scholarly journals Qualitative Risk Analysis for Contents of Dry Toilets Used to Produce Novel Recycling Fertilizers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariane Krause ◽  
Franziska Häfner ◽  
Florian Augustin ◽  
Kai M. Udert
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Ammonia Emission ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Chemical Additives ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Human Excreta ◽  
Product Standard ◽  
Qualitative Risk Analysis ◽  
Proper Operation

AbstractHuman excreta are a sustainable, economical source of nutrients, and can be used to produce recycling fertilizer for horticulture by collecting and processing the contents of dry toilets. Herein, we discuss the key categories of risk associated with the main groups of materials commonly found in dry toilets. The study was part of the development of a German product standard for marketable and quality-assured recycling fertilizers from human excreta for use in horticulture. Particular attention is paid to ensuring that the fertilizer is epidemiologically and environmentally harmless and that the quality of the recycling fertilizer is adequate in terms of low pollution and nutrient availability. In sum, the risk of transmissible human pathogens lies within the human excreta, particularly feces; plant materials added during composting are of particular phytosanitary relevance; pharmaceutical residues in excrements and chemical additives are potential sources of pollutants; non-biodegradable contaminants can cause pollution and injury; and the horticultural risks involve mainly the ammonia emission potential and in some cases the salinity effects of urine. These risks can be reduced significantly (i) with education of users around proper operation of dry toilets and the consequences of adding inappropriate waste, (ii) with facilitation of proper use with general waste bins and clear instructions, and importantly (iii) by using modern sanitization and cleaning processes and testing for harmful substances under the guidance of local laws and regulations, ensuring safe and high-quality fertilizers. In conclusion, the benefits of using dry toilet contents to produce fertilizers for use in horticulture are unquestionable. Our analysis highlights the need to support recycling optimization and awareness for the purpose of a sustainable circular economy and to minimize the risk of harm to humans and the environment overall.

ANALYSIS OF REGULATIONS REGARDING THE SETTLEMENT OF ISSUES ON THE REMOVAL AND RECOVERY OF PLANTATIONS IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF PUBLIC ROADS

2020 ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Nataliia Kharytonova ◽  
Olha Mykolaienko ◽  
Tetyana Lozova
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Safety ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Visual Orientation ◽  
Right Of Way ◽  
Adverse Weather ◽  
Overhead Power Lines ◽  
The Right ◽  
Neck Diameter ◽  
Proper Operation

Greening of roads contributes to the protection of roads and their elements from influence of adverse weather and climatic factors; it includes the measures for improvement and landscaping of roads, ensures the protection of roadside areas from transport pollution, provides visual orientation of drivers. The solution of these issues will ensure creation and maintenance of safe and comfortable conditions for travelers. Green plantings in the right-of-way road area include woody, bushy, flower and grass vegetation of natural and artificial origin. For proper operation of public roads and satisfaction of other needs of the industry, there may be the need in removing the greenery. The reason for the removal of greenery in the right-of-way road area may be due to the following factors: construction of the architectural object, widening of the motor road, repair works in the security zone of overhead power lines, water supply, drainage, heating, telecommunications facilities, cutting of hazardous, dry and fautal trees, as well as self-grown and brushwood trees with a root neck diameter not exceeding 5 cm, elimination of the consequences of natural disasters and emergencies. The removal of plantations in the right-of-way area is executed in order to ensure traffic safety conditions and to improve the quality of plantations composition and their protective properties. Nowadays, in Ukraine there is no clear procedure for issuing permits for removing of such plantations. In order to resolve this issue, there is a need in determining the list of regulations in the area of forest resources of Ukraine and, if needed, the list of regulatory acts that have to be improved; to prepare a draft of the regulatory legal act that would establish the procedure of plantations cutting, the methodology of their condition determination, recovery costs determination, the features of cutting. Keywords: plantations, cutting, right-of-way, woodcutting permit, order.

scholarly journals Facile Use of ZnO Nanopowders to Protect Old Manual Paper Documents

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 5452
Author(s):  
Ludmila Motelica ◽  
Aurelian Popescu ◽  
Anca-Gabriela Răzvan ◽  
Ovidiu Oprea ◽  
Roxana-Doina Truşcă ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Accessible Method

One of the main problems faced by libraries, archives and collectors is the mold degradation of the paper-based documents, books, artworks etc. Microfungi (molds) emerge in regular storage conditions of such items (humidity, usually over 50%, and temperatures under 21 °C). If the removal of the visible mycelium is relatively easy, there is always the problem of the subsequent appearance of mold as the spores remain trapped in the cellulosic, fibrillary texture, which acts as a net. Moreover, due to improper hand hygiene bacteria contamination, old books could represent a source of biohazard, being colonized with human pathogens. An easy and accessible method of decontamination, which could offer long term protection is therefore needed. Here, we present a facile use of the ZnO nanopowders as antimicrobial agents, suitable for cellulose-based products, conferring an extended antibacterial and anti-microfungal effect. The proposed method does not adversely impact on the quality of the cellulose documents and could be efficiently used for biodegradation protection.

scholarly journals Framing Electric Mobility for Urban Sustainability in a Circular Economy Context: An Overview of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7786
Author(s):  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
Ismaila Rimi Abubakar ◽  
Richard Kotter ◽  
Thomas Skou Grindsted ◽  
Abdul-Lateef Balogun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Urban Transport ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Environmental Aspects ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Urban Quality Of Life ◽  
Electro Mobility

The development of electro-mobility is one of the centerpieces of European country attempts to reduce carbon emissions and increase the quality of life in cities. The goals of reducing emissions from the transport sector and phasing out fossil-fueled vehicles in (urban) transport by 2050 present unrivaled opportunities to foster electro-mobility. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature and provides a detailed analysis of the current development of electro-mobility in Europe, assessing social, economic, and environmental aspects under a circular economy (CE) context. It also examines the existing challenges and suggests ways of addressing them towards improving the environmental performance of electro-mobility and the urban quality of life. The paper argues that a narrow technology-only agenda in electro-mobility will be less successful without the imperative of the CE, including not just materials and resources but also energy, to unlock the medium-term co-benefits of de-carbonization of both the transport as well as the building and energy sectors. The paper critically reviews some of the anticipated future developments that may guide the growth of this rapidly growing field into a CE.

Processability predictions for mechanically recycled blends of linear polymers

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 771-781
Author(s):  
Janne van Gisbergen ◽  
Jaap den Doelder
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Melt Flow Index ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Experimental Designs ◽  
New Method ◽  
Flow Index ◽  
Linear Polymers ◽  
Combined Method

AbstractRecycling of thermoplastic polymers is an important element of sustainable circular economy practices. The quality of mechanically recycled polymers is a concern. A method is presented to predict the structure and processability of recycled blends of polymers based on processability knowledge of their virgin precursor components. Blending rules at molecular weight distribution level are well established and form the foundation of the new method. Two essential fundamental building blocks are combined with this foundation. First, component and blend structure are related to viscosity via tube theories. Second, viscosity is related to melt flow index via a continuum mechanics approach. Emulator equations are built based on virtual experimental designs for fast forward and reverse calculations directly relating structure to viscosity and processability. The new combined method is compared with empirical blend rules, and shows important similarities and also clear quantitative differences. Finally, the new method is applied to practical recycling quality challenges.

Inhibitory Effect of Commercial Green Tea and Rosemary Leaf Powders on the Growth of Foodborne Pathogens in Laboratory Media and Oriental-Style Rice Cakes

2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 1107-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
SUN-YOUNG LEE ◽  
SO-YOUNG GWON ◽  
SEUNG-JU KIM ◽  
BO KYUNG MOON
Keyword(s):  
Green Tea ◽  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Enterobacter Sakazakii ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Rice Cake ◽  
Rice Cakes

The antimicrobial effects of green tea and rosemary added to foods as antagonists to foodborne pathogens were determined in laboratory media and oriental-style rice cakes. The growth of each pathogen (Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, Typhimurium, Enterobacter sakazakii, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes) in tryptic soy broth or rice cake with or without addition of green tea or rosemary leaf powders before autoclaving or cooking, respectively, was investigated after inoculation. The addition of 1% green tea or rosemary produced similar results for inhibiting the growth of pathogens in tryptic soy broth. However, green tea was more effective than rosemary for inhibiting the growth of L. monocytogenes. Both botanicals had inhibitory effects against all pathogens tested in this study. Green tea was particularly effective against B. cereus, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes, and rosemary was strongly inhibitory against B. cereus and S. aureus. The addition of 1 or 3% green tea or rosemary to rice cakes did not significantly reduce total aerobic counts; however, levels of B. cereus and S. aureus were significantly reduced in rice cakes stored for 3 days at room temperature (22°C). The order of antimicrobial activities against B. cereus in rice cake was 1% rosemary < 1% green tea < 3% rosemary = 3% green tea. These results indicate that the use of natural plant materials such as green tea and rosemary could improve the microbial quality of foods in addition to their functional properties.

scholarly journals Relationship between tourism and Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Circular Economy as a future bet

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Miguel Rodríguez-Antón
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Peace And Justice ◽  
Development Goals

No one has the slightest doubt about the enormous potential that the African continent has as a tourist destination. The diversity of cultures, the great biodiversity that it possesses, the multiple artistic manifestations that it offers and the beauty of the seas that surround it are key pieces in continuing to promote its capacity as a tourist attraction, which is approximately 60 million tourists per year who generate seven percent of exports and employment. However, in order for Africa to take off, it is necessary that a number of conditions related to security, health, education, eradication of poverty, reduction of inequalities, peace and justice and quality of its waters, among others, are intimately related to the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda. In this context, we maintain that the implementation of the Circular Economy in Africa will be a key tool in this process of improving the sustainability of this continent in its three aspects, economic, social and environmental, and raising its level of tourism competitiveness.

scholarly journals Assessment of the quality of peppermint leaves by thin-layer chromatography in some objects of plant origin

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 148-154
Author(s):  
Vali A. Sahratov ◽  
Tamara L. Malkova ◽  
Ludmila N. Karpova ◽  
Anna A. Pospelova
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Thin Layer ◽  
Thin Layer Chromatography ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Mentha Piperita ◽  
Plant Origin ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Layer Chromatography ◽  
Active Substances

The State Pharmacopoeia of the XIV edition defines the approach for the assessment of the quality of medicinal plant materials, it deals with the identification of the main groups of biologically active substances by thin layer chromatography. According to this approach, the analysis of some types of medicinal plant materials as a part of some objects of plant origin was carried out. The article presents the quality assessment algorithm as examplified by peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita L.), which are part of a variety of plant object.

Unlocking Nature's Pharmacy – Assessing the Quality of Irish Echinacea plant materials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. O’Connell ◽  
J. Kelly ◽  
J. Turner ◽  
M.T. Pigott ◽  
H. Sheridan
Keyword(s):  
Plant Materials

The Role of Solid Particles Obtained from Plant Materials in Improvement the Quality of Cosmetic Care Balms

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-43
Author(s):  
Tomasz Wasilewski ◽  
Zofia Nizioł-Łukaszewska ◽  
Tomasz Bujak ◽  
Edyta Szmuc ◽  
Dominik Czerwonka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Orange Peel ◽  
Bentonite Clay ◽  
Product Evaluation ◽  
Sensory Properties ◽  
Solid Particles ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Cosmetic Emulsions

Abstract The sensory properties of cosmetic emulsions are part of the basic properties of products such as face creams and body balms. They are extremely important parameters in the product evaluation by consumers. Cosmetics manufacturers are increasingly introducing ingredients in the form of solid particles (talc, bentonite, clay) into formulations to improve the sensory properties of products. Their addition simplifies the application of the emulsion on the skin, effects faster absorption and leaves a feeling of silky smoothness after application. During the work, we investigated solid particles of plant origin: powder from ground orange peel and oat grain. These ingredients were introduced into the formulation of the model body balms. The antioxidant and physicochemical properties of the obtained emulsions as well as the skin hydration after their application were evaluated. It has been shown that the introduction of solid plant particles increases the antioxidant properties of the emulsions and significantly improves emulsion stability and skin moisture after application.

Evaluating the presence of human pathogens in commercially frozen, biologically appropriate raw pet food sold in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 187 (7) ◽  
pp. e50-e50
Author(s):  
Benedetta Bottari ◽  
Elena Bancalari ◽  
Annalisa Barera ◽  
Sergio Ghidini ◽  
Monica Gatti
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Strategy ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Limit Set ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Pet Food ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Larger Sample

BackgroundBiologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet is becoming more and more popular among pet owners in Europe. However, there are documented microbiological risks associated with raw feeding, and this study aimed to determine the presence of human pathogens in commercially frozen BARF products sold in Italy.MethodsSalmonella species, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter species were identified. The general microbiological quality of BARF products and hygiene were also evaluated. Sample size was limited and therefore the study may not be representative of a larger sample.ResultsNone of the tested samples showed total bacterial count (TBC) higher than the limit set to consider a sample unacceptable. However, 14 out of 21 samples showed TBC higher than the limit set to consider a sample marginally acceptable. A high percentage of samples were contaminated by the aforementioned pathogens, highlighting the need for pet owners to be aware of the risks of this feeding strategy both to themselves and to their pets.ConclusionsConsidering that BARF diet meals can be prepared at home using the hands, as well as tools and spaces that could be shared, guidelines on safer handling of these pet food products should be recommended by veterinarians and nutritionists.

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