Hospital waste management remains a critical operational and regulatory challenge, especially in health care systems where security risks, compliance pressures and resource constraints are all combined. Although multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches are widely used in waste research in the healthcare sector, most studies focus mainly on the choice of treatment technology rather than on the priority of improving internal processes in hospitals. The study develops and applies a structured framework for decision support, integrating BWM and TOPSIS, to support improvements in hospital waste management in Moroccan health care institutions. Six evaluation criteria were developed by synthesis of literature and consultation with experts, and sixteen experienced experts were involved in the evaluation process. The hybrid framework allows expert judgement to be translated into a coherent prioritization of improvement strategies. The results show that the most important priorities are to reduce sorting errors, strengthen health and safety and ensure regulatory compliance. The most effective strategies were process-oriented interventions, in particular visual guidance and targeted training. By moving the focus from technology choice to internal operational optimization, the study shows how a pragmatic hybrid MCDM framework can be effectively adapted to health systems characterized by structural constraints and scarce resources and provides practical guidance for hospital administrators and policy makers in Morocco.
Juan Carlos Rodriguez Lopez, Enrique Vigueras Santiago, N. García-González
et al.
The development of advanced materials with tailored properties has long been a cornerstone of technological innovation. Increasingly, attention is shifting toward the transformation of end-of-life waste into valuable resources. Spent alkaline batteries, when improperly disposed of as electronic waste (e-waste), pose significant environmental hazards due to their content of toxic metals, which can leach into soil and groundwater. These metals may also undergo physicochemical transformations through interactions with other waste materials. This study investigates the anode recovered from spent alkaline batteries discharged to varying residual voltages. The recovery process involved manual separation, followed by washing with deionized water, filtration, and drying at 50 °C for 48 h prior to characterization. The resulting particles exhibited photoluminescent properties that correlated with the residual voltage of the batteries. Structural analysis revealed the coexistence of Zinc and Zinc Oxide (Zn/ZnO) phases at voltages above 0.78 V, while only ZnO was present below this threshold. The ZnO content was found to depend on the degree of battery depletion, with the residual voltage directly influencing the Zn/ZnO phase ratio.
Marie Antonette Paña-Tautho, Diego Bangoy Tautho, Dana Gabrielle Tautho
This study examined the dimensions of solid waste diversion and developed a validated measurement model for local government units in Davao del Norte. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the study engaged Municipal Environmental Resource Officers, Barangay Captains, and Solid Waste Management Focal Persons as respondents. Through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), seven key factors were identified—waste characterization, management fees and penalties, incentives and reward schemes, enabling government policies, infrastructure for resource recovery, awareness campaigns, and logistical support—which collectively explained 65.14% of the total variance. All factors showed high reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.70, and were largely independent based on factor correlations.Subsequently, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) determined Model 3 as the best-fitting model. The model was refined by correlating error terms of selected items (Items 2, 4, 11, 15, 17, and 19), significantly enhancing the fit indices. The final model achieved strong statistical indicators: RMSEA = 0.026 (p-close > 0.05), NFI = 0.924, TLI = 0.937, CFI = 0.919, and χ2/df = 1.324 (p = 0.062). Model parsimony was also supported by reduced forecasting errors with AIC = 1312.430 and BIC = 1142.005. The findings offer a robust framework for measuring and enhancing waste diversion performance at the local level.
Anareth Cavuquila, Andreia F.F. Dias, Germano A. Carreira
et al.
Multilayer plastic packaging waste (MPPW) represents a significant fraction of plastic waste disposed of in landfills and incinerated due to its complex composition. This study explores the use of density separation, dissolution-precipitation, delamination, and chemical depolymerization through hydrolysis for the valorization of a mixed MPPW sample from a plastic recycling facility composed mainly of polyethylene (PE) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), with smaller amounts of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), several plastic additives, aluminum, and paper. The study demonstrates that dissolution-precipitation effectively recovered good-quality PE at an average yield of 38.8 wt%, which increased to 55.5 wt% when preceded by density separation to remove heavier films rich in PET, PA, and PS. PET targeted chemical depolymerization through alkaline hydrolysis yielded 10.9 wt% of high-quality terephthalic acid with 97.9 % purity when directly applied to MPPW, increasing to 14.8 wt% with 98.6 % purity after density separation. The delamination strategy was inefficient due to the numerous film structures in the mixed MPPW, whilst density separation was a helpful pretreatment step for subsequent recycling through dissolution-precipitation and chemical depolymerization. Combining density separation, dissolution-precipitation, and chemical depolymerization offers a promising pathway to transform complex MPPW into a source of PE and PET monomers.
The article analyses the early stages of wastepaper collection in the Ukrainian SSR during the 1920s and early 1930s, with a focus on the key actors and their conflicting interests. The significance of makulatura is considered in the context of its economic, political and ideological importance in the early Soviet Union. Special attention is given to mass mobilisation campaigns and wastepaper collection in housing cooperatives. The desperate struggle of archival institutions to preserve their documentary heritage is highlighted. The article also reveals the role of administrative resources as a tool of directive planning, used to lobby the interests of specific companies. It demonstrates how the organisational flaws in the state wastepaper collection system contributed to the development of the black market, where wastepaper flows were redirected through unofficial channels. The article argues that speculators were the only ones to make substantial economic profits, while the state primarily derived political and ideological benefits.
Municipal refuse. Solid wastes, Standardization. Simplification. Waste
P. Archana, Premjith B, V.P. Mahadevan Pillai
et al.
Cow dung, often left unmanaged, represents both a nutrient source and an emissions burden. Here we report a decentralized hydraulic process that separates fresh, wet cow dung into two usable streams: a fibrous solid and a nutrient-rich liquid. Pressing removed ∼ 80 % of moisture with fibre recovery of 87 %, yielding materials that supported both plant and algal growth. Fibre application increased the germination energy of Vigna radiata by 47.6 %, while the nutrient powder, obtained through freeze-drying, sustained algal cultures more effectively than synthetic f/2 medium. Life cycle analysis identified freeze-drying as the main environmental hotspot, contributing over half of the system’s climate footprint (∼0.84 kg CO2-eq per 0.5 kg processed). Scenario modelling showed that solar or hybrid drying could reduce this impact by more than 90 %. A multitask neural network (R2 = 0.79) predicted product yields from raw input, supporting process optimization. Techno-economic evaluation indicated a net loss at bench scale, but break-even and positive returns when deployed in gauśāla settings, where local use and market-linked fibre and nutrient streams offset costs. This dual-stream approach demonstrates that cow dung can be reorganized into structured outputs without secondary effluents. By combining experimental validation, life cycle metrics, and economic modelling, the study provides a realistic pathway for circular bioresource management under decentralized rural conditions.
Food waste prevention and recovery have gained increasing attention due to their significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. Food waste occurs across various stages of the supply chain, with a considerable portion generated at the consumption phase. This study focuses on food waste at the consumer level in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and explores strategies to mitigate its environmental consequences. Through a literature review of local statistics and a questionnaire survey targeting university students in the UAE, this research examines attitudes and behaviors related to food waste. A total of 50 responses were analyzed, revealing key insights into consumer awareness and practices. The findings highlight a strong willingness among respondents to support environmentally friendly dining establishments, emphasizing the role of both individuals and service providers in addressing food waste. Based on the results, a set of recommendations is proposed for consumers and food service providers to foster more sustainable consumption habits. The study underscores the need for shared responsibility and collaborative efforts to reduce food waste and protect the local environment.
I Wayan Koko Suryawan, Sapta Suhardono, Ari Rahman
et al.
This study investigates the preferences and willingness of residents, including local and foreign residents, in the Bali metropolitan area to participate in various waste management initiatives aimed at promoting a circular bioeconomy. Bali, a major tourist center in the Global South, presents unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable waste management. Using a choice experiment framework, we explored preferences for managing paper, food, and garden waste through different scenarios. Scenario 1 focused on collecting and separating waste to support existing infrastructure, Scenario 2 emphasized source reduction and participation, and Scenario 3 integrated a comprehensive circular economy approach. The study reveals significant support for comprehensive waste management practices, with high marginal willingness to participate values for initiatives such as collecting and processing paper waste for energy conversion, independent composting of food waste, and community-based composting of garden waste. These findings highlight the importance of community engagement and tailored strategies in developing sustainable waste management programs. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to design effective circular bioeconomy policies that enhance local economic self-sufficiency and contribute to sustainable development goals.
Toxic metal in mining wastewater is a significant concern for the environment and human health, prompting improved efforts to develop sustainable and efficient removal methods. This study characterised and compared the performance of coconut husk and palm kernel shells biochars in adsorbing toxic metals from mining wastewater. The biochars were produced through pyrolysis and characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Batch sorption experiments of toxic metals with biochars were conducted to investigate the effects of adsorbent dose, residence times and varied temperatures. The adsorption efficiency for the coconut husk biochar for arsenic ranged from 92.50 % to 97.50 %, 10.79 % to 24.88 % for cadmium, 46.79 % to 57.71 % for chromium and 52.78 % to 59.55 % for nickel at 30 °C for 30 min. The adsorption efficiency for palm kernel shell biochar ranged from 90.00 % to 97.50 % for As, 15.49 % to 48.35 % for Cd, 56.34 % to 91.81 % for Cr, and 34.18 % to 60.15 % for Ni at a temperature of 30 °C for 30 min. The coconut husk and palm kernel shells biochars showed high adsorption effectiveness, which can be attributed to their lignocellulose content, surface area, organic functional groups, and mineral content. Adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order adsorption kinetics for the toxic metals, indicating monolayer chemisorption as the main mechanism. The coconut husk and palm kernel shell biochars are effective adsorbents for treating mining wastewater, with coconut husk biochar showing superior performance due to its higher surface reactivity. There is a need to create guidelines for selecting suitable materials for particular contaminants.
Parul Dwivedi, Ashwani Kumar Rathore, Deepak Srivastava
et al.
Effect of oxidizing agents on plastic waste derived multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was investigated in this study. It was investigated whether a single oxidizing agent is sufficient for the desired oxidation or if the use of multiple agents is required. Typically, the modified Hummers method employs several oxidizing agents such as H2SO4, NaNO3, H2O2, and KMnO4, contributing to increased production costs and posing challenges for scalability. The investigation focused on the presence or absence of NaNO3 while altering the ratio of KMnO4 and reaction time. The synthesized materials were analysed using UV–VIS spectrophotometry and FTIR. The shifted peaks of the XRD pattern were analysed for the surface modification of the MWCNTOs surfaces with the degree of oxidation. Surface morphology of the samples was obtained using FESEM and found comparable changes with the degree of oxidation. The percentage of Methylene Blue (MB) dye removal was examined using oxidized samples, and the impact of oxidation on the efficacy of dye adsorption was investigated. The results showed that maximum 79% removal occurred for lowest oxidised MWCNTs compared to others as maximum oxidation leads to agglomeration of particles. The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo 1st order reaction order models exhibited optimal compatibility with pristine MWCNTs. In contrast, Langmuir and pseudo 2nd order kinetics models demonstrated superior fitment with oxidized MWCNTs. This suggests a transition in the adsorption phenomenon from physisorption to chemisorption.
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was used in the sorption study for three different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) ring structures (Naphthalene (NAP), Anthracene (ANT), and Chrysene). HAp powders were produced from Camelus bone as an eco-friendly and inexpensive source. Three distinct surface areas (66.56, 94.88, and 94.35 m2/g) at three different temperatures (500, 650, and 900 °C), were applied to prepare the HAp500, HAp650, and HAp900 samples after passing CO2 at 700 °C. It was obvious that the surface area of HAp was greatest at 650 °C as compared to 500 °C with a very small variation in uptake between HAP650 and HAP900. Furthermore, for ANT, HAp900 provides the best uptake. In addition, HAp650 is the best since calcining at 650 °C is less expensive than calcining at 900 °C. The effect of shaking time on the sorption of NAP, ANT, and CHR dissolved in n-hexane was carried out using HAp650. The impacts of sorbent amount, concentration, and temperature were studied. The study indicated that the uptake was 66.89, 69.49, and 19.67 mg/g after 120 min of equilibration. It was observed that the uptake of NAP, ANT, and CHR increased as the temperature increased up to 35 °C. A slight increase was obtained from 35–55 °C, indicating that the adsorption occurring on the HAp650 surface is endothermic. The positive values of Δ H demonstrated the endothermic nature of the adsorption process. Furthermore, the positive entropy of adsorption represents the adsorbent material’s affinity for NAP, ANT, and CHR. In addition, several isotherm models were used to deduce an adsorption mechanism. The adsorption system’s R2 values were 0.9615 for NAP, 0.8666 for ANT, and 1.00 for CHR. These values agree well with the Langmuir isotherm.
Anuradha Rai, Naveen Kumar Sharma, Vinod Kumar Singh
et al.
Increasing discharge of untreated industrial effluents has led to high metal loads in different environments. In the recent past Chromium (Cr) has emerged as a severe pollution to soil and aquatic ecosystems. Its global average load in soil is 54 ppm. Chromium has deleterious effects on crops and the subsequent food chain. If ingested, hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] is highly carcinogenic to faunal health. Here, we investigate the use of biowaste on chromium-contaminated soils to promote phytostabilization and overall improvement in crop productivity via decreased solubilization, restricted leaching, higher bioavailability of micronutrients, along with the efficient recycling of waste from the environment. Biowaste amendments facilitate complex processes such as stable compound formation after reacting to organic ligands, precipitation on surfaces, and ion exchange phenomenon; to improve fertility, physical health, and microbial activity in soil. The resulting improved soil quality promotes resettlement of vegetation and better plant growth and development. The potency of different biowastes to immobilize the hazardous metal(loid)s depends on their chemical nature, the extent of their degradation by microbes, their reaction in specific soil-type and concerned metal(loid)s. We need to develop different bio-remedial strategies to curtail the Cr-phytotoxicity, and ensure sustainable crop productivity.
Dharmendra Hariyani, Poonam Hariyani, Sanjeev Mishra
et al.
Due to increasing environmental awareness and legislation, green supply chain management (GSCM) is essential for organizations. Despite significant research on GSCM principles, there is limited clarity on their specific application to sustainable sourcing and distribution. The research aims to clarify the core principles of GSCM, differentiate sustainable sourcing and distribution concepts, evaluate theoretical frameworks guiding GSCM practices, investigate recent innovations, and identify challenges and barriers to GSCM. This review explores GSCM with a focus on sustainable sourcing and distribution by utilizing the Scopus database. The database is searched from Jan 17th, 2024 to August 25th, 2024. By employing Title-ABS-Key (“green supply chain management” and “sustainable sourcing” or “sustainable distribution” or “framework” or “model” or “innovation” or “challenges” or “barriers”) search, the review includes 266 papers from period 1997 to 2024. The review delves into key theoretical frameworks such as the triple bottom line, stakeholder theory, and resource-based view, etc. and discusses their application in the context of GSCM. Findings show that (i) technological advancements like blockchain, IoT, AI, and big data analytics enhance transparency, optimize logistics, and reduce environmental impact, (ii) material innovations viz. bioplastics and recycled resources promote a circular economy and resource conservation, and (iii) supplier engagement through training, incentives, and collaboration foster sustainable practices. For green distribution, eco-friendly packaging, green transportation, and energy-efficient warehousing are important. The review also illustrates the best practices for the GSCM. The paper also addresses challenges including financial barriers, technological limitations, regulatory constraints, and cultural resistance.
The exploration of alternative energy sources is inextricably linked with energy storage considerations. Current high density energy storage options on the market rely heavily on lithium (Li)-based technologies. A projected increase in energy storage technology demand has sounded the alarm on a need to develop suitable approaches for the recovery of the various constituent metals from spent Li-ion batteries (LIBs). This, coupled with urgent consideration for the environment has necessitated the investigation of various LIB metal recovery techniques. In this work, we explore the novel application of the hydrohalic acids, hydrobromic (HBr) and hydroiodic (HI) acid, as lixiviants in a series of leaching experimental investigations on LIB cathode powder. A methodology for battery disassembly and cell cathode material recovery is presented leading up to the metal leaching. Our results indicate that the lixiviants can be utilized in the absence of a reducing agent which is typically present in conventional LIB leaching systems. The highest recoveries of the constituent metals, Co, Li, Mn and Ni in the HI system were 92.9 %, 93.6 %, 93.1 % and 94.5 % respectively, at an operating temperature of 60 ℃ and with a 1.5 M HI concentration. The HBr system achieved metal recoveries of 90.6 %, 89.1 %, 83.1 % and 96.4 % for Co, Li, Mn and Ni respectively, at 60 ℃ and using 2 M HBr. Kinetic studies showed that the leaching mechanism for both acids follow a chemical reaction-controlled model.
Recently, the circular economy aiming at recycle of waste as the raw material of new valuable products has attracted great interest. In this study the carbon material (CM) was obtained by carbonization of waste ion exchange resin (WIER) and the magnetic carbon material (MCM) was prepared by mixing CM with an aqueous Fe3+/Fe2+ solution followed by the NaOH treatment. Surface structure and charges of CM and MCM were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR and potentiometric titration. The surface charge analysis showed that surfaces of CM and MCM were negatively charged in the alkaline condition. The characteristic peaks of magnetite on MCM can be found in XRD patterns and FT-IR spectra. Adsorption capabilities of CM and MCM was tested in the methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution. MCM adsorption efficiency is 97.7 %, while 81.1 % of CM. MCM adsorption capacity is 13.9 mg/g, better than 10.33 mg/g of CM. Nearly 96 % MB was degraded in the Fenton-Like process by MCM. MCM reusability was verified in the adsorption/ desorption test conducted for five cycles, in which the adsorption efficiency remained 83.6 % at the fifth cycle. The experimental data were fitted by adsorption isotherms, showing that MB adsorption on CM and MCM were more consistent with Langmuir model. In the adsorption kinetic analysis, the pseudo-first order model fitted better for CM sorption, while the pseudo-second order model for MCM. This work revealed that WIER is a proper precursor of carbon adsorbent for MB dye, which would specifically reduce the environmental cost of waste disposal.
Hasan Yılmaz, Huriye Dönmez Özyakar, Merve Mürüvvet Dağ
The present study aimed to carry out an exploratory factor analysis to understand how manure utilization can contribute to sustainable dairy farming in integrated farming with crop-dairy farming systems. Factor analysis was used to put forth the sustainable manure utilization of farmers. The principal component method and varimax rotation were used in factor analysis. A total of 4 factors explaining the sustainable manure utilization of farmers were obtained as a result of the factor analysis. These 4 factors explain 51.29 % of the total variance. Factor 1 “Chemical fertilizer and manure utilization level and efficiency perception, Factor 2 “Soil analysis and crop nutrient utilization”, Factor 3 “Correlation between manure sufficiency and expenses (cost)”, Factor 4 “Limitations in chemical fertilizer and manure utilization”. Of these factors, Factor 1: “Chemical fertilizer and manure utilization level and efficiency perception” was identified as the most important explanatory factor. Factor 1 explains 19.06 % of the total variance. Chemical fertilizer applications integrated with manure can be made ecologically and economically more effective by increasing the awareness levels on sustainable manure utilization and nutrient management of farmers at the integrated farming in the study region.
The indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles and sachet water bags has emerged as a significant environmental and human health concern in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. This study aims to assess the environmental impact and potential health risks associated with the improper disposal of these plastic waste products. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collection through interviews, focus group discussion and questionnaires. Preliminary findings indicate that the indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles and sachet water bags has led to the accumulation of plastic waste in open spaces, drainage systems, and water bodies. This has resulted in environmental degradation, including clogged drainage systems, increased flood risks, and reduced aesthetic appeal of the city. Moreover, the presence of plastic waste in water bodies has led to the contamination of water sources by microplastics and other pollutants, which pose a potential risk to human health. These pollutants can enter the food chain through ingestion by aquatic organisms, ultimately affecting human health through the consumption of contaminated water and seafood. The study also explores the socio-economic factors contributing to the indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste, such as inadequate waste management infrastructure, lack of awareness, and limited recycling facilities. Additionally, it identifies potential strategies to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with plastic waste, including public awareness campaigns, improved waste management systems, and the promotion of sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.
The situation in the world of pandemics is rapidly changing, and the COVID-19 has put a lot of pressure on the government and private sector, who are primarily responsible for controlling the situation. COVID-19 positive cases have increased in 2021 relative to 2020, and the number of patients admitted to hospitals has also increased, despite the fact that few of them were denied admission due to shortage of beds. Normal people who experience any symptoms immediately isolate themselves and begin taking the COVID medications prescribed by medical personnel and their team. During these times, all domestic people tossed the wrappers and boxes of medicines into the regular trash can, and the waste was handed over to the waste collector, who treated it like any other domestic waste and disposed of it using open dumping or other methods. The objective of this perspective is to suggest the collection of these types of waste from domestics, and protect the natural resources like water, soil, and even living beings including animals from pollution (from the effect of SARS-CoV-2). One of the developing nation's hospitals (Indian hospitals) generates 136.89 tons of BMWs every day. During a pandemic, a considerable amount of medical waste is generated from households. The main challenge for environmental waste management agencies is determining who is affected by COVID or viruses and which houses generate these types of waste; thus, the proposed strategy of collecting medical waste separately would be beneficial to the long-term sustainability of natural resources and animals.
Recycling has come to be seen as a key strategy for tackling plastic pollution in South Africa, enabled by the rising popularity of circular economy policies globally. This paper explains how recycling operates discursively, positioning waste as an economic opportunity, with the effect of making it plausible to ignore the multi-scaler inequitable dynamics of waste that have been well documented by critical waste scholars. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered over 13 months as part of the Valuing Plastic Project in Cape Town. Research involved establishing and evaluating a small-scale recycling scheme at Eluvukweni Church in the township of Crossroads on the outskirts of Cape Town. The methodology combined elements of participatory action research and discourse analysis to understand how ideas circulate in a way that perpetuates the status quo. This paper argues that the discursive power of recycling is enabled by concepts of circular economy and waste entrepreneurship, which position waste as a resource that unlocks job opportunities for people in poverty. As a consequence, environmental groups’ resistance to recycling as the solution to plastic pollution in South Africa continues to be constrained by the assumption that plastic waste is valuable, and that the plastic industry is able to regulate itself.
Municipal refuse. Solid wastes, Standardization. Simplification. Waste