The impact of black carbon emissions from open burning of solid waste

Open burning of solid waste is widely practiced in developing countries and is a significant source of air pollution, impacting climate change and human health. Waste disposal by open burning releases emissions of black carbon (BC), a pollutant with a global warming potential (GWP) up to 5,000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). However, there are major uncertainties about the extent and impacts of BC emissions from uncontrolled burning of waste on the environment. The aim of this research is to quantify the impact of BC emissions from open burning of waste and to improve the quality of the available data on open waste combustion through field measurements and laboratory experimentation. Some of the first field data to be reported on the uncontrolled burning of waste is presented for two representative case study areas (Huejutla and Juchitán) in Mexico. Published statistical data were also scrutinized to provide an independent assessment of the extent of open burning of waste at a national level. Health databases provided by the authorities were analysed and the results showed that respiratory diseases were increased in rural areas of Huejutla and urban areas of Juchitán, corresponding with the increased exposure of the population to emissions from open burning of waste. This suggested a possible link between the uncontrolled combustion of waste and respiratory health. A small-scale, laboratory combustion apparatus was developed to quantify the emissions released by waste combustion and to develop BC emission factors (EFs) for waste representing the composition of the case study areas and for Mexico, using optical transmission and thermal optical analysis techniques. Black carbon EFs were also developed for single waste fractions and were used to estimate regional EFs based on the waste composition characteristics of different areas of the world. The results of this research have demonstrated that action to reduce open burning of waste would have a significant and immediate benefit to improving air quality and reducing climate change.Open Acces

Plastic Pollution, Waste Management Issues, and Circular Economy Opportunities in Rural Communities

Rural areas are exposed to severe environmental pollution issues fed by industrial and agricultural activities combined with poor waste and sanitation management practices, struggling to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with Agenda 2030. Rural communities are examined through a “dual approach” as both contributors and receivers of plastic pollution leakage into the natural environment (through the air–water–soil–biota nexus). Despite the emerging trend of plastic pollution research, in this paper, we identify few studies investigating rural communities. Therefore, proxy analysis of peer-reviewed literature is required to outline the significant gaps related to plastic pollution and plastic waste management issues in rural regions. This work focuses on key stages such as (i) plastic pollution effects on rural communities, (ii) plastic pollution generated by rural communities, (iii) the development of a rural waste management sector in low- and middle-income countries in line with the SDGs, and (iv) circular economy opportunities to reduce plastic pollution in rural areas. We conclude that rural communities must be involved in both future plastic pollution and circular economy research to help decision makers reduce environmental and public health threats, and to catalyze circular initiatives in rural areas around the world, including less developed communitie

Plastic Pollution, Waste Management Issues, and Circular Economy Opportunities in Rural Communities

Rural areas are exposed to severe environmental pollution issues fed by industrial and agricultural activities combined with poor waste and sanitation management practices, struggling to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with Agenda 2030. Rural communities are examined through a “dual approach” as both contributors and receivers of plastic pollution leakage into the natural environment (through the air–water–soil–biota nexus). Despite the emerging trend of plastic pollution research, in this paper, we identify few studies investigating rural communities. Therefore, proxy analysis of peer-reviewed literature is required to outline the significant gaps related to plastic pollution and plastic waste management issues in rural regions. This work focuses on key stages such as (i) plastic pollution effects on rural communities, (ii) plastic pollution generated by rural communities, (iii) the development of a rural waste management sector in low- and middle-income countries in line with the SDGs, and (iv) circular economy opportunities to reduce plastic pollution in rural areas. We conclude that rural communities must be involved in both future plastic pollution and circular economy research to help decision makers reduce environmental and public health threats, and to catalyze circular initiatives in rural areas around the world, including less developed communities.publishedVersio

Plastic Pollution, Waste Management Issues, and Circular Economy Opportunities in Rural Communities

Rural areas are exposed to severe environmental pollution issues fed by industrial and agricultural activities combined with poor waste and sanitation management practices, struggling to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with Agenda 2030. Rural communities are examined through a “dual approach” as both contributors and receivers of plastic pollution leakage into the natural environment (through the air–water–soil–biota nexus). Despite the emerging trend of plastic pollution research, in this paper, we identify few studies investigating rural communities. Therefore, proxy analysis of peer-reviewed literature is required to outline the significant gaps related to plastic pollution and plastic waste management issues in rural regions. This work focuses on key stages such as (i) plastic pollution effects on rural communities, (ii) plastic pollution generated by rural communities, (iii) the development of a rural waste management sector in low- and middle-income countries in line with the SDGs, and (iv) circular economy opportunities to reduce plastic pollution in rural areas. We conclude that rural communities must be involved in both future plastic pollution and circular economy research to help decision makers reduce environmental and public health threats, and to catalyze circular initiatives in rural areas around the world, including less developed communities