Waste Input Research Articles

Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Structural Ceramics Made from Aggregate Washing Sludge and Manganese Mining Waste.

The construction sector is presently among the most resource-intensive industries, driving a substantial body of research dedicated to the development of more sustainable materials to address these demands. A particularly promising approach within the framework of the circular economy is the repurposing of waste as a principal raw material for the creation of new construction products. Within this context, the primary aim of this study is to engineer ceramic materials for brick production using 100% waste-derived inputs, specifically aggregate washing sludge and manganese mining by-products. To evaluate the potential of these sustainable ceramic materials, an extensive investigation was conducted, encompassing both physical and mechanical testing, as well as a thorough characterisation of the waste inputs. For this purpose, a series of ceramic specimens were fabricated with varying proportions of mining residues and aggregate washing sludge, adhering to the conventional protocols employed in the manufacture of ceramic bricks. The results demonstrate that these sustainable ceramics exhibit a linear shrinkage reduction of up to 5% compared to traditional clay-based ceramics. Furthermore, they show water absorption levels-whether via capillarity, cold water, or hot water absorption-that are up to twice those observed in conventional clay ceramics, while maintaining comparable density values. This increased absorption, however, correlates with a reduction in mechanical strength at higher concentrations of manganese waste, yet the material continues to meet the minimum strength requirements as specified by industry standards for such products. In conclusion, this research introduces a novel, sustainable ceramic material that not only reduces economic and environmental costs but also adheres to the required performance criteria for construction applications.

Unaccounted plastic: Estimating waste generation from marine vessels in Bangladesh

Solid waste mismanagement induces the release of a significant amount of plastic waste into the ocean, particularly in countries with poor solid waste management systems, such as Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the total plastic input of Bangladesh by multiple sources is still unknown. Waste input from land-based sources within 50 km coastline of this country is documented. However, the quantity of plastic entering the oceans from multiple sources, such as marine vessels, is still unknown and not documented. Passengers and goods are transported via marine vessels operating in Bangladesh's Inland Water Transport sector, which has the potential to generate a substantial quantity of plastic debris that remains unaccounted for. This study represented the initial attempt to quantify the amount of debris produced by passenger-carrying marine vessels in riverine systems. The estimated total amount of plastic waste generated per day per route from marine vessels stands at 76.6 kg. The total weight of plastic waste from all pathways was 436.3 kg, resulting in an estimated annual plastic waste generation of 157,068 kg. This yearly input is 0.6 % of Bangladesh's total mismanaged waste input into the Bay of Bengal, which is 0.79 million metric tonnes. The lack of implementation of regulatory measures and ineffective waste management systems can be pointed out as the main reason behind these plastic inputs. This paper identifies the current gaps in waste management practices for riverine plastic waste and is a forerunner to creating a baseline for unified policy formulation for the government.

Process Modelling of Integrated Bioethanol and Biogas Production from Organic Municipal Waste

One of the key guidelines in the European waste management policy is the diversion of waste from landfills, preventing harmful effects on human health and the environment and ensuring that economically valuable waste materials are efficiently recycled and reused through proper management. The organic fraction of municipal waste is abundant and contains biodegradable ingredients such lignocellulose, starch, lipids, pectin, and proteins, making it suitable for biotechnological production. Taking into account that a large amount of organic waste is disposed of in landfills, within this work, the amount of organic waste disposed of in the landfill in Banja Luka was considered. Four simulation model scenarios of the integrated production of bioethanol and biogas are generated, and their process and economic aspects are discussed. In the first two modelled scenarios, the pretreatment conditions (1% sulfuric acid and a different neutralization agent) were varied, while in the other two, the share of the amount of raw material used for the production of bioethanol, i.e., biogas, was varied (split factor: 10–90%). The modelled plant, with a designed capacity of 6 tons/h of organic waste, is a significant bioethanol producer, generating 5,000,000 L/year. The profitability indicators, when examined, revealed that dedicating a portion of the organic municipal waste input exclusively to biogas production leads to decreased process efficiency. Based on the modeled process parameters, ethanol’s minimum feasible selling price is $0.6616 per liter, while regarding the composition of organic municipal waste, carbohydrates have the most significant impact on the viability of the process. The developed model represents an excellent basis for further development of this integrated bioprocess in such a way that it can be modified with new process parameters or economic or ecological indicators and used at all levels of bioprocess design. Additionally, the obtained sustainable integrated bioethanol and biogas production plant models could support forthcoming steps in municipal waste management by providing reliable data on the conditions under which the integrated process of bioethanol and biogas production would take place, as well as the technical feasibility and economic profitability of such organic municipal waste utilization.

Existing Conditions of Gastropod Communities in Areas Affected by Nickel Mining Overburden in the Mangrove Ecosystem of Dawi-Dawi, Southeast Sulawesi

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Nickel mining activities significantly impacted the ecological integrity of the Pomalaa coastal area in Southeast Sulawesi, particularly in the mangrove ecosystem.- The exposure of overburden waste in the mangrove ecosystem has led to the loss of important gastropod species and a decline in population of surviving species- The low population of gastropod species in nickel mining impact areas indicates extensive environmental damage caused by these activities.ABSTRACTGastropod resources in the Dawi-Dawi mangrove ecosystem, Southeast Sulawesi are greatly influenced by the input of overburden waste (sediment) from nickel mining activities. This condition has been going on for the last 2 decades and has degraded the habitat and structure of the gastropod community. The upstream connectivity (the existing nickel mining area) and the Dawi-Dawi River estuary mean that the mangrove forest (estuary) in this area is continuously affected by (massive) overburden runoff. This research was carried out in June-August in the mangrove ecosystem of Dawi-Dawi Village, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This research aims to determine the existing condition of mangrove gastropods affected by overburden. This research began by conducting initial observations in the field, to identify mangrove ecosystems affected by overburden. research stations were determined using a purposive sampling technique (targeted) and sampling gastropods using a simple random sampling method. The ecological index of the mangrove gastropod community affected by overburden shows a tendency for a medium diversity index (H'=1.81), low species richness (R=1.42), high evenness (E=1.12), and no dominance of certain species (C=0.19). The gastropod species found are typical types that make up the mangrove fauna, namely Terebralia sulcata, Terebralia palustris, Faunus ater, Telescopium telescopium, Hebra nigra, and several taxa (genus) of climbing Littoraria snails (periwinkle) which are found in the roots, stems and leaves of mangroves. The abundance of gastropods obtained was also very low, namely around 0-12 Ind./m2. At some points (rarely) schools of small snails of the type T. sulcata (5-21 Ind./m2) are sometimes found. This research shows de facto that overburden waste eliminates (survival) or reduces the diversity and richness of gastropod species (ecological index) in the mangrove ecosystem of Dawi-Dawi.

Waste management systems in the context of sustainability

The present paper deals with waste management systems in the context of sustainability in selected municipalities. The author's team aimed to find the key waste groups according to the classification groups that have a major impact on the volume of waste and the cost of the system, thus facilitating management decision-making. In order to optimise the management of the entire waste management system from the perspective of the statutory municipality, it was first necessary to reduce the original list of 53 waste items to a significantly smaller number. With the help of waste management experts, criteria for reducing the number of waste input items were defined, resulting in a reduced statistical sample of 27 items. Each item is quantified by the amount of waste per year and the cost of the system per year. The mathematical apparatus consisted primarily of calculating average values as well as marginal slopes of waste quantity and cost. The interrelationships between waste groups were graphically recorded in perceptual maps. The individual analyses were carried out primarily for a statutory city, with secondary comparisons of the results with smaller towns and small villages. The analytical procedures verified that the catalogue of basic components of mixed municipal waste can be significantly reduced for decision-making in secondary resource management. The amount of waste selected in each group significantly impacts the cost of the whole waste management system. Of the original 15 waste groups, only three groups appear to be the main ones. The municipal waste group even has a decisive influence on both the quantity of waste and the cost of the whole system. Thanks to these findings, from the point of view of both the manager and the management of the statutory city, it is possible to focus on this core group, which contains the 13 original catalogue items.

Modelling, analysis and forecasting of photovoltaic waste in Malaysia towards sustainable recycling by 2050

Malaysia is currently pushing for greater solar photovoltaic (PV) penetration through various policies, hence need to assess the consequent PV waste situation in preparation for sustainable End-of-Life (EoL) management of the PV systems. Through incorporation of fixed-loss, early-loss, and regular-loss scenarios into Malaysia's PV roadmap, it is projected that 229,009.17 tons to 481,137.12 tons of PV waste would be generated by 2050. Implementing current achievable PV material recovery rates would result in economic value creation between RM 1.02-2.21 billions (USD 213.78-463.92 millions) and carbon emissions avoidance between 398,858.41 tons CO2-eq to 785,712.93 tons CO2-eq by 2050. With crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology contributing more than 60% of waste share, 2029 to 2039 would be the suitable time period to jumpstart recycling operation due to consistent annual c-Si waste input of 8,000 tons/y for financially sustainable recycling. These findings can help garner support for sustainable EoL management of PV waste in Malaysia.

Red berry snail Sphaerassiminea miniata (Gastropoda: Mollusca) and its potential as a bioindicator of environmental health in mangrove ecosystem of Pomalaa, Kolaka District, Indonesia

Abstract. Purnama MF, Prayitno SB, Muskananfola MR, Suryanti. 2024. Red berry snail Sphaerassiminea miniata (Gastropoda: Mollusca) and its potential as a bioindicator of environmental health in mangrove ecosystem of Pomalaa, Kolaka District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2330-2339. Sphaerassiminea miniata Habe 1942 has a high sensitivity to environmental changes in mangrove forest areas. Its existence can be confirmed when the overall condition of the mangrove ecosystem is in good condition. The aim of this research is to analyze the density and distribution of the S. miniata gastropod population in relation to the density status of mangroves in the reference site area and overburden exposure areas. This research adopted a purposive sampling method for determining research stations, a simple random sampling technique for placing stations or distributing sampling points (sub-stations), and a hand-picking method for technical sampling of S. miniata in the field. The results showed that the mangrove density at each station was very dense (3,700-6,000 trees/ha), the population density of S. miniata ranged from 8.67-38.33 ind./m2, and the distribution pattern of S. miniata at each station was clumped with a Morishita index (Id) value range of 1.28-1.34. Sphaerassiminea miniata was found at all stations in the reference site area (Totobo mangrove ecosystem). No individual was found in the area with overburden exposure (Dawi-Dawi mangrove ecosystem). Changes in the environmental tone in the Dawi-Dawi mangrove ecosystem, especially the substrate area through the input of sediment waste (overburden), which has been going on for a long time and continuously (until now), directly degrades the living space of the S. miniata population on the ground floor (benthos) of the waters. The vulnerability of this species to environmental changes makes it a limiting factor in the quality of habitat health in mangrove ecosystems (Bioindicators).

Assessment of water quality and plankton production in managed and unmanaged fresh water ponds in district Hisar, Haryana, India

Managed and unmanaged extensive fisheries culture systems in small village ponds in district Hisar of Haryana, India to correlate the water quality and biological cycles in ponds with fish production were undertaken. The studies revealed that the ponds are in good trophic status. Chlorides, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), phosphates (o-PO4) and ammonia were high whereas dissolved oxygen and fish growth/yield was low in unmanaged ponds in comparison to managed ponds. This may be due to high organic loads.The deterioration of water quality, as indicated by very high ammonia and BOD in unmanaged ponds might have decreased the fish growth and a variety of factors like organic load, ammonia production, nature/quantity of fertilizers may have influenced such correlations. Management of water quality by managing the optimization of waste input in village ponds may help in enhancing the fish production through such small scale aquaculture.. KEYWORDS :Water quality, Physico-chemical characteristics, Fish yield, BOD, Ammonia

Distribution and typologies of anthropogenic seafloor litter in the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent coastal waters, China

Marine litter pollution poses a significant threat to offshore ecosystems, eliciting widespread concern. We investigated seafloor litter patterns in the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent coastal waters of China in 2023 via bottom trawl survey. Average number and weight densities were found to be 154.34 ± 30.95 n/km2 and 2384.63 ± 923.98 g/km2, respectively. Plastic was the most abundant material by number density (79.07 %), and rubber the highest by weight density (22.93 %). Overall number density varied from 40.50 ± 22.50 to 221.13 ± 52.44 n/km2, with the highest in Daya Bay and the lowest in Guanghai Bay. Weight density varied from 189.93 ± 71.94 to 5386.70 ± 3050.30 g/km2, with the highest in Qiao Island and the lowest in Honghai Bay. The main source was plastic bags and wrappers. The Pearl River Delta and Daya Bay were identified as seafloor litter distribution hotspots. Controlling plastic waste input is crucial for reducing seafloor litter in the Pearl River Estuary.

INPUT OF DOMESTIC WASTE IN THE ESTUARY OF DUMAI RIVER AND MESJID RIVER INTO THE RUPAT STRAIT WATERS

The study was conducted in December 2022 in the Dumai River Estuary and Dumai City Mesjid River Estuary, Riau Province. The purpose of this study is to determine the amount and type of garbage that enters the sea through the estuary of the Dumai River and the Mesjid River, the difference between the amount and type of waste, and the difference between days from the garbage contained in the estuary of the Dumai River and the Mesjid River in Dumai City. The research method used is a direct survey method in the field, where data collection is carried out directly at low tide using a net stretched at the mouth of the river so that garbage is collected and trapped following the river's flow into the net. Based on the research conducted, it was found that the types of waste trapped were plastic, foamy plastic, cloth, paper, rubber, and wood. The amount of input and composition of waste in two weeks to the mouth of the Dumai River was 28,26 kg in the first week and 30,64 kg in the second week, while in the estuary of the Mesjid River, it was less, namely the first week as much as 20,59 kg, and in the second week as much as 19,44 kg. The difference between the amount and type of waste contained in the Dumai River and the Mesjid River for two weeks found that plastic waste occupied the most significant amount, namely 30,43 kg with a composition of 51,55% and 49,71 kg with a composition of 49,71% based on total waste input. The difference in waste input based on the day at the mouth of the Dumai River and the highest Mesjid River is found on Sunday, namely at the mouth of the Dumai River with a total waste of 27,79 kg and at the mouth of the Mesjid River with a total of 16,67 kg

PRODUÇÃO DE BIOGÁS A PARTIR DE SILAGEM DE SORGO DOCE E RESÍDUOS ANIMAIS

The objective of this work is to quantify the biogas produced in batch-type benchtop biodigesters, from the anaerobic fermentation of sweet sorghum, stored in silos for 12 months, associated with goat and cattle waste, respectively. The input and output waste (biofertilizer) from the biodigesters was analyzed for physical (solid) and physical-chemical parameters (pH and electrical conductivity). The yield (Lbiogas.kg-1SVad), biogas productivity (Lbiogas.L-1reator.d-1) and the added volumetric organic load - VOLad (kgSV.L-1reator.d-1) were calculated. The work was conducted at the Rural Construction Laboratory of the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco located on the Agricultural Sciences Campus. The hydraulic retention time was 30 days in the randomized block experimental design. The constructed biodigesters performed well in quantifying the production of biogas from organic substrate, promoting ideal conditions for the anaerobic digestion process to occur without oxygen contamination. However, there was no significant difference in biogas production between treatments. Treatment T2 (cattle manure) showed the highest yield (240 Lbiogas.kg-1SVad) with an average added volumetric organic load of 8 kgSV.L-1reactor.d-1. Treatment T5 (sorghum 50% + beef 50%) presented a higher numerical value of biogas productivity (0.0703 Lbiogas.L-1reator.d-1) in relation to the other treatments, however this difference was not significant at 5% probability using the Tukey test.

Artificial Intelligence in Fisheries and Aquaculture: Enhancing Sustainability and Productivity

According to its definition, artificial intelligence (AI) is "the future built from fragments of the past." These are applications that acquire novel solutions with practice. Artificial intelligence has been used in various disciplines, from agriculture to full industry automation. Thanks to AI, aquaculture has become a less labor-intensive industry, enabling the fisheries sector to grow quickly and triple production quickly. It can appear as any laborer at work, such as feeders, water quality monitors, harvesters, processors, etc. AI can even be employed to protect aquatic life types from extinction. AI monitors fishing activity worldwide and promotes open sea fisheries' sustainability. AI plays a significant role in combating IUU fishing. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in aquaculture to limit input waste and cut costs by up to 30%. As a result, AI offers total control over fish production systems at a lower maintenance and input cost. AI's integration into aquaculture has transformed the industry, enabled sustainable growth, increased productivity and cost savings while minimizing environmental impact and labor requirements. Through the application of AI technologies, aquaculture can meet the growing demand for seafood while addressing challenges such as overfishing, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity.

Water quality analysis of Sumurup River in Gunungkidul, Indonesia, using the water quality index

Sumurup River is one of the rivers in Gunungkidul, Indonesia, that continuously flows water throughout the year and traverses different land use types. Consequently, it receives numerous waste inputs. Given the limited water resources in the area, it is necessary to assess the water quality regularly. Moreover, this river was previously a drinking water supply, but it can now only be used for purposes with lower requirements, e.g., bathing and washing. The water quality was assessed using three scenarios with different number of parameters in the composite and two indices: the Indonesian Modification of Water Quality Index (INA-WQI) and the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WA-WQI). Parameters observed were pH, DO, BOD, COD, NH3, NO3, total phosphate, TSS, TDS, and fecal coliform. Results showed that the safe limits of pH, BOD, COD, NH3, NO3, total phosphate, TSS, and fecal coliform for drinking water (Class I) were exceeded at several sampling points. In contrast, DO and TDS were below their maximum allowable concentrations at all points. WQI assessment produced varying index values categorized as fair to good (INA-WQI) or excellent to unsuitable for drinking (WA-WQI). Further, the different composite scenarios had a significant effect on WA-WQI but not on INA-WQI scores.

Impact assessment of construction waste policy intensity on environmental efficiency based on system generalized method of moments

With the acceleration of urbanization in recent years, China has witnessed large-scale construction across its provinces, generating massive amounts of construction waste that pose challenges to environmental protection and sustainable development. This study evaluated the impact of construction waste policy intensity on its environmental efficiency. Firstly, the content analysis method was used to analyze the construction waste policy text quantitatively. Second, this study constructed a slack-based measure (SBM) model based on data envelopment analysis (DEA), considering resource input and construction waste output to measure environmental efficiency. Finally, we built and tested an econometric model of how policies affect environmental efficiency using the system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM). The findings indicate a non-linear U-shaped link between policy intensity and environmental efficiency. Among all five control variables, population density, urbanization level, and technological innovation enhance environmental efficiency, while economic development and highway density will lower it. This study advances the research on construction waste policies and offers some insights for the construction industry to pursue sustainable development.

Enhancing Sustainable Crop Production through Innovations in Precision Agriculture Technologies

Precision agriculture technologies provide innovative tools to optimize crop production while minimizing environmental impacts. This review examines recent advances in precision ag systems to enhance sustainable agriculture. Key innovations include: remote and proximal crop sensing techniques leveraging hyperspectral imaging, thermal imaging, and Lidar to assess crop health and stress status; variable rate technologies like targeted sprayers and precision planters to reduce input waste; data analytics and decision support systems that integrate multi-source data streams to guide site-specific intervention; robotics and automation for precision field operations; and advanced breeding techniques and genomic tools enabling development of stress resilient, high yielding varieties. Adoption barriers, future technology trajectories, and priority research needs are discussed to further advance precision solutions that support productivity, efficiency, and sustainability goals.

Bakti Pembersihan Sampah di Ruang Publik Kawasan Bandara DEO Kota Sorong dalam Rangka “World Clean Up Day 2023”

Waste in Sorong consists of a mixture of organic and non-organic materials. Based on its categories, Sorong's waste can be classified as plastic, paper/cardboard, glass/bottle, iron/tin, hazardous waste (B3), and organic waste. The purpose of this community empowerment activity is to maintain the beauty of the public space panorama and instill discipline in the disposal of waste among all residents of Sorong. This community engagement activity took place on September 13, 2023, in front of DEO Airport in Sorong City, Southwest Papua Province. The community engagement activities included: (1) Delivering a presentation on the importance of World Cleanup Day; (2) Cleaning up waste around the public areas of DEO Airport; and (3) Collecting waste in bags for weighing. The theme for this activity was "Environmental Cleanup Service in Sorong City in Commemoration of World Clean Up Day 2023." The technical approach for World Cleanup Day this year involved dividing groups into "A, B, G, C" (academics, business, government, and community) within designated "work focus areas" (waste cleanup) spread throughout the DEO Airport area in Sorong City, particularly in public spaces that are central points for waste input. Therefore, the recommendation from this activity emphasizes the importance of avoiding the use of plastic in daily activities that tend to rely on plastic.

Geochemical partitioning of Cu and Zn in Pelabuhanratu Bay sediment

Activities such as fishing ports and power plants on the coast of Pelabuhanratu Bay have recently developed and hence, their input of metal-containing waste may influence the seawater quality of the bay as the fishing grounds. This study aimed to determine the potential sources (i.e., anthropogenic and natural) and pollution status in sediments. Sediment samples were collected once at 10 stations in the bay using a Van Veen grab. The geochemical partitioning of non-residual and residual phases of metals was used to assess the anthropogenic and natural sources, respectively. The status of metal contamination was evaluated by determining the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). Generally, Cu was dominant in residual fractions ranging 62.79-81.24%, while Zn ranged 39.56-66.02%. This suggests that Cu and Zn in Pelabuhanratu Bay are naturally sourced. Furthermore, the average geo-accumulation index of Cu was categorized as unpolluted (-0.86), and Zn was lightly polluted (0.87). The CF of Cu indicates the uncontaminated category (0.85), whereas Zn indicates a moderate contamination category (CF = 1.54). The pollution level (PLI) in Pelabuhanratu Bay is generally lightly polluted (PLI 1,135).

Condition of Waters in Pejarakan Mangrove Ecosystem, Buleleng, Bali Based on Water Quality Status

Pejarakan mangrove ecosystem area, Bali is one of the largest mangrove forests in Buleleng Regency and is managed for conservation and education. The input of anthropogenic waste or farming activities around the area can affect changes in water quality. This study aims to evaluate the condition of the waters which includes several physical and chemical parameters as a basis for determining the status of water quality in the area. The research was conducted in Pejarakan mangrove area, Bali at 6 station points since September 2022, January 2023, September 2023, and January 2024. The analysis method used is the pollution index (IP). Based on the observation results, pH (7.47-8.49), DO (3-7.6 mg/L), turbidity (0.17-18.75 mg/L), TSS (2.8- 38.6 mg/L), nitrate (0.02-0.05 mg/L), ammonia (0.05-0.5 mg/L), total phosphate (0.01- 0.75 mg/L), temperature (28.7-37.4°C), were obtained, generally the waters were mildly polluted for the pollution index (IP) method.

Co-recovery of spent LiCoO2 and LiFePO4 by paired electrolysis

A paired electrolysis approach for recovering valuable components from LiCoO2 and LiFePO4 has been developed. This process renders an efficient and clean leaching process with reduced energy input and secondary waste emissions.

The recycling of demolition roof tile waste as a resource in the manufacturing of fired bricks: A scale-up to the industry

This study illustrates the utilization of roof tile waste as a resource in the manufacturing of fired bricks. Although commonly referred to as demolition waste, it is technically classified as construction and demolition waste (C&D). This demolition waste was used as a partial replacement of two soils (alluvial and laterite soil) at three firing temperatures that were considered economical (700, 850, and 900 °C). The waste considered was obtained from roof tiles previously fired at a low temperature below 800 °C, thus containing residual carbonates and clay minerals. The increased waste input resulted in higher firing shrinkage, bulk density, and water absorption while decreasing loss on ignition. An increase in firing temperature led to higher firing shrinkage, loss on ignition, and bulk density, but lower water absorption. The bricks met both Indian and ASTM standards for 2nd and 3rd class by adding 20–35 wt% of roof tile waste and firing at 850–900 °C in laboratory and industrial settings. The minimum acceptable quality for the produced bricks was achieved with an addition of 35 wt% waste, resulting in a water absorption of approximately 19% and a compressive strength ranging from 6 to 9 MPa. The study suggests that incorporating waste from demolished roof tiles into the production of burned bricks can be advantageous. It can partially replace the need for soils, reduce natural resource usage, lower energy consumption during production, and decrease the carbon footprint.