Waste Scavenging Research Articles

Unveiling The Safety Disparity: Knowledge VS Practice in Waste Scavenging in Yola North Urban Area, Nigeria

Unveiling The Safety Disparity: Knowledge VS Practice in Waste Scavenging in Yola North Urban Area, Nigeria

Evaluating factors promoting waste scavenging and its implications in a growing urban environ in Nigeria.

Despite the inherent risks associated with waste scavenging, it is surprising to note the age group involved in this activity. This study aimed to assess the motivating factors driving teenagers and youths to participate in waste scavenging, using a sample of 247 scavengers. The data underwent analysis using frequency counts, percentages, and factor analysis techniques. The findings revealed that all respondents were male and aged between 12 and 45years. The primary sources of waste were dumpsites (61%), roadsides, and gutters (26%). Participants predominantly cited lack of formal education requirements and financial gain (93%) as key motivators for their involvement in waste scavenging. Additionally, 96% of scavengers were from northern Nigeria, with the remaining 4% from southern Nigeria. The factor analysis yielded significant results with a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett's test value of 67.770%, significant at p < 0.05. Four distinct factors emerged as significant motivators: (i) Lack of formal education (31.784%), (ii) Financial incentives (22.912%), (iii) Availability of wastes (14.297%), and (iv) Industrial demand for wastes (13.495%), in descending order of influence. Together, these factors accounted for 82.487% of the motivating factors behind youth engagement in waste scavenging in the study area. This outcome highlights potential challenges for the prospects of young individuals involved in scavenging unless substantial interventions are implemented. It is recommended that policies be developed to discourage scavenging activities while simultaneously promoting access to education and social welfare for this demographic. Such initiatives are crucial for redirecting young people away from scavenging and toward more sustainable livelihood options, ensuring a brighter future for them and contributing to overall societal development.

Economic and environmental benefit of informal waste scavenging at landfill sites: A case study at Bukit Gemuk, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Recycling is an important part of the solid waste management system. However, community engagement in this activity remains relatively low. The presence of a group of individuals engaged in collecting recyclable materials at landfill sites has contributed to improving solid waste management performance. This paper aims to identify the background and activities of scavengers in collecting recyclable items at landfills, as well as the environmental impact of the scavenging activity. This study was based on questionnaires distributed to 46 scavengers in the study area. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used to assess the environmental impact of using recyclable materials in manufacturing products. The LCA analysis could identify the contribution of recycled materials to the total savings of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen dioxide (N20) by using recycled materials in the production of a new product. According to the study, the majority of those involved in the scavenging activity are immigrants from Indonesia and the Philippines. Despite safety and health concerns, their efforts to earn a living through waste scavenging are extremely valuable. Furthermore, the findings show that their contribution to the collection of recyclable materials cannot be denied. It is because the presence of this group is essential in a country where recycling awareness is low. Furthermore, the indirect contribution to the environment is important, particularly in reducing the use of natural materials in producing new materials. As a result, the government must devise a more effective strategy for recycling programs by involving all stakeholders.

The Socio-Economic and Environmental Benefits of Waste Scavenging in Maiduguri, Borno State

This study aimed at assessing the economic and environmental benefits of waste scavenging in Maiduguri, which has been presumably neglected by formal sector. The objectives of the study were to: identify the types of waste materials recovered by scavengers, determine the average monthly income and factors that influence the income of Scavengers and examine the environmental benefits of waste scavenging. Data were collected using Questionnaire and observation checklists. Five wards out of the 15 wards that constituted the study area were purposively selected for the study. 210 scavengers were randomly selected and administer Questionnaire at the depots in each of the sampled wards where they sell recovered materials. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square test. The study found that scavenging is a male dominated occupation, with a mean age of 20.2 and average monthly income of N13, 500. The Chi-square test performed to demonstrate the influence of socio demographic factors on income of scavengers revealed a significant association between Age, Educational attainment, length of practice, marital status and categories of waste scavengers. Gender and alternative occupation were the only insignificant factors. The study also showed that, Scrap metals and aluminum were the major materials recovered by scavengers as ascertain by 65.71%, and that the materials are recovered base on their economic value, quality and state. Seasonal differences also contribute to the pricing of recyclable materials recovered by scavengers. The study also revealed that despite the significant contribution of scavengers to environmental sustenance, economic growth and poverty reduction, their activities is still not acknowledge by local authorities in the study area. The study recommends that Government should recognize their contributions as important stakeholders in the waste management sector in Maiduguri by diversifying the types of recyclables and establishing recycling plants, more permanent employment could be provided for the scavengers and other people, thereby improving the economy. Also, Successful integration of scavengers into a formal programme can help optimize waste collection and recycling in an integrated waste management programme. If well organized, scavengers could be given the necessary training that would enable them overcome the challenges they encounter in their activities, especially those related to vulnerability of hazards.

Assessment of Serum Trace Element Levels of Solid Waste Scavengers in Osogbo, South-Western, Nigeria

The aim of the study was to determine whether altered serum trace element status is one of the occupational hazards associated with solid waste scavenging. Having obtained informed consent, 30 male solid waste scavengers (SWS) and 30 age-matched males which served as control group were recruited for the study. Trace elements were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry from serum obtained from 5mL of blood collected from each participant. Questionnaire was administered to obtain information on lifestyles; degree of contact with waste, sites of waste scavenging, types of scavenged waste and common ailments among SWS. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s t test, Chi square test, and Pearson’s correlation co-efficient. The level of significance was p≤0.05. While the levels of Zn (2.91±0.92 µmol/dL) and Cu (2.20±0.47 µmol/dL ) were significantly higher, the level of Fe (0.22±0.07 mg/L) was significantly lower in SWS compared to control (2.30±0.46; 1.73±0.47; 0.37±0.09) but Mn (11.00±0.20- SWS vs 9.00±0.04 nmol/L) was not significantly different in test and control groups. Frequency of health problems among SWS were backache (90%), headache (83%), joint pain (33%), and dizziness (20%). Results of the study suggest that solid waste scavenging is associated with various ailments as well as trace element alterations. The negative impacts of altered trace element metabolism on health are diverse.

Assessment of Hepatorenal Function of Nigerian Solid Waste Scavengers in Osogbo, Nigeria

Introduction: Both hepatic parenchymal and renal cells are rich in enzymes required for the biotransformation of various exogenous substances, a process that sometimes may result in organ damage. Contact with solid waste will undoubtedly result in high degree of exposure to various harmful substances. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of solid waste scavenging on hepato-renal function.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Twenty-nine solid waste scavengers and 30 subjects who served as control were used for the study. Serum obtained from 5 mL of blood was utilized to assess hepatic (alanine &amp; aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, γ-globulins) and renal (urea, creatinine) functions of each participant. Standard photometric methods were used for all estimations. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: Significant differences were observed for globulins and total proteins in solid waste scavengers compared with control (p&lt;0.05) while other parameters (alanine &amp; aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, urea) were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). There was total non-compliance to the use of personal protective equipment. Results of the study revealed that hepatic and renal markers were not significantly different but γ-globulins were significantly higher in solid waste scavengers compared with control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Solid waste scavenging in Osogbo is not associated with hepatorenal alteration except that γ-globulin fraction was elevated.

Assessment of Health and Safety Risk Among Waste Scavengers in Enugu State, Nigeria

One of the most dangerous and dehumanizing activity in many developing countries is waste scavenging, an act of selecting possible useful or materials from waste materials especially at waste dump sites for purposes of making a living. This act exposes waste scavengers to several occupational health risks and hazards ranging from cuts, needle stick injury, and exposure to particulate matter, disease causing organisms, contaminated food and water, unhygienic working environment, among other health hazards. In Nigeria, population growth has resulted in an uncontrolled increase in waste creation, making it impossible for waste management organizations in various states to cope. Thus, increasing the number of waste scavengers who use waste picking as a daily source of income and a routine vocation to reduce the unemployment gap. This study was therefore performed to assess health and safety risk among waste scavengers in Enugu state, Nigeria with a view to identifying health conditions associated with waste scavengers in the state. This research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional approach in sampling 396 wastes scavengers across the three senatorial districts of Enugu state. A multistage and random sampling technique with instruments of questionnaires as well as risk assessments of the dumpsites were used to achieve the research objectives. Findings revealed that most of the respondents were exposed to all types of hazards with (79.8%) prevalence of physical hazard, (52.3%) prevalence of biological hazard, (61.6%) prevalence of chemical hazard, (60.6%) prevalence of psychological hazard and (95.7%) prevalence of ergonomic hazard. Due to exposures to broken glasses, needles, nails, metals, bottles, trips and falls, dust, machinery, computer equipment, woods, faeces, used condoms, food wastes, decaying materials, insects, rats, snakes, battery, poisoning from insecticides, decaying materials, chemical substances, lifting heavy bags of picked solid waste materials such as metals and plastics. Study recommends the use of PPEs by scavengers and enforcement of the use by government to ensure their exposures to some of these hazards are reduced. Also, recommends collaboration of Government with health workers to organize frequent health education and promotion to educate the waste scavengers on various types of health hazards.

Assessment of Waste Scavenging Activities in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

The study was focus on assessing waste scavenging activities in Calabar, Cross River State. Specifically, the study appraised the socioeconomic characteristics of solid waste scavengers in Calabar and analysed the contributions of scavengers in the waste management process. The study obtained data through questionnaire administration. A total of 50 copies of questionnaire were distributed purposively to waste scavengers in the study area while descriptive statistics was used in carrying out analysis. It was observed that scavenging is exclusively carried out by males and those between 31 years and 40 years dominate the waste scavenging process. It was equally revealed that the married form a larger percent of scavengers in the study area. Scavengers were observed to be engaged in picking up irons/metals, plastics, glasses, copper, bottles as well as vegetables and food remains. Scavengers are mainly involved in the exercise in order to enable them earn a living. Therefore, wastes materials that are pickup in the process are sold out to recycling companies. Specifically, iron scraps pickers sell them to iron recycling companies while vegetable waste pickers sell to fertilizer production companies. Very few scavengers use the wastes they pick up for personal uses. However, it was noted that scavengers contribute positively in the management of solid waste in Calabar. Based on the findings, it was suggested that waste sorting should be encouraged among youths through the organization of sensitization campaigns and the awareness since it has the potentials of reducing unemployment while promoting waste management. Equally, scavengers should be recognized by the government as managers in the waste sector and be given some incentives

Waste Scavenging a Problem or an Opportunity for Integrated Waste Management in Namibia: A Case of Keetmanshoop Municipality, Namibia

Waste scavenging is an emerging challenge faced by many Municipalities and Local Authorities in Namibia. However, it has been neglected by authorities due to insufficient knowledge about its contribution to resource recovery and recycling. This study investigated how waste scavenging as a problem can be transformed into an opportunity for Integrated Waste Management in Namibia. The main objective of the study was to determine the socio-economic drivers as well as health implications of waste scavenging at Keetmanshoop municipal dumping site, Namibia. Using the purposive sampling method, a total of 45 waste pickers were interviewed through semi-structured questionnaires. The data collected included waste pickers demographic (age, gender, marital status, and level of education), socio-economic impacts (income and diseases) from waste scavenging. The study revealed that the main drivers of waste scavenging are poverty (71.1%) and unemployment (64.4%). Furthermore, waste scavenging contributes significantly to waste pickers&amp;rsquo; livelihood through income generation from the sale of waste materials (93.3%). The majority of the waste pickers (80%), scavenge mainly for metals whereas the least target food. The study concluded that waste scavenging, although neglected, contributes significantly to the livelihoods of waste pickers and waste management in Keetmanshoop. The study recommends that waste scavenging should be regulated and integrated into the formal waste management system of the Municipality through avenues such as the formation of the waste picker&amp;rsquo;s cooperatives that will be registered with the municipality and recognised through formal structures.

Consequences of illegal COVID-19 waste scavenging and recycling

and recycling. Nevertheless, many adolescents are also involved in this illicit economy. This is a pragmatic scenario in many developing countries such as Bangladesh . Informal hazardous medical waste including COVID-19 infectious waste scavenging from HCEs, road side bins and waste dump sites are reported on the print and electronic media.

Extracellular vesicles: Potential impact on cardiovascular diseases.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have received considerable attention in biological and clinical research due to their ability to mediate cell-to-cell communication. Based on their size and secretory origin, EVs are categorized as exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. Increasing number of studies highlight the contribution of EVs in the regulation of a wide range of normal cellular physiological processes, including waste scavenging, cellular stress reduction, intercellular communication, immune regulation, and cellular homeostasis modulation. Altered circulating EV level, expression pattern, or content in plasma of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in diverse cardiovascular pathologies. Due to their inherent characteristics and physiological functions, EVs, in turn, have become potential candidates as therapeutic agents. In this review, we discuss the evolving understanding of the role of EVs in CVD, summarize the current knowledge of EV-mediated regulatory mechanisms, and highlight potential strategies for the diagnosis and therapy of CVD. We also attempt to look into the future that may advance our understanding of the role of EVs in the pathogenesis of CVD and provide novel insights into the field of translational medicine.

Waste Scavenging and Its Contribution for Survival and Urban Recycling in Kota Kinabalu City, Sabah, Malaysia

High generation of solid waste has been identified as one factor contributing to the world’s environmental problems, and the decrease in suitable landfill sites and scarcity of natural resources is creating greater demand for remanufacturing and reuse. This study aims to examine the contribution and issues embedded in scavengers group to achieved high rate of recycling in waste management program. In order to answer the research objective, this research utilized in-depth interviews conducted with scavengers group. This study revealed scavenging activity is an important element in waste management with positive impact on the economic and environment. Therefore, to support this, the scavengers group need to be part of the government’s attempt to realise its recycling objectives.

Materialities meet the mangle: Electronic waste scavenging in Japan and China

Ethnographic portrayals herein of zones of intensive ruination and material conversion foreground the mutable artefacts within environments and their human and nonhuman implications. In highlighting the toxicity of ravaged sites such as post-tsunami Japan and a South China electronic-waste scavenging hotspot, called Guiyu, the article critiques the 'vibrant' materiality promoted by 'new materialist' geographers and others, who tend to neglect the hazardous environmental health externalities of material conversions. The analysis here centres on trade in electronic waste (a.k.a. 'e-waste' or WEEE). In communicating the labile materialities of e-waste artefacts as they both drive and transform such sites of ruination and scavenging, this ethnographic account of disarticulation and rearticulation offers an opportunity to consider the 'enmeshed processes' of objects and the apparatuses that both destroy and (re)produce them. To this end, the article asks geographers to imagine objects in emergent sociocultural milieux as already disintegrated. Such an approach can not only facilitate analysis of sites of disarticulation—with their capacity for new formations—but also help ethnographers understand how ruination influences informants' conception of surroundings and their practice within them.

Waste Mismanagement in Developing Countries: A Review of Global Issues.

Environmental contamination due to solid waste mismanagement is a global issue. Open dumping and open burning are the main implemented waste treatment and final disposal systems, mainly visible in low-income countries. This paper reviews the main impacts due to waste mismanagement in developing countries, focusing on environmental contamination and social issues. The activity of the informal sector in developing cities was also reviewed, focusing on the main health risks due to waste scavenging. Results reported that the environmental impacts are pervasive worldwide: marine litter, air, soil and water contamination, and the direct interaction of waste pickers with hazardous waste are the most important issues. Many reviews were published in the scientific literature about specific waste streams, in order to quantify its effect on the environment. This narrative literature review assessed global issues due to different waste fractions showing how several sources of pollution are affecting the environment, population health, and sustainable development. The results and case studies presented can be of reference for scholars and stakeholders for quantifying the comprehensive impacts and for planning integrated solid waste collection and treatment systems, for improving sustainability at a global level.

The potential of household solid waste reduction in Sukomanunggal District, Surabaya

The rapid population growth affects the amount of waste generated. Sukomanunggal Subdistrict is the densest area in West Surabaya which has a population of 100,602 inhabitants with a total area of 11.2 km2. The population growth significantly affects the problem of limited land for landfill facilities (final processing sites). According to the prevailing regulations, solid waste management solutions include the solid waste reduction and management. This study aims to determine the potential reduction of household solid waste at the sources. Household solid waste samplings were performed for eight consecutive days. The samples were then analyzed to obtain the generation rate, density, and composition so that the household solid waste reduction potential for the next 20 years could be devised. Results of the analysis showed that the value of waste is 0.27 kg/person/day, while the total household solid waste generation amounted to 27,162.58 kg/day or 187.70 m3/day. Concerning the technical aspects, the current solid waste reduction in Sukomanunggal Subdistrict has reached 2.1% through the application of waste bank, composting, and scavenging activities at the dumping sites by the garbage collectors. In the year of 2036, the potential reduction of household solid waste in Sukomanunggal Subdistrict has been estimated to reach 28.0%.

Electronic waste scavenging in sub-Sahara Africa: Implications for electronic waste management

Electronic waste scavenging in sub-Sahara Africa: Implications for electronic waste management

Scavenging for solid waste in Kinshasa: A livelihood strategy for the urban poor in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Scavenging for solid waste has come to play an important role in contributing to the urban food basket of poor households in Kinshasa. This development has taken place in the context of profound poverty levels exacerbated by political instability. Using field based data collected in three sites, the paper examines the role that solid-waste scavenging contributes to household livelihoods. It is argued that although solid waste scavenging is largely neglected in urban development and planning policies, it plays a key role, not only to the food basket of poor urban households, but also to job creation and environmental sustainability. These issues have been analyzed in the context of evolving strategies for achieving sustainable urban development, poverty alleviation and food security.

Sources of Mercury Exposure to Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Many children in low- and middle-income countries face enhanced risks of exposure to contaminants via the environment, parental occupation, and other routes. While mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant whose transport properties allow it to have an impact even in pristine areas, the presence of significant Hg sources in the developing world can cause localized effects that are more severe than those observed in other areas. This paper provides a narrative review of sources of Hg exposure to people in the developing world with a particular focus on children, and presents an overview of key aspects to this important issue. We searched Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar using keywords including combinations of "mercury" and one or more of the following: "children," "exposure," "breast milk," "artisanal mining," "prenatal," "religion," "medicine," "dental amalgam," "chlor-alkali," "VCM," "vaccine," "e-waste," "industry," "beauty," "cosmetics," "strategies," "child labor," "costs," and "developing countries" to find peer-reviewed articles pertaining to Hg exposure in the developing world. Sources of Hg exposure include mining, consumption, industrial operations, religious practices, traditional medicines, beauty products, vaccines, dental amalgams, and waste scavenging and recycling. Children in the developing world are often subject to higher levels of Hg exposure than those living in developed countries due to the higher prevalence of Hg-intensive industrial processes and consumer products, lack of environmental regulation, and limits in mobility and food choices, among other factors. This issue can be addressed through additional research to fill in data gaps on exposure sources, establish sound and enforceable policies, and increase education and participation in affected communities. Challenges to addressing this problem include limited resources for needed equipment, training, and manpower to implement solutions.

Pesquisa Qualitativa em Psicologia e Saúde Coletiva: Experimentações com o Recurso Fotográfico

A utilização de imagens é um recurso que vem sendo largamente utilizado nas pesquisas qualitativas nas ciências humanas e da saúde. Na Psicologia, as narrativas visuais têm uma função estratégica, pois ajudam a superar barreiras culturais entre pesquisador/pesquisado e produzir conhecimentos culturalmente sensíveis. Objetivou-se apresentar a estratégia de ensaio fotográfico e resultados de investigações que utilizaram narrativas visuais como instrumento metodológico junto às crianças catadoras de lixo, adolescentes em tratamento de dependência química, idosos, adolescentes surdos, profissionais de saúde, estudantes, docentes, assistentes administrativos. Observamos que a fotografia provoca discursos e se apresenta como uma fonte privilegiada de informações da realidade estudada e da visão de mundo dos participantes. A articulação imagem-discurso mostra-se potente no acesso a diferentes dimensões dos sujeitos e constitui uma estratégia de intervenção em várias problemáticas.

Combined XRD and EXAFS characterization of UiO-66 and functionalized UiO-67 MOFs

The recently discovered UiO-66 (UiO-67) class of isostructural metallorganic frameworks (MOFs) are obtained connecting Zr6O4(OH)4 inorganic cornerstones with 1,4-benzene-dicarboxylate (4,4′ biphenyl-dicarboxylate) as linker resulting in a cubic framework [1]. This family of MOFs has attracted great interest because of its remarkable stability at high temperatures, high pressures and in presence of different solvents, acids and bases [2]. Industrial applications in the fields of catalysis, H2 storage, gas purification and, for the isostructural Hf form, interim radioactive waste scavenging. For these potentialities UiO-66 is one of the very few MOFs that have already been successfully commercialized. In this presentation we will show how the synergic refinement of XRPD and EXAFS data resulted in the structural determination of UiO-66/67 [1-3] and we will report new combined synchrotron radiation single crystal XRD and EXAFS data allowing the structure determination of new metal-functionalized UiO-67 of potential high industrial impact because aimed in heterogenization of homogeneous catalytic reactions.