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Article
Publication date: 7 August 2018

Maika Furukawa, Naoaki Misawa and John E. Moore

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) has now become a major global public health issue. New legislation has recently been introduced in Northern Ireland from April 2017, requiring domestic…

Abstract

Purpose

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) has now become a major global public health issue. New legislation has recently been introduced in Northern Ireland from April 2017, requiring domestic households to recycle all domestic food waste items. Resulting increases in the volume of such waste which is collected by the local council has driven technologies for the safe recycling of such material including commercial composting. Little is known about the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of such composted food waste materials and hence the purpose of this paper is to characterise total AMR in bacteria isolated from such composted domestic food waste and to consider the potential public health consequences of such material.

Design/methodology/approach

Finished compost containing food waste material was obtained in the Spring 2017 from a local authority recycling amenity site, which freely distributes such material to the public. Total culturable populations of bacteria were isolated from the composted material and antibiotic susceptibility to six classes of antibiotics, namely florfenicol, fluoroquinolone, aminoglycoside, lincosamide, tetracycline and β-lactam was examined.

Findings

ABR was greatest for lincomycin > tobramycin > minocycline/amoxycillin > ciprofloxacin > florfenicol. In this study, there was one compost, which showed complete resistance to all antibiotics tested. No compost displayed complete antibiotic sensitivity. Two composts were considered pan-resistant, whilst four were considered multi-resistant.

Originality/value

This study showed that the total ABR profile of food waste compost is significant, with bacterial populations within the compost having ABR to several classes of antibiotics, which are important and sometimes critical to human health. The application of such materials to enrich and fertilise garden soils in significant volumes inadvertently allows for the artifical and man-made transfer of AMR bacteria and their genes to new environments, which have been hitherto niave to the presence of such AMR properties. The application of such compost horticulturally to enrich soils used to cultivate flowers, fruits and vegetables may have important consequences for human and animal health. Urgent work is now needed to quantify the fate of such antibiotic resistant bacteria from compost to their new environment and risk assessments made to estimate the carriage through to human health.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 120 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 December 2022

Carole Ayoub Moubareck

A composting project was introduced into an undergraduate microbiology course, to evaluate its efficacy against traditional lecturing for teaching environmental sustainability.

Abstract

Purpose

A composting project was introduced into an undergraduate microbiology course, to evaluate its efficacy against traditional lecturing for teaching environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The research project was a semester-long intervention. Three groups of students participated in the study: a group of 47 female undergraduate students were involved in a composting project, a group of 43 female students were exposed to a traditional lecture and a group of 34 students were the control group. A pretest and a posttest were used, along with poster presentations for the composting project students. In addition, a questionnaire was used to examine students' attitudes toward composting and their waste management practices.

Findings

The project and lecture groups showed significant increases in average test-scores, with the post-project increase (20.9 points) being higher than the post-lecture increase (12.3 points). The questionnaire revealed that nonorganic waste recycling was practiced irregularly, while food waste was reused as livestock feed by 38% of the students. Composting was not common, but 23% of the students in the project group started household composting during the project. The students who were most satisfied with the project outcomes were willing to spend higher prices for a composting box (p = 0.036), showing a high correlation between awareness raising and environmental sustainability practices.

Social implications

The project-based learning approach had more impact than the traditional lecture in teaching environmental sustainability to the students. The project succeeded in improving students' composting knowledge and increased their interest in continuing the composting practices at home.

Originality/value

The study is the first attempt to measure the direct impact of composting education on Emirati students' knowledge of, and interest in environmental sustainable practices, vis-à-vis composting.

Details

Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Gulf Perspectives, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2077-5504

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1994

Patrick Kennedy

New Jersey′s “garbage crisis” has resulted in the State mandating a 60 percent recycling goal by the end of 1995. Attainment of this goal will bedifficult as recovery of paper…

819

Abstract

New Jersey′s “garbage crisis” has resulted in the State mandating a 60 per cent recycling goal by the end of 1995. Attainment of this goal will be difficult as recovery of paper, glass, tin, aluminium and plastic represent less than 60 per cent of the materials discarded by the Garden State. Source separation and composting of clean organic materials such as food, soiled paper, waxed corrugated and other food processing residuals can help the State reach and surpass the 60 per cent goal. In 1993, American Soil, Inc. (ASI), a regional compost facility located in Freehold, NJ, played a key role as the first company in the State to integrate organic composting successfully as a recycling activity into the State′s solid waste management hierarchy. New Jersey′s “regulatory gauntlet”, developed since 1972, proved to be enormously burdensome to ASI as it strived to gain final approval. For this to change, strong leadership and co‐operation between the public and private sector communities must be established and maintained.

Details

Environmental Management and Health, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2020

R. Lalitha S. Fernando

Improper waste management has been a serious issue in many countries, thus, home composting is considered as an effective method in solid waste management (SWM). Based on…

Abstract

Purpose

Improper waste management has been a serious issue in many countries, thus, home composting is considered as an effective method in solid waste management (SWM). Based on qualitative research methods, this study explores peoples' motives to choose composting and main problems confronted by them in home composting in Kaduwela and Moratuwa municipalities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and proposes policy measures to improve home compositing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was mainly based on qualitative research methods. A convenient sample of 40 households including 20 households from each municipal council (MC) has been selected using semi-structured interviews. Descriptive methods were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Citizens have chosen to compost mainly, for gardening, the influence of local authorities, economic benefits and environmental and health concerns. Fear of potential health problems, lack of resources, problems caused by animals, problems related to compost bins, limited knowledge and awareness about composting are difficulties encountered during home composting. Providing compost bins to people at a concessionary price or for free of charge, providing required facilities and financial assistance, promoting people's positive attitudes and awareness, encouraging the use of compost in households, improving the standard of composting and making relevant legal and institutional arrangements to promote people's participation in home composting are suggested for encouraging home composting.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a small sample, which is the main limitation of this study.

Practical implications

The policy implication will help to improve composting solid waste practices of the Local Governments.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research on composting related to the selected municipalities. As composting is an effective method in SWM, the findings and the proposed policy measures of this study will help to improve the SWM of the Local Governments of Sri Lanka.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Uta Hussong-Christian

The purpose of this paper is to share one uncommon way that an academic library moved toward more sustainable library operations and to share lessons learned in the implementation…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share one uncommon way that an academic library moved toward more sustainable library operations and to share lessons learned in the implementation of a compost collection program in an academic library.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study.

Findings

The right collaboration is critical to successfully implementing a library composting program and challenges like working around supply purchasing hurdles, reducing contamination in the collection bins, and working out appropriate assessment techniques may be encountered.

Practical implications

Academic libraries can implement compost collections program if the proper infrastructure exists and the appropriate partnerships are established.

Social implications

Academic libraries can be leaders in sustainable building operations and provide learning opportunities for the entire campus and surrounding community.

Originality/value

Very little published literature exists on implementing composting program in libraries of any kind. This case study helps to build that body of literature.

Details

Library Management, vol. 37 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 May 2020

Tariq Umar

The Gulf Cooperation Council member countries not only generate the highest quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) per capita when compared globally, but also in most of these…

Abstract

Purpose

The Gulf Cooperation Council member countries not only generate the highest quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) per capita when compared globally, but also in most of these countries, such waste is just dumped at different landfill stations. In Oman, the total quantity of MSW stood at 2.0 million tons per year. The emission from this waste is estimated at 2,181,034 tons/year (carbon dioxide equivalent). This article attempts to develop frameworks that considered landfilling, composting and recycling of MSW.

Design/methodology/approach

To know the composition of the municipal solid waste in Oman, a quantitative research method was employed. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from MSWM in this study focus on three major gases, CO2, CH4 and N2O. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 model is used to calculate GHG emissions from landfills and composting (IPCC, 2006). Four frameworks – baseline F0, framework F1, framework F2 and framework F3 – are outlined in this paper. The F0 represents the current situation of the MSW in which most of the waste goes to landfills and dumpsites. In F1, improved MSW collection service and landfilling are incorporated and open burning is restricted. The F2 considered landfilling and composting, while F3 is based on landfilling, composting and recycling.

Findings

The framework F2, which proposes the composting process for the organic waste which normally goes to landfills, results in the reduction of emissions by 40% as compared to landfill practice. Similarly, the samples of MSW collected in Oman show a good amount of recycling waste. The framework F3, which considers the landfill, composting and recycling, reduced the total GHG emissions from 2,181,034 tons/year to 1,427,998 tons/year (carbon dioxide equivalent), representing a total reduction of 35% in emissions.

Research limitations/implications

Different values such as CH4 correction factor, the fraction of degradable organic carbon and the fraction of DOC used to determine the GHG emissions from MSW considering landfilling, composting and recycling based on the IPPC model and existing literature review. The actual determination of these values based on the Oman conditions may result in more accurate emissions from MSW in Oman.

Practical implications

Different frameworks suggested in this research have different practical implications; however, the final framework F3, which produces fewer emissions, required a material recovery facility to recycle the MSW in Oman. For framework F3, it is important that the residents in Oman have enough knowledge and willingness to do the waste segregation at the household level. Apparently, such knowledge and willingness need to be determined through a separate study.

Originality/value

The frameworks F2 and F3 are considered to be more suitable solutions compared to the current practices for Oman and other gulf countries to reduce its per capita emissions from MSW and protect its local environment. There is a potential for further work that needs to explore the possible solutions to implement the suggested frameworks.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2012

Elkhtab Mohamed Abdalla, Sulieman Hammad Nasser Ali, Sarra Ahmed Mohamed Saad and Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of two decomposition processes, namely, composting and vermicomposting, on the chemical composition of the finished…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of two decomposition processes, namely, composting and vermicomposting, on the chemical composition of the finished products of a mixture of: cotton residues; soil and cotton residues; farmyard; soil.

Design/methodology/approach

Composting experiments were done over six months to prepare four different mixtures as follows: cotton residues+soil (C); cotton residues+soil+earthworms (C+E); cotton residues+soil+farmyard manure (C+F); and cotton residues+soil+farmyard manure+earthworms (C+F+E). Electrical conductivity, pH, nitrate-N, ammonium-N, ash, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, carbon: nitrogen ratio, total potassium and trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) were determined on monthly-based samples.

Findings

Significant differences (p < 0.05) in organic carbon, nitrate-N, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content were recorded in vermicompost compared to compost. In general, results indicated that vermicompost had a significant effect compared to compost and a positive effect on the chemical properties of the finished products.

Originality/value

This research work was carried out by four researchers from two institutions concerned with agricultural production and environmental aspects related to soil productivity. The paper emphasizes on production of organic fertilizers with good quality and monitoring of composting process for better management practices of agricultural wastes in Sudan.

Details

World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5945

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1997

M.F. Abd El‐Sabour, M.A. Abo El‐Seoud and M. Rizk

Describes field experiments to determine the effects of previous organic waste composts, using different types and application rates, on sunflower yield. Oil, carbohydrates and…

576

Abstract

Describes field experiments to determine the effects of previous organic waste composts, using different types and application rates, on sunflower yield. Oil, carbohydrates and metal content were evaluated. Experiments were conducted in the Nuclear Research Centre Farm, in sandy, infertile soil. Results show a remarkable increase in dry matter and seed yields, due to previous single compost additions. A mixture of water hyacinth and biosolid compost showed an improvement. The results of this research indicate that application of organic waste composts is a feasible and valuable recycling method in sandy desert soils.

Details

Environmental Management and Health, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 March 2023

Rahmi Yuniarti, Ilyas Masudin, Ahmad Rusdiansyah and Dwi Iryaning Handayani

This study aimed to develop the integration of the multiperiod production-distribution model in a closed-loop supply chain involving carbon emission and traceability. The…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to develop the integration of the multiperiod production-distribution model in a closed-loop supply chain involving carbon emission and traceability. The developed model was for agricultural food (agri-food) products, considering the reverse flow of food waste from the disposal center (composting center) to producers.

Findings

The results indicate that integrating the production and distribution model considering food waste recycling provides low carbon emissions in lower total costs. The sensitivity analysis also found that there are trade-offs between production and distribution rate and food waste levels on carbon emission and traceability.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the mathematical modeling of a multiperiod production-distribution formulation for a closed-loop supply chain.

Originality/value

The model of the agri-food closed-loop supply chain in this study that considers food recycling and carbon emissions would help stakeholders involved in the agri-food supply chain to reduce food waste and carbon emissions.

Details

International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2690-6090

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2022

Pradipta Patra, Arijit Roy, Arpita Ghosh and Parul Malik

India has taken a successful step towards meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by providing access to basic amenities such as safe drinking water, waste management…

Abstract

Purpose

India has taken a successful step towards meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by providing access to basic amenities such as safe drinking water, waste management, drainage systems and bio-compost pits in households. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that significantly impact access to such basic amenities in villages in two states in the hilly regions of India.

Design/methodology/approach

Village-level secondary data collected from the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) website has been analyzed using multiple linear regression and non-parametric statistical tests. Socio-economic and demographic variables are the independent factors in regression whereas availability of basic amenities is the dependent variable.

Findings

Findings reveal that in Himachal Pradesh, gender ratio, annual income per family, percentage of BPL households, percentage of pucca houses, and percentage of village population above graduation, significantly impact access to piped water in village households. Also, literacy rate and percentage of population with education above graduation significantly impact availability of compost pits. Further, in Uttarakhand, percentage of pucca houses influences access to waste collection system and availability of compost pits. Availability of drainage systems is influenced by literacy rate. A comparison between the two hilly states reveals that Himachal Pradesh is better off in terms of ease of access to drinking water whereas Uttarakhand is ahead in terms of other amenities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other studies have used socio-economic and demographic variables to study access to basic amenities in villages in hilly states in India.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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