristics. However, as an emerging electrochemical storage technology, it is urgent to develop capable anode materials that can be produced at low cost and on a large scale to promote its practical application. Biomass-derived carbon materials as anodes of PIBs exhibit strong competitiveness by their merits of low weight, high stability, non-toxicity, and wide availability. In this work, we employed Platanus occidentalis L. fruits as a precursor to prepare a series of biomass-derived carbon materials by simply adjusting carbonization temperature, and we explored their electrochemical potassium storage capability as anode materials. The optimized sample (annealed at 800 °C) delivered good potassium storage capability (193.3 mAh g-1at 100 mA g-1after 100 cycles), cycling stability (80.4 mAh g-1after 300 cycles at 300 mA g-1), and rate performance (51.2 mAh g-1at 1000 mA g-1). This work demonstrates a feasible way to utilize biomass waste disposal for emerging sustainable energy storage technologies.