Assessment of Infectious Waste Management Practices at Hospital with Excellent Accreditation Level in Bandung, Cimahi and East Jakarta, Indonesia

This study includes the procedures available and methods of handling and disposing of infectious waste at Military hospital with Excellent Accreditation level in Bandung, Cimahi and East Jakarta, Indonesia. A total three (3) military hospitals with equal type of hospital and level accreditation were surveyed during the course of this research. The methods consisted of survey and interview with the authorities of the hospital and the personal involved in the management of the generated waste. The information was collected using forms specially developed for this purpose. Site visits were conducted to support and supplement information gathered in the survey. Assessment of infectious waste handling divided into six parameters: Hospital policy at organizational structure, status of cleaning services worker, classification/segregation process, collect and transport the infectious waste, condition of temporary storage of infectious waste and disposal phase of infectious waste. The result showed that the hospital with highest level of accreditation have less appropriate practices when it comes to segregation, collecting, storage and disposal of waste generated in comparison to developed country. It appears that hospital authorities should pay better attention to educational planning, organizational resources and supervision at infectious waste management

Performance, yield and characteristics of bioflocculants (UPMBF13) produced by Bacillus subtilis UPMB13 during submerged and solid-state fermentation

This study compares the distinctive performance, yield and characteristics of bioflocculants (UPMBF13) derived from submerged (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) of Bacillus subtilis UPMB13. The bioflocculants were subjected to morphological characterization, functional groups determination, molecular weight measurement, protein content quantification and specific compound identification. The SmF and the SSF strategies yielded an average of 2.70 g l-1 and 1.25 g kg-1 of UPMBF13, respectively. The submerged UPMBF13 resulted in a clear suspension with visible flocs formation, while flocs from the SSF treatment were less apparent. Higher total proteinaceous contents of UPMBF13 from the SSF led to the inferiority in flocculating performances. The produced UPMBF13 consisted of hydroxyl, carboxyl, methoxyl and carbonyl functional groups which contributed to their flocculating abilities. The molecular weights of UPMBF13 were around 10-50 kDa, characterizing them into low-molecular weight bioflocculants. The submerged UPMBF13 were more fibrous in nature than the SSF, giving the submerged UPMBF13 the upper hand in flocculation. SmF was the best fermentation method yielding high performing bioflocculants at a faster rate by the utilization of non-elaborative techniques. SSF, on the other hand, was proven feasible but further improvements are needed

Establishing a sub-sampling plan for waste-derived solid recovered fuels (SRF): Effects of shredding on representative sample preparation based on theory of sampling (ToS)

The uncertainty arising from laboratory sampling (sub-sampling) can compromise the accuracy of analytical results in highly inherent heterogeneous materials, such as solid waste. Here, we aim at advancing our fundamental understanding on the possibility for relatively unbiased, yet affordable and practicable sub-sampling, benefiting from state of the art equipment, theoretical calculations by the theory of sampling (ToS) and implementation of best sub-sampling practices. Solid recovered fuel (SRF) was selected as a case of a solid waste sample with intermediate heterogeneity and chlorine (Cl) as an analyte with intermediate variability amongst waste properties. ToS nomographs were constructed for different sample preparation scenarios presenting the trend of uncertainty during sub-sampling. Nomographs showed that primary shredding (final d90 ≤ 0.4 cm) can reduce the uncertainty 11 times compared to an unshredded final sub-sample (d ≈ 3 cm), whereas cryogenic shredding in the final sub-sample can decrease the uncertainty more than three times compared to primary shredding (final d90 ≤ 0.015 cm). Practices that can introduce bias during sub-sampling, such as mass loss, moisture loss and insufficient Cl recovery were negligible. Experimental results indicated a substantial possibility to obtain a representative final sub-sample (uncertainty ≤ 15%) with the established sub-sampling plan (57–93%, with 95% confidence), although this possibility can be considerably improved by drawing two final sub-samples instead (91–98%, with 95% confidence). The applicability of ToS formula in waste-derived materials has to be investigated: theoretical ToS calculations assume a poorer performance of the sub-sampling plan than evidenced by the experimental results

Relationships among Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Parasitological Parameters, Ecotoxicity, and Biochemical Methane Potential of Pig Slurry

Background: Pig slurry can negatively impact on the environmental, animal, and human health. Knowing the relationship between the organic and inorganic loads, pathogens, and toxicity allows identifying the main parameters to be removed or treated before final disposal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the physicochemical properties, microbiological, and parasitological content, ecotoxicological effects, and biochemical methane potential (BMP) of pig slurries. Methods: Ten pig slurry samples at two production stages were characterized and a BMP test at two substrate/inoculum (S/I) ratios was conducted to compare the methane yields. Results: We found high content of Cu, Zn, quaternary ammonium, pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli and Salmonella), and parasites (Trichuris and Trichostrongylus). Toxicity on lettuce, radish, and Daphnia was observed with a slurry concentration greater than 1.35%. Positive correlations were found between toxicity on Daphnia and chemical oxygen demand (COD), sulfate, Zn, and Cu, as well as between phytotoxicity and COD, NH4, Na, K, and conductivity. The lowest S/I ratio showed 13% more methane yield. It was associated with high removals of COD and volatile fatty acids. Conclusions: We recommend using a low S/I ratio to treat pig slurry as it improves the efficiency of the anaerobic process.Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMYZA)Fil: Beily, María Eugenia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Young, Brian Jonathan. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Bres, Patricia Alina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Riera, Nicolas Iván. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Wang, Wenguo. Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy; ChinaFil: Crespo, Diana Elvira. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Komilis, Dimitrios. Democritus University of Thrace. Department of Environmental Engineering; Greci

Solid state fermentation and composting as alternatives to treat hair waste : a LCA comparative approach

One of the wastes associated with leather production in tannery industries is the hair residue generated during the dehairing process. Hair wastes are mainly dumped or managed through composting but recent studies propose the treatment of hair wastes through solid-state fermentation (SSF) to obtain proteases and compost. These enzymes are suitable for its use in an enzymatic dehairing process, as an alternative to the current chemical dehairing process. In the present work, two different scenarios for the valorization of the hair waste are proposed and assessed by means of life-cycle assessment: composting and SSF for protease production. Detailed data on hair waste composting and on SSF protease production are gathered from previous studies performed by our research group and from a literature survey. Background inventory data are mainly based on Ecoinvent version 3 from software SimaPro® 8. The main aim of this study was to identify which process results in the highest environmental impact. The SSF process was found to have lower environmental impacts than composting, due to the fact that the enzyme use in the dehairing process prevents the use of chemicals traditionally used in the dehairing process. This permits to reformulate an industrial process from the classical approach of waste management to a novel alternative based on circular economy

Effect of Poultry Manure-Derived Compost on the Growth of eucalypts spp. Hybrid Clones

Interspecific hybrids of E. grandis × E. camaldulensis were generated to widen the plantation area. The aim of this study was to assess root capability and development for six different clones of eucalyptus grown in substrates made with three different composts derived from poultry manure. A factorial design was used to assess the effect of different composts on six growth variables. The analysis detected a greater effect from the genotype than the substrate. E. grandis × E. camaldulensis hybrid vegetative propagation was successful in alternative substrates formulated from composted poultry manure. GC8 was the genotype that showed the greatest differences for four the different variables among the substrates, being both the most sensitive and the one with the highest values for all parameters measured. The hybrids' vegetative propagation was determined in alternative substrates formulated from poultry manure compost. The physicochemical characteristics of substrates composed of pine bark and sawdust provided adequate conditions for the growth of eucalyptus. GC8 was the genotype most sensitive to the use of different substrates, showing significant differences in the ratio of roots/callus, radicular dry weight, and cutting dry weight. These clones might be a good option for evaluating compost-based substrates for forestry applications

Relationships among Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Parasitological Parameters, Ecotoxicity, and Biochemical Methane Potential of Pig Slurry

Background: Pig slurry can negatively impact on the environmental, animal, and human health. Knowing the relationship between the organic and inorganic loads, pathogens, and toxicity allows identifying the main parameters to be removed or treated before final disposal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the physicochemical properties, microbiological, and parasitological content, ecotoxicological effects, and biochemical methane potential (BMP) of pig slurries. Methods: Ten pig slurry samples at two production stages were characterized and a BMP test at two substrate/inoculum (S/I) ratios was conducted to compare the methane yields. Results: We found high content of Cu, Zn, quaternary ammonium, pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli and Salmonella), and parasites (Trichuris and Trichostrongylus). Toxicity on lettuce, radish, and Daphnia was observed with a slurry concentration greater than 1.35%. Positive correlations were found between toxicity on Daphnia and chemical oxygen demand (COD), sulfate, Zn, and Cu, as well as between phytotoxicity and COD, NH4, Na, K, and conductivity. The lowest S/I ratio showed 13% more methane yield. It was associated with high removals of COD and volatile fatty acids. Conclusions: We recommend using a low S/I ratio to treat pig slurry as it improves the efficiency of the anaerobic process.Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMYZA)Fil: Beily, María Eugenia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Young, Brian Jonathan. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Bres, Patricia Alina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Riera, Nicolas Iván. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Wang, Wenguo. Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy; ChinaFil: Crespo, Diana Elvira. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Komilis, Dimitrios. Democritus University of Thrace. Department of Environmental Engineering; Greci

Scale of hospitality firms and local economic development: evidence from Crete

The hospitality industry generates benefits for many host communities including employment generation and foreign exchange earnings. However, the hospitality industry often leads to external dependency contributing to a loss of local control over resources, migrant workforce and leakages outside the local economy, seriously reducing industry's potential for generating net financial advantages and growth for the local economy. Despite the variation of size of hospitality firms, there is still limited research on how well different size hospitality firms contribute to local economic development, something which this paper addresses, taking as a case the island of Crete. The findings suggest that the smaller the size of hospitality firm the larger the benefits to the local economy

Chlorine in waste-derived solid recovered fuel (SRF), co-combusted in cement kilns: A systematic review of sources, reactions, fate and implications

Solid recovered fuel (SRF), a partly biogenic form of waste-derived fuel, can be used for replacing fossil fuels in cement kilns. Higher SRF uptake is limited mainly by its chlorine (Cl) content. Here we present a systematic literature review (PRISMA methodology) on the challenges induced by Cl during SRF co-combustion in cement kilns. We show that mean Cl content in average commercially manufactured SRF is at 0.76 w/wd (± 0.14% w/wd, 95% confidence). Cl is widely dispersed amongst various chemical compounds present in several waste items—not just PVC. The variability around mean Cl in SRF is at 36.7% (CV), notably lower than that in MSW, indicating effective variability reduction because of mechanical processing of MSW into SRF. During co-combustion, most Cl remains within the kiln system causing operating problems and only a small percentage (0.7–13%) is incorporated in the clinker, making it stickier. A significant proportion is captured by the air pollution control system. State of the art engineering practices can result in suitable SRF quality assurance, largely preventing Cl-related problems in the kiln. Further investigation on the impact of fuel feeding systems, on effect of Cl speciation and on controlling the sources of Cl variability are needed to improve confidence in SRF uptake

Systematic evidence mapping to assess the sustainability of bioplastics derived from food waste: Do we know enough?

Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.Copyright © 2022 by the authors. The production of bioplastics from food loss and waste (FLW), termed FLW-derived bioplastics, is considered an attractive alternative to first-generation bioplastics. To our knowledge, a clear understanding of the sustainability performance of FLW-derived bioplastics from environmental, economic, technical, and social aspects is still lacking. This systematic evidence mapping aims to fill this gap by undertaking a reality check on the life cycle sustainability performance of FLW-derived bioplastics from a multidimensional perspective underpinned by systems thinking approach to assess their potential to revolutionise the plastics economy. Results revealed that FLW-derived bioplastic production is highly complex and uncertain. The low technological readiness of FLW valorisation processes and the under-researched logistics of FLW management on a regional scale currently withhold advancement in this field. Nonetheless, progress is looming, and ensuring that FLW-derived bioplastics production enables the transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy is critical. Innovation in both the food and plastics value chains is urgently needed to address their challenges and mitigate pollution. Yet, any steps forward need to be holistically calculated to yield sustainability benefits and prevent unintended consequences.This research received no external funding