ABSTRACT
O estudo teve como objetivo modificar, otimizar e avaliar através de estudo comparativo um método para a extração de sujidades leves em amostras de cúrcuma (Curcuma longa L.) e páprica (Capsicum annuum L.). Foram analisadas dez amostras de cúrcuma e vinte de páprica. As etapas de pré-tratamento dos métodos da AOAC, 975.49 (16.14.05) para cúrcuma e 977.25b (16.14.22) para páprica, foram modificadas, com adição do extrator Soxhlet. A avaliação do desempenho analítico foi realizada pela comparação entre os resultados das recuperações dos métodos. A recuperação média para cúrcuma utilizando o método AOAC foi 91,9% para fragmentos de insetos e 97,0% para pelos de roedor, enquanto que para o método modificado foi de 89,6% e 97,4%, respectivamente. Para páprica, usando método original a recuperação foi de 93,1% para os fragmentos de insetos e 96,5% para pelos de roedor, e para o método modificado, 92,2% e 93,1%, respectivamente. A análise estatística mostrou que não houve diferença significante entre os métodos. Apesar do maior tempo de análise, o método modificado apresenta vantagens tais como: permitir realização de análises simultâneas, baixa complexidade, economia de 57% de solvente e desempenho satisfatório, sendo uma alternativa para pesquisa de sujidades leves nas especiarias estudadas. (AU)
The study aimed to modify, optimize and evaluate through a comparative study a method for extraction of light filth from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) samples. Ten samples of turmeric and twenty samples of paprika were analyzed.The pretreatment steps of the AOAC methods, 975.49 (16.14.05) for turmeric and 977.25b (16.14.22) for paprika, were modified by adding the Soxhlet extractor. The evaluation of the analytical performance was carried out by comparing the results of the method recoveries. The average recovery for turmeric using the AOAC method was 91.9% for insect fragments and 97.0% for rodent hair. While using modified method, it was 89.6% and 97.4%, respectively. For paprika, using the original method, the average recovery was 93.1% for fragments and 96.5% for hair; and after the modifications, the average was, 92.2% and 93.1%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the methods. Despite the longer analysis time, the modified method has advantages such as: allowing simultaneous analysis, low complexity, 57% solvent economy and satisfactory performance; proving to be an alternative for light filth research in the studied spices. (AU)
Subject(s)
Capsicum , Food Contamination , Spices , Validation Study , Curcuma , Methodology as a Subject , Green Chemistry Technology , MicroscopyABSTRACT
A crescente preocupação com questões ambientais vem criando a busca por fontes alternativas de combustíveis que sejam renováveis e não agridam o meio-ambiente. Com este pensamento, a elaboração de biodiesel com misturas de óleos vegetais (blend) é um processo que apresenta todos os requisitos necessários para a fabricação de um biocombustível seguro e dentro dos parâmetros estabelecidos pela legislação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a fabricação de biodiesel de óleo de soja misturado com óleo de abacate. Elaboraram se duas formulações de biodiesel com misturas de óleos vegetais: 50% de óleo de soja refinado e 50% de óleo de abacate refinado (F1) e 80% de óleo de soja refinado e 20% de óleo de abacate refinado (F2). Para comparação com o biodiesel derivado da mistura de óleos vegetais, foi efetuada a elaboração de biodiesel de óleo de soja (100%) (R1, R2 e R3). Os resultados das análises físico-químicas apresentaram-se dentro dos padrões especificados, com pequenas diferenças nas viscosidades analisadas. O biodiesel blend referente à formulação (F1) não apresentou separação de fases. A formulação (F2) apresentou um rendimento de 49,65%, próximo do biodiesel de soja, que foi de 53,79%, o que justifica sua elaboração, desde que o álcool anidro em excesso seja recuperado e a glicerina obtida purificada, reduzindo as perdas e os custos, viabilizando o processo de obtenção do biodiesel blend de soja e abacate.
The growing concern about environmental issues has created a search for alternative sources of fuel which are renewable and do not harm the environment. The elaboration of biodiesel with mixtures of vegetable oils (blend) is a process that possibly presents all the necessary requirements for the manufacture of a safe biofuel and within the parameters established by the legislation. The objective of this work was to study the of biodiesel production of soybean oil mixed with avocado oil. Two formulations of biodiesel were prepared with mixtures of vegetable oils: 50% refined soybean oil and 50% refined avocado oil (F1) and 80% refined soybean oil and 20% refined avocado oil (F2). In order to compare biodiesel derived from the blend of vegetable oils, soybean oil biodiesel was produced (100%) (R1, R2 and R3). The results of the physical chemical analyzes were within the specified standards, with small differences in the analyzed viscosities. The biodiesel blend (F1) did not show phase separation. The formulation (F2) presented a yield of 49.65%, close to soybean biodiesel, which was 53.79%, which justifies its elaboration, as long as the excess anhydrous alcohol is recovered and the obtained glycerin purified, reducing losses and the costs, enabling the process of obtaining of biodiesel blend of soy and avocado.
Subject(s)
Soybean Oil , Persea , Biofuels , Fruit , Environmental Health , Production of Products , Green Chemistry Technology , Renewable EnergyABSTRACT
La nanotecnología es una ciencia relativamente nueva, consiste en el estudio, análisis, estructuración, formación, diseño y operación de materiales a escalas moleculares, a los cuales llamamos nanomateriales. La nanotecnología tiene múltiples aplicaciones en otras ciencias y tecnologías, reúne distintas áreas científicas y se ve favorecida por los enfoques interdisciplinarios. Se pronostica que generará innovaciones que den respuesta a muchos de los problemas que enfrenta la sociedad en la actualidad. En universidades y centros de investigación se viene trabajando en la síntesis de nuevos nanomateriales y en el estudio de sus propiedades para aplicaciones en campos variados dentro de la medicina. Es importante que estudiantes y profesionales del área de la salud reciban conocimientos de estos procesos para entender los nuevos caminos de la ciencia.
Nanotechnology is a relatively new science, it consists in the study, analysis, structuring, formation, design and operation of materials at molecular scales, which we call nanomaterials. Nanotechnology has multiple applications in other sciences and technologies, brings together different scientific areas and is favored by interdisciplinary approaches. It is predicted to generate innovations that respond to many of the problems facing society today. In universities and research centers it is working on the synthesis of new nanomaterials and the study of their properties for applications in fields as varied as medicine. It is important that students and professionals in the health area receive knowledge of these processes to understand the new ways of science.
Subject(s)
Nanotechnology , Nanoparticles , Green Chemistry TechnologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the biodegradation potential of four perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) alternatives that were developed at Changwon National University. While PFOS has been used widely in industrial and consumer products, it is known to be a persistent organic pollutant. Therefore, greener alternatives are highly desirable. METHODS: Biodegradation tests were run for 28 days using standard test protocols. The biochemical oxygen demand was measured daily throughout the experimental period, and the data were used to calculate the biodegradation rates. Microorganisms were isolated from the some of the tests that showed evidence of biodegradation. RESULTS: C8H8F9KO3S, which has the same number of carbons as the parent compound PFOS but a reduced number of fluorines, showed the highest biodegradation rate followed by C10H8F13KO3S. Chemical alternatives with lower number of carbons did not biodegrade readily in the experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these results suggest that it may be advantageous to develop PFOS alternatives with 8 carbons, the same as PFOS, but a reduced number of fluorines; as such, chemicals are more susceptible to biodegradation than the parent compound.
Subject(s)
Humans , Carbon , Green Chemistry Technology , Oxygen , ParentsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study presents a methodology that enables a quantitative assessment of green chemistry technologies. METHODS: The study carries out a quantitative evaluation of a particular case of material reutilization by calculating the level of "greenness" i.e., the level of compliance with the principles of green chemistry that was achieved by implementing a green chemistry technology. RESULTS: The results indicate that the greenness level was enhanced by 42% compared to the pre-improvement level, thus demonstrating the economic feasibility of green chemistry. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment technique established in this study will serve as a useful reference for setting the direction of industry-level and government-level technological R&D and for evaluating newly developed technologies, which can greatly contribute toward gaining a competitive advantage in the global market.
Subject(s)
Chemistry , Compliance , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Green Chemistry TechnologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study presents a methodology that enables a quantitative assessment of green chemistry technologies. METHODS: The study carries out a quantitative evaluation of a particular case of material reutilization by calculating the level of "greenness" i.e., the level of compliance with the principles of green chemistry that was achieved by implementing a green chemistry technology. RESULTS: The results indicate that the greenness level was enhanced by 42% compared to the pre-improvement level, thus demonstrating the economic feasibility of green chemistry. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment technique established in this study will serve as a useful reference for setting the direction of industry-level and government-level technological R&D and for evaluating newly developed technologies, which can greatly contribute toward gaining a competitive advantage in the global market.
Subject(s)
Chemistry , Compliance , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Green Chemistry TechnologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study presents the indicators and proxy variables for the quantitative assessment of green chemistry technologies and evaluates the relative importance of each assessment element by consulting experts from the fields of ecology, chemistry, safety, and public health. METHODS: The results collected were subjected to an analytic hierarchy process to obtain the weights of the indicators and the proxy variables. RESULTS: These weights may prove useful in avoiding having to resort to qualitative means in absence of weights between indicators when integrating the results of quantitative assessment by indicator. CONCLUSIONS: This study points to the limitations of current quantitative assessment techniques for green chemistry technologies and seeks to present the future direction for quantitative assessment of green chemistry technologies.
Subject(s)
Humans , Chemistry , Ecology , Green Chemistry Technology , Health Resorts , Proxy , Public Health , Weights and MeasuresABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study presents the indicators and proxy variables for the quantitative assessment of green chemistry technologies and evaluates the relative importance of each assessment element by consulting experts from the fields of ecology, chemistry, safety, and public health. METHODS: The results collected were subjected to an analytic hierarchy process to obtain the weights of the indicators and the proxy variables. RESULTS: These weights may prove useful in avoiding having to resort to qualitative means in absence of weights between indicators when integrating the results of quantitative assessment by indicator. CONCLUSIONS: This study points to the limitations of current quantitative assessment techniques for green chemistry technologies and seeks to present the future direction for quantitative assessment of green chemistry technologies.
Subject(s)
Humans , Chemistry , Ecology , Green Chemistry Technology , Health Resorts , Proxy , Public Health , Weights and MeasuresABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) utilizing aqueous bark extract of Ficus racemosa (F. racemosa) was tested against fourth instar larvae of filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) and japanese encephalitis vectors, Culex gelidus (Cx. gelidus).@*METHODS@#The synthesized Ag NPs was characterized by UV-vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The larvicidal activities were assessed for 24 h against the larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. gelidus with varying concentrations of aqueous bark extract of F. racemosa and synthesized Ag NPs. LC(50) and r(2) values were calculated.@*RESULTS@#The maximum efficacy was observed in crude aqueous extract of F. racemosa against the larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. gelidus (LC(50)=67.72 and 63.70 mg/L; r(2)=0.995 and 0.985) and the synthesized Ag NPs (LC(50)=12.00 and 11.21 mg/L; r(2)=0.997 and 0.990), respectively. Synthesized Ag NPs showed the XRD peaks at 2 θ values of 27.61, 29.60, 35.48, 43.48 and 79.68 were identified as (210), (121), (220), (200) and (311) reflections, respectively. The FTIR spectra of Ag NPs exhibited prominent peaks at 3,425, 2,878, 1,627 and 1,382 in the region 500-3,000 cm(-1). The peaks correspond to the presence of a stretching vibration of (NH) C=O group. SEM analysis showed shape in cylindrical, uniform and rod with the average size of 250.60 nm.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using bark aqueous extract of F. racemosa and its larvicidal activity against the larvae of disease spreading vectors. The maximum larvicidal efficacy was observed in the synthesized Ag NPs.
Subject(s)
Animals , Culex , Ficus , Chemistry , Green Chemistry Technology , Insecticides , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Larva , Metal Nanoparticles , Chemistry , Plant Bark , Chemistry , Plant Extracts , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Silver , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Spectrum AnalysisABSTRACT
Um dos ensaios descritos na Farmacopéia Brasileira para determinação do fármaco anti-hipertensivo atenolol como matéria prima e em comprimidos utiliza espectrofotometria ultravioleta (UV). Porém, o solvente utilizado é o metanol, um agente químico inflamável e tóxico, cujos resíduos químicos são de difícil tratamento. Portanto, é interessante o desenvolvimento de métodos analíticos que sejam mais seguros e ambientalmente adequados. Considerando que o atenolol é solúvel em soluções ácidas diluídas, foi avaliado o uso de ácido clorídrico 0,01 mol.L -1 como um método alternativo. Para isto, foi realizada a validação do novo método avaliando sua linearidade, especificidade, seletividade, intervalo, limite de quantificação e detecção, precisão, exatidão e robustez. Todas as figuras de mérito mostraram-se dentro dos limites recomendados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa). A comparação com o método original mostrou equivalência estatística entre os métodos. Assim, o método mostrou-se adequado como um procedimento mais seguro e ambientalmente adequado para as etapas de controle de qualidade relacionadas a produção de medicamentos a base de atenolol pelas indústrias farmacêuticas.
One of the tests described in the Farmacopéia Brasileira 5ª Edição (F. Bras. V) to assay the antihypertensive drug atenolol as raw material and tablets use ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV). However, the solvent is methanol, a flammable and toxic chemical agent whose chemical residues are not easily manageable. Therefore, it is necessary to develop analytical methods that are safer and environmentally appropriate. Considering that atenolol is soluble in dilute acid solutions, the use of hydrochloric acid 0.01 mol L-1 as solvent was evaluated as an alternative method. For this, it was performed a validation of the new method assessing its linearity, specificity, selectivity, range, limit of quantification and detection, precision, accuracy and robustness. All figures of merit were within the limits recommended by the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). The comparison with the original method showed statistical equivalence between the procedures. Thus, the new method was considered suitable as a safer and more environmentally appropriate for quality control of the production of drugs with atenolol by pharmaceutical industries.
Subject(s)
Atenolol , Spectrophotometry , Chemical Waste , Methanol , Green Chemistry TechnologyABSTRACT
A tendência atual do mercado cosmético é desenvolver produtos que contenham insumos de origem vegetal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a aplicação da Tecnologia da Química Verde na síntese da rutina visando o aumento da estabilidade dessa em formulações cosméticas com sua eficácia antioxidante e fotoprotetora. Realizou-se a síntese química por meio da introdução de grupos carboxilatos às hidroxilas do dissacarídeo na molécula de rutina, gerando como produto final o succinato de rutina. Este derivado e/ou a rutina foram incorporados em 74 formulações-teste e, selecionadas 12 (sistemas emulsionados O/A), após serem submetidas à Avaliação Preliminar de Estabilidade (APE) e ao Teste de Estabilidade Acelerada (TEA), sob variações de temperatura e umidade. Utilizou-se agentes emolientes e silicones para facilitar a solubilização e/ou dispersão dos filtros químicos e físicos. A segunda etapa deste trabalho foi a avaliação da segurança do succinato de rutina, tendo como padrão a rutina, por meio do método alternativo de toxicidade in vitro, o XTT. Após o screening das concentrações ensaiadas, as que apresentaram menor nível de morte celular foram respectivamente, 0,1% ou 1 mg/mL (rutina) e 0,4% ou 4 mg/mL (succinato de rutina). Segundo os resultados do TEA, as formulações contendo succinato de rutina associada ou não aos filtros solares em ambas as bases cosméticas (A - Crodafos®CES + Uniox®C e B - Hostacerin®SAF) foram selecionadas para a continuidade do Teste de Estabilidade Normal (TEN). Neste teste, as emulsões fotoprotetoras foram avaliadas frente aos parâmetros: propriedades organolépticas (aspecto, cor e odor), aspectos físico-químicos (medição de pH e de viscosidade) e funcionais (atividade antirradicalar e eficácia fotoprotetora in vitro). Os resultados apresentados pela formulação MS (succinato de rutina associado aos filtros químicos e físico) foram: homogeneidade, a não modificação de cor e odor em temperatura ambiente, a não alterações significativas...
The current cosmetic market trend is to develop products containing vegetables raw materials. This work proposed to use the Technology of Green Chemical to increase the rutin stability in cosmetic formulas as regards of its antioxidant and photoprotective properties. The chemical synthesis was realized by the introduction of carboxylate groups on sugar moiety of rutin producing in rutin succinate. This derivative and/or rutin were incorporated into 74 test formulas. After the undergoing to preliminary and accelerated stabilities under different temperature and humidity conditions were selected 12 formulas (O/W emulsions). Emollient agents and silicones were used to improve the solubility and/or dispersion of the chemical and physical filters. The second stage of this work was to evaluate the safety of rutin succinate, rutin used as an internal standard, using the alternative method of in vitro toxicity, the XTT. After the screening of tested concentrations, the concentrations of the samples with the lowest level of cell death were 0.1% or 1 mg/mL (rutin) and 0.4% or 4 mg/mL (rutin succinate), respectively. According to results obtained in accelerated stability testing, the formulations containing rutin succinate in combination or not with UV filters in both O/W emulsions (A - Crodafos®CES + Uniox®C and B - Hostacerin®SAF) were selected for the long term stability test. In this test the sunscreens were evaluated in the following parameters: the organoleptic properties (appearance, color and odor), physico-chemical aspects (pH value and viscosity) and functional (antiradicalar activity and in vitro photoprotection efficacy). The results presented by the MS formula (rutin succinate associated with physical filter and chemical filters) were: uniformity, stability of color and odor at room temperature and showed no significant difference, as well stability in: pH and SPF (Sun Protection Factor) values, hysteresis area, antiradicalar activity. These results were...
Subject(s)
Succinic Acid/analysis , Succinic Acid/radiation effects , Succinic Acid/chemical synthesis , In Vitro Techniques , Protective Factors , Rutin/analysis , Rutin/radiation effects , Rutin/chemical synthesis , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical , Green Chemistry Technology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fes/pharmacokinetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fes/chemistryABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>A novel green extraction technique of check valve & non-oxygen microwave assisted extraction (CVNO-MAE) for essential oils extraction was established. CVNO-MAE is a combination of microwave heating, vacuum pump and check valve, performed at anaerobic environment without added any solvent or water.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>CVNO-MAE has been compared with a conventional technique, solvent free microwave extraction (SFME), for the extraction of essential oils from two Chinese herbs: Curcuma phaeocaulis and Mentha haplocalyx.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>GC-MS analyses of the oils revealed the presence of 36 and 37 compounds in the essential oils of C. phaeocaulis and M. haplocalyx, respectively. There was an obvious difference in the quality of essential oils obtained by the two kinds of extraction methods. The CVNO-MAE method yielded an essential oil of C. phaeocaulis with lower amounts of oxygenated compounds (45.53%) than SFME (62.38%). Higher amounts of oxygenated compounds (89.57%) were present in the M. haplocalyx essential oil of SFME in comparison with CVNO-MAE (82.74%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CVNO-MAE is a fast low temperature extraction method carried in under pressure, appears as a good alternative for the extraction of essential oils from Chinese herbs and a green technology.</p>
Subject(s)
Curcuma , Chemistry , Green Chemistry Technology , Methods , Mentha , Chemistry , Microwaves , Oils, Volatile , Plant Extracts , Plant OilsABSTRACT
Municipal Solid Waste [MSW] management and planning without adequate and reliable data about its physical components and generation rate are not obtainable. Because of MSW collection and landfilling expenses, in last decades, reuse and recycle of its components as an environmental object have been considered. In this research, in order to determine the possibility of source recycling application in Malayer and physical composition of MSW, samples were taken by Truck-Load method and cluster random sampling from autumn 2006 until summer 2007 and analyzed for physical components percents. The obtained data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA and Tuky statistical test. Also, public partnership was investigated. Public opinion deliberation was accomplished by dividing the city into several clusters. Questionnaires were filled by oral interview conversation. The results showed that average daily generation rate was 138 Tons and 0.88 Kg per person per day. The average percent of recyclable materials was about 11% of total daily generated wastes. Also 99% of residents had positive response to source recycling plans. In general, by planning of enforceable reuse and recycling programmes, could avoid of 15 Tons of recyclable materials burial and save 19 millions Rials each day
Subject(s)
Waste Management/methods , Conservation of Natural Resources , Cities , Surveys and Questionnaires , Conservation of Energy Resources , Green Chemistry TechnologyABSTRACT
Existing solid waste management system of Habibganj municipality [pourashava] of Bangladesh was studied. A total of 234 households were surveyed. Solid waste generation rate was found to be 0.36 kg/cap/day. Household waste disposal was one of the main problems across the city. Among the different options of waste disposal, 21.4% and 23.9% respondents generally threw their wastes into nearby ponds and drains, respectively. About 14.5% of the sampled households discarded their wastes in their respective compound and only 12% households used bins supplied by the municipality. About 10.7% households disposed their garbage on the roadside. Lack of awareness, lack of dustbins, and improper maintenance of drainage system and lack of drainage facilities were the main reasons of the current inadequacy of the management system as reported by 183 [78%] respondents. The result indicate that for a 200 MT capacity composting plant, safe distance will be about 800 m from the disposal site in terms of odorous impact, while 500 m for health impact. In this study, a sustainable management system of solid waste disposal is suggested for the Habibganj municipal area
Subject(s)
Refuse Disposal , Biofuels , Green Chemistry Technology , Conservation of Natural ResourcesABSTRACT
This paper studies the various resources [water, energy, paper] as well as other wastes consumption management at the National Library of Iran in Tehran. After setting the targets and specifying the correct management framework of resources consumption through the green management schedule, the resources analysis in consumption pattern in National Library of Iran was set up. Some attempt plans were performed to find out management solutions to the related issues. For the achievement of this aim, the first step was considered the study of general conditions of the Library through several visits, completing the checklists and questionnaires and then gathering the necessary information and analyzing them. The results of the fuel consumption in transportations related to the National Library showed that the major pollutants produced by the transportation were CO[2], CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons. The rate of CO2 had a maximum level of 904 Kg and CO was 6Kg, NOx was 2 Kg and hydrocarbons were 0.58Kg. Among the equipments, which use energy in the Library, refrigerators produce the levels of CO2, SO2 and NOx. The total level of CO[2], SO[2] and NOx produced by all the equipments were 1140.32 kg, 3.9072 kg and 2.886 Kg respectively. The results of water investigations showed that the total water consumption was 45459 L/year and the greater part of it was related to irrigation of the garden in the courtyard which was equal to 32471 L/year. Regarding to the wastes, the results of 30 times sampling showed the highest level to be related to aluminum and paper and a computer analysis revealed these results in the rates of 19745 Kg/year of CO[2], 77.54 Kg/year, SO[2] 57.4 Kg/year NOx and particulate matter was 2.92 Kg/year. Following the investigations carried out in management, executive solutions were suggested which led to the conclusion that the Green Management System should be established at this organization which should result in optimum consumption of resources such as water, power and paper in the National Library of Iran with considerable cost reduction
Subject(s)
Green Chemistry Technology , Conservation of Natural Resources , Waste Management , Refuse Disposal , Environmental Pollution , Environmental PollutantsABSTRACT
A total of 7690 tons of municipal solid waste generated daily at the six major cities of Bangladesh, namely, Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal and Sylhet, as estimated in 2005. Sampling was done at different waste generation sources such as residential, commercial, institutional and open areas, in different seasons. The composition of the entire waste stream was about 74.4% organic matter, 9.1% paper, 3.5% plastic, 1.9% textile and wood, 0.8% leather and rubber, 1.5% metal, 0.8% glass and 8% other waste. The per capita generation of municipal solid waste was ranged from 0.325 to 0.485 kg/cap/day while the average rate was 0.387 kg/cap/day as measured in the six major cities. The potential for waste recovery and reduction based on the waste characteristics are evaluated and it is predicted that 21.64 million US$/yr can be earned from recycling and composting of municipal solid waste