Waste Piles Research Articles

Inter-observer reliability in transect-based observations of environmental waste in greater accra and kisumu: implications for waste management

Transect surveys are widely used to quantify mismanaged plastic waste discarded to the environment. However, very few studies have quantified inter-observer reliability in environmental waste surveys. The aim of this study was to assess inter-observer reliability for a set of environmental waste indicators derived from transect surveys in slum areas of two sub-Saharan African cities. Pairs of observers independently recorded counts of scattered waste items, large waste piles, and burnt waste along 64 environmental transects in Kisumu, Kenya, and Greater Accra, Ghana. Concordance correlation coefficients were used to measure inter-observer reliability for derived indicators measuring mismanaged waste density, waste composition, waste origins of policy concern, and waste disposal practices. Evidence across all observers consistently showed that single-use disposable diapers, discarded Personal Protective Equipment, and bagged or bottled water are locally important constituents of mismanaged waste in both cities that should be addressed through urban waste management strategies. In both cities, there was generally excellent inter-observer reliability for density of burnt waste and density of large waste piles (concordance correlation coefficient > 0.9 for all but one observer pair), but weak to moderate inter-observer reliability for scattered waste density and densities of specific waste items such as disposable nappies and discarded Personal Protective Equipment. Our study shows that beach litter survey protocols can be adapted for use in slums. However, to generate robust estimates of scattered waste, its composition, and waste origins of policy concern in slums, assessment of inter-observer reliability should be incorporated into field team training.

Assessment of mobile mercury concentration in soils of an abandoned coalfield waste pile in Douro region: the Fojo waste pile (Portugal) study case

PurposePejão Mining Complex locates in Castelo de Paiva municipality and, until its closure in 1994, was one of the most important coal mines in the Douro Coalfield. This work aims to study the presence, quantify, and evaluate the dissemination of mercury (Hg), a potentially toxic element (PTE) of major public health concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), from a waste pile affected by coal fires.Materials and methodsSamples from areas affected and unaffected by the combustion and from surrounding soil were collected from Fojo waste pile region. First, the Hg pseudo-total concentration was estimated for all collected samples by soil microwave–assisted digestion with aqua regia (USEPA 3051A). Then, a sequential extraction procedure (SEP), the USEPA 3200, was applied for Hg fractionation and speciation aiming to evaluate Hg mobility and bioavailability to surrounding ecosystems.Results and discussionThe results obtained showed a Hg enrichment in soil samples when compared to Portuguese and international reference values for soils. Relatively to the Hg availability and mobility, although it predominates in the semi-mobile fraction, the waste pile materials exposed to combustion showed a concerning increase of Hg levels in the mobile fraction that contains the more labile Hg species, being a major source of environmental contamination by Hg.ConclusionsThis study allowed to conclude that combustion of mining residues increased Hg mobility, toxicity, and bioavailability, increasing the contamination potential of the coal waste pile. The methodology applied in this work can be replicated in other abandoned mines to monitor, control, and/or mitigate the Hg environmental impact in the surrounding soils and waters.

Penegakan Hukum terhadap Peraturan Daerah Nomor 6 Tahun 2012 Tentang Pengelolaan Sampah dan Sanksi Hukum Serta Kendalanya Di Kota Semarang

Waste, as a byproduct of human activities or natural processes, poses a serious issue due to its substantial and challenging quantity. Problems include waste piles in urban areas and a lack of waste disposal areas around street vendors. This research, titled "Law Enforcement on Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2012 Regarding Waste Management and Legal Sanctions and Challenges in Semarang City," aims to elucidate how the law is applied concerning waste management in Semarang City. This non-doctrinal study employs a normative-empirical juridical approach with a qualitative method. The research is conducted at the Environmental Agency of Semarang City, with primary data sources consisting of interviews with stakeholders from the Waste Management Department and secondary data from legal materials. Data analysis utilizes a qualitative narrative method. Research findings indicate that law enforcement related to Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2012 in Semarang City has been implemented by the local government in accordance with existing provisions. However, deficiencies in community participation persist, such as the habit of improper waste disposal and inadequate waste bin provision. This is attributed to the cultural norm of indiscriminate waste disposal that has become prevalent in society. Additionally, public understanding of "Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2012" regarding Waste Management remains insufficient, particularly regarding the legal penalties for violating the provisions of the regulation.

Form-classification for microbially induced sedimentary structures

Various ichnotaxonomic names have been proposed for microbially influenced sedimentary structures, but despite the historically broad scope of ichnotaxa allowed by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, recent opinion rejects these names for the Zoological Code. Nevertheless, such names are allowed by generous provisions for fossil genera (previously form genera) in the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants. Fossil genera, such as Neantia, Rameshia and Rugalichnus, describe various undulose and striated textures of aquatic microbial mats. In contrast, the complex hackly, fissured and microtuffeted surfaces widely called ‘old elephant skin’ texture have been assigned to Rivularites repertus. The type specimen of that species has been lost since bombardment of Nancy in 1914. The locality exposing the Upper Triassic (Carnian), Grès à Roseaux Member of the Keuper Formation at Gemmelaincourt, France, is an abandoned coal mine, but has waste piles still available for collecting. This study describes a proposed neotype of the ichnospecies, and other fossils relevant to its environmental interpretation. The neotype of Rivularites came from coal measures with interbedded evaporites of a coastal plain, and is a non-marine texture as apparent from evidence of alternate desiccation, intergrowth and healing. Gregory J. Retallack [ gregr@uoregon.edu ], Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oregon. Eugene, OR 97403, USA

Impact of capping on pyrite oxidation ion transport in unsaturated mine waste pile: A hydrogeochemical modeling study

Impact of capping on pyrite oxidation ion transport in unsaturated mine waste pile: A hydrogeochemical modeling study

Preparation and properties of high blending phosphogypsum-desulfurization ash-waste soil based functional prefabricated autoclaved aerated concrete slabs

There is a huge stock of industrial solid waste piles such as phosphogypsum (PG), desulfurization ash (DA), and waste soil (WS) in China, and their utilization rate is insufficient. These have potential risk for environmental safety due to pollutants contained in them. In this study, after proportioning design, raw material pretreatment, bubble regulation and multi-temperature section maintenance process, successfully prepared a high blending solid waste based functional prefabricated autoclaved aerated concrete slabs (FPAS) with excellent functional performance, and the optimal ratio of each raw material is PG: WS: DA: cement: lime = 8:50:20:10:12, and the dry mass ratio is up to 75%, the compressive strength of the slabs is up to 5.2 MPa, the standard dry density is 606 kg/m3, the dry shrinkage value is 0.36 mm/m, and the post-freezing strength is 4.0 MPa, which is in line with the basic requirements in the standard “Autoclaved aerated concrete slabs” (GB/T15762), and at the same time, its fire-resistant integrity is qualified for 240 min, and the coefficient of thermal conductivity is 0.15w(m.k), airborne sound-weighted sound insulation is 46 dB, also can show different functional characteristics. In order to investigate the environmental safety of heavy metals (HMs) in the slabs, the simulation experiment of HMs leaching from outdoor stacking of slabs was carried out. The results show that the HMs in the slabs do not pose obvious risks to the natural environment and human body, but three of the characteristic HMs, Cr, Cd and Hg, have significant leaching patterns, which can be expressed by a second-order kinetic model. Finally, the life cycle assessment and cost analysis of the high blending PG-DA-WS based FPAS and the conventional aerated slabs were carried out. The main environmental damage category of the high blending PG-DA-WS based FPAS is land ecological risk, and it has obvious environmental and economic benefits compared with the conventional aerated slabs.

Implementation Of Regulation Number 02 Of 2011 Concerning Waste Management In Bengkulu City

Other waste management issues stem from the lack of a professional waste management system planning. The waste management sector has not yet received priority compared to other sectors in urban development. This research utilizes a qualitative approach. In this study, to determine the implementation of the Bengkulu City Regional Regulation Number 02 of 2011 Regarding Waste Management in Bengkulu City based on the opinions expressed by Nugroho and the modified results between the Bengkulu City Regional Regulation Number 02 of 2011 Regarding Waste Management. Regarding the policy socialization aspect, it is noted that the socialization of regional regulations to the community is still uneven. Furthermore, for the socialization related to waste separation, similar responses were received. This is proven by organic waste still being seen in inorganic waste bins. In terms of planning, the provision of waste bins in public and social facilities is still unavailable in some facilities. Furthermore, regarding waste management financing, there are various tariff rates. For waste management conducted by LPM or third parties, the tariff is determined through mutual agreement. Meanwhile, waste management by the Department will be subject to agreed-upon fees. In terms of implementation, for supervision and oversight, researchers can conclude that the people of Bengkulu City feel the supervision being carried out. In terms of evaluation, the application of sanctions and criminal provisions received various responses. Some members of the community disagree with the rules, while others agree, in order to instill a deterrent effect and raise awareness to dispose of waste properly. Furthermore, waste management by LPM and the Department can be concluded to still not be fully operational, as evidenced by increasing piles of waste before the transportation process.

Douglas fir bark: composition, extracts utilization and enzymatic treatment for enrichment of bioactive constituents

Abstract Bark residues from Douglas fir are an abundant resource that is currently used primarily in low-value energy recovery or is landfilled. Bark extractives are rich in diverse compounds like terpenes, fatty acids, phenols, and sugars with potential uses in a variety of high value applications. The study explores the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis to improve phenolic compounds from Douglas fir bark. It also assesses differences in chemical composition among rhytidome, phloem, and comingled bark fractions from an industrial waste pile. Phloem fractions exhibit higher yields of extractives, rhytidome fractions have elevated lignin levels, while the comingled fraction lies between the two except in ash content which was higher than in the separated fractions. Fungal decay tests with Gloeophyllum trabeum and Coniophora puteana on extract treated wood suggest potential for growth inhibition in extracts, about 58–31 % and 30–7% mass loss (in average) respectively, but due to high mass loss at low concentrations an enzymatic modification approach seems crucial for enhanced inhibition. Growth responses in whole-cell fermentation approach display variability depending on the participating microorganisms. Enzymatic hydrolysis with beta-glucosidase improved the antioxidant properties of bark extracts and holds promise for altering the chemical composition and enhancing bioactivity.

Effective Microorganisms 4 (EM-4) Application in The Process of Making Compost from Household Organic Waste to Increase Skills of PKK Members

Handling the problem of household waste is getting more complicated by the day. Some people do not have a new perspective on dealing with waste. For this reason, serious handling is needed when utilizing household waste as a resource. Household waste is the largest contributor to creating organic waste, so to turn organic waste into resources, it is necessary to work on piles of organic waste from household waste by utilizing waste in compost. The benefits of compost are many in terms of fertilizing plants, so through community service, training activities for making compost with EM 4 were carried out for Baturetno PKK members, where 35 participants attended the training. The aim is to train PKK members skills in handling household organic waste by giving them EM4. In this activity, the methods used were socialization, training, and monitoring. In the training, a questionnaire was distributed to determine the participants' insight and response to the activity. The results of the questionnaire show that there is an increase in understanding and skills as seen from the average answer "YES" before the training of 58.53% with a sufficient category, and after the training to 93% with a very good category, thus indicating that the knowledge and skills of PKK members in Baturetno, Tuban district after training in processing waste from household organic waste into compost with EM 4, has increased.

Native Plant Species as an Alternative to Rehabilitate Iron Ore Waste Piles in Carajás Mineral Province, Brazil

ABSTRACT The selection of promising and appropriate plant species and knowledge of their effects on the soil are essential for mineland rehabilitation success. The present study evaluated the effects of three different plant seed cocktails on fertility, soil cover, and erosion control in two iron waste piles in the Carajás Mineral Province, Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The three different seed cocktails were: commercial (only commercial species); native (only species native of Carajás); mixed (native and commercial species); and a control treatment (without seed application). Additionally, tillers from native grasses from Carajás were planted in one of the waste piles. The cocktails were applied by hydroseeding together with fertilizer, mulch, organic compost, and a tackifier. Analyses were performed at 12 and 24 months after the seeding in the waste piles. In general, all cocktails contributed to vegetation establishment, organic matter accumulation, and increased soil fertility. The commercial cocktail stands out due to its ability to improve soil fertility. Native species showed the best cover performance, and less soil loss, highlighting their use for effective control of soil erosion. Thus, native species have the potential for use in rehabilitation projects involving iron waste piles in the Amazon. This is especially relevant because the use of native plant species is mandatory and a declared rehabilitation target.

The governance of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): A literature review of HHW-related regulation in Southeast Asian developing countries

Growing cities of developing countries followed by human activities brings challenge on how to manage the massive solid waste production. Pile of solid waste in the collecting or dumping sites produce methane gas that threaten earths’ climate change, whereas leachate with organic, inorganic, and hazardous contaminants resulted in soil and groundwater pollution. Furthermore, untreated solid wastes are aesthetically disturbing and environmentally polluting as they enter the water bodies. More than 40% of the Municipal Solid Waste are generated by household activities and approximately 1% of it contains hazardous materials, such as heavy metals and inert materials. Unprocessed Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) carries substantial ecological impacts. However, issues on HHW considered to have less attention either by community or government due to the requirement of specific treatment and the cost of final disposal. The role of regulation or guidelines are critical to manage the HHW handling. This review aims to explore the availability of national as well as local regulation related to HHW management in Southeast Asian developing countries and to analyze the correlation between GNI level and the government concern on HHW issues. Despite the main solution, the availability of HHW regulation is required to govern the management and minimize the contamination to the environment. The analysis is based on literature from journals as well as official websites from each country which studied. The result of the study can give an alternate perspective on the governance of HHW in developing countries.

Household food waste in Surakarta City, Indonesia: Quantity, global warming potential (GWP), and management

Households represent one of the main contributors to food waste in urban areas. Surakarta is one of the cities in Indonesia where a significant portion of household food waste is disposed of in landfill sites. The piles of food waste can become an environmental issue if left unmanaged, as they generate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The aim of this research is to determine the quantity, emission estimations, and management of household food waste in Surakarta City. A total of 151 household samples had their food waste collected over a period of 7 days. The method for measuring the quantity of food waste involved direct measurements using a scale, calculating food waste emissions using the GWP formula, and collecting management data through a questionnaire. The research results indicate that, on average, households dispose of 0.499 kg/week of food waste and estimate food waste emissions to be 0.789 kg CO2e/week. In addition to being discarded, some food waste is managed as animal feed and fertilizer. Implementing proper and sustainable management can lead to a reduction in the quantity of food waste sent to landfills.

Waste processing without causing public health problems with black soldier fly bioconversion

Bioconversion of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae is a method of processing organic waste that is environmentally friendly and has no impact on public health. This research aims to analyze the influence of the type of waste as a feed formulation on the effectiveness of organic waste processing with bioconversion of black soldier fly larvae. The research was conducted in Tubunan Village, Jepara Regency, the district with the second lowest waste processing in Central Java on 108 families. The initial procedure for this experimental research was carried out by sorting the types of waste (community waste, fish slaughter waste, and a mixture of both). Each type of waste is then given 1.5 grams of larvae/kg of waste. The larvae will be harvested after 20 days and weighed to record data on the increase in biomass and waste left behind. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS through ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests. The results showed that the nutritional formulation of the feed had a significant effect on total larval biomass (p=0.0005) but had no significant effect on the waste reduction index (p=0.651) and feed conversion efficiency (p=0.180). In this study, processing organic waste with bioconversion of black soldier fly larvae reduced waste piles significantly (p=0.008). Thus, bioconversion waste processing using BSF can solve the waste problem at the research location. These findings can be considered in planning effective and efficient waste processing.

A Practical Deep Learning Architecture for Large-Area Solid Wastes Monitoring Based on UAV Imagery

The development of global urbanization has brought about a significant amount of solid waste. These untreated wastes may be dumped in any corner, causing serious pollution to the environment. Thus, it is necessary to accurately obtain their distribution locations and detailed edge information. In this study, a practical deep learning network for recognizing solid waste piles over extensive areas using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery has been proposed and verified. Firstly, a high-resolution dataset serving to solid waste detection was created based on UAV aerial data. Then, a dual-branch solid waste semantic segmentation model was constructed to address the characteristics of the integration of solid waste distribution with the environment and the irregular edge morphology. The Context feature branch is responsible for extracting high-level semantic features, while the Spatial feature branch is designed to capture fine-grained spatial details. After information fusion, the model obtained more comprehensive feature representation and segmentation ability. The effectiveness of the improvement was verified through ablation experiments and compared with 13 commonly used semantic segmentation models, demonstrating the advantages of the method in solid waste segmentation tasks, with an overall accuracy of over 94%, and a recall rate of 88.6%—much better than the best performing baselines. Finally, a spatial distribution map of solid waste over Jiaxing district, China was generated by the model inference, which assisted the environmental protection department in completing environmental management. The proposed method provides a feasible approach for the accurately monitoring of solid waste, so as to provide policy support for environmental protection.

Portable hydrogel kit driven by bimetallic carbon dots nanozyme for H2O2-self-supplying dual-modal monitoring of atmospheric CH3SH

Due to the typical volatility of gaseous pollutant methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), the development of a facile, reliable, and accurate onsite environmental surveillance of highly toxic CH3SH faces many challenges, but it is critical to environmental atmosphere assessment and safeguarding public health. Here, we prepared a novel bimetallic carbon dots (Fe&Cu@CDs) nanozyme with high peroxidase-mimicking activity to design a portable hydrogel kit for onsite visual H2O2-self-supplying enzymatic cascade catalytic colorimetric and photothermal signal synergistic amplification dual-modal monitoring of CH3SH in atmospheric environment. Assisted by alcohol oxidase (AOX), CH3SH could be specifically converted into H2O2 for oxidizing chromogenic substrate 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) catalyzed by Fe&Cu@CDs to produce dark blue ox-TMB with absorption at 652 nm and photothermal characters. Consequently, a CH3SH concentration-dependent change both in naked-eye color and photothermal effect-triggered temperature were observed. By hybridizing AOX-assisted Fe&Cu@CDs + TMB with agarose, a H2O2-self-supplying colorimetric and photothermal signal synergistic amplification sensory hydrogel kit integrated with Color Picker APP-installed smartphone and 660 nm laser-equipped handheld thermal imager for CH3SH was proposed with acceptable results in atmospheric environment around wastepile (e.g., solid waste and food waste piles), which exhibited great potentials to further develop commercial onsite monitoring platforms in warning-early abnormal atmospheric CH3SH for safeguarding environmental health.

Using mining waste for CO2 sequestration: exploring opportunities through mineral carbonation, nature-based solutions, and CCUS

ABSTRACT Using mining waste for CO2 sequestration presents a promising solution for managing waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of established CO2 sequestration methods that can be applied to mining waste eligible for such application. Three techniques were considered: 1) passive mineral carbonation; 2) a nature-based solution (NBS); and 3) carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). Passive mineral carbonation involves exposing mining waste rich in Ca and Mg silicates to atmospheric CO2. NBS explores the reclamation of disposal areas, estimating the carbon sequestration by topsoil, organic amendments, and revegetation. CCUS presents some storage possibilities with CO2 injection into waste piles and utilisation by incorporating waste and CO2 into cement products. Furthermore, an innovative proposal for injecting CO2 into surface and underground coal mining waste disposal areas was described as a potential action. The strategies presented in this article can be considered to offset CO2 emissions from mining projects while also contributing to waste management and more sustainable production.

Assessment of ecotoxicological effects of Fojo coal mine waste elutriate in aquatic species (Douro Coalfield, North Portugal).

Introduction: The exploitation of anthracite A in the Pejão mining complex (Douro Coalfield, North Portugal) resulted in the formation of several coal waste piles without proper environmental control. In 2017, a new pedological zonation emerged in the Fojo area, after the ignition and self-burning of some of the coal waste piles, namely: unburned coal waste (UW); burned coal waste, and a cover layer (BW and CL, respectively); uphill soil (US); mixed burned coal waste (MBW); downhill soil (DS). This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of 25 soil elutriates from different pedological materials. Methods: Allivibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay, Lemna minor growth inhibition assay, and Daphnia magna acute assay were used to assess the toxicity effects. Additionally, total chlorophyll and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and catalase (CAT) activity were also evaluated in L. minor. Results and Discussion: The results obtained from each endpoint demonstrated the extremely heterogeneous nature of soil properties, and the species showed different sensibilities to soil elutriates, however, in general, the species showed the same sensitivity trend (A. fischeri > L. minor > D. magna). The potentially toxic elements (PTE) present in the soil elutriates (e.g., Al, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn) affected significantly the species understudy. All elutriates revealed toxicity for A. fischeri, while US1 and UW5 were the most toxic for L. minor (growth inhibition and significant alterations in CAT activity) and D. magna (100% mortality). This study highlights the importance of studying soil aqueous phase toxicity since the mobilization and percolation of bioavailable PTE can cause environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems and biota.

Radical hope: re-contextualising oral histories from deindustrialised mining communities

ABSTRACT The anthracite coal mining landscape of northeastern Pennsylvania is in ruin, a by-product of two centuries of unchecked capitalism. Much of the land is stripped of its timber and surface mines lay abandoned. The industry began its decline after WWI and virtually collapsed during the post-WWII era. Waste piles of coal litter the landscape, and the streams and rivers are considered dead because of the minerals and high acid content of water draining from abandoned mines. Many scholars have written about the extreme work conditions the coal workers faced, the demise of the coal industry, and the impact of deindustrialization on the region’s people. Often overlooked is how members of the mining communities had a radical hope. Radical hope helps oppressed people to see that another condition and another world is possible, although not guaranteed. Re-examining oral histories from the anthracite region recorded in the 1970s, when the industry was in its great decline, demonstrates how these mining communities anticipated a future good, understanding the struggle to attain it.

Combining approaches for environmental assessment of rehabilitated gold‐mining areas in the Eastern Amazon

AbstractMonitoring key soil and vegetation attributes in mining areas under environmental rehabilitation is essential to ensure that the intervention techniques are effective. There are several approaches to monitoring mining areas and their integration is necessary to process large amounts of information. Thus, this study aimed to (i) assess soil multi‐contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTE) and human health risks; (ii) obtain a soil quality index with soil fertility data; (iii) calculate spectral index; (iv) show rehabilitation status based on vegetation attributes, and (v) compile these indices in a single measure. Four tailings' ponds (TPs), two waste piles (WPs), and an area of native forest from a gold mine in the Carajás National Forest were evaluated. Soil quality and vegetation cover are good in forest areas, with no evidence of PTE contamination. On the other hand, the TPs have poor fertility and vegetation cover, as well as higher levels of PTE. Human health risk indices obtained for all PTE were lower than 1, indicating a low risk to human health. The results of integrating the different indices suggest that the environmental conditions of the WPs are better than those of the TPs, which are still far from the environmental conditions of native areas. Soil attributes and vegetation development in TPs areas could be enhanced by the incorporation of organic materials and fertilizers and by planting species with phytoremediation potential. Finally, the integrative approach of the different indices proved to be useful in assessing the rehabilitation progress of the areas.

Study of the Main Factors Responsible for the Phenomenon of Self-Combustion Observed in Solid Biomass Waste Piles

This article discusses the causes of wood-derived biomass self-combustion. We researched technical and academic literature on chemical processes at SENAI CIMATEC. The factors influencing spontaneous combustion are microbial activity, temperature, humidity, and the concentration of O2 and CO2. Fungus and bacteria play a leading role in microbial activity, degrading organic matter and releasing toxic and flammable gases. The temperature is crucial for monitoring this phenomenon.