Investigation of management status on medical wastes in public hospitals of Arak city

Not paying attention to management and control of medical wastes in different stages of production, keeping, gathering, transporting and finally eliminating them all have been creating various setbacks such that the environment and human's health are in danger with the relevant consequences. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in Vali-e Asr, Amir Kabir, Taleghani, Amir Al-Momenin and Imam Khomeini hospitals of Arak city in 2009. In this research the current condition of gathering, maintaining, transportation and final elimination of hospital wastes of Arak city was investigated .Eventually an appropriate model was introduced. Solid wastes were separated, weighed and registered in two sequential intervals. In order to get acquaintance with the management procedure of medical solid w;astes in the hospitals studied, a questionnaire approved by W.H.O was used. The questions were then replied by the Managers and Hygiene Experts worked at hospitals and their responses were recorded. The investigations conducted in 5 hospitals reveal that the average per annual was2.9 Kg in 24 hours per active bed and 4.6 Kg for each patient. This volume consists of 60% for semi-home solid wastes, 39% for infectious solid wastes, 0.34% for sharp wastes, 0.28% for the pathologic and 0.38% for medicinal and chemical solid wastes. According to the results obtained in this study, in order to reduce pollution create in the hospitals, action should be taken to deal with pollutants at their source of generation. The staff members involved in waste collection and transportation should practice all the personal protection measures.finaly it also should be considered that, success in medical waste management wouldn't be achievable unless all groups of medical staff involved cooperate and participle

[Evaluating the quantity and composition of solid waste generated in Kashan during 2009-10]

Solid waste management is considered to be one of the most immediate and serious environmental problems confronting urban governments in developing countries. Qualitative and quantitative variety of waste composition, uncontrolled urban development and the lack of appropriate waste management technology cause particular problems that solving them needs a careful study and the coordination of science and experience in the form of a proper management. This descriptive study was carried out on solid wastes generated in Kashan over a limited timeframe of 12 months during 2009-10. One sample was randomly taken per month according to the standard instruction and subsequently the physical analysis of it was performed. The average daily waste generation rate in Kashan is 185 tons, of which 75.5% are putrescible materials. The average daily waste generation is tantamount to 638 g/capita while the average density of the waste 194 kg/m[3] at transfer station. The most frequent metal measured in the leachate solid waste was iron. According to the results high percentages of solid wastes in Kashan were allocated to plastic and corruptible materials, and then the paper and cardboard. Considering that the prevention of adverse environmental effects of solid waste is a priority and applying proper management techniques can help to achieve this, public education for the waste separation at the source, waste reduction and subsequently reduction of the leachate volume as well as the proper manner of recycling, collection and disposal of the waste are recommended

Removal of chromium [VI] from aqueous solution by Ulmus leaves

The Cr [VI] adsorption characteristics of Ulmus leaves [UL] and their ash were examined as a function of contact time, initial pH, and initial metal ion concentration. Batch adsorption experiments were performed. The effects of Ca[2+], Mg[2+], Na[+]and K[+] on adsorption were studied. Maximum removal was achieved in the pH=7, contact time of 60 minutes and with initial Cr [VI] concentration of 2 mg/L. Because at pH>/=6.5, precipitation of chromium may take place, optimum pH was selected at 6. Maximum adsorption rate values were found at the first 60 min at pH=6. The effect of the adsorbent on COD removal from aqueous solution showed that 2g/L of adsorbent caused 130 and 75 mg/L increase in COD of deionized water in 60 min for UL and its ash, respectively. The chromium adsorption data obtained under the optimum condition were described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Studies showed that the Langmuir adsorption model better fitted than Freundlich, with R[2]>0.99. Also UL ash was more efficient than living leaves in removing chromium from aqueous solution

pilot plant for the biogas production

Manure and Putreseible garbage are some of the main sources of pathogenic germs in countryside's. On the other hand, demand for fertilizer and energy increases in rural areas every day. To study Potential of cow manure for these requirements a 16,5m3 pilot plant was designed and constructed as fermentation tank near animal husbandry of karaj Agriculture Faculty. Some 260kg cow manure and water with the ratio of 4 and 7 was fed to fermentation tank every day. Average daily biogas production was 3.4m3, which was burned successfully in a gas range. Gas production was reduced by 86% during coldest winter days. Design for control of gas pressure and reservation of excessive gas was successful. Concentration of nitrate in sludge increased by 1.6 folds compared to row material. Some bacteria and Parasites were reduced drastically