A comparative study of waste management practices in pre-COVID and during-COVID scenarios: an overview of the hotel industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for the hotel industry, with rooms being converted into quarantine centres and leading to an increase in waste volume and composition. With frequent lockdowns and stringent guidelines by governments on social distancing, 60% of hotels converted 10% of their rooms into quarantine facilities, which drastically changed the composition of hotel waste (JLL, 2020). This waste may lead to environmental degradation if handled inappropriately. The primary objective of this study is to identify, compare and highlight the challenges faced in waste management practices in two different circumstances, namely pre-COVID and during-COVID, in the hotel industry. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire put to hoteliers in selected hotels in India. A total of 61 responses were recorded out of 100 respondents. Descriptive analysis indicated new practices in hotel housekeeping such as use of single-use PPE kits, arrangement of separate zones for disposing of medical waste and digitalization of services. Another interesting finding of the research is the aggravation of single-use plastic in the form of disposable crockery, cutlery and packaging of PPE kits. Lastly, the study showed an increase in operational costs and highlighted innovative procedures in existing waste management disposal practices and suggested new practices that will be of great significance for dealing with similar episodes in the future.

Managing emerging pathogen risks in recycled water

The COVID-19 pandemic raised the public profile of wastewater-based infectious disease monitoring. General media coverage about wastewater detection of SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 coronavirus) increased community awareness of the potential use of wastewater for the detection and surveillance of emerging diseases and also heightened recognition of the potential for wastewater to harbour and convey a variety of pathogens. This has also generated questions about the potential public health impacts of emerging pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 and mpox, in sewage and recycled water. To ensure water security in an era of climate change, water recycling is increasingly important in Australia and other water-stressed nations and managing disease risks in integrated water management is thus of critical importance. This paper demonstrates the existing risk management provisions for recycled water and explores potential issues posed by novel and emerging pathogens. First, a synopsis of some key emerging and re-emerging human pathogens is presented and the risks associated with these pathogens in the context of recycled water provision is considered. Then, an overview of the engineered treatment systems and regulatory framework used to manage these emerging risks in Australia is presented, together with a discusion of how emerging pathogen risks can be managed to ensure safe recycled water supply now and into the future.

Remove of triclosan from aqueous solutions by nanoflower MnO2: insight into the mechanism of oxidation and adsorption

Triclosan (TCS) has been proved to have a harmful effect on human health and ecological environment, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, when plentiful antibacterial hand sanitizers were discharged. Manganese dioxide (MnO2) showed a good effect on the removal of TCS. The morphology of MnO2 was regulated in this study to increase the active sites for removing TCS and improve the removal effect. The results showed that nanoflower T-MnO2 exhibited best removal efficiency due to its high oxygen vacancy, high Mn3+ content, easily released lattice oxygen and unique tunnel structure which make its Mn-O bond easier to activate. Further study of the mechanism revealed that the process of removing TCS by MnO2 was the first adsorption and then oxidation process and the detailed reaction process was clarified. 3-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol were proved to be their oxidative product. Additionally, it was verified that oxidation dominated in the removal of TCS by MnO2 rather than adsorption through Density functional theory (DFT) calculations analysis. It is determined that nanoflower MnO2 was a promising material for removing TCS.

An agent-based model for contamination response in water distribution systems during the COVID-19 pandemic

Contamination events in water distribution systems (WDS) are emergencies that cause public health crises and require fast response by the responsible utility manager. Various models have been developed to explore the reactions of relevant stakeholders during a contamination event, including agent-based modeling. As the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the daily habits of communities around the globe, consumer water demands have changed dramatically. In this study, an agent-based modeling framework is developed to explore social dynamics and reactions of water consumers and a utility manager to a contamination event, while considering regular and pandemic demand scenarios. Utility manager agents use graph theory algorithms to place mobile sensor equipment and divide the network in sections that are endangered of being contaminated or cleared again for water consumption. The status of respective network nodes is communicated to consumer agents in real time, and consumer agents adjust their water demands accordingly. This sociotechnological framework is presented using the overview, design, and details protocol. The results comprise comparisons of reactions and demand adjustments of consumers to a water event during normal and pandemic times, while exploring new methods to predict the fate of a contaminant plume in the WDS.

COVID-19 lockdowns promoted recovery of the Yangtze river's aquatic ecosystem

The impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns on human life, air quality, and river water quality around the world have received significant attention. In comparison, assessments of the implications for freshwater ecosystems are relatively rare. This study explored the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on aquatic ecosystems in the Yangtze River by comparing river water quality, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish data collected at the site in the middle reach of the Yangtze River in 2018 and 2020. The results show that during COVID-19 lockdowns, the reduction in industrial and domestic effluent discharge led to a reduction in organic pollution and industrial plant nutrient pollution in rivers. Among them, PO43--P, CODMn, and TP were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). During lockdowns, nutrient supplies such as TN and TP were reduced, which led to inhibition of algae growth and decreased phytoplankton abundance. Phytoplankton affects the abundance of zooplankton through a bottom-up effect, and a decrease in phytoplankton density leads to a decrease in zooplankton density. The decrease in plankton density led to lower primary productivity in rivers, reduced fish feed supplies, intensified competition among fish populations, with increases in population dominated by high trophic level carnivorous fish. In addition, the decrease in fishing intensity has contributed to an increase in the number of rivers-sea migratory fish;the fish community was earlier mainly dominated by small-sized species with a short life cycle, and the number of supplementary populations has now increased. As a consequence, the fish community structure shows a tendency toward high complexity and high fish diversity. Overall, these observations demonstrate that the rapid revival of the retrogressive Yangtze River ecosystem is possible through limitation of anthropic interferences.

Current status of management of medical waste in medical institutions of Chongqing

OBJECTIVE: To understand the status of generation and management of medical waste in medical institutions of Chongqing. METHODS: By means of onsite investigation and questionnaire survey, the generation categories and current status of management of medical waste in 50 medical institutions were investigated from Oct 2021 to Apr 2022 the existing limitations and prominent problems in the whole-process management of medical waste were identified so as to enable the safe disposal of medical waste based on laws and regulations. RESULTS: The average pollutants generation coefficient of medical waste was 0.22-0.72 kg/bed.day among all the grades of hospitals, the average pollutant generation coefficient of medical waste was 0.28-2.30 kg/10 people among grass-root medical institutions. The management of medical waste was more standardized in tertiary hospitals. There were a variety of problems in management of medical waste in clinics and village clinics, such as nonstandard classification of medical waste, unreasonable site selection for temporary storage of medical waste, unsatisfactory transportation means and untimely collection and transportation of medical waste. The problems of chemical, pharmaceutical and pathological medical waste were more prominent. The costs of disposal of medical waste were not strictly implemented in accordance with standards. The packaging, storage, loading, handover and disinfection of COVID-19 medical waste have been carried out in accordance with regulations. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to further standardize the management of medical waste, explore and formulate the collection and transportation modes of medical waste in primary medical institutions, intensify the supervision of classification, collection, storage, transportation and disposal of medical waste, optimize and upgrade the medical waste management information system, and encourage subsidies for the disposal of medical waste in Chongqing medical waste disposal enterprises during the COVID-19 period.

Functional metal-organic framework as high-performance adsorbent for selective enrichment of pharmaceutical contaminants in aqueous samples

Facile and sensitive analysis methods for pharmaceutical contaminants in aqueous environment are of vital importance for water safety, especially when large amounts of anti-viral drugs are being used, discharged and accumulated. In this work, we used functional metal-organic framework (MOF) as high-performance adsorbent for selective enrichment of such pharmaceutical contaminants in aqueous samples. The MOF was synthesized via a new synthesis method previously developed by our group and immobilized on paper membrane to be used in solid-phase extraction (SPE) device. Different metal ions were anchored by MOF to screen out the adsorbent with the best affinity. The targets were a potential anti-COVID-19 drug favipiravir, and its structural and functional analogues (ingredients or intermediates, other anti-viral drugs). To deeply understand the adsorption mechanisms, quantum calculation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation were both applied. The experimental and in-silico results together demonstrated that the as-prepared MOF adsorbent possessed high affinity and fast dynamics. The established SPE-based liquid chromatography (LC) method worked well in the range of 10-1000 ng/mL, with only 3 mg of adsorbent per device and 5 mL sample needed, and no mass spectrometer (MS) included, which was very efficient compared to commercial adsorbents. The results met the current detection needs in the application scenario, and inspirable for later design of well-behaved adsorbents.

Facile fabrication of phenylenediamine residue derived N, O co-doped hierarchical hyperporous carbon for high-efficient chloroxylenol removal

The chloroxylenol (PCMX) has shown well virucidal efficacy against COVID-19, but the large-scale utilization of which will undoubtedly pose extra environmental threaten. In the present study, the recycled industrial phenylenediamine residue was used and an integrated strategy of "carbonization-casting-activation" using super low-dose of activator and templates was established to achieve in-situ N/O co-doping and facile synthesis of a kind of hierarchical hyperporous carbons (HHPC). The sample of HHPC-1.25-0.5 obtained with activator and template to residue of 1.25 and 0.5 respectively shows super-high specific surface area of 3602 m2/g and volume of 2.81 cm3/g and demonstrates remarkable adsorption capacity of 1475 mg/g for PCMX in batch and of 1148 mg/g in dynamic column adsorption test. In addition, the HHPC-1.25-0.5 exhibits excellent reusability and tolerance for PCMX adsorption under various ionic backgrounds and real water matrix conditions. The combined physio-chemistry characterization, kinetic study and DFT calculation reveal that the enhanced high performances originate from the hierarchical pore structure and strong electrostatic interaction between PCMX and surface rich pyridinic-N and carbonyl groups.

Special issue. (Special issue.)

This special issue contains 17 papers covering a range of topics related to environmental, geological, and social issues in Bangladesh. The articles use various methodologies, including statistical analysis, satellite imaging, and case studies, to explore issues such as drought, urbanization, healthcare, greenhouse gas emissions, groundwater resources, COVID-19 stigmatization, oil rim reservoir development, coal permeability, seaweed composition, hailstorms, tropical cyclones, heavy metal contamination, flood hazard assessment, and climate change vulnerability. Overall, the articles provide valuable insights and information that can inform policy and decision-making in Bangladesh.

Sustainable value chain of industrial biocomposite consumption: influence of COVID-19 and consumer behavior

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most unprecedented crises of recent decades with a global effect on society and the economy. It has triggered changes in the behavior and consumption patterns of both final consumer and industrial consumers. The consumption patterns of industrial consumers are also influenced by changes in consumer values, environmental regulations, and technological developments. One of the technological highlights of the last decade is biocomposite materials being increasingly used by the packaging industry. The pandemic has highlighted the problems and challenges of the development of biocomposites to adapt to new market conditions. This study aims to investigate the industrial consumption of biocomposite materials and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the main stages of the value chain of sustainable industrial consumption of biocomposites. The research results reveal there is a growing interest in the use of biocomposites. Suppliers and processors of raw materials are being encouraged to optimize and adapt cleaner production processes in the sustainable transition pathway. The study highlights the positive impact of COVID-19 on the feedstock production, raw material processing, and packaging manufacturing stages of the value chain as well as the neutral impact on the product manufacturing stage and negative impact on the retail stage. The companies willing to move toward the sustainable industrial chain have to incorporate economic, environmental, social, stakeholder, volunteer, resilience, and long-term directions within their strategies.

Effects of olive mill wastewater and two natural extracts as inhibitors of nitrifying bacteria activity and Nitrate Leaching Loss. tests on pot culture of celery (Apium graveolens L.). (L'Accademia per il post Covid-19.)

Effects of Olive Mill Wastewater and Two Natural Extracts as Nitrification Inhibitors on Activity of Nitrifying Bacteria, Soil Nitrate Leaching Loss, and Nitrogen Metabolism of Celery (Apium graveolens L.). Minimizing nitrification of fertilizer ammonium (NH4 +) can reduce nitrate (NO3 -) contamination of groundwater and increase nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE). Olive mill wastewater (OMW), hydroalcoholic extracts of Mentha piperita L.(Mp) and Artemisia annua L.(Aa), and the synthetic nitrification inhibitor (NI) dicyandiamide (DCD) were investigated. The three natural products and DCD reduced activity of nitrifying bacteria and decreased NO3 - leached, compared to the untreated control. OMW proved to be an almost equally effective natural alternative to DCD as a NI.

2021 The 6th International Conference of Indonesia Forestry Researchers - Stream 1 Emerging Environmental Quality for Better Living, Tangerang, Indonesia (Virtual), 8 September 2021

These proceedings contain 18 papers presenting and discussing the current environmental issues in Indonesia including monitoring of environmental pollution, role of environmental laboratory and set up national standard of environmental monitoring;circular economy and environmental quality management by businesses and relevant activities;mercury pollution, progress of National Action Plan for mercury reduction and elimination as a part of the ratification of Minamata Convention on Mercury;medical wastes and disposal concerning Covid-19 pandemic and antibiotically resistance;domestic waste, hazardous and poisonous materials and wastes;restoration and remediation of contaminated lands;and freshwater litters.

The utilization of palm kernel shells and waste plastics in asphaltic mix for sustainable pavement construction. (Special Issue: Technology and innovation for a post COVID recovery and growth: the contribution of industry and academia.)

Natural aggregates are being depleted due to the high demand for road and building construction and need to be replaced with alternative materials. This study investigated the potential of using Palm kernel shells (PaKS) as a partial replacement for natural aggregates (NA) and waste plastics (WP) as a binder. The physical and volumetric properties of the different asphaltic mixes (AM) were assessed using the Marshall Method. The bitumen content of the mix design samples was varied from 4.0% to 7.5% of the total weight of aggregates utilized. According to the Marshall parameters, at 5.5% bitumen content, the maximum Marshall Stability value of the different mix designs increased from 9.8 kN to 12.1 kN and the flow value increased from 3.0 mm to 3.7 mm. The experimental results based on the optimum bitumen content determined by the Marshall method demonstrate that PaKS and WP can be utilized to modify AM. However, additional tests will be needed to evaluate the use of this composition in road construction.

Biodegradación de espumas plásticas por larvas de insectos: ¿una estrategia sustentable?

Many modern human activities rely greatly on plastic foams, whose consumption and production have considerably increased in the past decades. The use of plastic products has had positive impacts on human general welfare;however, the negative effects derived from their inappropriate disposition have become a major concern, especially during the current COVID-19 sanitary emergency, in which the utilization of single-use plastics has rapidly increased. Although some plastic polymers such as polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) can be recycled, the high demand for energy and technology, the use of potentially toxic substances and the low profitability of the process, make this option non-optimal. In this situation, biological treatment of plastic waste is emerging as a promising alternative and the use of PE and PS-eating organisms, such as mealworms and waxworms, has attracted the attention of researchers around the world. The aim of this review is to synthesize the most recent advances in the field of plastics polymers degradation by insects larvae and an analysis of the current and future trends of this developing research area.

Increased pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic and bioremediation: a dire need of management

The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the effects of COVID-19 on macro-plastic pollution and to consider short-term and long-term scenarios for its possible environmental and human health consequences and to discuss possible strategies to address and overcome key challenges. It was emphasized that, whether or not they are involved in a healthy health crisis, future actions should reflect the balance between public health and environmental protection, as there is no doubt that they are interrelated with bioremediation and microbial metabolism in the presence of optimal environmental conditions. Bioremediation uses natural and psychological microorganisms to break down toxic and harmful substances aerobically and anaerobically. It can be handled by a mixed microbial consortium or pure microbial strains on site (in situ) or off site (in the case of case) Phyto therapy or even natural care. Nutrients suitable for impurities, especially petroleum hydrocarbons are researched technologies for us, for this a biotechnological approach designed for bioremediation and observation. COVID 19 Pandemic pushed the world into a new challenge of waste management. In general, physicochemical technologies are used, which allow for proper ecological biomedical processes. Some bacteria are mobile, feel the contamination, and move towards it to neutralize it. This review emphasizes on current pollution, which is result of COVID 19 pandemic, as people follow use and discard strategies for different things which is a threat to our environment.