Research

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13 pages, 813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plastic Recycling Practices in Vietnam and Related Hazards for Health and the Environment

by Stefan Salhofer, Aleksander Jandric, Souphaphone Soudachanh, Thinh Le Xuan and Trinh Dinh Tran

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4203; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18084203 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 14311

Abstract

Waste plastic today is a global threat. The rapid increase in global production and use has led to increasing quantities of plastics in industrial and municipal waste streams. While in industrialized countries plastic waste is taken up by a waste management system and [...] Read more.

Waste plastic today is a global threat. The rapid increase in global production and use has led to increasing quantities of plastics in industrial and municipal waste streams. While in industrialized countries plastic waste is taken up by a waste management system and at least partly recycled, in low-income countries adequate infrastructure to collect and treat waste adequately is often not in place. This paper analyzes how plastic waste is handled in Vietnam, a country with a fast-growing industry and growing consumption. The recycling of plastic waste typically takes place in an informal context. To demonstrate this in more detail, two rural settlements—so-called craft villages—are taken as case studies. Technologies and processes for plastic recycling are described and related risks for human health and the environment are shown, as well as the potential for the improvement of this situation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries)

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16 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Benefits of Intermunicipal Cooperation for Small Municipalities in Waste Management Provision

by Michal Struk and Eduard Bakoš

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1449; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18041449 - 04 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

Intermunicipal cooperation offers an interesting alternative in cases when municipalities are too small to individually provide public services at an efficient cost level but are reluctant to form a municipal amalgamation in order to benefit from economies of scale. Forming a body consisting [...] Read more.

Intermunicipal cooperation offers an interesting alternative in cases when municipalities are too small to individually provide public services at an efficient cost level but are reluctant to form a municipal amalgamation in order to benefit from economies of scale. Forming a body consisting of multiple municipalities with a specific focus provides a way to reduce costs on service provision while maintaining municipal sovereignty in other areas. In our paper, we quantify the cost benefits of utilizing intermunicipal cooperation in the field of municipal solid waste management. We examine this using data from a 10-year period from municipalities in the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic, where high municipal fragmentation results in many dominantly small municipalities that often are not able to provide public services at reasonable costs. This analysis contributes to the literature by conducting a long-term study of the effects of intermunicipal cooperation on public service provision costs. Our results suggest that municipalities participating in intermunicipal cooperation focused on waste management experienced annual cost savings of approximately 13.5% for provision of this service throughout the examined period of 2010–2019 when compared to municipalities that did not cooperate. These long-term results show how beneficial intermunicipal cooperation can be in reducing service costs. In addition to the direct financial benefits, municipal representatives stated that intermunicipal cooperation often brings other qualitative and non-financial benefits such as better service quality, the possibility to share infrastructure, and relief from administrative and managerial burdens through the utilization of professional management, which was especially appreciated by the smallest municipalities with limited administrative staff. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries)

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15 pages, 1092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Physicochemical Parameters on Analysed Soil Enzyme Activity from Alice Landfill Site

by Nontobeko Gloria Maphuhla, Francis Bayo Lewu and Opeoluwa Oyehan Oyedeji

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 221; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18010221 - 30 Dec 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2845

Abstract

The soil pollution as a product of xenobiotics, industrial action, agricultural chemicals, or inappropriate disposal of waste can change the natural environment of soil indices and trigger life-threatening situations. Soil enzyme activity is the suitable bio-indicator or parameter for monitoring soil pollution due [...] Read more.

The soil pollution as a product of xenobiotics, industrial action, agricultural chemicals, or inappropriate disposal of waste can change the natural environment of soil indices and trigger life-threatening situations. Soil enzyme activity is the suitable bio-indicator or parameter for monitoring soil pollution due to their sensitivity that quickly responds to any soil disturbances. Also, they are known to play an essential role in maintaining soil health and a quality environment. This study aimed to determine the levels of enzyme activity in soil from polluted and unpolluted sites and study the relationship between the physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activity to manage soil pollution. Four selected enzymes (Urease, Invertase, Catalase, and Phosphatase) were examined for their activity from forty samples using the assay method for 24 h; the colorimetry spectrophotometer measured their activity. The obtained data revealed that Invertase activity was a predominant enzyme in all soil samples. Whereas, the urease activity had obtained in low amounts for all collection sites, especially on Site A1. Soil pH had discovered to range between 5.8 and 8.51, moisture content values recorded to vary from 0.12% to 9.09%, and soil organic carbon recorded to fluctuate between 0.08% and 1.54%. Urease and phosphatase activity correlated positively with all soil physicochemical properties except for moisture content, which correlated negatively (r = −0.297; p ≥ 0.05). The invertase activity negatively associated all soil physicochemical properties, excluding the moisture content that correlated positively and significantly with invertase activity. We noted that the dumpsite soil contains low enzyme activity levels, which might attribute to the type of waste disposed off. Also, only the phosphatase activity reported correlating positively with all examined physicochemical parameters entirely. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries)

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15 pages, 3339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Material Flows and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Potential of Decentralized Composting in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study in Tiassalé, Côte d’Ivoire

by Dotanhan Yeo, Kouassi Dongo, Adeline Mertenat, Phillipp Lüssenhop, Ina Körner and Christian Zurbrügg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7229; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17197229 - 02 Oct 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3942

Abstract

Despite many composting initiatives implemented in recent years throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, there is yet a lack of data on material flows and the potential contribution of decentralized composting towards greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. This study fills this gap assessing flows, emissions reduction and [...] Read more.

Despite many composting initiatives implemented in recent years throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, there is yet a lack of data on material flows and the potential contribution of decentralized composting towards greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. This study fills this gap assessing flows, emissions reduction and other environmental benefits of decentralized composting, based on a pilot composting facility implemented in the municipality of Tiassalé in Côte d’Ivoire. Primary data collected at the site were visualized with the STAN version 2.6 software developed at the Vienna University of Technology (Austria), for material flows, while carbon emissions reduction was estimated using the UNFCCC methods. Results show that in 2017, from the 59.4 metric tons of organic waste processed by this pilot station, 14.2 metric tons of mature compost was produced, which correspond to 24% of the input mass (on wet weight basis). On dry weight basis, mature compost represents 36% of the input mass. The nutrient content of the compost is in line with data from literature on sub-Saharan African compost, and heavy metal contamination fulfils both French and German compost standards. Concerning the GHG emissions reduction potential, the results show that with this composting scenario, 87% of the baseline emissions occurring in open dumping can be avoided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries)

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14 pages, 743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Public-Private Partnership Adoption in Solid Waste Management in Rural China

by Dan Pan, Huan Chen, Guzhen Zhou and Fanbin Kong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17155350 - 24 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2664

Abstract

Rural solid waste management is a severe challenge in China. The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is an effective method for rural solid waste management. However, policy efforts aimed at stimulating the adoption of PPP in rural solid waste management have been limited in their [...] Read more.

Rural solid waste management is a severe challenge in China. The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is an effective method for rural solid waste management. However, policy efforts aimed at stimulating the adoption of PPP in rural solid waste management have been limited in their success. This study aims to empirically investigate the determinants of rural solid waste management PPP adoption in China. First, this study builds a theoretical model that consists of factors related to the institutional environment and market and proposes theoretical hypotheses. Then, using the balanced provincial panel data of 150 samples from 2015 to 2019, this study applies various count regression models and truncated regression models to empirically test the theoretical hypotheses. The results show that provinces with higher fiscal transparency, financial burdens, and market demand tend to adopt more PPP, while provinces with lower per capita GDP and market openness index ratings have a stronger motivation to initiate more PPP. In contrast, investment institutional environment factors have no impact on PPP adoption. To stimulate the development of PPP in rural solid waste management, this study proposed that a good-governed government and a strong market demand are critical foundations, and also a debt-risk prevention and evaluation system should be established to avoid local debt risks resulting from over-adoption of PPP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries)

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23 pages, 2966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Response for Municipal Solid Waste Crisis Using Ontology-Based Reasoning

by Qing Yang, Chen Zuo, Xingxing Liu, Zhichao Yang and Hui Zhou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3312; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17093312 - 09 May 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3172

Abstract

Many cities in the world are besieged by municipal solid waste (MSW). MSW not only pollutes the ecological environment but can even induce a series of public safety crises. Risk response for MSW needs novel changes. This paper innovatively adopts the ideas and [...] Read more.

Many cities in the world are besieged by municipal solid waste (MSW). MSW not only pollutes the ecological environment but can even induce a series of public safety crises. Risk response for MSW needs novel changes. This paper innovatively adopts the ideas and methods of semantic web ontology to build an ontology-based reasoning system for MSW risk response. Through the integration of crisis information and case resources in the field of MSW, combined with the reasoning ability of Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL), a system of rule reasoning for risk transformation is constructed. Knowledge extraction and integration of MSW risk response can effectively excavate semantic correlation of crisis information along with key transformation points in the process of crisis evolution through rule reasoning. The results show that rule reasoning of transformation can effectively improve intelligent decision-making regarding MSW risk response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries)

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12 pages, 909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation of Staff Engagement with Infectious Healthcare Waste Management Policies: A Case Study of Tunisia

by Kaouther Maaroufi, Terry Tudor, Mentore Vaccari, Afef Siala and Ezzeddine Mahmoudi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1704; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17051704 - 05 Mar 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

This study evaluated the engagement of staff regarding infectious healthcare waste management, in two case-study universities in Tunisia. Using a questionnaire survey, it was found that the most significant reported factors that influenced engagement were the availability of technical sheets and posters, training [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the engagement of staff regarding infectious healthcare waste management, in two case-study universities in Tunisia. Using a questionnaire survey, it was found that the most significant reported factors that influenced engagement were the availability of technical sheets and posters, training and education programs, and the age range of the staff. While there was some accordance with the Tunisian Decree application n° 2008–2745 of July 28th, 2008, as well as international guidelines and best practice (e.g. the use of color coded bins, waste management teams, and infection control measures), there were also limitations in the provision of training. This limitation in training and, to a lesser extent, awareness impacted on the beliefs about infectious healthcare waste management of staff and their practices. Recommendations for addressing these issues are suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries)

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Review

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26 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessReview

Municipal Solid Waste Management and Adverse Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

by Giovanni Vinti, Valerie Bauza, Thomas Clasen, Kate Medlicott, Terry Tudor, Christian Zurbrügg and Mentore Vaccari

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4331; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18084331 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 11328

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) can pose a threat to public health if it is not safely managed. Despite prior research, uncertainties remain and refurbished evidence is needed along with new approaches. We conducted a systematic review of recently published literature to update and [...] Read more.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) can pose a threat to public health if it is not safely managed. Despite prior research, uncertainties remain and refurbished evidence is needed along with new approaches. We conducted a systematic review of recently published literature to update and expand the epidemiological evidence on the association between MSW management practices and resident populations’ health risks. Studies published from January 2005 to January 2020 were searched and reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible MSW treatment or disposal sites were defined as landfills, dumpsites, incinerators, waste open burning, transfer stations, recycling sites, composting plants, and anaerobic digesters. Occupational risks were not assessed. Health effects investigated included mortality, adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, cancer, respiratory conditions, gastroenteritis, vector-borne diseases, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies reporting on human biomonitoring for exposure were eligible as well. Twenty-nine studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria of our protocol, assessing health effects only associated with proximity to landfills, incinerators, and dumpsites/open burning sites. There was some evidence of an increased risk of adverse birth and neonatal outcomes for residents near each type of MSW site. There was also some evidence of an increased risk of mortality, respiratory diseases, and negative mental health effects associated with residing near landfills. Additionally, there was some evidence of increased risk of mortality associated with residing near incinerators. However, in many cases, the evidence was inadequate to establish a strong relationship between a specific exposure and outcomes, and the studies rarely assessed new generation technologies. Evidence gaps remain, and recommendations for future research are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries)

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