Waste Management Process Research Articles

The use of digital twins for waste estimation in nuclear facilities' dismantling and decommissioning: the PLEIADES project

Abstract. Nowadays, a considerable number of nuclear power plants worldwide have reached or will reach the end of their lifespan and will need to be dismantled within the next few decades. Dismantling and decommissioning (D&D) of nuclear facilities is a challenging, complex, and hazardous task that was never foreseen before the first reactors' shutdowns. As part of D&D activities, the waste minimization and waste management have an essential interest. The EU-funded PLEIADES (PLatform based on Emerging and Interoperable Applications for enhanced Decommissioning processES) project gathers 14 partners (academics and research organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industrial companies, and a Technical Safety Organization) representing different stakeholders and providers of the nuclear dismantling domain. Coming from seven European countries, they join forces to demonstrate an innovative digital approach and a new methodology for improving selected key tasks related to D&D. To achieve these goals, the project aims to develop digital twins (DTs) through a BIM (building information modelling) technology-based platform. To structure the data, PLEIADES proposes a decommissioning-oriented ontology that provides a common understanding of the concept, with specific decommissioning terminology. The developed platform provides the integration of the different data and tools. In order to demonstrate the PLEIADES concept, six user stories have been defined based on three real-life use cases from three different European countries, namely France, Norway, and Spain. They allow scenario studies and address application areas such as cost and planning, radiation exposure estimation, and waste assessment. Three of the user stories are directly linked to one use case and focus on comparing alternative scenarios to basic decommissioning activities such as radiological characterization or the decontamination of building surfaces. The other three focus on risk management, uncertainties, regulatory aspects, and waste management strategies. The data feeding the DTs are crucial and require data collection and integration, data security assurance, and data completeness verification. The whole process is iterative until the DTs contain all the necessary information required to perform the user stories simulation. Among others, each simulation using a DT will consider a physical and radiological environment and estimate the waste produced, the waste management process, and the waste management cost. In real applications, the data constituting the DT will depend on each D&D project, but the whole methodology is applicable. This may result in the definition of best practices and the sharing of common processes.

Designing a Flexible and Adaptive Municipal Waste Management Organisation Using the Viable System Model

Changing consumption patterns, new packaging materials, innovative waste processing, and recycling technologies, but also unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in the presence of the climate crisis and ecological degradation, necessitate the development of flexible and adaptive municipal waste management infrastructure and processes governed by equally flexible and adaptive organisations. In this regard, this paper presents the design process for such an organisation based on the Viable System Model (VSM). The VSM is a systems approach for the methodological diagnosis and design of organisations that can adapt to, and survive, changes in the environment that they are part of. Through a reference case of a large municipality in Greece, we demonstrate how the VSM and the related VIPLAN methodology can be used for the methodological development of flexible and adaptive municipal waste management systems (MWMS) for governing organisations.

Pengaruh Penambahan Limbah Serbuk Kaca dan Limbah Serbuk Kayu Terhadap Kuat Tekan dan Daya Serap Air Paving Block

<p><em>Garbage is one of the major factors in environmental pollution. When the waste management process is not proportionate to the amount of garbage generated, the impact of the accumulation of waste makes the pollution of waste more noticeable. Efforts undertaken in waste management, i.e. using glass waste and wood powder waste as sand subtitles on paving block manufacturing, are expected to reduce environmental pollution problems. The study aims to obtain the highest pressures strength values and the lowest water absorption on paving blocks with a variation of glass waste of 2.5%, 5%, 7,5%, 10%, 12,5% and wood powder of 10% as a subtitling of sand paving block mixed material. From the test results obtained the highest pressures strength value of the variation of mixture of glass powder 5% and wood powder 10% of 4.30 MPa. At the test results, the lowest water absorption was obtained from a variation of a mixture of 5% glass powder and 10% wood powder of 6.42%.</em></p>

Biology of the epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida in different organic wastes

Aim: A study was undertaken to know the influence of different organic wastes on the biology of the epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida. Methodology: Epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida was selected and collected. Organic wastes (Corn stover, Delonix regia and Eichhornia crassipes) which are abundant and locally available were collected and used as feed materials along with cattle manure as control in this experiment. Results: The minimum incubation period and the maximum number of hatchlings per cocoon were observed in cattle manure (Control) as compared to other organic wastes. Percent cocoon hatching was 100% in all organic wastes, including control. The weight of freshly emerged juvenile was almost same in all organic wastes with no significant variations. The worm biomass was maximum in Eichhornia crassipes, whereas growth rate, attainment of sexual maturity and rate of cocoon production was maximum in cattle manure followed by other organic wastes. Interpretation: A successful vermitechnological process not only depends on the type of organic waste, but also depends on the biology of earthworm species. Based on the results, it can be concluded that epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida can be efficiently used in the vermitechnological process for organic waste management so as to maintain the balanced ecosystem. Key words: Eisenia fetida, Epigeic earthworm, Organic wastes, Vermicompost, Worm biology

Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Collection Methods Focusing on Zero-Waste Management Using an Analytical Hierarchy Process

The need to transition from a consumption-based waste hierarchy to a resource-conserving zero-waste management system for sustainable resource management has become unavoidable in today’s world. In this study, five different methods for waste separation at source were analyzed using an analytical hierarchy process based on five commonly used waste disposal methods. As a result of the analytical hierarchy analysis, ratios of 0.347, 0.286, 0.200, 0.101, and 0.066 were obtained for the five separation methods (0.347 for separation with six-parameter separate collection and 0.101 for mixed waste collection). The ratio of 0.286, achieved for the triple-separation method, was chosen to meet the requirements of the zero-waste regulation in Türkiye, and a district in Istanbul was selected as the study area. A model based on the residence density was developed. Within the scope of the model, the neighborhoods in the study area were statistically divided into three classes. By choosing one neighborhood from each class, route optimizations were made for both the existing routes and triple separations. The Network Analyst function in ArcGIS was used to determine the optimal routes based on the traveling distances and operational times of vehicles associated with each route. The results of the route-based analyses show that carbon dioxide emissions will increase by only 1.15% compared to the current situation, but the total amount will decrease in the long term if all waste management processes are carried out within the scope of zero-waste management.

Advanced IoT Pressure Monitoring System for Real-Time Landfill Gas Management.

This research presents a novel stand-alone device for the autonomous measurement of gas pressure levels on an active landfill site, which enables the real-time monitoring of gas dynamics and supports the early detection of critical events. The developed device employs advanced sensing technologies and wireless communication capabilities, enabling remote data transmission and access via the Internet. Through extensive field experiments, we demonstrate the high sampling rate of the device and its ability to detect significant events related to gas generation dynamics in landfills, such as flare shutdowns or blockages that could lead to hazardous conditions. The validation of the device's performance against a high-end analytical system provides further evidence of its reliability and accuracy. The developed technology herein offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for environmental landfill gas monitoring and management. We expect that this research will contribute to the advancement of environmental monitoring technologies and facilitate better decision-making processes for sustainable waste management.

Sustainable production of hydrogen and carbon nanotubes/nanofibers from plastic waste through microwave degradation

Plastic waste pyrolysis to clean energy (H2) and valuable carbon nanotubes or nanofibers (CNTs/CNFs) is the most promising waste management and energy regeneration process. In this study, microwave-mediated single-step pyrolysis is used to produce COx-free hydrogen and CNTs/CNFs from real-world plastic films. Nickel, iron, and cobalt-based catalysts were prepared by the incipient wet-impregnation method and tested for real-world polyethylene plastic film degradation. In addition, the quality of CNTs produced and hydrogen yield were also compared for these catalysts. Various characterization tools were used to characterize the calcined catalysts, spent catalysts, and CNTs. Further, the effect of temperature ramp rate on hydrogen yield and CNTs properties was also analyzed. The results show that the iron-based catalyst produces a high yield of hydrogen and low-diameter and uniform-quality CNTs compared to other catalysts.

Accreditation system for construction and demolition waste recycling facilities in Egypt

ABSTRACT The Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) recycling industry is one of the important elements of sustainability as it reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption. One of the main actions in the action plan of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management National Strategy in Egypt is establishing quality management system for CDW recycling. Developing accreditation system for CDW facilities is one of the tasks of this action that has a high priority due to government recommendations. This research aims to promote standardization and quality through an accreditation system for CDW recycling facilities. The developed accreditation system is composed of six main elements and several criteria. The relative importance of each element and criteria in the developed system is determined using multiple criteria analysis. The study revealed that the most important elements are the equipment and the availability of documents while the least are health and safety. A Microsoft Excel checklist is developed and used for evaluating of C&D waste recycling facilities to be accredited so as to ensure the quality of C&D waste management process and recycled products. It is also used to classify the CDW recycling facilities.

Implementasi Circular Economy Melalui Pengendalian Sampah Bahan Daur Ulang terhadap Peningkatan Pendapatan Masyarakat:

This research aims to find out, first, the planning process of the Sicanang Compost House and Garbage Bank for handling or managing waste in the community, second, the mechanism for implementing circular economy based waste management activities in increasing people's income, third, the constraints faced in implementing a circular economy through controlling recycled material waste and efforts to overcome it. This type of research uses descriptive qualitative research with data collection methods, namely observation, interviews, documentation and literature study. The results of the study concluded that first, in the planning process for tackling or managing waste based on a circular economy, the Main Sicanang Garbage Bank creates an annual program to provide an understanding to the community about the use-value of waste that will be realized. through the implementation of socialization activities and holding training and selling products, secondly, in carrying out circular economy based waste management activities to increase people's income, the Main Sicanang Garbage Bank has several stages of the mechanism, namely through the process of transporting waste, the process of sorting waste and up to the stage of the waste management process , thirdly, there are several obstacles encountered in implementing the circular economy through controlling recycled material waste, namely the operational part is large enough so that it cannot run the waste management program properly, then equipment and electricity are inadequate, and the mother's perception of unitary work communication about this institution. The Main Sicanang Induk Garbage Bank seeks to overcome community waste by processing organic and inorganic waste through a program that has been carried out and has succeeded in achieving 30%.
 Keywords: Circular Economy, Control of Recycled Material Waste, Community Income.

Editorial: Sorption processes in nuclear waste management: data knowledge management and new methodologies for data acquisition/prediction

Editorial: Sorption processes in nuclear waste management: data knowledge management and new methodologies for data acquisition/prediction

Evaluation of the Zero Waste Project in Istanbul District Municipalities from the Perspective of Sustainable Urban Planning

Rapid migration towards cities is occurring due to economic and social reasons. Industrialization, urbanization, and changes in consumption habits are creating environmental problems. Sustainable urban planning is necessary to ensure people’s quality of life in future cities. The establishment of strategic waste management processes is crucial. This topic encompasses the awareness, education, adaptation, and implementation of them by urban residents. The “Zero Waste Project” was initiated in Türkiye in 2017, and local governments have a significant responsibility for its implementation. City administrations strive to create clean, healthy, contemporary, and livable environmental conditions for their stakeholders. The aim of this study was to examine the Zero Waste Project system, an important approach for planning sustainable cities. Istanbul has 39 district municipalities. In this study, the amount of waste collected by the municipalities affiliated with Istanbul within the scope of the “Zero Waste Project” in 2022 was determined. Data were obtained from the “Zero Waste Project Implementation” sections of the 2022 activity reports of the 39 district municipalities. Data on the quantities in the categories of packaging, glass, clothing and textiles, electronics, batteries, vegetable oil, pharmaceuticals, tires, motor oil, and wood waste were obtained. This help us understand, the implementation of waste management systems in Istanbul district municipalities. In addition, the “Zero Waste Awareness and Incentive” activities carried out in Istanbul district municipalities are emphasized. The Zero Waste Project has the potential to improve the sustainability of urban living. It can be evaluated as a participatory environmental policy in terms of sustainable urban planning.

Circular Bioeconomy Practices in the Greek Pig Sector: The Environmental Performance of Bakery Meal as Pig Feed Ingredient

Food systems and, to an extent, the pig sector are major contributors of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. At the same time, significant amounts of waste are produced from the food sector. The aim of this study is to examine the implementation of circular bio-economy practices in the Greek pig sector to improve its environmental performance. More specifically, in collaboration with a pig farm in Northern Greece and a waste management company, the collection and processing of bakery by-products was organized to produce bakery meal (BM) to integrate it in the diets of fattening and growing pigs. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, the environmental performance of 20% BM inclusion in pig diets was examined in comparison with the conventional feedstock. BM experimentally replaced corn, wheat, barley, and soya bean from conventional feedstock. The Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) was based on the yearly average values of feed and energy consumption to produce 1 kg of living weight of pig on the pig farm. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) was conducted with SimaPro v3.5, using Recipe Midpoint Hierarchical v1.6. The LCIA calculations exhibited that BM inclusion in pig diets can lead to significant land occupation decrease, approximately 30%, which is mostly related to reduced wheat and soya beans. The reduction of cultivated croplands also led to reduced fertilizer and pesticide application, which improved marine eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity impact by 20% while it significantly reduced risks of human carcinogenic toxicity by 25%. Moreover, the Greek pig sector exhibited a 5% capacity for overall improvement of its environmental performance, which relies on minimizing logistics when the pig farm conducted collection and processing of by-products. A basic assumption of this study is the assessment of bakery by-product quantities in the wider region of the pig farm. The availability of by-products, based on the reported experience, was limited, and the reliability of the supply was frequently disrupted. As such, the supply chain model of the central hub for the collection and processing of bakery by-products is proposed as more efficient for regulating logistic challenges and availability.

Sosialisasi Manfaat Proses Daur Ulang Sampah Plastik di SMA Negeri 2 Darul Makmur

In a broad sense, the management of plastic waste can be approached through the implementation of the 3R framework, which encompasses the principles of Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. In this endeavor, a process of socialization was undertaken with students from SMA Negeri 2 Darul Makmur pertaining to the issue of waste management, specifically focusing on the potential for recycling and reusing waste materials to generate substantial value. The utilization of waste is facilitated through the implementation of the 3R concept, thereby offering enhanced educational opportunities for participating students. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the recycling process for high-value waste, which is integral to effective waste management. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the tangible outcomes of transforming plastic waste into liquid fuels. The engagement of students from SMA Negeri 2 Darul Makmur in socialization activities pertaining to the utilization of plastic waste has facilitated a deeper comprehension of waste management processes and the advantages associated with such endeavors. Conversely, students have the potential to utilize plastic waste for practical purposes that are deemed essential in their daily lives.

Analisis Efisiensi Pengelolaan Sampah di TPA Losari, Wonorejo, Selomerto, Wonosobo

This research aims to analyze the efficiency of waste management at the Final Disposal Site (TPA) Losari, Wonorejo, Selomerto, Wonosobo. TPA Losari is a strategic location for waste management in the Wonosobo region and is under the supervision of the Environmental and Forestry Agency of the district. The study was conducted through direct observation of the waste collection, sorting, and management processes at the TPA. The results indicate that the monitoring and coordination by the Environmental and Forestry Agency focus on responsible and sustainable waste management at TPA Losari. Organic waste is processed through sorting and natural decomposition, while inorganic waste is sorted by waste pickers to support recycling efforts. There is also specific management for medical waste, requiring careful handling. However, TPA Losari is currently facing a "waste emergency" due to excessive waste and inadequate facilities and infrastructure. Therefore, the research also notes future plans to transform waste into reusable products, such as processing organic waste into compost and non-organic waste into paving materials. In conclusion, this research provides an in-depth overview of waste management at TPA Losari, Wonosobo, and identifies the issues that need to be addressed to improve waste management efficiency in the region. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a basis for developing strategic measures to address the waste emergency and enhance environmental quality in the Wonosobo area.

Garbage Reporting Application

Effective waste management is essential for maintaining clean and sustainable urban environments. However, managing and monitoring garbage collection and disposal processes can be challenging without proper tools and systems in place. This abstract introduces a garbage reporting application, a digital solution designed to streamline waste management processes and improve overall efficiency. The garbage reporting application is a mobile based platform that enables citizens to report instances of garbage accumulation, improper disposal, and other related issues in their neighbourhoods. By empowering individuals to actively participate in waste management, the application aims to create a collaborative environment where citizens, local authorities, and waste management agencies work together to address and resolve garbage-related problems effectively. The application offers a user-friendly interface, allowing users to quickly submit reports by capturing images, providing location details, and adding descriptive information about the garbage-related concern. These reports are then securely transmitted to the relevant authorities responsible for waste management, who can promptly assess and take appropriate action based on the severity and urgency of the issue. Furthermore, the garbage reporting application facilitates communication between citizens and local authorities. Users can receive updates on the progress of their reported issues, ensuring transparency and accountability in waste management processes. By leveraging the power of technology and citizen engagement, the garbage reporting application has the potential to revolutionize waste management systems. Moreover, the application fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and community participation among citizens, leading to cleaner and healthier living environments

Production and Bioconversion Efficiency of Enzyme Membrane Bioreactors in the Synthesis of Valuable Products.

The demand for bioactive molecules with nutritional benefits and pharmaceutically important properties is increasing, leading researchers to develop modified production strategies with low-cost purification processes. Recent developments in bioreactor technology can aid in the production of valuable products. Enzyme membrane bioreactors (EMRs) are emerging as sustainable synthesis processes in various agro-food industries, biofuel applications, and waste management processes. EMRs are modified reactors used for chemical reactions and product separation, particularly large-molecule hydrolysis and the conversion of macromolecules. EMRs generally produce low-molecular-weight carbohydrates, such as oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, and gentiooligosaccharides. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the use of EMRs for the production of valuable products, such as oligosaccharides and oligodextrans, and we discuss their application in the bioconversion of inulin, lignin, and sugars. Furthermore, we critically summarize the application and limitations of EMRs. This review provides important insights that can aid in the production of valuable products by food and pharmaceutical industries, and it is intended to assist scientists in developing improved quality and environmentally friendly prebiotics using EMRs.

Waste Management Towards Community Welfare and a Sustainable Environment

Effective and sustainable waste management is a crucial issue to maintain the welfare of society and the environment. A comprehensive approach to waste management involves three main pillars such as waste sorting, recycling and technology-based waste management. Waste management aims to maximize the value of waste by converting it into recyclable materials. The waste that is the focus of this activity is household waste and agricultural straw waste. The forms of community service carried out include socializing waste processing, forming work teams and assisting with the waste management process. The results of this activity are increased public knowledge regarding waste management, the formation of a team responsible for waste management, and waste processing products that can be utilized, namely compost and biodegradable pots. The benefit of the activity is reducing the impact of environmental waste into recycled goods to create a cleaner and healthier environment. The next suggestion is to increase cooperation between the village government and the Environmental Service to maximize the program.

Comprehensive Assessment of Thermochemical Processes for Sustainable Waste Management and Resource Recovery

Thermochemical techniques have emerged as promising and sustainable approaches for converting diverse waste materials into valuable products, including chemicals and fuels. This study critically assesses the strengths and limitations of various thermochemical processes, focusing on their potential for large-scale implementation and commercial viability. The investigation encompasses a comprehensive examination of processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction, aiming to compare them based on crucial parameters including energy efficiency, product yield, product quality, and environmental impact. Through this comparative analysis, the study aims to identify the most suitable thermochemical treatment for specific waste materials, thereby facilitating the development of sustainable and economically feasible waste management strategies. By providing valuable insights into the selection and optimization of thermochemical processes, this research contributes to the advancement of waste-to-value technologies and supports the transition towards a circular economy.

Identifying the Initiatives of Construction Waste Management in Malaysia towards achieving Sustainable Construction

Construction waste management is not a new topic in the construction industry. It involves the management of waste material arising from construction, renovation, and demolition activities as such concrete, timber, steel, and plastics products. The poor construction waste management practice has led to failure to ensure sustainability in construction by increasing environmental impacts and illegal dumping. Hence, with proper construction waste management techniques and processes, the notion of sustainable construction can easily be achieved. The aim of this study is to identify the initiatives for construction waste management toward sustainable construction. The study adopted a quantitative method of questionnaires survey distributed to 118 numbers of Grade 7 Contractors in Pahang. The professional teams in the company provide their responses in regard to waste management initiatives taken by them. The findings revealed several initiatives taken by contractors in helping to move towards sustainable construction in Pahang as such strengthening the policies in government agencies regarding waste management and compliance with the law to the general legislative structure. This study contributes to increasing the effectiveness of managing construction waste, particularly for contractor companies who are major involved during the construction process.

Improving the hospital waste management at the Farabi hospital in Malekan -Iran: An action research study

Hospital waste poses numerous concerns for both human health and the environment. Using an action research technique, this study attempts to improve waste management at the Farabi Hospital in Malekan city-Iran. In 2020, integrated (quantitative-qualitative) action research was done. For action research, the Simmons model was employed. First, a list of significant issues was found during the waste management process evaluation using a standard checklist and brainstorming with hospital officials and workers. The identified issues were prioritized using a prioritization matrix. Then, after consulting with hospital officials, 11 interventions were designed and implemented over six months. Finally, waste management performance was re-evaluated. Average knowledge of the participants about hospital waste management (HWM) standards was improved significantly (64 ± 13.8 before the training, 84.6 ± 20.6). General waste production was reduced by 27.7% in terms of garbage bags and 23.4% in terms of waste weight (95.5 kg–73.1 kg), respectively. Infectious waste output was reduced by 22.8% in the number of garbage bags and 32.1% in the weight of waste (57.5 kg–39 kg). The rate of compliance with HWM criteria was improved from 10 to 33 items. Although the interventions in this study improved the HWM to an acceptable level, more interventions and ongoing monitoring are required. The study's findings also show that an action research strategy might address a wide range of issues and weaknesses in hospitals and related facilities.