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Rangel DF, Costa LL, Ribeiro VV, De-la-Torre GE, Castro ÍB. Protective personal equipment on coastal environments: Identifying key drivers at a global scale. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133839. [PMID: 38402681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of coastal ecosystems by personal protective equipment (PPE) emerged as a significant concern immediately following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hence, numerous studies have assessed PPE occurrence on beaches worldwide. However, no predictors on PPE contamination was so far pointed out. The present study investigated social and landscape drivers affecting the PPE density in coastal environments worldwide using a meta-analysis approach. Spatial variables such as urban modification levels, coastal vegetation coverage, population density (HPD), distance from rivers (DNR), and poverty degree (GGRDI) were derived from global satellite data. These variables, along with the time elapsed after WHO declared the pandemic, were included in generalized additive models as potential predictors of PPE density. HPD consistently emerged as the most influential predictor of PPE density (p < 0.00001), exhibiting a positive effect. Despite the presence of complex non-linear relationships, our findings indicate higher PPE density in areas with intermediate GGRDI levels, indicative of emerging economies. Additionally, elevated PPE density was observed in areas located further away from rivers (p < 0.001), and after the initial months of the pandemic. Despite the uncertainties associated with the varied sampling methods employed by the studies comprising our database, this study offers a solid baseline for tackling the global problem of PPE contamination on beachesguiding monitoring assessments in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Solar Brasil de Desenvolvimento Saúde e Pesquisa - ISOBRAS, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil.
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2
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Gwenzi W, Adelodun B, Kumar P, Ajibade FO, Silva LFO, Choi KS, Selvarajan R, Abia ALK, Gholipour S, Mohammadi F, Nikaeen M. Human viral pathogens in the wastewater-source water-drinking water continuum: Evidence, health risks, and lessons for future outbreaks in low-income settings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170214. [PMID: 38278242 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Human viral pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 continue to attract public and research attention due to their disruption of society, global health, and the economy. Several earlier reviews have investigated the occurrence and fate of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, and the potential to use such data in wastewater-based epidemiology. However, comprehensive reviews tracking SARS-CoV-2 and other viral pathogens in the wastewater-water-drinking water continuum and the associated risk assessment are still lacking. Therefore, to address this gap, the present paper makes the following contributions: (1) critically examines the early empirical results to highlight the occurrence and stability of SARS-CoV-2 in the wastewater-source water-drinking water continuum, (2) discusses the anthropogenic and hydro(geo)logical processes controlling the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the wastewater-source water-drinking water continuum, (3) discusses the risky behaviour, drivers and high-risk settings in the wastewater-source water-drinking water continuum, (4) uses the available empirical data on SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in the wastewater-source water-drinking water continuum to discuss human health risks from multiple exposure pathways, gendered aspects of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via shared on-site sanitation systems, and (5) develops and risk mitigation strategy based on the available empirical evidence and quantitative human risk assessment data. Finally, it presents a comprehensive research agenda on SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 to guide the mitigation of future similar outbreaks in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willis Gwenzi
- Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, 380 New Adylin, Westgate, Harare, Zimbabwe; Currently Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Guest/Visiting Professor at: Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Universität Kassel, Steinstraße 19, D-37213 Witzenhausen, Germany; Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, D-14469, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria; Institute of Agricultural Science & Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Agro-Ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to Be University), Haridwar 249404, India; Research and Development Division, Society for AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, Dehradun 248007, India.
| | - Fidelis Odedishemi Ajibade
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, 340001, Nigeria.
| | - Luis F O Silva
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlàntico, Colombia.
| | - Kyung Sook Choi
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Institute of Agricultural Science & Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ramganesh Selvarajan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida branch, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Akebe Luther King Abia
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Environmental Research Foundation, Westville 3630, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Sahar Gholipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Nikaeen
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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3
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Wang Q, Zhang M, Li R. Does medical waste research during COVID-19 meet the challenge induced by the pandemic to waste management? WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2024; 42:244-259. [PMID: 37334464 PMCID: PMC10277880 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x231178226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented amount of medical waste, presenting significant challenges for the safe disposal of hazardous waste. A systematic review of existing research on COVID-19 and medical waste can help address these challenges by providing insights and recommendations for effective management of the massive medical waste generated during the pandemic. This study utilized bibliometric and text mining methods to survey the scientific outcomes related to COVID-19 and medical waste, drawing on data from the Scopus database. The results show that the spatial distribution of medical waste research is unbalanced. Surprisingly, developing countries rather than developed countries lead research in this area. Especially, China, a major contributor to the field, has the highest number of publications and citations, and is also a centre of international cooperation. The main study authors and research institutions are also mainly from China. And the research on medical waste is a multidisciplinary field. Text mining analysis shows that COVID-19 and medical waste research is mainly organized around four themes: (i) medical waste from personal protective equipment; (ii) research on medical waste in Wuhan, China; (iii) threats of medical waste to the environment and (iv) disposal and management of medical waste. This would serve to better understand the current state of medical waste research and to provide some implications for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Wulumuqi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Li
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Wulumuqi, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Jerie S, Shabani T, Mudyazhezha OC, Shabani T. A review towards developing a hierarchical model for sustainable hospital solid waste management in rural areas of Zimbabwe. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:308. [PMID: 38407739 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Management of solid waste from rural hospitals is amongst problems affecting Zimbabwe due to diseases, population, and hospital increase. Solid waste from rural hospitals is receiving little attention translating to environmental health problems. Therefore, 101 secondary sources were used to write a paper aiming to proffer a hierarchical model to achieve sustainable solid waste management at rural hospitals. Rural hospitals' solid waste encompasses electronic waste, sharps, pharmaceutical, pathological, radioactive, chemical, infectious, and general waste. General solid waste from rural hospitals is between 77.35 and 79% whilst hazardous waste is between 21 and 22.65%. Solid waste increase add burden to nearly incapacitated rural hospitals. Rural hospital solid waste management processes include storage, transportation, treatment methods like autoclaving and chlorination, waste reduction alternatives, and disposal. Disposal strategies involve open pits, open burning, dumping, and incineration. Rural hospital solid waste management is guided by legislation, policies, guidelines, and conventions. Effectiveness of legal framework is limited by economic and socio-political problems. Rural hospital solid waste management remain inappropriate causing environmental health risks. Developed hierarchical model can narrow the route to attain sustainable management of rural hospitals' solid waste. Proposed hierarchical model consists of five-layered strategies and acted as a guide for identifying and ranking approaches to manage rural hospitals' solid waste. Additionally, Zimbabwean government, Environmental Management Agency and Ministry of Health is recommended to collaborate to provide sufficient resources to rural hospitals whilst enforcing legal framework. Integration of all hierarchical model's elements is essential whereas all-stakeholder involvement and solid waste minimisation approaches are significant at rural hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jerie
- Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience, Midlands State University, Building P. Bag, 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Takunda Shabani
- Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience, Midlands State University, Building P. Bag, 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe.
| | - Olivia C Mudyazhezha
- Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience, Midlands State University, Building P. Bag, 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Tapiwa Shabani
- Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience, Midlands State University, Building P. Bag, 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
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5
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Aniza R, Chen WH, Pétrissans A, Hoang AT, Ashokkumar V, Pétrissans M. A review of biowaste remediation and valorization for environmental sustainability: Artificial intelligence approach. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121363. [PMID: 36863440 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biowaste remediation and valorization for environmental sustainability focuses on prevention rather than cleanup of waste generation by applying the fundamental recovery concept through biowaste-to-bioenergy conversion systems - an appropriate approach in a circular bioeconomy. Biomass waste (biowaste) is discarded organic materials made of biomass (e.g., agriculture waste and algal residue). Biowaste is widely studied as one of the potential feedstocks in the biowaste valorization process due to its being abundantly available. In terms of practical implementations, feedstock variability from biowaste, conversion costs and supply chain stability prevent the widespread usage of bioenergy products. Biowaste remediation and valorization have used artificial intelligence (AI), a newly developed idea, to overcome these difficulties. This report analyzed 118 works that applied various AI algorithms to biowaste remediation and valorization-related research published between 2007 and 2022. Four common AI types are utilized in biowaste remediation and valorization: neural networks, Bayesian networks, decision tree, and multivariate regression. The neural network is the most frequent AI for prediction models, the Bayesian network is utilized for probabilistic graphical models, and the decision tree is trusted for providing tools to assist decision-making. Meanwhile, multivariate regression is employed to identify the relationship between experimental variables. AI is a remarkably effective tool in predicting data, which is reportedly better than the conventional approach owing to its characteristics of time-saving and high accuracy. The challenge and future work in biowaste remediation and valorization are briefly discussed to maximize the model's performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Aniza
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan; International Doctoral Degree Program on Energy Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung, 407, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, 411, Taiwan.
| | | | - Anh Tuan Hoang
- Institute of Engineering, HUTECH University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Veeramuthu Ashokkumar
- Biorefineries for Biofuels & Bioproducts Laboratory, Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
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6
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Choi Y, Choi HJ, Rhee SW. Generation of waste personal protective equipment (PPE) related to COVID-19 using quantitative forecasting technique. JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 2023; 25:1-10. [PMID: 37360947 PMCID: PMC10122196 DOI: 10.1007/s10163-023-01672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, lifestyles have totally changed and the characteristics of waste generation have also changed accordingly. Among the various wastes related to COVID-19, waste personal protective equipment (PPE), which was used to prevent infection of COVID-19, can be an indirect route for the infection of COVID-19. Hence, it requires proper management with estimating waste PPE generation. In this study, the estimation of generation amount of waste PPE in consideration of lifestyle and medical practice is proposed by quantitative forecasting technique. In the quantitative forecasting technique, the generation source of waste PPE consisted of household and test/treatment of COVID-19. For case study in Korea, the amount of waste PPE generated from household is evaluated by applying the quantitative forecasting technique reflecting the population and measures in lifestyle due to COVID-19. Also, the estimated amount of waste PPE generation from test and treatment of COVID-19 was evaluated to have a meaningful reliability compared with other observed values. This quantitative forecasting technique can estimate the amount of waste PPE generation related to COVID-19 and develop safe management measures for waste PPE in many other countries by modifying country-specific lifestyles and medical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Choi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyonggi University, 154-42, Gwanggyosan-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16227 Gyeonggi-do Korea
| | - Hyeong-Jin Choi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyonggi University, 154-42, Gwanggyosan-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16227 Gyeonggi-do Korea
| | - Seung-Whee Rhee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyonggi University, 154-42, Gwanggyosan-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16227 Gyeonggi-do Korea
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7
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Takunda S, Steven J. Medical solid waste management status in Zimbabwe. JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 2023; 25:717-732. [PMID: 36686405 PMCID: PMC9838344 DOI: 10.1007/s10163-022-01578-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In Zimbabwe, management of medical solid waste is emerging as a visible dilemma. This is attributed to population explosion as well as outbreak of diseases and spread of already existing diseases which accelerate volume of medical solid waste generated by medical facilities. Consequently, the overarching objective of this paper was to review medical solid waste management status in Zimbabwe utilising published documents. The literature demonstrated that medical solid waste generated in Zimbabwe encompasses pathological, pharmaceutical, chemical, infectious, cytotoxic, sharps and general waste. Management approaches used by medical facilities are marred with inappropriateness as shown by storage, collection, conveyance and disposal of non-segregated waste. Verdicts of the study depict that open pit dumping, landfills, incineration, burying, open burning, ottoway pits and open dumpsites are discarding strategies used. However, these strategies pose water, air and soil pollution, therefore, impacting the ecosystem and humanity. Findings indicated that infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, gastro-intestinal problems and injuries emanate due to poor management of medical waste. The roots of unsafe management of medical solid waste include inadequate finance, weak enforcement of legislation, ignorance among health workers and waste workers as well as non-participatory approach in decision making. Zimbabwe is recommended to direct funds to medical solid waste, increase awareness of health workers through trainings and education and reinforcing enforcement of legislation linked to medical solid waste among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabani Takunda
- Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience Building, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Jerie Steven
- Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience Building, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
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8
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Nguyen TDT, Nakakubo T, Kawai K. Analysis of COVID-19 waste management in Vietnam and recommendations to adapt to the 'new normal' period. JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 2022; 25:835-850. [PMID: 36532159 PMCID: PMC9734957 DOI: 10.1007/s10163-022-01563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Amid the 4th wave of COVID-19, Vietnam reopened its economy, which placed extra burdens on the COVID-19 waste management system. This study analyzed existing issues and recommended adaptations to secure appropriate management of COVID-19 waste under the 'new normal' pandemic period. Results showed changes in COVID-19 waste characteristics (e.g., rapid rise in waste generation, lower percentage of plastic) and multiple other issues (e.g., presence of COVID-19 waste in municipal waste, lack of temporary storage sites and local treatment capacity), along with greater waste-handling responsibilities placed on authorities and higher infection risks. To adapt to the 'new normal', introduction of separate handling routes and collaboration in waste treatment were recommended. Employing the network of pharmacies used for vaccination would require COVID-19 waste collection from scattered, small-scale sources as part of the waste management solution. Also, following the 4R initiatives (reduce, reuse, recycle, recovery) could help ease the burden on the country's waste system and provide additional opportunities to move towards a circular economy in the post-acute COVID-19 era. The findings should contribute to a safer co-existence with the virus through appropriate waste management in Vietnam and could be used to tackle waste problems in other developing countries. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10163-022-01563-x.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kosuke Kawai
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506 Japan
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Khongthaw B, Dulta K, Chauhan PK, Kumar V, Ighalo JO. Lycopene: a therapeutic strategy against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID- 19). Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1955-1976. [PMID: 36050507 PMCID: PMC9436159 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01061-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lycopene is a group of phytochemicals found in nature, primarily in fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is thought to protect against a variety of diseases attributed to its antioxidant capabilities. Lycopene has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity-boosting qualities, among other biological and pharmacological benefits. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has recently emerged as one of the world's leading causes of death. Patients may be asymptomatic or show signs of respiratory, cytokine release syndrome, gastrointestinal, or even multiple organ failure, all of which can lead to death. In COVID-19, inflammation, and cytokine storm are the key pathogenic mechanisms, according to SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms. ARDS develops in some vulnerable hosts, which is accompanied by an inflammatory "cytokine syndrome" that causes lung damage. Immunological and inflammatory markers were linked to disease severity in mild and severe COVID-19 cases, implying that inflammatory markers, including IL-6, CRP, ESR, and PCT were significantly linked with COVID-19 severity. Patients with severe illness have reduced levels of several immune subsets, including CD4 + T, NK, and CD8 + cells. As a result, lycopene can be commended for bolstering physiological defenses against COVID-19 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banlambhabok Khongthaw
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Kanika Dulta
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Chauhan
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India.
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248002, India
| | - Joshua O Ighalo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.
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Adelodun B, Kumar P, Odey G, Ajibade FO, Ibrahim RG, Alamri SAM, Alrumman SA, Eid EM, Kumar V, Adeyemi KA, Arya AK, Bachheti A, Oliveira MLS, Choi KS. A safe haven of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment: Prevalence and potential transmission risks in the effluent, sludge, and biosolids. GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS 2022; 13:101373. [PMID: 37521134 PMCID: PMC8861126 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsf.2022.101373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which has caused millions of death globally is recognized to be unstable and recalcitrant in the environment, especially in the way it has been evolving to form new and highly transmissible variants. Of particular concerns are human-environment interactions and the handling and reusing the environmental materials, such as effluents, sludge, or biosolids laden with the SARS-CoV-2 without adequate treatments, thereby suggesting potential transmission and health risks. This study assesses the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in effluents, sludge, and biosolids. Further, we evaluate the environmental, ecological, and health risks of reusing these environmental materials by wastewater/sludge workers and farmers. A systematic review of literature from the Scopus database resulted in a total of 21 articles (11 for effluents, 8 for sludge, and 2 for biosolids) that met the criteria for meta-analysis, which are then subdivided into 30 meta-analyzed studies. The prevalence of SAR-CoV-2 RNA in effluent and sludge based on random-effect models are 27.51 and 1012.25, respectively, with a 95% CI between 6.14 and 48.89 for the effluent, and 104.78 and 1019.71 for the sludge. However, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the biosolids based on the fixed-effect model is 30.59, with a 95% CI between 10.10 and 51.08. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in environmental materials indicates the inefficiency in some of the treatment systems currently deployed to inactivate and remove the novel virus, which could be a potential health risk concern to vulnerable wastewater workers in particular, and the environmental and ecological issues for the population at large. This timely review portends the associated risks in handling and reusing environmental materials without proper and adequate treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Agro-ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar 249404, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Golden Odey
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Fidelis Odedishemi Ajibade
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | | | - Saad A M Alamri
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman A Alrumman
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebrahem M Eid
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Agro-ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar 249404, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Khalid Adeola Adeyemi
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Ashish Kumar Arya
- Department of Environmental Science, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) Deharadun, 248002 Uttarakhand, India
| | - Archana Bachheti
- Department of Environmental Science, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) Deharadun, 248002 Uttarakhand, India
| | - Marcos L S Oliveira
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad De La Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Kyung Sook Choi
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
- Institute of Agricultural Science & Technology, Kyungpook, National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
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11
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COVID-19: An Accelerator for Global Plastic Consumption and Its Implications. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:1066350. [PMID: 36246469 PMCID: PMC9568321 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1066350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Plastic has been ingrained in our society. Repercussions on the usage of nonbiodegradable plastics and their problems have been recently realized. Despite its detrimental environmental impact, the COVID-19 epidemic has compelled worldwide citizens to increase their plastic use due to affordability and availability. The volume of hospital solid waste, particularly plastics, is overgrowing due to an unexpected increase in medical waste, culminating in the global waste management catastrophe. Henceforth, adopting good waste management practices along with appropriate technologies and viewing the current issue from a fresh perspective would be an opportunity in this current scenario. Accordingly, this review study will focus on the plastic waste scenario before and during the COVID-19 epidemic. This review also disseminates alternative disposal options and recommends practical solutions to lessen human reliance on traditional plastics. Further, the responsibilities of various legislative and regulatory authorities at the local, regional, and worldwide levels are addressed.
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Al Huraimel K, Alhosani M, Gopalani H, Kunhabdulla S, Stietiya MH. Elucidating the role of environmental management of forests, air quality, solid waste and wastewater on the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2. HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES 2022; 3:100006. [PMID: 37519421 PMCID: PMC9095661 DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2022.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increasing frequency of zoonotic diseases is amongst several catastrophic repercussions of inadequate environmental management. Emergence, prevalence, and lethality of zoonotic diseases is intrinsically linked to environmental management which are currently at a destructive level globally. The effects of these links are complicated and interdependent, creating an urgent need of elucidating the role of environmental mismanagement to improve our resilience to future pandemics. This review focused on the pertinent role of forests, outdoor air, indoor air, solid waste and wastewater management in COVID-19 dissemination to analyze the opportunities prevailing to control infectious diseases considering relevant data from previous disease outbreaks. Global forest management is currently detrimental and hotspots of forest fragmentation have demonstrated to result in zoonotic disease emergences. Deforestation is reported to increase susceptibility to COVID-19 due to wildfire induced pollution and loss of forest ecosystem services. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 like viruses in multiple animal species also point to the impacts of biodiversity loss and forest fragmentation in relation to COVID-19. Available literature on air quality and COVID-19 have provided insights into the potential of air pollutants acting as plausible virus carrier and aggravating immune responses and expression of ACE2 receptors. SARS-CoV-2 is detected in outdoor air, indoor air, solid waste, wastewater and shown to prevail on solid surfaces and aerosols for prolonged hours. Furthermore, lack of protection measures and safe disposal options in waste management are evoking concerns especially in underdeveloped countries due to high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. Inadequate legal framework and non-adherence to environmental regulations were observed to aggravate the postulated risks and vulnerability to future waves of pandemics. Our understanding underlines the urgent need to reinforce the fragile status of global environmental management systems through the development of strict legislative frameworks and enforcement by providing institutional, financial and technical supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Al Huraimel
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Alhosani
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hetasha Gopalani
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shabana Kunhabdulla
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Hashem Stietiya
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Anand U, Adelodun B, Cabreros C, Kumar P, Suresh S, Dey A, Ballesteros F, Bontempi E. Occurrence, transformation, bioaccumulation, risk and analysis of pharmaceutical and personal care products from wastewater: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:3883-3904. [PMID: 35996725 PMCID: PMC9385088 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Almost all aspects of society from food security to disease control and prevention have benefited from pharmaceutical and personal care products, yet these products are a major source of contamination that ends up in wastewater and ecosystems. This issue has been sharply accentuated during the coronavirus disease pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) due to the higher use of disinfectants and other products. Here we review pharmaceutical and personal care products with focus on their occurrence in the environment, detection, risk, and removal. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10311-022-01498-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105 Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Carlo Cabreros
- Environmental Engineering Program, National Graduate School of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101 Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Agro-Ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to Be University), Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249404 India
| | - S. Suresh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 003 India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073 India
| | - Florencio Ballesteros
- Environmental Engineering Program, National Graduate School of Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1101 Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Ighalo JO, Rangabhashiyam S, Dulta K, Umeh CT, Iwuozor KO, Aniagor CO, Eshiemogie SO, Iwuchukwu FU, Igwegbe CA. Recent advances in hydrochar application for the adsorptive removal of wastewater pollutants. Chem Eng Res Des 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2022.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Adeniyi LA, Akinpelu OP, Fatoke MT, Adeniji MA. Evaluation of urban solid-waste generation and safety consciousness of waste collectors amidst COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 2022; 24:1948-1957. [PMID: 35789931 PMCID: PMC9244038 DOI: 10.1007/s10163-022-01449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates solid-waste handling practices by municipal waste collectors during COVID-19 pandemic period in Osogbo urban areas with the intention of assessing measures put in place for preventing possible spread of the disease. Data for the study were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were acquired through questionnaire administration on the 5% of waste collectors selected through snowball technique of chain referral. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Adopted under this technique are cross-tabulation, percentages, index that was used determine waste generation (WGI), and protective material index (PMI) used by waste collectors before and during the lockdown periods. The result showed that rate of waste generation before the pandemic was WGI = 0.69 and during the pandemic was WGI = 0.75. The use of protective materials before COVID-19 was PMI = 2.9 as against (PMI = 3.58) during the lockdown period, with face mask recorded lowest occurrence of use (PMI = - 2.91). Crude materials that cannot guarantee the safety of waste collectors are used for transfer of waste into disposal vehicle. The study concludes that solid-waste collectors in the study area are not adequately catered for during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lateef A. Adeniyi
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun P. Akinpelu
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Michael T. Fatoke
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Nigeria
| | - Margaret A. Adeniji
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Nigeria
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Artacho-Ramírez MÁ, Moreno-Solaz H, Lo-Iacono-Ferreira VG, Cloquell-Ballester VA. Statistical Analysis of the Long-Term Influence of COVID-19 on Waste Generation-A Case Study of Castellón in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6071. [PMID: 35627607 PMCID: PMC9141199 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Existing research recognizes the COVID-19 impact on waste generation. However, the preliminary studies were made at an early pandemic stage, focused on the household waste fraction, and employed descriptive statistics that lacked statistical support. This study tries to fill this gap by providing a reliable statistical analysis setting inferential confidence in the waste generation differences found in Castellón. Repeated measures ANOVA were carried out for all the waste fractions collected and recorded in the city landfill database from 2017 to 2020. Additionally, Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test (p < 0.05) was used to assure confidence level correction and identify which pairs of years’ differences appeared. The longitudinal study identified trends for each waste fraction before the pandemic and showed how they changed with the advent of the crisis. Compared to 2019, waste collection in 2020 significantly grew for glass and packaging; remained unchanged for beaches, paper and cardboard, and dropped substantially for households, streets, markets, bulky waste, hospitals, and recycling centres. Total waste showed no differences between 2017 and 2019 but dropped significantly in 2020. These findings may help us better understand the long-term implications of COVID-19 and improve municipal solid waste management in a similar crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel-Ángel Artacho-Ramírez
- Project Management, Innovation and Sustainability Research Center (PRINS), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (M.-Á.A.-R.); (V.G.L.-I.-F.); (V.-A.C.-B.)
| | | | - Vanesa G. Lo-Iacono-Ferreira
- Project Management, Innovation and Sustainability Research Center (PRINS), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (M.-Á.A.-R.); (V.G.L.-I.-F.); (V.-A.C.-B.)
| | - Víctor-Andrés Cloquell-Ballester
- Project Management, Innovation and Sustainability Research Center (PRINS), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (M.-Á.A.-R.); (V.G.L.-I.-F.); (V.-A.C.-B.)
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Zhao H, Liu H, Wei G, Zhang N, Qiao H, Gong Y, Yu X, Zhou J, Wu Y. A review on emergency disposal and management of medical waste during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 810:152302. [PMID: 34896492 PMCID: PMC8660658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The surge of medical waste (MW) generated during the COVID-19 pandemic has exceeded the disposal capacity of existing facilities. The timely, safe, and efficient emergency disposal of MW is critical to prevent the epidemic spread. Therefore, this review presents the current status of MW generation and disposal in China and analyzes the characteristics and applicability of emergency disposal technologies. The results show that movable disposal facilities can dispose of infectious MW on site, even though most of their disposal capacity is at a low level (<5 t/day). Co-disposal facilities need to be reformed completely for emergency MW disposal, in which separate feeding systems should be taken seriously. Specifically, municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration facilities have great potential to improve emergency MW disposal capacities. For hazardous waste incineration facilities, compatibility of the wastes must be matched to the composition and calorific value of the waste. As for cement kiln, MW can only be used as an alternative fuel instead of a raw material for cement. Based on the environmental risk and technical adaptability, the six emergency MW disposal technologies are recommended to be prioritized as follows: movable microwave sterilization, movable steam sterilization, movable incineration, co-incineration with hazardous waste, co-incineration with MSW and co-disposal in cement kilns. Infectious MW, especially COVID-19 MW, should be prioritized for disposal by centralized and movable disposal facilities, while non-infectious MW can be disposed of using co-disposal facilities. All stakeholders should strengthen the delicacy management of the end-of-life stage of MW, including collection, classification, packaging identification, transportation, and disposal. Currently, it is necessary for centralized disposal enterprises to follow the emergency disposal operation flowchart. From a long-term strategic perspective, making full use of regional movable and co-disposal facilities in the megacities can effectively enhance the emergency MW disposal capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Zhao
- College of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China; State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC), School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hanqiao Liu
- College of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China.
| | - Guoxia Wei
- College of Science, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER), Weberplatz 1, Dresden 01217, Germany
| | - Haoyu Qiao
- College of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Yongyue Gong
- College of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiangnan Yu
- College of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Shandong Advanced Materials Industry Association, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yuhang Wu
- Mathematical Modeling Innovation Lab, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
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Zhou C, Fang XJ, Wang YJ, Zhang Q. The influence mechanism of household waste separation behavior among college students in the post COVID-19 pandemic period. JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 2022; 24:784-800. [PMID: 35194400 PMCID: PMC8817170 DOI: 10.1007/s10163-022-01363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
College students are one of the most important groups of participants and promoters of household waste separation. Taking Ningbo as a case study, an online + offline questionnaire survey among more than 1700 students in 10 colleges is conducted to identify the main factors and pathways influencing waste separation behavior in the post COVID-19 pandemic period. The results show that the KMO statistic is 0.926, Bartlet test is p < 0.001, indicating that questionnaire sample data is suitable for factor analysis. The modified Structural Equation Model test indicates that waste separation behavior of college students mainly results from the combined effect of eight subjective intrinsic factors and seven external situational factors. Among them, the convenience of recycling facilities, the convenience of sorting facilities and the publicity and education of sorting knowledge are the top three factors with the most significant influence. The mean value of epidemic impact factors is 0.277, which is slightly lower than conventional influence factors (0.289). Environmental Norms and Constraints are an essential component in the analysis framework of college students' waste separation behavior. In the future, society and colleges should give full play to the positive influence of the epidemic factor on college students' waste separation behavior. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10163-022-01363-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhou
- Ningbo Polytechnic, 388 Lushan Road, Ningbo, 315800 China
| | - Xue-juan Fang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021 China
- Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021 China
| | - Yan-jie Wang
- Ningbo Polytechnic, 388 Lushan Road, Ningbo, 315800 China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Ningbo Polytechnic, 388 Lushan Road, Ningbo, 315800 China
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