Search

Sustainable waste management was introduced more than ten years ago, but it has not yet been applied to the Thai petrochemical industry. Therefore, under the philosophy of sustainable waste management, this research aims to apply the reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) concept at the petrochemical factory level to achieve a more sustainable industrial solid waste management system. Three olefin plants in Thailand were surveyed for the case study. The sources and types of waste and existing waste management options were identified. The results indicate that there are four sources of waste generation: (1) production, (2) maintenance, (3) waste treatment, and (4) waste packaging, which correspond to 45.18%, 36.71%, 9.73%, and 8.37% of the waste generated, respectively. From the survey, 59 different types of industrial wastes were generated from the different factory activities. The proposed 3R options could reduce the amount of landfill waste to 79.01% of the amount produced during the survey period; this reduction would occur over a period of 2 years and would result in reduced disposal costs and reduced consumption of natural resources. This study could be used as an example of an improved waste management system in the petrochemical industry., (© The Author(s) 2014.)

The leaching behavior of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from an oil shale processing waste deposit was monitored during 2005-2009. Samples were collected from the deposit using a special device for leachate sampling at field conditions without disturbance of the upper layers. Contents of 16 priority PAHs in leachate samples collected from aged and fresh parts of the deposit were determined by GC-MS. The sum of the detected PAHs in leachates varied significantly throughout the study period: 19-315 μg/l from aged spent shale, and 36-151 μg/l from fresh spent shale. Among the studied PAHs the low-molecular weight compounds phenanthrene, naphthalene, acenaphthylene, and anthracene predominated. Among the high-molecular weight PAHs benzo[a]anthracene and pyrene leached in the highest concentrations. A spent shale deposit is a source of PAHs that could infiltrate into the surrounding environment for a long period of time., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Highlights: Data analysis revealed that an appropriate amount of BPG can enhance the mechanical properties of cementitious materials, with compressive strength increasing by an average of 7–30%. The mechanical properties and underlying mechanisms of BPG-based cementitious materials were summarized. This study analyzed the mechanisms of the conversion and utilization of elements of impurities in BPG, as well as the solidification mechanisms of hazardous elements. The mechanisms of synergistic utilization between BPG and silica–alumina-based solid waste, as well as alkaline solid waste, are summarized, showcasing innovative waste management strategies. A sustainable solution for promoting the collaborative low-carbon development of various industrial solid wastes using BPG is proposed. Industrial byproduct gypsum (BPG) is a secondary product that is mainly composed of calcium sulfate discharged during industrial production. BPG primarily consists of desulfurized gypsum, phosphogypsum, and titanium gypsum, which account for 88% of the total BPG in China. The large-scale utilization of these three types of solid waste is crucial for the safe disposal of BPG. BPG contains various impurities and harmful elements, limiting its applications. The continuous accumulation of BPG poses a serious threat to the safety of the environment. Based on a literature review (2021–2023), it was found that 52% of BPG is used in the preparation of cementitious materials, and the addition of BPG results in an average improvement of 7–30% in the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. Moreover, BPG has a positive impact on the immobilization of hazardous elements in raw materials. Therefore, the utilization of BPG in cementitious materials is beneficial for its large-scale disposal. This study primarily reviews the effects and mechanisms of BPG on the mechanical properties of cementitious materials and the solidification of hazardous elements. Most importantly, the review reveals that BPG positively influences the hydration activity of silica–alumina-based solid waste (such as steel slag and blast furnace slag) and alkaline solid waste (such as carbide slag and red mud). This improves the proportion of solid waste in cement and reduces production costs and carbon emissions. Finally, this article summarizes and proposes the application of BPG in cementitious materials. The application of BPG + silica–alumina solid waste + alkaline solid-waste-based cementitious materials is expected to realize a new type of green ecological chain for the joint utilization of multiple industrial solid wastes and to promote the low-carbon sustainable development of industrial clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 50 nations worldwide have Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs), including Canada's National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), which comprise large public datasets of chemical releases to air, water, and land and also transfers to various on and off-site waste management practices. These inventories aim to support a myriad of audiences in pollution-related decision-making. While the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) framed a role for PRTRs as indicators for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 - the sound management of chemicals and wastes, research to date has focused only on air and water releases, omitting vast PRTR data on pollutant transfers to waste management. For Canada's NPRI, 30 years of waste management transfers data on 250+ chemicals has been collected but rarely used in environmental research. Here we show how this overlooked NPRI data may be used to inform snapshots and trends in progress towards SDG 12 using the OECD's framework. Results show that over 28 million (M) tonnes (t) of NPRI pollutants have been transferred from industrial facilities to various waste management practices from 2006 to 2021, of which ~10M t were transferred off-site for waste management operations both within and outside Canada. Time trends show pollutant transfer quantities are increasing, driven by on-site disposals to tailings and waste rock management (of mainly phosphorous, manganese and other metals) and underground injection (of mainly hydrogen sulphide). New route maps reveal that interprovincial and international pollutant transfers are common, and that chain of custody analyses is a burgeoning opportunity but hampered by data limitations. The findings create a state of the knowledge launching point for mainstreaming the use of this overlooked data from both Canada's NPRI and PRTRs around the world, to better track both national and international progress towards sound management of chemicals in waste and SDG 12. Implications: Pollutant transfers and disposals data has not previously been widely used in environmental research. This paper shows how it can be, in the context of SDG 12. Doing so can inspire uptake by researchers and a range of other public users, both strengthening the justification for collecting this data, and bolstering public participation in environmental decision-making from a local to global scale. Doing so also provides the foundation for more in-depth analysis on the domestic and international transboundary movement of Canadian industrial pollutants in waste in the lens of SDG 12 – a topic that was beyond scope here but addressed elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the huge volumes of fruit waste that is a concern for waste management challenges today is the fruit juice industry sour cherry kernel (SCK) waste. The gel obtained by processing the leaf extract of aloe vera (AVG) is the most commercial aloe species and has become a major industry worldwide. This study used AVG and SCK as an additive in acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) to prepare biobased film materials. Two types of processes were used in curing the films: UV curing from acrylate groups and thermal curing from epoxide groups of AESO. The effect of additive type and amount on antibacterial activity, mechanical, swelling, mass loss, and water vapor permeability properties of the films were investigated. The produced films were characterized using FTIR spectra. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biodegradability of AESO was determined as 7.095%. In comparison, the highest biodegradation was observed in films with 50% additive content and this value was measured as 8.89% and 39.95% for AVG- and SCK-containing films, respectively. In addition, the corrosion tests of the films were also carried out and the films with SCK additives were more resistant to corrosive environments. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's rivers are essential for providing fresh water for human sustenance, but their water quality has deteriorated due to pollution from industrial waste, domestic sewage, agricultural runoff, and more. Parameters such as physical, chemical, biological, and intended use criteria are used to assess water quality. Water quality monitoring is crucial for preserving freshwater resources and human health, and integrating IoT and AI has revolutionized environmental monitoring. However, India faces challenges in accessing remote locations for monitoring and a lack of manpower. To address these challenges, real-time monitoring systems and remote sensing technologies should be implemented, and wastewater treatment facilities should be upgraded. Public awareness campaigns on responsible consumption and waste disposal practices are also needed. Strengthening and enforcing regulatory measures to limit pollutant discharge and addressing deforestation and improper land use practices are essential. A comprehensive law on environmental protection is necessary for meaningful enforcement and responsibility within society. By addressing these challenges and adopting innovative solutions, India can safeguard its water resources and ensure a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most coal in India originates from the Korb basin (Chhattisgarh), where coal mines, thermal power, and aluminum plants operate. Groundwater in this region faces severe pollution due to land reclamation, leaching of coal‐related contaminants, waste disposal, and industrial effluent seepage. This work presents results from monitoring groundwater pollution in the Korba basin from 2012 to 2017. Fluoride, aluminum, manganese, and iron levels exceeded acceptable quality limits across all 28 studied locations, with excessive nitrate, magnesium, calcium, and lead levels in specific sites. Tracking seasonal and temporal fluctuations in the most polluted site, namely Kudurmal, revealed peak solute concentrations during the monsoon period and a sustained 18% increase during the study period. Factorial analysis suggests groundwater contamination arises from both human activities and natural sources. These findings underscore the urgent necessity of devising remediation strategies for the drinking water supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Low-Carbon Materials & Green Construction is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a commonly used antibiotic, is frequently detected in water bodies and the natural environment. The profound health consequences of CIP have led to growing attention focusing on environmental concerns. Adsorption is highly preferred because of its adaptability and remarkable efficiency in removing CIP. Therefore, the current work focuses on synthesizing an eco-friendly and economical adsorbent for removing CIP. The work aims to remove CIP using zeolite X (ZX), synthesized from dolochar, and subsequently modified ZX into iron-modified zeolite X (FeZX) via ion exchange. The synthesized FeZX had a crystallinity of 82.701%, an average pore size of 5.917 nm, a micropore volume of 0.298 cc/g, a micropore area of 451.807 m2/g, and a total surface area of 478.521 m2/g. The effect of parameters such as initial CIP concentration, pH, contact period, adsorbent dosage, and iron dosage was analyzed in the batch adsorption studies of CIP using ZX and FeZX. CIP removal of 37.786% was achieved using ZX; hence, the adsorption parameters were optimized to maximize the CIP removal using response surface methodology (RSM), specifically Box-Behnken Design (BBD) using FeZX. Maximum removal of 97.974% was achieved under optimum conditions of 8.06 pH, contact period of 59.422 min, CIP concentration of 17.117 mg/L, and adsorbent dosage of 0.478 g/L. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were the most accurate representations of the experimental data. The findings indicate the significance of using this iron-modified mesoporous zeolite as an adsorbent for efficiently treating CIP wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile industry contributes significantly to the expansion of the world economy, however, it is also notorious for producing large amounts of trash and harming the environment. Effective waste management techniques depend on having a thorough understanding of the forms and makeup of waste from the textile sector. The objective of this paper is to study effluent wastewater technologies to efficiently treat and control the wastewater produced during textile production operations. It is well known that the textile industry generates vast amounts of wastewater, some of which may be contaminated with heavy metals, chemicals, dyes, and organic compounds. This effluent can have serious negative effects on the environment if it is not adequately treated, including contaminating soil and water sources, removing aquatic life, and possibly endangering human health. Due to the inclusion of dyes, heavy metals, and other chemicals, the discharge of untreated or improperly treated effluent from textile processes leads to water contamination. Textile waste can leak hazardous compounds into the environment and contaminate the soil, both of which have an impact on air quality. The environmental impact of the textile industry is further exacerbated by the energy and resource use involved in production. At several points in the textile supply chain, waste is generated. Fibre trimmings, fly waste, and yarn waste are produced during the fibre production, spinning, and weaving operations. There are numerous ways and technologies for treating wastewater, including advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), biological treatment systems, and membrane-based technologies. The formation of eco-friendly materials and advancements in recycling technology help to make the textile industry more closed-loop and sustainable. In conclusion, managing waste from the textile sector is a significant environmental concern that calls for creative solutions and environmentally friendly procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Present study assessed the growth of two plant species and ion uptake by them grown on different proportion of industrial solid waste and garden soil. The industrial waste having high concentration of chemicals were used with garden soil at different proportion i.e. 0% (T0), 5% (T1), 10% (T2), 15% (T3) and 20% (T4). Two species namely Conocarpus erectus (alien plant) and Dodonaea viscosa (indigenous) were used as test plants in pot study. Different parameters including growth, physiology, and anatomy of plants and concentration of cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) in the plant shoot and root were measured at different time duration (initial, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th month). The key objective of the study was to use these plants to establish their plantations on the barren lands where industrial solid wastes were being disposed of. C. erectus showed better growth than D. viscosa, as well as more uptake of ions. A significant increase in plant growth was observed in fourth month in T1, where plant height reached 24.5% and 46% for C. erectus and D. viscosa, respectively. At harvest, in C. erectus, no significant difference in the fresh (65–78 g) and dry weight (24–30 g) of the shoot was observed across treatments compared to the control. In D. viscosa, at the time of harvest, the fresh and dry weights of the root and shoot showed a strong, significantly decreasing pattern across T1, T2, and T3, leading to the death of the plant at T3 and T4. Further, optimum ratio of waste soil to garden soil was found as 10:90 and 20:80 to establish the plantations of D. viscosa and C. erectus, respectively in areas where such solid waste from industries are disposed. Findings can be used for the restoration of such solid waste for the sustainable management of industrial areas and their associated ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pharmaceuticals or their active metabolites in receiving waters is a sign of the inefficient removal of bioactive substrates from wastewater. Adsorption seems to be the most effective and inexpensive method of their removal. Waste management aimed at sorbents is a promising way to sustain several sustainable development goals. In the presented paper, the removal of the two most widely used drugs in the wastewater was examined. Diclofenac and carbamazepine were removed from water and wastewater using textile waste-derived sorbents. Their removal efficiency was verified by testing several process parameters such as the time of the sorption, the presence of interfering inorganic ions, the presence of dissolved organic matter, the initial pH and ionic strength of the solution, and various water matrices. The adsorption capacity was noted for diclofenac (57.1 mg/g) and carbamazepine (21.25 mg/g). The tested process parameters (pH, presence of inorganic ions, dissolved organic matter, ionic strength, water matrix) confirmed that the presented waste materials possessed a great potential for pharmaceutical removal from water matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the environmental impacts of a household waste‐sorting policy on the household waste management system, including collection, transportation, and treatment, is the basis for evaluating the policy's effectiveness. Beijing, the capital of China, began to implement the mandatory domestic waste‐sorting policy in May 2020. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts of the household waste management system in Beijing before and after implementing the sorting policy using the life cycle assessment method. Implementing the policy at the waste collection stage reduced the environmental impacts by minimizing the number of garbage bins consumed through their removal and consolidation. At the transportation stage, implementing the policy increased the environmental impacts per unit of waste via transportation structure changes. However, the overall impact was reduced because more recyclable materials were separated after waste sorting. The environmental impacts were reduced after implementing the policy at the treatment stage mainly because of the change in waste composition and the decrease in the total volume of treatment. Global warming potential (GWP) was the main contributor to the environmental impacts. After waste sorting, the GWP of the collection, transportation, and treatment stages decreased by −19.96%, −24.36%, and −38.08%, respectively, resulting in a total GWP reduction of −37.90%. However, incineration and biochemical treatments may offer environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comprehensive study on the development and characterization of a novel lightweight filling material, pond ash geomaterial (PAGM), composed of pond ash, expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads, cement, and water. The mechanical properties of the PAGM were systematically investigated through a series of laboratory tests, including density, unconfined compressive strength, stress–strain behavior, initial tangent modulus, energy absorption, and a newly introduced density/strength ratio. The effects of various mix ratios, such as EPS/PA (EPS beads to pond ash), C/PA (cement to pond ash), and W/PA (water to pond ash), were studied. The study showed that PAGM density depended on the EPS/PA ratio and ash gradation. Higher cement content (C/PA) enhanced unconfined compressive strength. Increased EPS/PA ratios reduced strength but enhanced ductility. The initial tangent modulus correlated with strength, while energy absorption related to the EPS/PA, C/PA, and W/PA ratios. The density/strength ratio emerged as a novel parameter to tailor PAGM properties, enabling the material to cater to specific engineering needs. The developed PAGM exhibited promising engineering properties and proved to be a strong and sustainable alternative to traditional lightweight construction materials. This study contributes valuable insights for the optimization and utilization of PAGM in various geotechnical applications. Practical Applications: Pond ash geomaterial (PAGM) has a wide range of uses in geotechnical engineering, making it an essential solution for a variety of construction projects. The flexibility and on-site customization enable adjusted properties to meet their particular needs. PAGM can be used effectively in controlled backfilling, abutment construction, pipeline trenching, embankment widening, and slope stabilization. Its lightweight design reduces pressure on lateral and subsurface parts, ensuring stability. PAGM offers a sustainable approach to diverse and effective geotechnical solutions by recycling pond ash, an industrial waste product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empty and partially filled grain (EPFG) from rice milling factories is usually discarded to landfill. Converting EPFG to valuable products could increase the waste value, improve Malaysia's rice milling waste management, and prevent environmental problems. Utilising the existing and accessible technology in rice mills factories, the optimal waste management practices involving EPFG were investigated. The options were option 1 as biochar, option 2 as compost, and option 3 as bioethanol. Data was obtained from a previous study based on the current Malaysian scenario. A methodology integrating MFA and LCA was applied to observe the environmental performance of these options, which was performed using STAN2 and SimaPro 9.0 software. The best environmental performance was found for the conversion of EPFG to compost (option 2) since less input was used and fewer emissions were released. A total of 3,550 kg CO2 eq. per ton of EPFG used was obtained while avoiding fertiliser products. Therefore, converting EPFG to compost as an easily applied technology can be suggested to rice mill factories to improve their waste management. When deployed in agricultural waste management systems, the integration MFA-LCA model could be referred to as a useful source when implementing policies and industrial uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater remains the most dependable resource for various essential uses such as drinking, cleansing, agricultural irrigation, and industrial applications. In urban areas, the dependency on groundwater to meet water demands is significant. However, this resource faces threats from overuse and poor management, leading to a degradation in quality primarily due to the unchecked release of industrial and household wastes. The escalation of industrial activities and rapid urban growth have amplified the volume of wastewater, adversely affecting the purity of freshwater sources within aquifers. This investigation focuses on evaluating the impact of industrial and urban effluents on groundwater quality in the city of Faisalabad. The main contributors to groundwater pollution include the indiscriminate disposal of industrial and urban effluents through unlined drains and the extensive application of chemical agents in agriculture, such as fertilizers, and pesticides. To understand the physiochemical properties of both, drain and groundwater, samples were collected at various distances 50 m, 100 m, and 150 m from drain outlets. This study utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to accurately map and analyze the distribution and impact of contaminants. Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, bicarbonates, calcium and magnesium hardness, and chloride levels were examined. The findings indicated that contaminant levels were highest in drain water and increased in concentration the closer they were to the drainage sources, with the exception of pH levels. All samples exceeded the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limits, deeming them unfit for use. This finding indicates widespread contamination, posing significant public health risks and highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management and water treatment practices in Faisalabad. It underscores the critical importance of implementing effective pollution control measures to safeguard public health and ensure water security in the region. However, a notable correlation was observed between the concentration of pollutants in drain water and key indicators such as EC, TDS, total hardness, and magnesium hardness, highlighting their role in deteriorating aquifer water quality. Moreover, groundwater samples collected 50 m from drains exhibited the highest pollutant concentrations compared to those taken further away, at 100 m and 150 m distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jarosite, an industrial waste, has the potential to be used as an alternative filler in biocomposites used as packaging material and can replace nondegradable thermoplastic. Such a novel approach of waste management strategy has not been studied till date. In this research work, different weight percentages of jarosite were mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to fabricate polymer composites with better physico‐chemical, thermal, tensile, and biodegradation properties. The data indicate that a low concentration of jarosite (3 wt.%) improved the tensile strength by 198.7% and the composite showed higher thermal stability by 6.3% than that of the neat PVA. X‐ray diffractogram and transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed a strong interaction between PVA and jarosite. Interestingly, the addition of jarosite reduced the water absorption capacity and thickness swelling of the PVA composite by 58% and 54.7%, respectively. Jarosite‐incorporated composites showed lesser degradation potential (64%) than the control composites (84%) after 60 days under soil burial conditions, indicating that PVA‐jarosite composites have a higher shelf‐life, which is needed for packaging materials. These composites can also be good alternant for thermoplastic used in preparation of cuboid, sealing, and decorative materials. Also, this would be a novel sustainable approach for managing/reducing jarosite waste. Highlights: Jarosite was reinforced with PVA to fabricate biocomposites.The maximum tensile strength of the composite was achieved as 45.4 MPa.The thermal stability of mechanically optimized composite is found at 320°C.After 60 days under soil burial, the composite lost 64.8% of its original weight.Developed composites can be good alternant for nondegradable thermoplastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased usage of diesel in the past 20 years, particularly in developing countries like India, has resulted in serious concerns in abating gaseous pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and hydrocarbons (HC). On the other hand, the growing metallurgical processing industries leave behind tons of solid waste, making waste management a bigger issue. In the current work several industry wastes have been tested under discharge plasma environment for their catalytic properties in the removal of HCs from diesel exhaust. To explore the benefit of metal oxide components, present in industry wastes, a new approach was proposed in this work wherein two industrial wastes were blended to form a composite waste which was then powdered and bound to form pellets. Four such composite waste-based pellets, namely red mud + iron tailing, iron tailing + lignite ash, lignite ash + copper slag and red mud + oyster shells, were tested for their catalytic properties under plasma environment. Exhaust emanating from a 6 HP engine is sampled and studied for HC removal in a pulsed plasma reactor embedded with composite wastes. The pellets being porous in nature, studies were also conducted for HC adsorption by cascading composite wastes with plasma alone while treating the exhaust. All the composite wastes exhibited good plasma catalysis in HC removal (58–73%) when compared to that with plasma alone (31%). Further, there is a marked difference between plasma adsorption and plasma catalysis by a factor of 1.75–2.2 indicating synergy between plasma and metal oxides present in composite wastes while catalysing HC removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposal and harmless utilization of coal-based solid waste, industrial sludge, and other bulk industrial solid waste is a sustainable and economical approach. In this study, coal gangue and printing and dyeing sludge were recycled to reconstruct high-strength ceramsite using a simple and scalable method. The high silica and alumina contents in coal gangue provided a foundation for ceramsite preparation, and the iron oxide in the printing and dyeing sludge could reduce the sintering temperature. The optimal synthesis conditions were as follows: Coal gangue: printing and dyeing sludge = 40:60; sawdust content of 9mass%; sintering temperature of 1175 °C for 15 min; and preheating temperature of 400 °C for 10 min. The designed ceramsite exhibited high compressive strength of 27.26 MPa, low 1-h water absorption of 1.26%, and bulk and apparent densities of 998 and 1597 kg/m3, respectively; thus, it was categorized as high-strength ceramsite. In determining the modelling mechanism during the sintering process, the silicon and aluminum distributions on the ceramsite surface obtained under the optimal preparation conditions was highly consistent, forming a silicoaluminate that supported the ceramsite strength. Sawdust addition increased the pore structure of the ceramsite. The heavy metals contained in the raw materials were well-immobilized in the ceramsite, indicating that the prepared ceramsites were free from secondary contaminants. Use of bulk solid waste to prepare high-strength ceramsites is a feasible resourceful and harmless utilization method, which is of great significance for bulk solid waste disposal and reuse. [Display omitted] • Coal gangue and printing and dyeing sludge were synergistic disposed. • High-strength ceramsite with high performance was prepared. • Preparation conditions for the optimum performance of ceramsites were obtained. • High-strength ceramsite has minimal secondary pollution to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid wastes have become one of the most critical problems in urban areas because of the increase in the amount and the environmental problems caused by the variety of these wastes. In the same local governments where waste management is mismanaged, much money is wasted, and landfills are unnecessarily occupied. Making a profit out of solid wastes, seen as a heavy burden to the world and our country, aims firstly to collect these wastes apart from their sources by characterizing them. Recycling of both household and industrial wastes should be planned and done at the source. Collection is the most laborious and costly element of solid waste management. The study area was divided into four groups according to income levels, and the waste generated there was evaluated. The study showed that for 2022, kitchen waste ranks first with 67.25%. Kitchen waste is followed by packaging waste at 21.03%; flammable wastes (textile etc.) at 21.04%; ash waste at 44%, While hazardous wastes have a share of 0.55%; lastly, park and garden wastes and electronic wastes were not detected at all. It is seen that waste management activities are carried out in the Çayırova region, but the integration of citizens into waste management activities needs to be increased. In this regard, improvement efforts have been made to increase efficiency in separating collection from the source and reduce the amount of final waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor management process and negligent waste disposal practices from textile and dye industries lead to severe environmental menace. At present, industrial effluent disposal treatment uses physical and chemical approaches. Hence, an investigation was conducted using potent and native microbial isolates from untreated wastewater released from textile industries in the Sanganer area of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Eleven competent bacterial strains, which showed potential degradation efficiency, were screened from these two random discharge sites of textile effluent. The study also developed bacterial consortia 1 (DB1-DB7), which showed a maximum of 87%, and consortia 2 (DR1-DR4), which established a minimum decolorization of 65%. The biochemical analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing were investigated, suggesting that potent organisms and their consortium belong to Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp. In the future, the exploitation of these species would scale up for a safe and efficient bioremediation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management is one of the many major challenges faced by all urban cities around the world. With the increase in population, the current mechanisms for waste collection and disposal are under strain. The waste management problem is a global challenge that requires a collaborative effort from different stakeholders. Moreover, there is a need to develop technology-based solutions besides engaging the communities and establishing novel policies. While there are several challenges in waste management, the collection of waste using the current infrastructure is among the top challenges. Waste management suffers from issues such as a limited number of collection trucks, different types of household and industrial waste, and a low number of dumping points. The focus of this paper is on utilizing the available waste collection transportation capacity to efficiently dispose of the waste in a time-efficient manner while maximizing toxic waste disposal. A novel knapsack-based technique is proposed that fills the collection trucks with waste bins from different geographic locations by taking into account the amount of waste and toxicity in the bins using IoT sensors. Using the Knapsack technique, the collection trucks are loaded with waste bins up to their carrying capacity while maximizing their toxicity. The proposed model was implemented in MATLAB, and detailed simulation results show that the proposed technique outperforms other waste collection approaches. In particular, the amount of high-priority toxic waste collection was improved up to 47% using the proposed technique. Furthermore, the number of waste collection visits is reduced in the proposed scheme as compared to the conventional method, resulting in the recovery of the equipment cost in less than a year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurethane (PU) is a type of polymer, which exists in various forms in the environment. Very few studies are available concerning the structure or enzymatic mechanism of the microbial community, which can degrade PU. Degradation of PU remains a difficult problem with respect to the environmental and biological disciplines. This study mainly focused on identifying the micro-organisms able to degrade polyurethane and confirming the degradation by performing a plate assay, Sturm test and scanning electron microscopy. Optimal culture conditions for maximum PU degradation were also analyzed through classical methods. A soil burial test was conducted by placing polyurethane films in the soil for one month, and the microbe growing on the surface of polyurethane films—with a maximum degradation of 55%—was isolated and identified as Aspergillus versicolor (ARF5). The culture medium was also optimized with different physical and chemical parameters for maximum PU degradation. The presence of CO2 as a by-product of PU biodegradation was confirmed through the Sturm test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus production in Colombia is divided into six productive centers, with a total production of 1,450 thousand tons in 2021. The greater entrepreneurial activity stands out in the West and a lower level in the South, which generates 230 thousand tons per year of citrus waste, posing challenges in terms of pollution and wet/semi-solid waste management. This study evaluates the industrial potential of these waste products for strengthening the national citrus industry, considering three aspects: raw materials availability, technological opportunities, and market opportunities. The results indicate that Colombia has a robust citrus production, with an emphasis on oranges, mandarins, and lemons, and significant potential in the industrialization of the peel, which constitutes between 40% and 60% of the total fruit. To industrialization were identified six key research areas of citrus waste in terms of technological opportunities. Regarding market opportunities, there is observed growth both nationally and internationally in products derived from citrus waste, including essential oils, terpenes, dietary fiber, pectin, citric acid, and biofuels. Colombia is considered a country with great potential for the industrialization of citrus waste, supported by its abundant raw materials, promising technological opportunities, and a growing market. However, improvements in infrastructure, investment in research and development, and the promotion of entrepreneurial culture in the citrus sector are needed to fully capitalize on this opportunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of industrial waste is increasing along with the rise in industrial production. Therefore, reusing or recycling this harmful waste is quite a significant issue for waste management. A suitable use for industrial wastes is to incorporate them in concrete, the most widely used material in the world. In this study, grinding swarf, which had not been used in cementitious composites before, and metal shavings produced in the computer numerical control (CNC) milling process were used. The effects of these wastes on the strength and durability of cement mortars were investigated by using them separately and in hybrid forms. Flowability, fresh unit weight, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption and high-temperature effect tests were conducted on mortar samples. Although the wastes exhibited a positive contribution when used alone, they yielded the highest contribution when combined. When the waste materials were used in a hybrid form, they increased compressive strength, flexural strength and high-temperature resistance by 29%, 12.98% and 49.50%, respectively. Owing to their physical and chemical composition, metal shavings showed fibre effects, while grinding swarf improved strength and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological wastewater treatment using trickle bed reactors is a commonly known and used solution. One of the key elements of the proper operation of the trickle bed bioreactor is the appropriate selection of biofilm support elements. The respective properties of the bioreactor packing media used can influence, among other things, the efficiency of the treatment process. In this study, the possibility of polyester waste material usage for the preparation of the biofilm support elements was tested. The following properties were checked: adsorption capacity, swelling, surface morphology, microbicidal properties, as well as the possibility of their use in biological wastewater treatment. The tested elements did not adsorb copper nor showed microbicidal properties for bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well as fungal strains Aspergillus niger and Chaetomium globosum. The hydrophilic and rough nature of the element surface was found to provide a friendly support for biofilm formation. The durability of the elements before and after their application in the biological treatment process was confirmed by performing tests such as compressive strength, FTIR analysis, hardness analysis and specific surface area measurement. The research confirmed the applicability of the packing elements based on polyester textile waste to the treatment of textile wastewater. The treatment efficiency of the model wastewater stream was above 90%, while in the case of a stream containing 60% actual industrial wastewater it was above 80%. The proposed solution enables the simultaneous management of textile waste and wastewater treatment, which is consistent with the principles of a circular economy. The selected waste raw material is a cheap and easily available material, and the use of the developed packing elements will reduce the amount of polyester materials ending up in landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is basically calcium phosphate and the main inorganic component in natural bone and teeth structure. Animal bones and eggshells are mass-generated bio-wastes, and their calcium-rich structure makes them suitable precursors for bioactive HAp synthesis through biomimetic mineralisation. Industrial wastewater discharge is a worldwide alarming problem due to high-capacity industrial-scale processes, and their adverse effects on human health and environment will be encountered long term. Adsorption is the most widely used separation process in wastewater treatment, in which HAp particles can be used as bio-adsorbents for wastewater treatment processes due to their bioactive nature. Utilisation of bio-waste-derived HAp particles for wastewater treatment applications would be a step towards sustainable development and circular economy concepts. It promotes the reuse and recycle rate of bio-wastes as bio-adsorbents through an effective waste management strategy and increases the circularity of the material in the production chain. This study offers a brief overview of articles published in 2023 on the use of bio-waste-derived HAp particles for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management and climate change mitigation is the key environmental challenges the world faces today. A huge quantity of industrial and agricultural wastes is generated every year globally. Dumping and burning off those wastes cause air pollution and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions causing global warming and climate change consequences. However, these wastes could be effectively utilized in rice as a green technology for GHGs mitigation and sustaining productivity. The seven treatments, including different dose of two industrial wastes (phosphogypsum and basic slag) and agricultural waste (rice straw, rice-straw compost, rice-straw biochar) are (i) recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (80:40:40:: N:P2O5:K2O kg ha−1), (ii) RDF; nitrogen through ammonium sulphate (AS), (iii) RDF + rice straw-biochar (5t ha−1) (BC), (iv) RDF + phosphogypsum (2t ha−1) (PG), (v) RDF + rice straw-incorporation (5t ha−1) (RSI), (vi) RDF + rice straw-compost (5t ha−1) (RSC), and (vii) RDF + basic slag (1t ha−1) (BS). The soil carbon-pools, enzymatic activity, GHGs emissions, global warming potential (GWP), carbon-equivalent emission (CEE), GHG intensity (GHGI) and green income (considering economic profit and carbon-credit compliance) were estimated. The BS and PG had higher GHGs emission-mitigation potential (22.3–20 and 14.8–12.9% reduction of methane and nitrous oxide over RDF, respectively) and lower GHGI. Considering yield performance, production cost, and carbon-credit compliance, BS ranked number one followed by RSC and PG in the green income category and could be promoted as green technology. However, large-scale validation in farmers' fields is necessary for further assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus fruits are one of the most widely used fruits around the world and are used as raw fruits, but are also processed into products such as beverages, and large amounts of by-products and waste are generated in this process. Globally, disposal of citrus waste (CW) through simple landfilling or ocean dumping can result in soil and groundwater contamination, which can negatively impact ecosystem health. The case of Korea is not much different in that these wastes are simply buried or recycled wastes are used as livestock feed additives. However, there are many reports that CW, which is a waste, has high potential to produce a variety of products that can minimize environmental load and increase added value through appropriate waste management. In this study, we aim to explore the latest developments in the evaluation and valorization of the growing CW green technologies in an effort to efficiently and environmentally transform these CW for resource recovery, sustainability, and economic benefits. Recent research strategies on integrated biorefinery approaches have confirmed that CW can be converted into various bioproducts such as enzymes, biofuels and biopolymers, further contributing to energy security. It was found that more efforts are needed to scale up green recovery technologies and achieve diverse product profiling to achieve zero waste levels and industrial viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tikrit Journal of Engineering Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Considering the mismatch in the supply of and demand for the industrial process wastes, we investigate when the interfirm waste utilisation can be both economically and environmentally superior to the no waste utilisation. The Nash bargaining approach is employed to resolve the incentive misalignment problem. Our analysis suggests that the conversion strategy changes from over-conversion, to full conversion, and then to partial conversion with increasing waste trading price. Furthermore, an increase in the waste disposal fee contributes to the diversion of wastes from the landfill but may result in worse environmental consequences especially for wastes with a slight reduction in the production impact compared to raw materials. This implies that policy makers should charge the waste disposal fee based on waste types and focus on increasing that for wastes with higher disposal and lower production impacts. Finally, at the lower waste trading price, the interfirm waste utilisation is always a win-win strategy. While at the higher waste trading price, it is a win-win strategy for products with a substantial reduction in the production impact when producing with wastes. Otherwise, it is a win-win strategy for products with a lower production impact relative to the raw material usage and waste disposal impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali-activated materials (AAM) are crafted to address escalating environmental concerns by utilizing low-carbon industrial waste, thus satisfying the need for innovative alternatives to conventional Portland cement (PC). However, the sustainability profile and cost-effectiveness of AAM depends significantly on the choice of commercial activator, with the high carbon footprint and cost of the activator serving as significant obstacles that limit the utilization of the AAM large-scale construction projects. Some locally available agricultural or industrial alkaline wastes have been researched as activators to activate other materials for AAM preparation, fundamentally eliminating AAM's activator-related drawbacks. All-waste alkali-activated materials (AWAAM) not only solve the issue of alkaline waste disposal but also exhibit satisfactory mechanical properties, along with environmental and economic advantages. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current phase of cementitious materials that do not require additional commercial alkali sources and are prepared entirely from waste materials, which is AWAAM. It describes the sources of alkaline wastes, elucidates the principles of synergistic interactions between these materials, explores the enhancement of AWAAM, and evaluates the cost, environmental impacts, and ionic leaching behaviors of AWAAM. Nevertheless, numerous studies have not examined the durability, leaching of hazardous materials, and workability of AWAAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution from industrial effluents is a major concern because of their toxicity and threat to human life and the environment. The discharge of industrial effluents into water bodies has sparked widespread concern due to the potential health risks associated with toxic components entering the human and animal food chains. This study aims at the removal of selected heavy metal ions from industrial wastewater using Ulva lactuca (seaweed) biomass. A batch reactor study was carried out to remove selected heavy metal ions from industrial wastewater. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to quantify heavy metal ions and adsorbent characterization. The maximum removal efficiency was 55.00% and 81.71%, respectively, for chromium and lead at pH 4, 60 mins contact time, temperature of 40 oC, 1 mg absorbent dosage, and agitating speed of 200 rpm. Absorption behaviour was described using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Freundlich isotherm model (R²≈1) was in good agreement with the experimental data and best described the studies based on data fitness. Kinetics data were best modeled by a Pseudo second-order equation. The study demonstrated that the Ulva lactuca (seaweed) biomass is a promising, biodegradable, eco-friendly adsorbent. The data obtained from the study would be useful to industry stakeholders for proper waste management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of industrial effluents has a significant impact on the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the water bodies and is a major source of contamination of groundwater. The present study investigated the physicochemical characteristics and scrutinized the pollution potential of the tannery, textile, and electroplating effluents uploading into the Kala Sanghian drain, located in Jalandhar, Punjab, India. In this study, 12 samples were collected from the four sites (leather complex drain (LD), leather complex outlet (LO), focal point drain (FD), and Bulandpur drain (BD)) of Kala Sanghian drain in the dry season. The result showed that the drain under consideration is very much contaminated and the water is not suitable for irrigation and agricultural purposes. Rather it has a bad impact on the health of local people, the physiology of aquatic organisms, and the soil quality of agricultural land nearby. The present study confirmed the water quality index was more than 100, indicating a highly contaminated drain and water is unfit for any use. The correlation analysis shows that there exists a positive correlation between TDS and temperature (r = 0.994), DO and pH (r = 0.808), BOD and temperature (r = 0.987), BOD and TDS (r = 0.978), EC and temperature (r = 0.963), EC and TDS (r = 0.954), and EC and BOD (r = 0.956). The principal component analysis (PCA) confirms that PC1 alone has more than 89% of the variance with high positive loading for TDS, temperature, EC, and BOD. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) reflected two clusters where cluster 1 consists of pH, DO, temperature, and BOD of water while cluster 2 consists of TDS and EC of water. The PCA and HCA study of the data set confirms the high degree contribution of anthropogenic activities through the application of chemicals in agriculture, disposal of municipal waste, and industrial effluents in the deterioration of water quality. The results of the study will help to enhance the sustainable action plan for the management of industrial effluents in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of the problems in the graphic industry is the discharge of untreated colored effluents into recipients. Printing dyes are classified as poorly biodegradable with a tendency to exhibit negative effects for the environment. Not enough is known about the interactions of these dyes with other pollutants, as well as about the effects of interactions and their impact on wastewater treatments. The applied wastewater conventional treatments are accompanied by shortcomings (the incomplete dye degradation, large amount of coagulants used, the regeneration of materials, the high cost of waste disposal, etc.) which causes a reduced efficiency of applied processes. In the last few years, studies are based on the application of improved oxidation processes, as a technique that is a prominent among treatments for reducing organic pollutants concentration. The advantages of these processes are the generation of hydroxyl radicals, powerful oxidizing species, with a tendency to degrade poorly biodegradable compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years, the Lean 4.0 concept has emerged and gained prominence on the world stage for waste and efficient natural resources management, once including the Lean thinking philosophy for management and technologies from Industry 4.0 for supporting and sharing data and information among the actors in the supply chain. This new management technic allows reorganizes the business process and stimulates the circular supply chain based on intelligent services and sharing data, information and know‐how among the actors in production systems. However, it is not clear in the current literature that the opportunities are linked to the relationship between Lean 4.0 and the efficient use of resources in the agro‐industrial environment. Based on the exposure, this paper intends to show an agenda for future research linked to Lean 4.0 in the value co‐creation in agro‐industrial services. We identified five topics for future research that are related to Lean 4.0 for efficient resource use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of industrial waste red mud in polymer composites promotes environmental sustainability by mitigating the environmental impacts associated with landfill disposal. Previous research by the authors on red mud sisal fiber composites resulted in increased strength; it is expected that the strength can be increased further through fiber treatment. As a result, the current study sought to examine the effects of chemical‐treated sisal fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of red mud composites. Alkaline treatment and silane treatment were both used as chemical treatment methods. Red mud was added in three different weight percentages, and composites were built using the compression molding method and tested for hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. The findings indicate that the strength of the composite increases with the incorporation of treated fibers, silane‐treated 30% red mud composites showed a maximum hardness of around 92 shore D. The tensile strength of the composites containing 20% red mud and treated with silane was the highest, reaching ca. 63 MPa. This significant increase in strength was attributed to the formation of strong interfacial bonding between the red mud, fiber, and matrix. Furthermore, the silane‐treated 20 wt% red mud composites have the highest flexural strength (ca. 244 MPa) and impact strength (ca. 26 J/m). However, increasing the red mud content above 20 wt% resulted in decreased tensile, flexural, and impact strength due to poor bond development, and red mud agglomeration. The findings of this study are beneficial for the design and development of composites based on red mud, as well as for promoting sustainable waste management practices. Highlights: Red mud composites achieve superior mechanical strength.Chemical treatment enhances sisal fiber reinforcement.Sustainable waste management promoted through composite utilization.Strong interfacial bonding improves composite performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread contaminants stemming from various industrial and consumer products, posing a grave threat to both human health and ecosystems. PFAS contamination arises from multiple sources, including industrial effluents, packaging, and product manufacturing, accumulating in plants and impacting the food chain. Elevated PFAS levels in water bodies pose significant risks to human consumption. This review focuses on PFAS-induced neurological effects, highlighting disrupted dopamine signalling and structural neuron changes in humans. Animal studies reveal apoptosis and hippocampus dysfunction, resulting in memory loss and spatial learning issues. The review introduces the BKMR model, a machine learning technique, to decipher intricate PFAS-neurotoxicity relationships. Epidemiological data underscores the vulnerability of young brains to PFAS exposure, necessitating further research. Stricter regulations, industry monitoring, and responsible waste management are crucial steps to reduce PFAS exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dinasti International Journal of Digital Business Management (DIJDBM) is the property of Dinasti Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the work there were presented results of investigations of physico-water properties and water retention ability of chosen post industrial waste in the aspect of natural management. Soil water characteristic curves were determined in pressure chambers with porous ceramic plate and parametrized to the van Genuchten equation. The obtained results show, that the less advantageous retention ability has flotation waste and coal mud, the medium one metallurgical and soda waste. The best retention properties have energetic and heat energetic waste. The determined soil water characteristic curves can be the base for evaluation possibilities of natural management of the investigated waste. The carried out investigations, supplemented by examination of chemical properties enable to choose optimal methods of biological reclamation of landfills where are deposited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The utilization of industrial waste for valuable product synthesis is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of climate change and managing waste disposal challenges. Industrial waste is always a big challenge for global warming. In this study, a novel fungus strain was isolated, and identified as Aspergillus oryzae (AKMS), from the oily surface of industrial effluent from an oil industry. Submerged fermentation was exploited to achieve maximum lipases production. A sequence of batch experiments was performed, altering five primary components: sucrose (for carbon), molasses (constituting nutrient mix), yeast extract (as nitrogen supply), sunflower oil (used as an activating agent), and Tween-80 (functioning as an emulsifying agent). These elements are recognized for their substantial impact on the proliferation of microorganisms and, consequently, the synthesis of lipases. The maximum lipase activity for each ingredient was determined, with sucrose showing 2.4 ± 0.539 U/mL at 0.15 g/L, molasses at 1.499 ± 0.291 U/mL at 0.25 g/L, Tween 80 % at 3.33 ± 0.484 U/mL at 0.25 g/L, sunflower oil at 7.49 ± 0.282 U/mL at 1 % v/v, and yeast extract at 4.165 ± 0.841 U/mL at 0.075 % v/v. The optimization of the lipase production and activity was done by using RSM (Box–Behnken design) with the 41st run yielding the maximum activity of 9 U/mL, while the 25th run showed the minimum activity of 4 U/mL, enzyme estimation (U/mL and U/g), glucose (g/L), and dry cell mass estimation (g/L) were monitored up to 120 h of fermentation in a custom-made fermenter with a working volume of 7 L. The highest production of extracellular and intracellular lipases (27.4 ± 0.378 U/mL and 25.4 ± 0.208 U/g, respectively) was observed at the 40 h interval, with the highest value of dry cell mass at 20 g/L. Glucose concentration initially peaked and subsequently decreased over time. A. oryzae exhibited the capability to produce triacyl glycerol acyl hydrolases, demonstrating its potential significance in biotechnological applications. These novel findings shed light on the efficient utilization of oil industry waste soil for isolation of microorganism for sustainable lipase production and highlight the biotechnological promise of the novel isolated fungal strain, which was reported first time in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is a global issue, as is commercial, and industrial waste disposal. Industrialized cities have poor air quality. Emissions from fossil fuel, solid household resources and industry, uncontrolled construction, and human and natural activity pollution are the main sources. The purpose of the study is to investigate answers to the question: Were the recent air pollution and landfill fire in Brahmapuram at odds with Kerala's vision of sustainable development? The study consists of a content analysis of prominent newspaper reports on the Prisma model of sorting articles on Brahmapuram issues to investigate the issue and assess the acceptance of sustainable development in Kochi. The reports cover the period from March 3, 2023, to April 3, 2023. The content analysis revealed that the contractor's failure to meet their obligations was the immediate cause. However, the ineffectiveness of the State's solid waste management policies, from a general failure of waste segregation at source, posed a threat to sustainable development. The researcher classified the causes of the Kochi waste fire under the following reasons, namely, environmental, economic, social, and political. The researcher concluded that the recent landfill fire and air pollution at Brahmapuram were contrary to Kerala's vision of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: Waste production and management from residents and collection for sorting are systems heavily dependent on territorial dimensions. Ergonomic research needs to better integrate such territorial determinants to improve work conditions and design sustainable work systems. OBJECTIVE: Through studies in France and Brazil, this paper analyzes the territorial relations that raise work systems' sustainability challenges for materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and waste management in both countries and examines the links between work activity and territory in MRFs. METHODS: Both studies were based on the principles of activity-oriented ergonomics and used analyses of work activity and sociotechnical systems. The French study focused on interventions conducted over a 42-month period in five MRFs. The Brazilian study was based on a 20-month longitudinal qualitative and quantitative study. RESULTS: In this paper, we argue that territory is a key determining factor in waste production and work. Notably, the consumption patterns of residents and the economic flows within a geographic space determine the waste composition; and the territorially specified public policies, which define technical and social dimensions of waste collection and sorting. However, the territorial dimensions of waste are poorly considered in facility design. Workers' health and sorting system performance are thus affected and negatively compromising plant performance. CONCLUSION: The territory appears as a blind spot in the design of work systems. One of the challenges is to create interfaces and devices that could help to integrate better human activity and waste territorialized anchorage, in a multilevel organization, from local communities to the global recycling chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal is the cheapest and thus the preferred energy source in developing countries. A huge volume of coal mine waste rock, which is known as overburden (OB), is generated due to the surface mining of coal. Due to convenience and the restricted space, the OB is dumped adjacent to the mining area in huge tracts of usable land at large heights. The OB contains a wide range of particles that range from silt–clay size to large fragments of rock that are distributed randomly, which makes open dumping unsafe. Failure of the OB dump slopes causes considerable loss of life and property and disrupts mining operations. This state-of-the-art review highlights the severity of the problems that are associated with OB dumps and the potential to use OB as geomaterial for construction to avoid dumps and address the scarcity of natural geomaterials (e.g., sand and gravel) in the construction industry. Several studies reported OB characterization for on-site stability and reclamation or use as a construction material. Based on these studies, the physical, chemical, mineralogical, geotechnical, and geoenvironmental characteristics of the OB and their spatial and temporal variation are critically assessed. The OB properties vary widely based on the composition and gradation; however, previous studies clearly demonstrated the potential for using OB as a sustainable geomaterial, bridging the safety and sustainability problems of the mining and construction industries simultaneously. Comprehensive characterization and quantification of sustainability to overcome the current challenges when using OB as a sustainable construction material are highlighted in this study. This will help new researchers and practitioners worldwide validate their experimental results and devise solutions to mitigate the problems associated with OB in potential civil engineering applications. The question of how to replace traditional construction materials with efficient substitutes is crucial if we have to sustainably meet the demands of the upcoming decade. Different industrial wastes might hold the key to solving this issue on a widespread basis. When possible, suitable supplements might be employed to render these wastes construction ready. It is necessary to analyze the possibility of these wastes being utilized as construction material. Several laboratory investigations and small-scale field research have shown that various industrial wastes could be used in construction projects. Coal mine OB could be a significant supply of substitute construction materials as an alternative to various industrial wastes. However, very few research studies have examined the use of OB as a construction material. Comprehensive characterization and quantifying sustainability to overcome the current challenges of OB as a sustainable construction material are highlighted in this study. This study's results could help new researchers and practitioners worldwide validate their experimental results and devise solutions to mitigate the problems associated with OB as a sustainable geomaterial for potential civil engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]