No description available.

Most prawns are prepared as frozen or canned meat and the remaining waste is used as a feed supplement or directly disposed on to the land, which affects the environment. Fresh prawn bio-waste contains protein, astaxanthin, flavor compounds and chitin. The use of chitin in various applications is limited due to its water insolubility. In this research, a new method is developed to prepare water-soluble colloidal chitin (WSCC) from prawn waste. WSCC having the percentage of degree of deacetylation same with that of chitin follows non-newtonian shear thinning behaviour. The characteristic study showed that the breakage of polymer chains during processing thus reduced the molecular weight and bulk density of WSCC. Therefore, functional properties of WSCC can be controlled by optimizing the processing conditions. Astaxanthin complex has attracted considerable interest in relation to its health benefits because of its powerful antioxidant activity. Traditional extraction of astaxanthin complex from prawn waste using organic solvents requires post-purification steps, creates solvent disposal problem and degrades the pigment. This research develops an efficient way of recovering astaxanthin complex from prawn waste that eliminates the problems associated with solvent extraction methods and offers possible recyclability of the solvents used. Post-harvest blackening in prawns adversely affects both quality and consumer acceptability. However, consumer safety over the chemicals, especially sulphites used in inhibiting prawn blackening is of a major concern. This study shows that the antioxidant, astaxanthin complex can inhibit the poly phenol oxidase (PPO) catalyzed blackening reaction in prawns. Although prawns have astaxanthin complex present in their natural state, its concentration in vivo may not be sufficient to act against PPO. Therefore, astaxanthin complex-enriched feed in prawn culture may prevent prawn melanosis and may eliminate the post-harvest handling methods.

B.URP / Department of Urban and Regional Planning

The Institute of REsource Ecology (IRE) is one of the eight institutes of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR). The research activities are mainly integrated into the program “Nuclear Waste Management, Safety and Radiation Research (NUSAFE)” of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and focused on the topics “Safety of Nuclear Waste Disposal” and “Safety Research for Nuclear Reactors”. Additionally, various activities have been started investigating chemical and environmental aspects of processing and recycling of strategic metals, namely rare earth elements. These activities are located in the HGF program “Energy Efficiency, Materials and Resources (EMR)”. Thus, all scientific work of the IRE belongs to the research field “Energy” of the HGF. The research objective is the protection of humans and the environment from hazards caused by pollutants resulting from technical processes that produce energy and raw materials. Treating technology and ecology as a unity is the major scientific challenge in assuring the safety of technical processes and gaining their public acceptance. We investigate the ecological risks ensued by radioactive and non-radioactive metals in the context of nuclear waste disposal, the production of energy in nuclear power plants and in processes along the value chain of metalliferous raw materials. A common goal is to generate better understanding about the dominating processes essential for metal mobilization and immobilization on the molecular level by using advanced spectroscopic methods. This in turn enables us to assess the macroscopic phenomena, including models, codes and data for predictive calculations, which determine the transport and distribution of contaminants in the environment.

Despite the vast research on options to improve solid waste management (SWM) in developing countries, little has been done to evaluate these possible improvements. This study assesses Ghana’s Community Participation and Public Awareness Program (CPPAP) for SWM through qualitative interviews comprising of 81 community members living in three different Communities -Kanda, Asylum Down, and Nima all in the Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA), Ghana. In addition, four officials were interviewed, and an activity worksheet for Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, & Threat (SWOT) analysis was developed based on responses from the study community members and officials. Participants were asked to identify implementation plans for SWM at different levels of government. Results indicated that community members and officials do not have expert knowledge of existing local and national laws for managing waste in Ghana. Study participants were also asked what targets are achieved with CPPAP; the study observed that community members have a good comprehension of SWM and are actively involved in managing waste. Notwithstanding that, enforcement of the listed guidelines to CPPAP has not been effective primarily due to lack of resources. Furthermore, to identify community members’ and policymakers’ viewpoints regarding SWM, the study found that the greater support of the local government and all stakeholders is needed in managing waste. The study identified significant threats and weaknesses of the CPPAP that include political interference and a lack of resources that can be overcome by strengths and opportunities, including community mobilization, employment opportunities. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on assessing implementation programs and policies for solid waste management in developing countries. Stakeholders of solid waste management will also benefit from the challenges unveiled in the study regarding waste management implementation plans and policies from governments.

MPH (Occupational Hygiene), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2009 / The study of medical waste management practices in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality clinics in South Africa took place in the absence of the relevant parliamentary law governing such waste, but governed by the final published Gauteng Health Care Waste Management Regulations 3003 of 2003. In accordance with the Gauteng Health Care Waste Management Regulations 303 of 2003, Medical Waste Management Practices are such that where medical waste is generated, it should be segregated at the point of generation, be properly containerised, labelled, stored, treated and finally be disposed of. The researcher studied 29 out of 112 clinics in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on whether medical waste management practices in these clinics comply with the Gauteng Health Care Waste Management Regulations 3003 of 2003. The study also intended to help practising and managing nurses to reduce occupational health risks, while further increasing the safety of clinic service users from unforeseen infections by communicable diseases. Materials and methods The study followed a cross-sectional descriptive survey method wherein data acquisition was by means of interviewing clinic managers with regard to medical waste management iii practices in their clinics using a structured questionnaire; and by observations of medical waste management practices through a walkthrough survey checklist. The study sample composed of 30 clinics selected from a total of 112 clinics, where a total population of 7 maternity and 23 day clinics were included through random selection. A response rate of 29 out of 30 clinics selected was obtained. The interview questionnaire consisted of six dimensions of measurement of medical waste management practices, while the walkthrough survey checklist consisted of twenty six items measuring medical waste management practices. Both were developed in line with the stipulations of the Gauteng Health Care Waste Management Regulations 3003 of 2003. A pilot study was conducted to further refine the contents of the above two measuring tools. The study setting comprised individual sections of each clinic such as primary health care, maternity, HIV/AIDS, mental health, antenatal care, family planning and the communicable diseases section, wherein a nurse is assigned per shift to examine patients and to administer injections and medicines. Observations were done on all medical waste management practices in the examination rooms of all sections of the clinics in order to carefully record both negative and positive practices. Such observations made followed the required medical waste management process as per the Gauteng Health Care Waste Management Regulations 3003 of 2003. iv Results The operations of Ekurhuleni municipal clinics revealed a 67 percent (4 out of 6 required documentation) non-existence of the required documentations, predominantly in the areas of medical waste policy; written safe work procedures; a training programme; and conducting of risk assessments. Specifically, The majority (65.5%) of clinics in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality have no medical waste management policy. The majority (69%) of clinics in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality have no safe work procedures. The majority (93%) of clinics in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality have no waste management training programme. The majority (69%) of clinics in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality do not conduct risk assessment for their operations. Of the 26 medical waste management practices observed, positive medical waste management practices were observed in 46 percent of the observations compared to 50 percent of negative observations, made in operating conditions of clinics. Discussion The findings of the study revealed a high degree of non-compliance of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality with the Gauteng Health Care Waste Management Regulations v 3003 of 2003 with regard to the required documents and the acceptable observed practices. Conclusions Medical waste management training in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality does not happen due to both the lack of policy documents and budgetary problems. Health care workers are exposed to both ergonomic and biological hazards due to a lack of proper medical waste storage, storage signage and incorrect handling of medical waste. No medical waste management audits and risk assessments are conducted in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality clinics. Non accountability over disposal of medical waste may promote illegal dumping of medical waste generated from Ekurhuleni municipal clinics. Recommendations Managers of clinics in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality need to be informed of the stipulations of Gauteng Health Care Waste Management Regulations 3003 of 2003. Based on the developed policies, clinic managers need to develop medical waste management training programmes wherein the stipulations of Gauteng Health Care Waste Management Regulations 3003 of 2003 will be incorporated. Designated medical waste management storage facilities to be provided for all Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality clinics. vi Clinic management and appointed medical waste management officers to ensure that medical waste management audits and risk assessments are conducted and that corrective measures are implemented in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality clinics.

The increase in production farming, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), garners more investigations on the implications to public health regarding the disposal of the wastes of food production animals. In addition to the vast amount of animal manure produced, human biosolids is another waste residual that must be managed. The research focus was the sustainability of foodborne pathogens in waste products and the variables that manipulate these environments such as moisture, temperature, organic matter and time. The first study was designed to analyze spatial differences in microbial populations in broiler litter by investigating the relationship of intra-house location, age of flock, bedding moisture, and seasonality. Antibiogram profiles of selected isolates were explored to determine if antibiotic resistant bacteria are common in these environments and if multiple class resistance is present. These findings provided insight into new targets that may reduce zoonotic bacteria that are problematic from a food safety prospective as well as nuisance bacteria that threaten broiler health. The second study was designed to establish current decay rates of viral and bacterial pathogens when seeded in various waste residuals and the effects soil type and application method have on those rates. Decay rates were established by standard culture and molecular methods, such as qPCR. A comparison of both derived inactivation rates were analyzed to determine if these methods were significantly different. Both cultural and molecular methods have limitation and advantages, and the argument that both are useful and needed is asserted. The decay rates associated with each method were used to simulate a one-time exposure to a land application site to assess the microbial risk of Salmonella using a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment model.

An analysis of solid waste management was performed in Gaborone, Botswana to identify the quantity of different types of solid waste that are generated annually and the possible strategies for improved waste management. In order to achieve the objective of the project, present waste management practice in Gaborone was analysed and waste composition study was carried out in Gamodubu landfill, Gaborone. Waste from household, commercial, industrial and others (defence and institutional) stratums were selected for sampling. Different samples were taken and forwarded to sorting analysis. The waste was categorized into 10 categories and one of the categories (plastic) is further divided into 5 Subcategories. The output of the study results the quantity of solid waste generated in Gaborone, composition of solid waste categories from different stratums and its flow to the landfill and the quality of waste, annually. These findings helped in serving the importance and the need of better waste management system in order to improvise the potential for resource recovery under social considerations.

The state of solid waste management in cities of most developing countries is fast assuming the scale of a major social and environmental challenge. In Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, the combined influence of poverty, population growth and rapid urbanization has tended to worsen the situation. The gravity of this problem is perhaps best reflected in the level of attention given to it in the United Nations (UN) Millennium Declaration. Three of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) outlined in the declaration have waste or resource efficiency implications. In response to the waste challenge many developed countries have embarked upon ambitious environmental reforms, recording remarkable advances in best practises and sustainable management of their Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). However, many developing countries such as Nigeria have fared less well in this regard as a result of several barriers militating against sustainable management of MSW. The principal aim of this research is therefore to carry out a critical analysis of the various barriers as well as success factors that affect the sustainable management of MSW using Abuja, Nigeria, as a case study. The study adopts a largely quantitative methodological approach, employing waste composition analysis of samples from the case study area, questionnaire survey and focus group interviews of stakeholders in MSW management as key methods for generation of data. Results from analysis of data, using the Statistical Programme for the Social Sciences (SPSS), indicate that between 65-70% of MSW samples from Abuja is biodegradable, mostly comprising of high wet weight and high moisture content kitchen wastes. On the other hand between 11%-30% of MSW samples from the City comprises mostly of non-degradable but recyclable materials such as glass, metals and cans, non-ferrous metals and waste electrical and electronic equipment. The implication of the high levels of moisture content in the biodegradable components is that samples are not suitable for incineration but are ideal for composting and other mechanical and biological management options. Data analysis also reveals that the main barriers to sustainable MSW management in the City include low public awareness/education on MSW management, obsolete and insufficient equipment and funding limitations. On the other hand, the most important success factor affecting sustainable MSW management in Abuja was found to be the bourgeoning City population which has a huge potential for uptake of recycled products. In summary, this research concludes that the factors affecting MSW management in Abuja are typical of many tropical urban environments. Fundamental shifts in current practises towards waste prevention; driven by a structured public education programme in MSW management is recommended, so as to bring about a more sustainable management regime. As a result of resource and time limitations, it was not possible to complete several potential lines of investigation related to this study. To fully understand the character of the Abuja waste stream however, further chemical characterization including proximate and ultimate analysis is required. Future research in this genre must endeavour to collect data from a larger sample to increase the precision of the analysis and to enable firmer conclusions to be drawn.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management