Thesis (M.Sc. (Geography)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Hazardous wastes (HW) refer to wastes that may or tend to cause adverse health effects on the ecosystem and human beings. These wastes pose present or potential risks to human health or living organisms, due to the fact that they are: (i) non-degradable or persistent in nature, (ii) can be biologically magnified, (iii) are highly toxic and even lethal at very low concentrations. Various types of production activities in South Africa generate many by-products, which are usually discarded but often turn out to be sources of acute environmental hazards. If not contained and handled appropriately, waste, including HW can cause significant problems. Unattended HW lying around leads to unhygienic conditions resulting in health problems. Increasing population growth, accompanied by rapid urbanization and industrialization, increases the volume of HW generated in the country. Improper waste management is aesthetically unattractive and impacts negatively on tourism by creating blight on South Africa’s beautiful landscape. The aim of the study is to assess how HW is discarded across different land use zones in the Musina Local Municipality in order to reduce and manage the negative impacts that they exert to the environment and human health. The objective was to: (i) analyse the state and management of hazardous waste discarded by beauty salons of the central business district of Musina; (ii) Elucidate the state and management of hazardous waste discarded by households located in the suburbs of Musina; (iii) Document the state and management of hazardous waste discarded by automotive workshop located in the Industrial zone of Musina and (iv) Develop tailor-made recommendations for the safe management of hazardous waste in the town of Musina, Limpopo Province, South Africa The study was conducted in Musina Local Municipality in Limpopo province, South Africa. Musina is the northern town in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study sites were divided into three land use zones; central business district (CBD), suburban area, and industrial zone. In terms of methodology observations, a datasheet and a semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data on HW management across three different land use zones. A total of 73 semi-structured questionnaires (55 in suburban area and 10 in industrial zone and 8 in the Central Business District) were employed to document quantitative and qualitative data. Observations were used to identify the types and document quantity of HW discarded by all participants. The researcher opened the weekly municipal refuse bags that stored discarded products to list and count HW products. The information was captured on a datasheet, which recorded data on type, quantity and separation of hazardous waste from general waste. Data was analysed via descriptive statistics. Results from Central Business District (Salons) shows that nail varnish bottles were the most discarded HW product with 250 discarded per week by all eight salons. Other HW products discarded include artificial nails, hair dye containers, plastic combs, vinyl gloves and disinfectant containers. All salons practice the same disposal method; making use of municipal refuse bags for temporary storage, which is then transported to the municipal landfill site for final disposal. None of the participants separate waste; reasons being lack of awareness of separation management. Shop owners and employees’ attitude towards HW management was neutral while their level of knowledge on the environmental and human health impact was rated low. Seventy-five percent of the respondents were not aware that the products they discard are hazardous. Results from Suburban area (household hazardous waste) shows that home cleaning products were the most discarded Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) product with 237 discarded per week by all 55 sampled households. Other HHW products discarded include personal cleaning products, miscellaneous items, automotive maintenance and gardening products. The 50 households practice the same disposal method; making use of house bin (usually pedal bins). Once the bin is full, they dispose it to the outdoors wheelie bins. The remaining five household dispose of their waste directly to the outdoor bin. None of the participants separated waste; main reasons being lack of awareness of separation management. Participants’ attitude towards HW management was neutral while their level of knowledge on the environmental and human health impact was rated medium. Seventy-three percent of the respondents were aware that the products they discard are hazardous. Results from Industrial Zone (hazardous waste) shows that plastic components were the most discarded hazardous waste (HW) product with 31 discarded per week by all 10 sampled automotive workshops. Other HW products discarded include lead-acid batteries, automotive used oil and paint containers. Automotive workshops practice different storage and disposal method; making use of drums, large containers and old scrap car as a temporary storage place. Once the temporary storage is full, 50% opted for recycling while 30% dispose of their waste to the landfill site; the remaining 20% burn their waste in their premises. A large majority (80%) did not separate their waste; main reasons being a lack of awareness of separation management. Participants’ attitude towards HW management was positive while their level of knowledge on the environmental and human health impact was rated low. Half of the respondents were aware that the products they discard are hazardous. Many studies have looked at the comparison between wastes discarded in the rural versus urban area with little attention on specific enterprises. It is more realistic to consider other enterprises because different activities generated different waste. This study was able to assess how waste is discarded in different enterprises such as salons and automotive workshop with an addition of residential waste. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study of this kind. Future research can look at other enterprises such as HW from restaurant or as far as HW discarded by mining sector. The study recommends that the salon enterprise obtains a HW certificate prior to operating a salon, this will increase awareness and make employees more knowledgeable on issues relating to the management of HW. Most of the wastes discarded by sub-urban area were recyclable materials. The municipality can look into collecting recyclable materials separately and taking it to the recycling facilities. It was shocking to find out that there are automotive industries that burn their waste (without even separating). This poses a serious danger in terms of air pollution and the possibilities of containers exploding; therefore, there is an urgent need to educate people in the automotive industry. Keywords: Hazardous waste, Household Hazardous Waste, Musina, Central Business District

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.

A project report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. / The design of a waste handling system is closely related to the functioning of the manufacturing system that it serves. The study considered the design of a waste handling system at the factory Printpak Gravure in Industria. The system in use was considered cost inefficient, The system was examlned, operating variables were determined, A model of the system was constructed so that the effectiveness of alternative systems could be compared. The replacement system selected reduced machine downtime and resulted in a lower yearly operating cost. / Andrew Chakane 2019

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.

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<p>A computer technique for the optimization of thermal waste destruction systems for various design modes, with emphasis on satisfying the air pollution limitations is discussed. The approach considers the incineration of wastes by addition of fuels to permit the thermal destruction of waste materials which are potential pollutants. The computer optimizing package developed utilizes a modified form of a NASA chemical equilibrium program, the Pasquill-Gifford gas diffusion equation and an optimization routine. </p><p>The method employed incorporates the mathematical modeling of elementary incineration systems, with consideration of the practical aspects of the problem. The final computer design and assessment package is flexible and is developed in a way that permits upgrading and modification for realistic systems. </p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

My initial interest in undertaking a research project in Cape Town, was locked by my outsider's gaze into vibrant urban images of townships and informal settlements. It was nurtured by a free South Africa's much publicized need for decent housing, and my projection of involvement with design efforts to develop viable housing options for the great number of beautiful people living in lovely, crowded, fire-prone shack communities. I had been nurturing a conviction for the possibility of utilizing waste-stream resources -'trash'- in an evocative, ecological production of architecture - an interest spawned through the concept of industrial ecology, and my background in the biological sciences. A coinciding potential seemed ripe. It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. Nowhere is this perhaps truer than in South Africa. The informal settlements of South Africa are a marvel of ingenuity and creativity where the processes of invention are continually fuelled by necessity's perpetual dance through the mazes of adversity; mazes, which are strewn with the fallout of a consumer society - created and driven by market forces. One of the most prevalent creations of the township is the 'shack.' In a condition where neither the state nor the private sector can provide appropriate housing in sufficient quantity, these dwellings are the people's solution to the immediate need for shelter. Many of the material resources used in the construction of shacks come from the waste stream of the country's consumer market. Formally, and materially shacks bear little resemblance to traditional South African dwellings. The two types are similar however, in that their material value exists primarily through their social and individual uti.lity and their location. A traditional dwelling has little economic value as a commodity ty because it is constructed with free building materials available in the natural environment. 1 The shack's use of free waste materials and relatively inexpensive used materials similarly confounds the capitalist system's commodification of the dwelling. Ironically, a dwelling with little to no market value can restrict entry into a capitalist society. Home ownership is one of the passes required in order to access credit - which is needed to become a 'cardholding' member of the consumer society, with all its benefits and demands. 2 There are however, numerous examples from the informal settlements and townships where goods of significant economic value are created from free resources. Folk artwork and craftwork from South African Townships is recognized all over the world and has significant market value. Scale replicas of Harley Davidsons are made from scrap wire and oil tins, plastic sheeting, and plastic bags. Telephone wire is used as a substitute for reeds to weave intricate baskets in

Strict emissions legislation and energy security debates have spurred extensive research in alternative fuels and renewable energies. Literature research has shown the need for improvements in internal combustion engines (ICE) due to their low efficiencies. Significant gains in efficiency can be accomplished with the use of waste heat recovery (WHR) techniques. Organic rankine cycles (ORC) with turbocompounding harness the waste heat from an ICE to improve efficiency and fuel economy while reducing brake-specific emissions. A mathematical model was developed to explore the potential gains in 1st and 2nd law efficiencies. The model approaches the evaluations of the ORC from a practical and a theoretical method. The practical method in evaluation 1 limits the outlet exhaust gas temperatures from the evaporator to prevent the formation of condensation. The performance of the ORC is then evaluated and compared to the evaluation 2. In the theoretical method, in evaluation 2, the effect of pinch point on the evaporator and the entire cycle was analyzed. This analysis was conducted for R113, a dry fluid, and propane, a wet fluid, in order to analyze the differences in the two types of fluids. R113 showed a 13% – 22% and a 6% – 14.7% increase in 1st and 2nd law efficiencies, respectively. Propane showed a 9% – 17.4% and a 2% – 8.5% increase in 1st and 2nd law efficiencies, respectively. It was also shown that as the pinch point temperature decreases the 2nd law efficiencies increased. It was concluded that use of ORC with turbocompounding is an effective method for waste heat recovery in order to increase ICE efficiency.

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