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Californias organic waste diversion law, SB 1383, mandates a 75% reduction in organics disposal by 2025 to reduce landfill methane emissions. Composting will likely be the primary alternative to landfilling, and 75-100 new large-scale composting facilities must be sited in the state to meet its diversion goal. We developed a strategy for evaluating site suitability for commercial composting by incorporating land-use, economic, and environmental justice criteria. In our Baseline scenario, we identified 899 candidate sites, and nearly all are within a cost-effective hauling distance of cropland and rangelands for compost application. About half of sites, mostly in rural areas, are not within a cost-effective collection distance of enough municipal organics to supply an average-sized facility. Conversely, sites near cities have greater access to organics but cause greater health damages from ammonia and volatile organic compounds emitted during the composting process. The additional required composting capacity corresponds to $266-355 million in annual damages from air pollution. However, this excludes avoided emissions from landfilling, and damages could be reduced by 56% if aerated static piles are used instead of windrows. Siting a higher number of smaller decentralized facilities could also help equally distribute air pollution to avoid concentrating burdens in certain communities.

To evaluate the water quality in the Poprad, Kamienica, Dunajec river and the Łubinka stream in the Sącz agglomeration, two series of pilot studies were conducted on raw water samples, with a particular focus on both physical parameters (such as total suspended matter, turbidity, pH, and conductivity) and chemical parameters. The analysis presented increased concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen, BOD5, COD, chlorides, sulfates, permanganate value, orthophosphates, total suspended matter, specific electrolytic conductivity (PEW), pH levels, and various elements including lithium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, calcium, and iron. No exceedance of the detection limits for individual pesticides were observed in the waters of the Poprad, Kamienica rivers and the Łubinka stream. Nevertheless, increased concentrations of the insecticide imidacloprid and the fungicide imazalil were detected in the Dunajec river. The primary factors impacting water quality in the Sącz agglomeration are the use of fertilizers, the proximity of wastewater treatment plants, and the presence of landfill sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation is an alternative technology for treating leachate by utilizing plants. The objective of this study was to examine the concentrations of total suspended solid (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), and cadmium (Cd) in leachate through the phytoremediation process using Chlorophytum comosum, Echinodorus palaefolius, and Hippochaetes lymenalis. The research was conducted on a laboratory scale with a batch system. The leachate was sourced from the Ngipik Landfill, Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, and was collected from the inlet of the Ngipik Landfill Leachate Treatment Unit. Acclimatization was carried out for 7 days. A range finding test (RFT) was conducted by varying the concentration composition of the leachate compared to tap water, with the planting medium being 25% leachate: 75% tap water, 50% leachate: 50% tap water, 50% leachate: 75% tap water, and 100% leachate: 0% tap water (v/v). The plants used in each reactor weighed 1 kg. The reactors used for the phytoremediation process were plastic boxes with dimensions of 51×32×31 cm. The planting medium consisted of gravel-sized 10-20 mm, with a thickness of 7 cm, and soil with a thickness of 7 cm. This research showed that the average final TSS concentration of the leachate was 25.50 ± 44.37 mg/L. The average TSS reduction efficiency reached 94.90 ± 8.87%. The average final TN concentration of the leachate was 409.42 ± 139.19 mg/L, with an average TN reduction efficiency of 89.73 ± 4.62%. The average Cd concentration in the leachate was 0.0012 ± 0.0013 mg/L, with an average Cd concentration reduction efficiency of 92.30 ± 8.48%. The final TSS and Cd concentrations met the leachate quality standards, with values of 100 mg/L and 0.1000 mg/L, respectively. However, the final TN concentration did not meet the leachate quality standards, as the final TN concentration in the leachate was 60 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although antibiotics have significantly improved human and animal health, their intensive use leads to the accumulation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. Moreover, certain waste management practices create the ideal conditions for AMR development while providing predictable resources for wildlife. Here, we investigated the role of landfills in the potentiation of New World vultures to disseminate environmental AMR. We collected 107 samples (soil, water, and feces) between 2023 and 2024, in different bird use sites (roosts, landfills and boneyards). Results: We isolated enterococci (EN), Escherichia coli (EC), and Salmonella spp. (SM), performed antibiotic susceptibility tests, and quantified the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within all samples. We identified EN, EC, and SM, in 50, 37, and 26 samples, from the three vulture use areas, respectively. AMR was mainly to aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, and tetracycline, and the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 5.3% (EC), 78.2% (EN), and 17.6% (SM). Variations in bacterial abundance and AMR/MDR profiles were found based on the season, use site, and sample types, which was corroborated by ARG analyses. Conclusions: Our study suggests that landfills constitute a source of zoonotic pathogens and AMR for wildlife, due to readily available refuse input. Using non-invasive molecular methods, we highlight an often-ignored ecosystem within the One Health paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfills are the most affordable and popular method for managing waste in many parts of the world, However, in most developing nations, including India, the infiltration of hazardous materials from improperly managed dumping site continues to be a significant environmental problem. Around the world, leachate is a significant point source of contamination in numerous environmental media, including soil, groundwater, and surface water. Soil is an important asset as it is the key factor for food production and has tremendous significance in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). The contaminants from soil enter into food chain and ultimately reach humans. So in order to prevent the adverse effects of toxic elements on humans, there is need to maintain the soil quality and to prevent deterioration. Keeping in view the consequences of unscientific management of waste, the goal of the experiment was to determine how landfill leachate from Achan landfill affected the soil quality in the temperate Himalayas. All four seasons of the year, viz Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, at four sites viz, Center of dumping site, inside, Outside and Control were monitored. Among sites center was found to have maximum value of EC (3.04 dS/m), Moisture content (42.51%), N (285.43 mg/kg), P (70.07 mg/kg), K (265.71 mg/kg), Ca (957.67 mg/kg), Mg(402.42 mg/kg), Zn (2.02 mg/kg), Fe (10.56 mg/kg), Cu (2.07 mg/kg), Mn (10.73 mg/kg), Pb (85.02 mg/kg), Cd (4.50 mg/kg), Ni (29.04 mg/kg), Cr (23.37 mg/kg), As (14.10 mg/kg). While as the lowest value of all parameters was reported at control site. From the study it is recommended that the waste generated is mostly organic (65–75%), thus can be segregated and treated at source. The waste can be treated at source using microbial consortium technology in order to transform the waste in to wealth in a sustainable way and to prevent the deterioration of soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the end of 2020, Talang Gulo Landfill Site 1 in Jambi City was officially closed due to overcapacity. Municipal solid waste disposal has shifted to the Talang Gulo site 2 with a life expectancy of ± 90 years based on the design plan. However, this is difficult to realize because segregation and composting are not optimal, so more than 90% of the waste transported to the final processing site (TPA) is in a landfill. Thus, landfill mining was executed to utilize excavated landfill waste as a material and energy. It was carried out at depths of 3, 5, and 7 meters with an estimated sample age of > 9 years. The mixed landfill samples contained 55.6-66.2% moisture content, 50.3-80.6% volatile content, 19.4-49.7% ash content, 2.6-4.2% fixed carbon, and 3.5-5.7 MJ/kg calorific value. Furthermore, the landfill waste was dried using the biodrying method, combining fresh and landfill waste in the pile composition. The ratio of landfill waste to the addition of fresh waste is 1:0 (control pile), 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. The drying method reduced moisture content of 9-29.1% with a lower calorific value of 5-6.8 MJ/kg. Based on statistical analysis, it is known that waste ratio has a significant effect on moisture content. Based on the weighting results, the optimum mixture ratio is 1:1 (pile 2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research provides the first assessment of the leachate impact on water sources near the newly installed Landfill and Recovery Center (LRC) in Tangier, Morocco, which has been operational since the beginning of 2021. The investigation involved the analysis of microbiological and chemical parameters in water samples from four community wells and five surface water sources in the M’harar and Tahaddart Wadis during the dry season. Chemical analysis focused on detecting heavy metals, which were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Microbiological analysis involved assessing the presence of Fecal Indicator Bacteria utilizing the membrane filtration method. The findings reveal alarmingly high levels of fecal bacteria and distinct spatial water quality patterns, with a notable gradient of bacteriological contamination in groundwater sources surrounding the LRC. The highest concentrations were noted at well P.1, located about 3.6 meters from the LRC, while at well P.4, located 1 km away, there is a regression in bacterial and metal concentration, suggesting leachate percolation, likely due to construction faults and inadequate waste management. The heavy metal concentrations remained below the World Health Organization’s maximum acceptable values. Nevertheless, the overall results of the M’harar and Tahaddart Wadis waters show no leachate runoff. The study highlights the urgent need to improve the installation of proper leachate collection tanks and treatment systems as well as robust environmental monitoring, to protect the ecological integrity of the Biological and Ecological Interest Site (SIBE) of the Tahaddart region and safeguard public health. This study is limited by its focus on a specific geographic area and the timing of sampling, which restricted the groundwater analysis to only four wells. Future research should include sampling across different seasons and a broader range of wells to provide a more comprehensive understanding of water quality dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first-order kinetic model for the simultaneous anaerobic–aerobic degradation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is presented in the study. The model incorporates the effect of oxygen concentration on anaerobic degradation, enabling the coexistence of anaerobic and aerobic processes within specific oxygen ranges. The model can thoroughly consider the impacts of temperature, moisture content, oxygen concentration, and free air space (FAS) on the degradation rates of five substrates, i.e., holocellulose, non-cellulosic sugars, proteins, lipids, and lignin. The model was successfully verified against two experimental results. The sequential model underestimates both compression strain and degradation ratio, with peak underestimation ratios of 8.7% and 9.2%, respectively. Using the simultaneous model, the effects of anaerobic age, temperature, and aeration rate on landfill aerobic remediation efficacy are quantitatively assessed. Two evaluation criteria, namely the advance rate of aerobic remediation stabilization time (Rt) and the degradation rate after 100 days of aerobic remediation ( λ 100 a ), are adopted. The results indicate the following: (1) Rt is more sensitive to anaerobic age and temperature, while λ 100 a is more affected by anaerobic age and aeration rate; (2) under optimal conditions, Rt and λ 100 a can reach 86.3% and 70.9%, respectively. The present model provides a crucial theoretical framework for evaluating aerobic remediation effectiveness in both anaerobic sanitary landfills and informal landfills, offering valuable insights for practical implementation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the shift toward a closed-loop economy, soil-like fractions from landfills are increasingly seen as a potential raw material. Pollution, including potentially toxic elements (PTEs), limits the use of soil-like fractions. The study objective was to assess the level of contamination with PTEs and the ecological risk of the soil-like fraction from a landfill using an interval method on the basis of a quantile analysis. Quantile analysis allows visualization and interpretation of data based on statistical principles using a cumulative distribution function for the data. Quantiles divide the entire dataset into equal parts by probability, and they indicate the proportion of observations that have a value less than or equal to a given quantile. A study was conducted at a landfill in Volgograd. The contents of Cd, Ni, Pb, Hg, Cu, and Zn were studied in a soil-like fraction. The contents of Hg, Pb, and Zn were low and did not pose any risks to the environment. Cd, Ni, and Cu were the main reasons for the contamination of the soil-like fraction. Quantile analysis has shown that the soil-like fraction is polluted unevenly and is described by several contamination levels. The pollution level with PTEs in the soil-like fraction is low, with a probability of 27–31%. The other part of the soil-like fraction has a pollution level ranging from moderate to very high. The environmental risk of a soil-like fraction is associated with Cd and Ni. With a probability of 23.5%, a soil-like fraction is a high environmental risk and requires a responsible attitude and measures to ensure environmental safety. With probabilities of 29.4% and 47.1%, the complex potential environmental risks of a soil-like fraction are low and moderate, respectively. The soil-like fraction located at a depth of more than 2.5 m has a low level of pollution and a low environmental risk. Potentially, this part of a soil-like fraction can be isolated and, after detoxification, used. The significance of this research lies in providing a novel approach to evaluate the ecological risk of soil-like fractions from landfills, which can inform more effective sustainable waste utilization practices in landfill mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Although antibiotics have significantly improved human and animal health, their intensive use leads to the accumulation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. Moreover, certain waste management practices create the ideal conditions for AMR development while providing predictable resources for wildlife. Here, we investigated the role of landfills in the potentiation of New World vultures to disseminate environmental AMR. We collected 107 samples (soil, water, and feces) between 2023 and 2024, in different bird use sites (roosts, landfills and boneyards). Results We isolated enterococci (EN), Escherichia coli (EC), and Salmonella spp. (SM), performed antibiotic susceptibility tests, and quantified the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within all samples. We identified EN, EC, and SM, in 50, 37, and 26 samples, from the three vulture use areas, respectively. AMR was mainly to aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, and tetracycline, and the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 5.3% (EC), 78.2% (EN), and 17.6% (SM). Variations in bacterial abundance and AMR/MDR profiles were found based on the season, use site, and sample types, which was corroborated by ARG analyses. Conclusions Our study suggests that landfills constitute a source of zoonotic pathogens and AMR for wildlife, due to readily available refuse input. Using non-invasive molecular methods, we highlight an often-ignored ecosystem within the One Health paradigm.

This study addresses the critical challenges and initiatives in solid waste management (SWM) within the context of sustainable urban development in Malaysia. Acknowledging the complicated nature of SWM, the research explores municipal planning, transportation systems, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction, education, and waste management. The literature review incorporates global perspectives, highlighting SWM hierarchies, institutional effectiveness, sustainability challenges in diverse regions, and practical guidelines. The Malaysian context underscores the nation's dedication to sustainable development, regulatory structures, and the growing expenses associated with SWM. The discussion highlights the limitations of landfills in Malaysia, urging consideration of alternative solutions like waste-to-energy plants. The study aims to investigate SWM practices, operators' costs, and government incentives in Malaysia, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject for informed policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging contaminants (ECs) present a significant risk to both the ecological environment and human health. Landfill leachate (LL) often contains elevated EC levels, posing a potential risk to localized groundwater. This study aimed to characterize ECs in municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLs) and hazardous waste landfills (HWLs) in northeast (NE) China. One and three HWLs and MSWLs in NE China with varying types, operational years, and impermeable layers were selected as case studies, respectively. Statistical analysis of 62 indicators of nine ECs in leachate and the groundwater environment indicated the presence of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), antibiotics, alkylphenols (APs), and bisphenol A (BPA). The leachates of the four landfills exhibited elevated concentrations of ECs of 21.03 μg/L, 40.04 μg/L, 14.54 μg/L, and 43.05 μg/L for PFCs, antibiotics, Aps, and BPA, respectively. There was a positive correlation between the highest concentrations of ECs in groundwater and those in leachate as well as with operational duration of the landfill; in contrast, groundwater EC was negatively correlated with the degree of impermeability. This study can guide future management of ECs in landfills and hazardous waste sites in China, particularly in NE China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Segawe municipal solid waste (SW) landfill in Tulungagung Regency, Indonesia, has currently exceeded its capacity. This study aimed to determine the potential use of dumped SW at the landfill as raw material for the production of refuse derived fuel (RDF). Buried SW samples were collected at a passive zone of the landfill in six locations. The samples were sieved using 10 and 30 mm mesh sieves. A composition analysis was conducted following the ASTM D5231-92 method to sample fractions of greater than 30 mm size. The density was measured according to the weight and volume. The moisture and volatile matter contents were analyzed using the ASTM D2216-10 and D3175-07 methods, respectively. The calorific value was measured using a Parr C3000 bomb calorimeter following the ASTM D5865 method. The buried SW composition was dominated by a fraction size that was greater than 30 mm (79.4%). This fraction was dominantly composed of plastics (71.2%) and had average volatile matter and calorific values which met RDF criteria as a fuel. However, the ash and moisture contents exceeded the standards and, therefore, required appropriate treatments before their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste generation has seen a significant surge in the last decade, presenting an urgent need for efficient and sustainable waste management strategies. The mounting piles of landfill waste underscore the criticality of segregating recyclable from non-recyclable waste, a measure that could alleviate numerous global environmental challenges. The increasing necessity to differentiate waste into specific categories such as paper, plastic, and metal is becoming evident; these categories demand distinct disposal and recycling methods. Addressing this automatic detection and segregation issue calls for an automated garbage classification system, achievable through computer vision. This paper introduces a deep learning and computer vision-based Smart Ensembled Framework for Waste Management (SEFWaM) to categorize garbage into various classes for improved waste management. This innovative model employs a fusion of transfer learning—a deep learning technique and boosting to devise an ensembled approach for efficient waste classification. Our proposed approach, trained on the Trashnet 2.0 dataset, has demonstrated superior performance over competing algorithms in terms of Weighted Macro Precision (WMP), Weighted Macro Recall (WMR), Weighted Macro F1-Score (WMF), and test accuracy. The proposed SEFWaM model achieves an accuracy of 94.2% for the considered dataset, proving its superior efficiency over other deep learning-based models. This research thereby contributes to a pressing environmental issue by offering an automated, efficient solution for waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new landfill cover system, biochar-methanotrophs-clay (BMC) cover is recommended for reducing methane emissions at landfills. It also contributes to decreasing soil permeability and improving soil water retention in a long time, due to highly porous structure of biochar and the growth metabolism of methanotrophs. To determine the effects of biochar content, oxidation aging times and methane-filled days on hydraulic properties, a total of 60 groups of experiments were conducted. The saturated hydraulic conductivity (ksat) was obtained by flexible wall permeameter with controllable hydraulic head pressure. The results showed that the ksat of BMC increased with increasing biochar content and oxidation aging times, while decreased with adding methane-filled days. The soil-water characteristic curves (SWCCs) were obtained with soil suction measured by the filter paper method. The results indicated the water retention capacity of MBC reduced with increasing oxidation aging times but increased with adding methane-filled days. Detected by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), the differences displayed the changes of pore structures and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The oxidation aging of biochar increased the volume of pores, resulting in the increased ksat and the decreased water retention capacity. However, the growing of methanotrophs decreased the volume of pores, resulting in the ksat decreased and the water retention capacity increased due to EPS. No matter how many times the oxidation aging process was experienced, the BMC with longer methane-filled days exhibited relatively lower ksat and better water retention capacity. This implied a more stable barrier capacity to reduce water infiltration in the long term. By combing a series of macro and micro experiments, this paper provides theoretical guidance for the application of biocharmethanotroph- clay mixture to landfill covers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates five cases of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill slope failures in the USA, China, Sri Lanka, and Greece, with the aim of assessing the safety margins and reliability of these slopes. The stability and reliability of the landfill slopes were evaluated under both static and seismic loading conditions, using pre-failure geometries and geotechnical data, with analyses conducted in accordance with Eurocode 7, employing all three design approaches. Under static loading, the factors of safety were close to unity, and reliability indexes ranged from 1.0 to 2.8, both falling below the recommended values set by Eurocode. The landfill slopes failed to meet the stability criteria in Design Approaches 2 and 3, while in Design Approach 1, four out of five landfills met the criteria. Under seismic conditions, safety factors and reliability indexes were significantly lower than the prescribed criteria in all analyses. Sensitivity analyses revealed that in two cases, unit weight and friction angle were the dominant parameters, while cohesion was the dominant parameter in one case. The findings of this study underscore the importance of establishing minimum design requirements for MSW landfill slope stability to mitigate potential risks to public health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite indicators (CIs) are being utilized more frequently to assess and monitor environmental systems. The revised leachate pollution index (r-LPI) is one such composite indicator used to quantify the pollution potential of landfill leachate on a scale of 5–100. The development of CIs involves several steps, and each of these steps has various methodological choices, each of which could lead to different results. Thereby, the reliability of the quantified pollution potential of leachate may be questioned. This study investigated the techniques for developing the r-LPI, examining decisions related to parameter selection, normalization technique, weighting approach, sub-indicator weights, and their aggregation. As the index developer made the decisions, each of these stages was fraught with uncertainty. The uncertainty in the various stages of the development of r-LPI was quantified using the Monte Carlo-based uncertainty analysis and the sensitivity analysis approach. Uncertainty analysis is a helpful but seldom-used step of index development that identifies the model's most dependable sections. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to ascertain the degree of impact the input parameters have on the r-LPI values. The combined use of sensitivity and uncertainty analysis in this study for the formulation of r-LPI affirmed the transparency, credibility, and accuracy of the index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located in Douala V (Cameroon), Makepé Missoké is a lowland area that is influenced by the Tongo Bassa and Ngongué rivers. The site has a closed dumpsite, that operated from the 1975's to 2003 for the disposal and storage of domestic waste produced in Douala. Geoelectric profiling (ERT) coupled with seismo-electric imaging was used to characterize the shallow aquifer of the Douala subbasin and map subsurface pollution. Fourteen geoelectrical profiles were deployed between June and August 2018 and March 2019. Along these lines, 49 sets of seismo-electric point data were collected in December 2021. A total of 118 wells drilled (2018) were used to obtain water level and topographic data. The aquifer geometry, hydraulic characteristics, permeability, lithology and leachate plume extent were determined. This survey enables us to visualize waste infiltration and migration within Makepé. The drilled wells indicate that the main lithologies observed are clay, sandy clay, sand, clayey sand and gravel. The leachate plume observed after processing the electric profiles had a resistivity signature of < 10 Ωιτι, and high electrical conductivity are observed in some wells. The leachate migrates within the subsurface along a northwest-southwest trend, where ground water pollution is observed due to leachate infiltration. This infiltration resulted in poor water quality indices in some collected samples. Such pollution is common in unconfined aquifers (< 50 m) due to the absence of a confining layer at the landfill. An increase in resistivity values with depth toward the northeast direction indicates progressive vertical dilution during leachate mineralization. This study integrated geoelectric and seismo-electric tomography with basic water chemistry analysis to effectively characterize the groundwater within the phreatic Quaternary/Mio-Pliocene aquifers of the Douala basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Methane oxidation biosystems (MOBs) are cost effective engineered systems capable of catalyzing the transformation of CH4 into CO2 biotically, thereby mitigating emissions from landfills. Method: In this study we validate how accurately one can predict the hydraulic behaviour of a MOB using numerical modeling. More precisely how one can identify the length of unrestricted gas migration (LUGM), a critical design criterion for effective methane abatement biosystems. Laboratory experiments were conducted to obtain the material properties for a compost mixed with plastic pellets, and sand. With the water retention curve and air permeability function, we predicted the hydraulic performance of a MOB using Hydrus-2D. We then designed and constructed a MOB and monitored several key parameters for 12 months. The validation of the design methodology was conducted using field measurements, while actual climatic data was used as input in numerical modeling. Results: The air permeability function was an appropriate activation function for determining LUGM. Accordingly, the predicted hydraulic behaviour matched the measured hydraulic behaviour reasonably well, validating the proposed procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the time-dependent swelling behavior of landfill sand-bentonite mixture liners under the effect of organic pollutants, an no loading swelling ratio test was conducted on mixtures with varying sand and diesel content. The evolution characteristics of the swelling time curve morphology were investigated. The micro-mechanisms underlying the swelling time effect evolution were explored. The results indicated that the sand-diesel interaction significantly altered the swelling time curve morphological characteristics of the mixture. As the sand content increased, the swelling coefficient at the stable state decreased. However, during the rapid swell phase, dieselcontaminated mixed soil does not exhibit the increase-then-decrease pattern in swell coefficient seen in unpolluted mixed soil. The duration of both the slow swelling phase and the time to reach a stable state were longer. Mechanistic analysis revealed that cation exchange capacity is insufficient to effectively analyze the evolution characteristics of the swelling time curve. Instead, the initial swelling potential of bentonite is the true indicator of the mixture’s swelling properties. The particle size distribution influences the changes in the swelling coefficient during the rapid swelling phase, but diesel alters the particle size distribution, mitigating its impact. The oil sealing effect within intra-aggregate and inter-aggregate pores not only weakened the swelling characteristics of the mixture at all stages but also increased the permeability resistance, thereby reducing the duration of the rapid swelling phase and extending the slow swelling and stable swelling phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leachate generated in municipal solid waste landfills tends to have extremely elevated levels of organic and inorganic pollutants influenced by the age and variety of landfills. This research aims to conduct a comparative analysis between two landfills, Krubong Landfill Sites (KLS) and Bukit Bakri Landfill Sites (BBLS). Based on the standard limit set by the Malaysia Environment Quality Act (MEQA), the average values of the leachate parameters at KLS and BBLS were recorded. These parameters include pH (8.84 for KLS and 9.08 for BBLS), temperature (30.22°C for KLS and 30.06°C for BBLS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (3695 mg L-1 for KLS and 11289 mg L-1 for BBLS), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) (1695 mg L-1 for KLS and 3325 mg L-1 for BBLS), and ammonia nitrogen (1107 mg L-1 for KLS and 1390 mg L-1 for BBLS). The findings of this research suggest that the age of the landfill indeed influences the characteristics of leachate and soil. KLS, being a mature landfill, demonstrated low biodegradability. On the other hand, BBLS, being a young landfill, exhibited high biodegradability. The highest heavy metal concentration in the soil sample of KLS was Barium (Ba), with 409 ppm, followed by Zirconium (Zr) at 297 ppm and Vanadium (V) at 114 ppm. For BBLS, Zirconium (Zr) and Thorium (Th) were 209 ppm, Rubidium (Rb) was detected at 86 ppm, and Chromium (Cr) was 57 ppm. In overall essence, the age of a landfill significantly influences its characteristics. Newly established landfills tend to contain a greater quantity of organic matter compared to older ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most acceptable way to prevent and eliminate negative phenomena arising from devastating landscapes is phytomelioration. To assess the suitability of the landfill's surface for phytomelioration measures, it is necessary to determine the species composition, physiological stability, density, and completeness of the tree stand (in case of the tree species development) already developing as a result of natural overgrowth. The present work examines the ecological succession of three large urban landfills within the Western Forest Steppe of Ukraine - Lviv, Ternopil, and Lutsk. It was established that the maximum phytomass is characteristic of the gentle slopes of landfills with relatively stable moisture index, and developed soil, which gives reason to attribute the plant groups to the endoecogenesis stage while there are no garbage dumping processes. Three stages of overgrowth were identified for all landfills - syngenetic succession, initial endoecogenetic succession, and mature endoecogenetic succession. The taxonomic structure of the flora of the urban landfills of the Western Forest Steppe is represented by the divisions Magnoliophyta, Pinophyta, Polypodiophyta, Bryophyta, and the classes Magnoliopsida, Liliopsida, Pinopsida, Equisetopsida, Polytrichopsida. The phytomeliorative efficiency of vegetation at solid waste landfills shows that the surface of landfills in the Western Forest Steppe is dominated by stunted plants and the phytomelioration coefficient is low. Thus, the surface of the landfill is suitable for phytomelioration and reclamation works and landfill decommissioning. The phytomeliorative efficiency of vegetation at solid waste landfills shows that the surface of landfills in the Western Forest Steppe is dominated by stunted plants and the phytomelioration coefficient is low. Thus, the surface of the landfill is suitable for phytomelioration and reclamation works and landfill decommissioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morocco faces a growing waste issue due to population growth, economic expansion, and industrialization, leading to environmental concerns, especially regarding leachate. From 1986 to 2022, Casablanca's main landfill produced a total of 800,000 m² of leachate, which was stored in evaporation ponds, posing significant environmental risks. Our research not only concentrates on traditional chemical analyses for leachate assessments but also emphasizes ecosystem interactions. Phytotoxicity tests assess the impact of contaminants, particularly heavy metals, complementing traditional chemical analyses. Our study investigated the accumulation of these contaminants in the soil and their subsequent transfer to plant tissues. This research aimed to examine the accumulation of heavy metals, including Pb, Cd, and Hg, in soils irrigated with varying leachate concentrations (C0: control; C1: 5%; C2: 7%; C3: 10%; and C4: 15%). The experiments involved the cultivation of M. sativa plants under open-field conditions. To assess the transfer of metals from soil to plant tissues, the transfer factor (TF) index was calculated. Our findings revealed that Pb, Cd, and Hg exhibited transfer factor ranges of 0.55-0.93, 0.07 to 0.21, and 0.1 to 0.37, respectively. The accumulation of heavy metals at the different leachate concentrations followed the order Pb > Hg > Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfill siting is a major problem in solid waste management. Many aspects should be considered when selecting an appropriate site for a landfill in any particular region. In the current research, seventeen criteria were considered, including rivers, water bodies (lakes), geology, slope, elevation, power lines, groundwater depth, major district roads, archaeological sites, urban centers, infrastructure, villages, pipelines, quarrying, forests, aspect (wind), and agricultural areas. Several random open dump waste disposal sites are dispersed throughout the Ranya District, Iraq. This research employed the integration of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify the optimal sites for the establishment of sanitary landfills. The seventeen criteria were mapped and assigned subcriteria within GIS software. Subsequently, the normalized weights from the AHP were identified for each measure to generate the final Land Suitability Index (LSI) map for the site. Consequently, approximately 0.34% of the entire study area, equivalent to roughly 2,396,000 square meters, is estimated to be suitable for locating a landfill. Additionally, the suitable sites were categorized into moderately suitable, suitable, and mostly suitable. The normalized weight analysis revealed that groundwater depth significantly influences the selection of the best landfill site [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major roadblock towards the realisation of a circular economy are the lack of high-value products that can be generated from waste. Black soldier flies (BSF; Hermetia illucens) are gaining traction for their ability to rapidly consume large quantities of organic wastes. However, these are primarily used to produce a small variety of products, such as animal feed ingredients and fertiliser. Using synthetic biology, BSF could be developed into a novel sustainable biomanufacturing platform to valorise a broader variety of organic waste feedstocks into enhanced animal feeds, a large variety of high-value biomolecules including industrial enzymes and lipids, and improved fertiliser. This perspective describes how insects, such as Hermetia illucens, which are already used to process organic wastes at industrial scales, could be developed as a synthetic biology platform for sustainable biomanufacturing and bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, less than 0.5% of postconsumer textile waste is recycled, with the majority incinerated or ending up in landfills. Most postconsumer textiles are mixed fibers, complicating mechanical recycling due to material blends and contaminants. Here, we demonstrate the chemical conversion of postconsumer mixed textile waste using microwave-assisted glycolysis over a ZnO catalyst followed by solvent dissolution. This approach electrifies the process heat while allowing rapid depolymerization of polyester and spandex to their monomers in 15 minutes. A simple solvent dissolution enables the separation of cotton and nylon. We assess the quality of all components through extensive material characterization, discuss their potential for sustainable recycling, and provide a techno-economic analysis of the economic feasibility of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated seasonal variations in the physico-chemical properties of leachate from the Kupferberg landfill site, examining the influence of landfill age and climatic factors. Data provided by the Windhoek Municipality during the years 2017 to 2022 facilitated the exploration of critical concerns related to groundwater protection and human health. Guided by two research questions and anchored in hypotheses tested at a 95% confidence level, the study employed Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) for analysis. Significant temperature variations were observed across years [F (5, 21) = 4.493, p < 0.05], indicating a substantial relationship between landfill age and seasonal variations in leachate physico-chemical properties. Further ANOVA tests revealed temperature trends impacting leachate parameters, such as organic content and pH. While COD displayed a declining trend with landfill age, inorganic components like Cl- and alkalinity exhibited no distinct age-related pattern. Wet seasons demonstrated higher EC and Cl--mean values than dry seasons, correlating with elevated COD levels. The study underscored the incremental rise in parameter values over time and during the rainy season, attributed to solid waste degradation and rainwater percolation. Notably, climatic conditions significantly influenced seasonal variations in leachate physico-chemical properties (p < 0.05). Based on this outcome, null hypothesis 1 was rejected. The second null hypothesis was also rejected because climatic conditions do influence the seasonal variations in physico-chemical properties. These findings are crucial for emphasizing the need for effective leachate management strategies and providing valuable insights for arid regions. Future research can expand on a national scale, employing one-way ANOVA tests on other landfills in Namibia, and engaging local communities for comprehensive data collection on cross-contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compacted Clay Liners (CCL) are designed to prevent environmental contamination in landfills. These layers are designed with low permeability soils, which are difficult to obtain. To this end, bentonite can be added. The objective of this work is to evaluate the reliability of factor analysis on the hydraulic performance of sand-bentonite mixtures. Two types of designs were used, with the variables controlled: compaction energy (CE), water content (U) and percentage of bentonite (B). Experimental layers were made to obtain water permeability (kw). The results showed that CE and B are, respectively, the factors that most influence permeability. The application of adequate energy promotes better accommodation of bentonite soil particles in the voids in the sand, which, when moistened, undergo an expansion process, reducing the voids in the layer. All of these parameters can be optimized by using a curvature design to obtain kW. Therefore, knowledge of CCL kw is essential to ensure the safety of the local environmental environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers a survey of progress in utilizing bio-oil from wood and forestry waste for creating eco-friendly asphalt pavements, with a focus on sustainability and future research directions. The substantial yearly production of wood and forestry waste often ends up in landfills. However, using pyrolysis to convert this waste into bio-oil presents an alternative to petroleum-based asphalt binders. Bio-oil shares characteristics with traditional binders used in asphalt, resulting in three main applications: bio-asphalt, bio-rejuvenator, and polyurethane (PU)-modified bio-asphalt. Bio-asphalts, though similar to traditional binders, display vulnerability to aging, experiencing mass loss and volatile component evaporation when aged. Bio-oil incorporation affects high- and low-temperature performance grades adversely, limiting its usage due to susceptibility to aging and impact on high-temperature performance. To tackle these issues, additives like rejuvenators, polymers, nanomaterials, and crumb rubber have been introduced to enhance aging resistance and overall performance of bio-asphalt. Wood-based bio-oil, due to its low viscosity and compatibility with petroleum-based binders, is suitable for rejuvenating aged asphalt. The optimal wood-based bio-rejuvenator percentage is 5–20%, with recommended mixing conditions of 130–145 °C, 1000–3000 rpm, and 10–30 min. Innovatively, polyurethane (PU) modification involves incorporating isocyanate into bio-asphalt to create PU-modified bio-asphalt, yielding improved strength, increased high-temperature viscosity, enhanced elastic recovery, and resistance to low-temperature cracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Landfill leachate forms when waste-inherent water and percolated rainfall transfer are highly toxic, corrosive, acidic, and full of environmental pollutants. The release of leachate from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill sites poses a severe hazard to human health and aquatic life. This study examined the impact of leachate from Delhi’s Ghazipur landfill on the nearby groundwater quality. Analysis of leachate samples was done to determine various parameters such as total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, alkalinity, electrical conductivity, pH, BOD5, COD, nitrate, sulphate, chloride and iron, and presence of coliform bacteria. Significant dissolved elements (22,690–34,525 mg/L) were observed in the samples, indicated by the high conductivity value (1156–1405 mho/cm). However, a stable pH range (6.90–7.80) of leachate samples was observed due to high alkalinity concentrations between 2123 and 3256 mg/L. The inverse distance weighing (IDW) interpolation tool from QGIS 3.22.7 developed spatial interpolated models for each parameter across the Ghazipur area. The IDW interpolated graphs of various parameters over the whole study area confirmed these contaminations. In addition, leachate and groundwater samples were physio-chemically analyzed, and temporal fluctuation in landfill waste has also been studied. The temporal fluctuation results showed that when heat is produced, transmitted, and lost throughout the waste system, the maximum temperature position fluctuates over time. The findings of this study highlight the critical importance of landfill management in reducing groundwater contamination from MSW leachate.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) influences the bioavailability and behavior of trace metals and other pollutants in landfill leachate. This research characterized fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) in leachate from an old landfill in Japan during a 13-month investigation. We employed excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) to deconvolute the FDOM complex mixture into three fluorophores: microbial humic-like (C1), terrestrial humic-like (C2), and tryptophan-like fluorophores (C3). These FDOM components were compared with findings from other studies of leachate in landfills with different waste compositions. The correlations among EEM-PARAFAC components, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, and ultraviolet–visible and fluorescence indices were evaluated. The FDOM in leachate varied spatially among old and extended leachate collected in the landfill and leachate treatment facility. The FDOM changed temporally and decreased markedly in August 2019, November 2019, and April 2020. The strong positive correlation between HIX and %C2 (r = 0.87, ρ = 0.91, p < 0.001)) implies that HIX may indicate the relative contribution of terrestrial humic-like components in landfill leachate. The Fmax of C1, C2, and C3 and the DOC concentration showed strong correlations among each other (r > 0.72, ρ > 0.78, p < 0.001) and positive correlations with leachate level (r > 0.41, p < 0.001), suggesting the importance of hydrological effects and leachate pump operation on FDOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The waste produced around the world increases daily due to population increase and the fact that life expectancy is longer. Waste production is higher in urban environments; therefore, managing Urban Solid Waste must be more rigorous to avoid environmental problems and health effects. For this reason, standards are created to properly manage landfills so that each life cycle stage is managed responsibly. However, a solid commitment from the community and more management regulations from the government are needed to be focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials as much as possible. This commitment needs to be reinforced to the extent that regulatory policies are created at the household level as much as education and awareness programs are implemented. This study presents a method to evaluate how imposing waste management goals before they reach landfills can increase the lifetime of landfills and, consequently the suitableness of a treatment plant implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of effective and cost-efficient landfill liners is crucial to prevent groundwater contamination from leachate, safeguarding soil quality and the environment. Composite liners, particularly those combining bentonite with supplementary materials such as fly ash or marble dust, present a promising solution. This study delves into a comprehensive investigation of the physical properties of landfill liners composed of bentonite-fly ash and bentonite-marble dust mixtures through an extensive series of laboratory tests. The research systematically analyzes various proportions of bentonite with fly ash and marble dust, evaluating their impact on liner performance in comparison to Bentonite-sand mixtures. Physicochemical analyses are employed to understand the interactions and behaviors of these distinct substances within the amended bentonite. A wide array of physical properties, including Atterberg's limits, compaction characteristics, free swell index, modified free swell index, California bearing ratio, cohesion, and angle of internal friction, are meticulously examined. Collectively, these properties offer a comprehensive overview of the suitability and performance potential of bentonite-fly ash and bentonite-marble dust mixtures as landfill liners, presenting a viable alternative to traditional bentonite-sand mixtures. The study reveals synergistic effects between bentonite and both fly ash and marble dust, highlighting their significant contributions to enhancing the physical traits of landfill liners. This advancement in landfill liner design holds the promise of effectively mitigating detrimental environmental impacts associated with waste disposal. While this study provides a robust foundation, it is essential for future investigations to prioritize long-term performance assessments and real-world implementation. Validation and fine-tuning of these findings are crucial to ensuring practical applicability and efficacy within authentic landfill construction scenarios. This holistic approach will contribute to the continued evolution and optimization of landfill liner design, addressing the pressing challenges of sustainable waste management and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As industrial development and population growth continue, water pollution has become increasingly severe, particularly in rapidly industrializing regions like the area surrounding the Yopurga landfill. Ensuring water resource safety and environmental protection necessitates effective water quality monitoring and assessment. This paper explores the application of advanced machine learning technologies and the Water Quality Index (WQI) model as a comprehensive method for accurately assessing groundwater quality near the Yopurga landfill. The methodology involves selecting water quality indicators based on available data and the hydrochemical characteristics of the study area, comparing the performance of Decision Trees, Random Forest, and Xgboost algorithms in predicting water quality, and identifying the optimal algorithm to determine indicator weights. Indicators are scored using appropriate sub-index (SI) functions, and six different aggregation functions are compared to find the most suitable one. The study reveals that the Xgboost model surpasses Decision Trees and Random Forest models in water quality prediction. The top three indicator weights identified are pH, Manganese (Mn), and Nickel (Ni). The SWM model, with a 0% overestimation eclipsing rate and a 34% underestimation eclipsing rate, is chosen as the most appropriate WQI model for evaluating groundwater quality at the Yopurga landfill. According to the WQI results from the SWM aggregation function, the overall water quality in the area ranges from moderately polluted to slightly polluted. These assessment results provide a scientific basis for regional water environment protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanitary landfilling is the predominant process for solid urban waste disposal, but it generates leachate that poses environmental, economic, and social concerns. Landfill leachate (LL) contains complex and refractory pollutants and toxic compounds that can vary depending on landfill maturity, age, and biochemical reactions, making its treatment challenging. Due to its unique characteristics and occurrence in remote locations, LL requires separate treatment from wastewater. Various conventional treatment processes involving biological, chemical, and physical processes have been used for LL treatment, but a single treatment process is insufficient to meet environmental standards. This review demonstrates that combined treatment processes are more effective and efficient for LL treatment compared to single processes. Among the various combinations, chemical–chemical and chemical–biological treatments are the most commonly used. Specifically, the integration of Fenton with adsorption and a membrane bioreactor (MBR) with nanofiltration (NF) processes shows promising results. The combined processes of MBR with NF, Fenton with adsorption, and PF with biological treatment show maximum removal efficiencies for COD, reaching 99 ± 1%, 99%, 98%, and 97%, respectively. Additionally, the combined Fenton with adsorption process and EC with SPF process enhance biodegradability as indicated by increased BOD5/COD ratios, from 0.084 to 0.82 and 0.35 to 0.75, respectively. The findings emphasize the importance of developing and implementing enhanced combined treatment processes for LL, with the aim of achieving efficient and comprehensive pollutant mineralization. Such processes have the potential to address the environmental concerns associated with LL and contribute to sustainable waste management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfill leachate contains antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastics (MPs), making it an important reservoir. However, little research has been conducted on how ARGs are enriched on MPs and how the presence of MPs affects pathogens and ARGs in leachates and soil. MPs possess the capacity to establish unique bacterial populations and assimilate contaminants from their immediate surroundings, generating a potential environment conducive to the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), thereby exerting selection pressure. Through a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature, we have carried out a practical assessment of this topic. The gathering of pollutants and the formation of dense bacterial communities on microplastics create advantageous circumstances for an increased frequency of ARG transfer and evolution. Additional investigations are necessary to acquire a more profound comprehension of how pathogens and ARGs are enriched, transported, and transferred on microplastics. This research is essential for evaluating the health risks associated with human exposure to these pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the treatment of landfill leachate in supercritical water conditions with and without catalyst use was investigated. A real waste, namely lathe waste, was used as the catalyst. The experiments were made at a constant 25 MPa pressure, at four reaction temperatures in the range of 450-600°C and four reaction times between 60 and 150 s. Through the experiments, the impacts of reaction temperature, reaction time and the use of lathe waste catalyst on landfill leachate treatment were investigated. The efficiency of the treatment was evaluated in terms of liquid reaction products’ total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) conversions. As a result, it was seen that elevated reaction temperatures and long residence times favored TOC conversions. On the contrary, greater TN reductions were encountered at lower reaction temperatures. The use of lathe waste was observed to promote the treatment efficiency for all experimental runs. The highest TOC conversion was seen at 600°C and 150 s conditions, which was 57.2% for the noncatalytic treatment. The employment of lathe waste improved this value to 66.9%. As for TN, the highest conversion was encountered at 450°C and at a reaction time of 150 s. At the foresaid reaction conditions, using lathe waste as the catalyst provided 41.9% reduction in the TN content of landfill leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the materials used in landfill liners are not based on the local soil conditions which increases the cost of landfill construction. It is essential to develop a composite mix based on local soil that fulfills the design parameters of the municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill at a reasonable cost as per USEPA 1989 guidelines. The current study investigates the use of local soil, fly ash, and bentonite mixtures to obtain an optimum composite mix with specific properties for landfill liners. The experimental investigation was conducted on different proportions of local soil-bentonite-fly ash mixes to evaluate the optimum mix proportion for liner materials. The curing period of different mixes is also considered. The geotechnical properties like liquid limit (LL), free swell index (FSI), and optimum moisture content (OMC) increased whereas the maximum dry density (MDD) and permeability decreased with an increase in bentonite content up to 20% with soil. It was also observed that fly ash mixed with soil in proportion (80:20) meets the optimum range of landfill liner properties. And, the composite mix comprised of soil–bentonite–fly ash in proportion (65:15:20) directs toward the optimum design parameters of landfill liner. These mixes were compacted at OMC and MDD satisfying plasticity (i.e., LL ≥ 20% and plasticity index, PI ≥ 7%) and permeability criteria (k ≤ 1 × 10−7 cm/s) as well as unconfined compressive strength criteria. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy of local soil–bentonite–fly ash mixes was investigated for the optimum mixes for a comparative assessment of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Places of memory are often locations where individuals connect with their own life stories. In this respect, places of memory can strengthen people's attachment to place. However, due to various reasons, some places of memory are lost as a result of rapid and wide-ranging transformations in the city, leading to interruptions in the continuity of memory. Beginning with the question, "Do rapid and wide-ranging changes in the city affect individuals' places of memory and place attachment?", this study examines the changes experienced in Istanbul through existing and lost places of memory at the neighborhood scale.Three field studies were conducted in the Kuzguncuk Neighborhood, Küçükyalı District, and Postane Neighborhood, located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, each with distinct physical and demographic structures related to the sea. A total of 150 respondents, fifty from each area, answered survey questions. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program. The effects of changes triggered by land fill in coastal areas of Istanbul over time have also been observed in the residents' places of memory. The most mentioned places of memory include coastal and sea-related areas, parks and gardens, religious buildings, shopping buildings, educational buildings, transportation buildings, cafes and restaurants, cultural buildings, and accommodation buildings. Significant relationships emerged between place attachment values and variables such as duration of residence, educational status, and employment status, varying across different areas. However, no significant relationship was found between place attachment values and age or gender across the three areas. Among the three areas, the conservation zone of Kuzguncuk experienced the least change and showed the highest place attachment values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was aimed at evaluating the content of heavy metals in the ash of solid fuel pellets and various types of sorted and unsorted solid household waste. It highlighted the growing challenge of solid waste disposal and the potential of waste-to-energy technologies, and emphasized the importance of understanding the composition of fly ash due to its potential hazards. The research method involved the analysis of urban waste samples and their comparison with solid fuel pellets. The main findings revealed differences in chemical composition, with special emphasis on the presence and concentration of heavy metals. The highest concentrations of metal ions such as copper, strontium and lead were recorded in rubber, unsorted garbage and plastic. In the mixture of household waste of the Rybny landfill, such elements as: copper (Cu) - 0.141%, strontium (Sr) - 0.061%, and lead (Pb) -- 0.016%. Studies show that Zn, Cu, Sr, Pb are the main threats in solid waste ash. Given the potential danger of these elements, the ash generated after incineration of solid household waste requires special handling and disposal (Retrieved, 2018, Perfect Publishing, 2015). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the stability analysis of two adjacent waste landfills located in a potentially unstable territory. One of the waste landfills is reclaimed and consists of ash. Municipal solid waste is actively deposited in the second landfill. In the space between the landfills, the expansion of the municipal solid waste landfill is planned, with a partial overlap of the reclaimed ash landfill. The instability of the area where the landfills are located is due to its susceptibility to the formation of landslides. The article presents the results of experimental verifications of the peak shear strength parameters of the ashes and the peak and residual shear strength of the soils forming the subsoil of both landfills and serve as input for stability analyses. The shear strength parameters of municipal waste are defined on the basis of literature research. The potential instability of both waste landfill territories was taken into account using the parameters of the residual shear strength of the subsoil. The stability analysis of waste landfills is expressed using both the peak and residual shear strength parameters of the subsoil of waste landfills. In addition, the effect of seismic loading on both landfills is considered in the stability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates anaerobic bioconversion using landfill-derived microbes to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs) as bioproducts. The research was conducted using different substrates, including elephant grass, starch waste, and fruit waste. Landfill-derived microbes collected from the landfill site were used as inoculum. The results show that the carbohydrate composition in the substrate affects VFA production. Simpler substrates, such as starch waste and fruit waste, produced more VFAs (approximately 50 mmol · L–1) than that of more complex substrate of grass (approximately 25 mmol · L–1). The results showed that using simpler substrates (i.e. starch and fruit waste) produce VFAs two times higher than that of the complex substrate or lignocellulosic biomass-based feedstock (i.e. grass). These findings provide valuable insights into the potential use of landfill-derived microbes in the anaerobic bioconversion process to produce VFAs. By understanding the influence of carbohydrate composition, we can enhance the efficiency of VFA production from organic waste, which can be used in various industrial applications. This is a crucial step towards more sustainable waste management and more efficient resource utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction and demolition waste consists of residue and discarded materials that result from construction, renovation, remodelling, and demolition activities. This waste typically includes various materials, such as concrete, wood, steel, bricks, drywall, asphalt, glass, plastics, and other construction-related materials. This research quantified the environmental consequences of managing earthquake-generated construction and demolition waste in Turkey using diverse techniques. The study employed a life cycle assessment to compute these impacts. First, the impacts of the currently used landfill process were calculated and then a scenario in which concrete is reused, recyclable wastes are separated and recycled, and the remaining waste is sent to a landfill was created. According to the findings, it is seen that if all the debris is sent to a landfill, 11.9 t CO2eq will be generated in the short term, while 18,428.3 t CO2eq can be saved, especially by reusing concrete. These findings may vary due to the involvement of different unforeseen processes, but they show that although it is often very difficult to utilize such wastes, especially those generated as a result of unusual disasters, such as earthquakes, very significant environmental gains can be achieved through appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective waste management in Tehran faces significant challenges arising from urbanization and population growth. This study delves into the current state of municipal solid waste management in Tehran, examining technical, social, economic, environmental health, and structural dimensions to identify key issues. Data collection involved questionnaires and consultations with experts. Results indicate various problems, including incomplete waste production data recording systems, inefficient source separation programs, inappropriate waste storage, high collection frequencies, subpar compost production, unregulated informal waste picking, landfill non-compliance, and limited management capacities. Evidence-based solutions encompass comprehensive waste production monitoring systems, public education, improved storage infrastructure, reduced collection frequencies, modern composting technology adoption, and landfill upgrades. Policymaking recommendations include incentivizing informal waste collectors to formalize, preventing child labor, enhancing public participation, mitigating corruption, streamlining contracts, and promoting coordination. Overall, a collaborative approach, emphasizing personnel training, infrastructure enhancement, public awareness campaigns, and research and development, is pivotal in establishing an effective and sustainable waste management system in Tehran. This study contributes to crucial insights into Tehran's waste management challenges and offers potential pathways for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding triggering mechanisms of slope failure is of great importance to the stability analysis and safety warning of waste landfill. This paper presents a centrifuge model test on slope failure induced by elevated gas pressure in wet landfill. The formation process of liquid level and gas pressure in the landfill is simulated by means of liquid and gas injections under a centrifugal acceleration of 66.7 g. The injected liquid contains surfactants, which allow it to generate foam in the waste pores when mixed with the injected gas. The pore gas and liquid pressures under two-phase flow condition are monitored separately to clarify the instability process. It is found that the continuous gas injection makes the pore gas pressure increase to peak values of 83.0 kPa–100.8 kPa, which are higher than the peak liquid pressures of 61.3 kPa–75.6 kPa. The formation of high gas pressure zone is attributed to the low gas permeability, which is affected by high liquid saturation as well as foam generation. The slope failure occurs when the pore gas pressure increases to the peak value and the corresponding shear strength decreases to the critical value. Although the gas injection raises the liquid level, the factor of safety of landfill slope will be overestimated if only considering the effect of liquid pressure. According to the response curves of displacement to gas pressure rise, the critical ratios of gas pressure to earth pressure are determined to be 0.74–0.84, which fall within the range of the prototype landfill. The difference between foam and air on pore pressure distribution is also calculated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by metallic components is an obscure, detrimental, protracted, and irreparable predicament. Dumping of waste containing heavy metals into landfills, fertilizer and pesticide application, and coal combustion results in high toxicity of metallic elements, and their continuous accumulation in soil pollutes the environment, which, in turn, poses a threat to human health. The specimens were subsequently dehydrated, processed for mineralization, and carefully examined microscopically by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), which examined their mineral substance, crystalline configuration, and chemical composition. Thirteen (13) elements were detected, and only eight (8) metals were discovered (K, Mg, Na, Ca, Al, Fe, Au, Ba), including non-metals (C, O, Cl, P) and a metalloid (Si). The concentrations of possibly toxic elements obtained showed no consistent succession, as they fluctuated across the examined sites. The Al concentration ranged from 3.78 ± 0.23 wt% to 10.23 ± 0.31 wt%, while the Fe concentration fluctuated from 4.14 ± 0.40 wt% to 13.13 ± 1.07 wt%. Na and Mg levels were present in all samples, but their availability was minimal, at less than 2.0 wt%, ranging between 1.44 ± 0.20 wt% and 0.31 ± 0.08 wt%. The concentrations of Ca and K were low in all soil samples, ranging from 0.91 ± 0.14 wt% to 5.56 ± 0.47 wt% for Ca and from 1.32 ± 0.25 wt% to 4.87 ± 0.18 wt% for K. During the investigation at the designated and control areas, it was discovered that the concentrations of potentially hazardous metals exceeded the accepted limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO) > 100 ppm. The findings provide proof of metallic contaminants in the study region, which calls for proper monitoring, management, and remedial measures of metal-tainted sites, since the residents of this locality are at a significantly elevated risk of experiencing adverse effects due to their heightened exposure to these elements. As a result of that, there is an imperative need to monitor and regulate this area regularly and appropriately. The study recommends sustainable farming practices, where farmers could use natural fertilizers and compost, as well as, the implementation of proper waste management, effective recycling techniques, and proper disposal of substances containing heavy metals as byproducts. Further implement remediation techniques that effectively and safely restore soils contaminated by metals in an environmentally sustainable and economically efficient manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research identifies the productivity of landfill gas actively captured at a municipal waste landfill site with a waste mass exceeding 1 million Mg from sectors in the operational and non-operational phases, considering meteorological conditions. Based on the analysis of landfill gas, including emissions and composition (CH4, CO2, O2, and other gases), the processes occurring demonstrate the impact of the decomposition of deposited waste on the activity of the deposit. With average monthly gas emissions exceeding 960,000 m3, the average content of CH4 (30–63%) and CO2 (18–42%) and the varied content of O2 (0.3–9.8%) in individual sectors of the landfill site were significant. The statistically significant relationship between CH4, CO2, and landfill gas emissions exhibited a noticeable decrease in methane content. Despite the abandonment of waste storage, a high correlation is present between the emission level and methane content (0.59) and carbon dioxide (0.50). In the operational part of the landfill, this relationship is also statistically significant but to a lesser extent; Spearman's R-value was 0.42 for methane and 0.36 for carbon dioxide. The operational and post-operational phases of the municipal waste landfill demonstrated a noticeable impact from the amount of precipitation, relative humidity, and air temperature, on landfill gas productivity. The generally progressive decline in the activity of the waste deposit, which reflects a decreasing trend in the methane content of approximately 2% annually in the total composition of landfill gas, as well as the share below 50%, indicates the need only to utilise landfill without producing energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in the world population and economic activity, the production of sewage sludge has grown, and its management has become an environmental problem. The most traditional method of managing sewage sludge is to dispose of it in landfills and on farmland. One way to valorize sewage sludge is to use thermochemical conversion processes to produce added-value products such as biochar, biofuels, and renewable gases. However, due to the high moisture content, thermochemical conversion using processes such as pyrolysis and traditional gasification involves multiple pre-treatment processes such as material drying. Hydrothermal thermochemical processes usually require high pressures, which pose many challenges to their application on a large scale. In this work, the advantages and disadvantages of the different existing thermochemical processes for the recovery of sewage sludge were analyzed, as well as the resulting industrial and environmental challenges. A SWOT analysis was carried out to assess the different thermochemical processes in terms of technical feasibility, economic viability, and broader market considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]