Search Results (128)

New partially bio-based, waste-derived composites are manufactured from date palm surface fibers (DPSF), waste coffee filters (CFP), and disposable medical isolation gowns (MIG). These three disposable raw materials fill landfills and create an environmental problem. Therefore, the objective of this current study is to use such materials in creating promised thermal insulation and sound absorption boards. Six hybrid composites with different compositions were made using Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) wood adhesive as a binder. Three of them were made of DPSF and MIG, and the other three were composed of DPSF and the CFP. Different tests were performed on the developed composites, such as thermal conductivity measurements, sound absorption and noise reduction determination, surface morphology image analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and three-point bending tests. The results showed that the thermal conductivity coefficients for the hybrids DPSF + MIG and DPSF + CFP are in the ranges 0.0493–0.0613 W/(m·K) and 0.052–0.065 W/(m·K), respectively, over the temperature range 24–82 °C. The sound absorption coefficient (SAC) is greater than 0.4 for all composites at frequency bands greater than 500 Hz. The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) is ≥0.45 for all composites. Surface morphology images of the composites were also reported. The results also show that the composites are thermally stable at temperatures up to 258.3 °C. The flexural modulus ranges between 5.0 and 8.46 MPa for the medical isolation gown composites and 2.49 and 5.57 MPa for the coffee filter paper composites. The hybrid composites have a lower moisture content of 0.51% to 2.5%. These promising results support the use of these composites for thermal insulation and sound absorption in building construction as alternatives to conventional thermal insulations derived from crude fuels. Full article

Medical waste management has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom has started planning its waste strategy to comply with its Net Zero Goals. Waste management does not only involve waste disposal; the process includes segregation, collection, storage, and the transportation of waste from one point to another. Unusual characteristics of waste from the healthcare industry are that waste can be infectious and needs special storage conditions and specific transportation criteria to maintain the waste’s quality. However, entities working with the waste lack knowledge about the waste they receive and need assistance to verify the quality of the waste as well. Limited knowledge can lead to injuries, contamination, or the spread of pathogens. The global monitoring guidelines of medical waste are studied to understand the monitoring requirements and the stakeholders who are working with the waste. Application and research contributions to the digitisation of medical waste monitoring are scrutinised to look for the monitoring gaps. This paper proposes a digital system designed to connect all waste stakeholders within a blockchain environment, supported by automated data collection. A framework for stakeholder communication with data is designed. The data gathered from transporters is analysed before sending the status to the blockchain. Furthermore, the paper outlines a dashboard showcasing the digitisation of waste management, backed by a case study used for validation. A hypothetical case study in managing waste using existing manual waste monitoring in the United Kingdom is compared with monitoring using the system. By employing a proving method of all activities approach with blockchain technology, this method has achieved a 25.17% improvement in medical waste management time-taken efficiency and a 27.85% improvement while virtually eliminating the risk of fraudulent documentation. Full article

Healthcare waste management is a growing environmental and economic challenge due to increasing waste volumes, hazardous materials, and continued reliance on linear disposal methods such as incineration and landfilling. This review aims to examine how circular economy and zero-waste approaches can be applied to healthcare waste management to improve sustainability, resource efficiency, and system performance. A structured narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature obtained from prominent scientific databases, concentrating on circular strategies, zero-waste initiatives, digital technologies, and policy frameworks relevant to healthcare waste systems. The reviewed studies indicate that practices such as improved waste segregation, recycling and material recovery, reusable product design, digital waste tracking, and Extended Producer Responsibility can significantly reduce waste generation, lower environmental impacts, and achieve cost savings, while maintaining infection control and patient safety. However, the review also identifies key barriers to implementation, including regulatory complexity, limited infrastructure, financial constraints, and weak coordination among stakeholders. The novelty of this review lies in its integrated analysis of circular economy and zero-waste strategies through the lens of digital enablement, offering a systems-based framework for transforming healthcare waste management beyond incremental improvements. The findings highlight that successful circular healthcare waste management requires strong institutional leadership, supportive policies, and the integration of digital technologies to enable monitoring, traceability, and decision-making. This review enhances the comprehension of how circular economy principles can facilitate the transition from linear to sustainable healthcare waste systems and provides guidance for policymakers, healthcare managers, and researchers. Future research should focus on evaluating real-world implementation, advancing recyclable and reusable medical materials, and developing standardised indicators to measure circular performance in healthcare settings. Full article

There is growing concern that antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock may contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and lead to the consumption of animal-derived foods contaminated with antimicrobial residues. As stakeholders in the livestock industry, farmers must participate in the joint effort to reduce AMU. This cross-sectional study, based on a survey questionnaire, was conducted to evaluate the biosafety measures implemented on small ruminant farms and to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of small ruminant farmers regarding AMU, AMR and residues. The mean biosafety score obtained was 8.4 points on a 0–17 scale. Some biosafety measures appeared difficult to implement, namely vehicle disinfection, requiring visitors to change clothing and footwear at the farm entrance, cleaning and disinfecting farm facilities, using high-pressure washing equipment, and requiring employees to change clothing and footwear upon entering the farm. Although farmers self-reported moderate levels of knowledge (4.9 points on a 0–7 scale) and positive attitudes (5.8 points on a 0–7 scale), significant gaps in knowledge about antibiotics and antimicrobial stewardship persisted. Practices received lower scores (4.7 on a 0–7 scale), especially regarding medication recording, leftover antibiotic management, and waste disposal. Cluster analysis identified distinct farmer profiles with different patterns of knowledge and practices. These findings underscore the importance of considering farmer heterogeneity when designing interventions aimed at improving AMU. Full article

Nuclear activities require a delicate balance between harnessing their benefits and mitigating the environmental and health risks they pose to local ecosystems and beyond. One of the critical challenges is the management of nuclear waste, which is material that has been used in nuclear processes, such as nuclear energy production or medical applications like radiotherapy. This waste is radioactive and potentially dangerously hazardous. Globally, approximately 400,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel exist, and comprehensive long-term management and disposal plan remain limited. The safe disposal of nuclear waste is paramount to prevent adverse environmental and health impacts. However, effective disposal strategies not only mitigate these risks but also contribute to the sustainability of nuclear power, a low-carbon energy source that can help combat climate change. This research aimed to determine the composition of specific nuclear waste at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), recognizing that effective management is crucial for both human and environmental protection. By understanding the composition of nuclear waste, we can develop targeted strategies for safe handling and disposal, ultimately supporting a more sustainable nuclear industry. Full article

Surgical wards constitute a significant contributor to global medical waste (MW), accounting for over one-third of total healthcare sector trash. Medical interventions produce hazardous, infectious, and potentially toxic byproducts, making effective MW management crucial, especially where current mechanisms are insufficient. Substantial disparities persist between high-income and low- and middle-income countries regarding MW infrastructure, enforcement, and adoption of safe, sustainable treatment technologies. Proper segregation, recycling, treatment, and disposal are key to protecting public health, environmental integrity, and promoting healthcare sustainability. Waste treatment technologies divide into thermal and physico-chemical processes, requiring thorough evaluation of advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for each waste type. This narrative review updates MW knowledge by synthesizing data from scientific literature, institutional documents, and regulatory sources. Key quantitative data indicate operating rooms generate up to 30% of total hospital waste, with recyclable materials representing over 40% of that volume. Improper segregation rates remain high, and incineration remains dominant despite sustainability concerns. The Romanian case study highlights progressive EU alignment, enforcing standardized MW classification, color-coded segregation, and specialized disposal protocols in surgical wards. Despite legal compliance, Romania is advancing incrementally, with systematic audits, digital tracking, and national outcome-based evaluations yet to be fully established. The Plastic Surgery Unit at Oradea County Emergency Clinical Hospital demonstrates good protocol adherence; however, strengthening data feedback mechanisms would enhance hospital-wide performance optimization and strategic waste reduction. Training and monitoring represent important areas for continued development. Coordinated professional engagement, modernized infrastructure, and enforceable audits are identified as critical priorities for improving MW handling in surgical environments. Future research should emphasize management innovation, evidence-based policy formulation, and a systematic strategy to achieve sustainable MW. Full article

Household medication hoarding is an emerging public and environmental health concern linked to inadequate pharmaceutical waste management and the lack of ecopharmacovigilance programs. This study analyzed the reasons for medication accumulation and associated environmental health risks in urban Mexico using synthetic indicators and risk assessment tools. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 633 households, and indicators such as the household hoarding index, informal circulation index, and environmental risk index (ERI) were calculated. Multivariate analysis (NMDS) and risk matrices were applied to identify priority therapeutic groups. Results showed that 83.1% of households (95% CI: 79.6–86.0) accumulated medications, with 72.6% engaging in informal circulation practices. Antibiotics, antidiabetics, and antihypertensives accounted for over 70% of the estimated environmental risk, with antibiotics presenting the highest ERI (0.17). Continuous prescriptions and leftover treatments were the main hoarding reasons. It is concluded that pharmaceutical hoarding represents a critical challenge for sustainable waste management and ecopharmacovigilance. The combined use of synthetic indicators and risk matrices enables evidence-based prioritization for public policies, community education, and environmentally sound pharmaceutical disposal programs. Full article

The escalating use of plastic medical products has made medical microplastics (MMPs) contamination an important health concern for specific populations (e.g., patients undergoing medical interventions) and has rendered it a growing focus in global environmental health research. This review systematically summarizes the release characteristics of MMPs throughout their life cycle from device manufacturing and clinical use to waste disposal, and elucidates human exposure pathways. For the general population, environmental exposure and dietary intake are the dominant exposure sources. In patients, however, invasive procedures and intravenous infusions serve as direct, high-concentration routes, enabling MMPs to enter the bloodstream directly. The article focuses on analyzing the molecular mechanisms underlying multisystem pathological effects induced by MMPs, including cardiovascular injury, respiratory dysfunction, digestive disorders, and reproductive toxicity, which involve key pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and dysregulated autophagy. Regarding existing detection technologies, we compare and evaluate the advantages and limitations of microscopic observation, spectral analysis, and chromatography–mass spectrometry in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and applicability, proposing that integrated technical strategies can significantly improve detection reliability. Finally, the review discusses current challenges and future research directions, including the establishment of standardized risk assessment frameworks, the development of highly sensitive in situ detection technologies, and the exploration of targeted intervention strategies. This work provides a theoretical basis for understanding the health risks of MMPs and offers valuable insights for formulating safety management policies for medical plastics. Full article

Background and Objectives: The improper disposal of expired and unused medications (EUM) poses significant environmental and health risks. Discarding EUM in household trash or drains leads to accidental poisoning, illegal trade, and ecosystem contamination. These persistent compounds often resist wastewater treatment, disrupting ecological balance and contributing to antimicrobial resistance, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and related factors of the Mexican population regarding the disposal of EUM. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted via an online survey of adults (18+) from October 2021 to October 2024. Results: Among 6080 participants (95.4% aged 18–59; 65.8% women), a medium level of KAP was observed. Notably, 51.5% did not use specialized disposal containers, only 15.5% knew container locations, and 30.5% correctly identified expiration dates. Significant associations emerged: lower education levels correlated with poorer disposal knowledge, while health-related backgrounds and postgraduate studies linked to positive attitudes and adequate practices. Ordinal logistic regression revealed that being elderly, belonging to a high socioeconomic class, having lower education levels, and lacking health-related studies were significantly associated with poor KAP regarding EUM disposal. Conclusions: Inadequate pharmaceutical disposal in Mexico compromises environmental and public health. Addressing this requires reinforced regulations, professionalized pharmacies, and a comprehensive approach to bridge knowledge gaps. Integrating digital tools—like real-time mapping and QR labeling—with accessible take-back schemes is vital in mitigating hazards and uphold the One Health triad. Full article

Background/Objectives: Improper medication use, premature treatment discontinuation, and inadequate disposal contribute to irrational drug consumption and environmental contamination. Although pharmaceutical take-back programs have expanded globally, real-world evidence on household medication accumulation in academic and community settings remains limited. This study aimed to describe longitudinal patterns of medication collection during an eleven-year university-based take-back campaign, with detailed pharmacological characterization available for selected post-pandemic years. Methods: Real-world data were analyzed from a sustainable medication take-back campaign conducted annually at the University of Colima between 2015 and 2025. Expired or unused medications were voluntarily returned by students and community members. Total collected weight was recorded for all years, while detailed classification by dosage form, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) group, and Mexican regulatory fraction (Fractions II, IV, V, and VI) was performed for years with complete records (2023–2025). All materials were disposed of through an authorized hazardous-waste company in compliance with NOM-052-SEMARNAT-2005. Descriptive analyses were performed using SPSS version 29.0. Results: Approximately 3.9 tons of pharmaceutical products were collected over eleven years, reflecting persistent household accumulation of unused or expired medicines. In the years with detailed analysis, oral solid dosage forms predominated. In 2025, ATC groups M, A, and C were most frequently returned, consistent with medications used for chronic conditions. Therapeutic composition varied annually, with NSAIDs/analgesics predominating in 2023–2024 and antibiotics in 2025. Across analyzed years, 5–7% of collected items corresponded to non-medication products. Conclusions: This long-term campaign provides valuable real-world evidence on medication non-use and disposal, highlighting ongoing challenges in rational medicine use, treatment continuity, and environmentally responsible pharmaceutical waste management. Full article

Despite the significant environmental impact of the healthcare sector, with Germany’s system accounting for a large proportion of national emissions, quantitative sustainability research on specific medical procedures, such as those in dentistry, is critically scarce. This study aimed to address this issue by conducting a Life Cycle Assessment to quantify and compare the Global Warming Potential of the conventional analog and the digital (intraoral scanner) impression techniques for the manufacturing of single-tooth crowns in a German dental practice. The methodology employed a cradle-to-grave approach, defining a positive dental model as the functional unit and focusing on material consumption, waste streams, and equipment usage while excluding patient travel and facility energy. The results revealed that the digital impression procedure offers significant environmental advantages, with its average carbon footprint (approx. 550 CO₂-eq) being nearly threefold lower than the analog impression (approx. 1620 g CO₂-eq). This difference is primarily driven by the analog impression technique’s intensive use of disposable materials and the generation of contaminated waste requiring incineration. In contrast, the digital impression’s burden shifts to the manufacturing of the intraoral scanner, highlighting the importance of high clinical utilization to achieve the ecological benefit. This work concludes that the adoption of digital impression taking is a critical step towards more sustainable dentistry by promoting material avoidance and waste reduction, provided that high equipment utilization rates can be ensured. It should be noted that these results are specific to the regional context, particularly the German energy mix and national waste management standards, and may vary in different geographical settings Full article

The improper disposal of domestic medical waste (DMW) constitutes a significant public health and environmental concern; however, limited studies exist concerning DMW disposal practices in South Africa. This study evaluated the knowledge and practices involving the disposal of domestic medical waste (DMW) in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The study investigated common disposal methods, levels of awareness of appropriate techniques, and associated health risks. Data were collected using structured questionnaires (Annexure A) with closed-ended questions, administered both physically at shopping complexes and electronically via LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and email to eligible participants. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 29 and Microsoft Excel, with results presented in graphical form. Findings revealed that 78.3% of residents disposed of DMW in general waste bins, while 85.8% reported discarding medicine bottles in the same manner, and only 5.2% returned unused medications to pharmacies. The findings highlight gaps in awareness, infrastructure, and policy, necessitating comprehensive education programs, improved waste management services, and policy revisions to include DMW. A proposed model emphasizes education, community involvement, infrastructure enhancement, and ongoing policy evaluation to address these challenges. These efforts aim to reduce health risks, mitigate environmental impacts, and promote safe DMW disposal practices, safeguarding public health and creating a sustainable environment. Full article

Electrochemical biosensors are becoming increasingly prevalent across medical, food, and bioprocessing industries for monitoring complex biological processes. However, their sensitivity to contamination and exposure to potentially hazardous biological species often necessitates single-use disposal, contributing to the release of high-value, high-demand, and environmentally damaging materials into the environment. This study investigates the feasibility of a closed-loop recycling process for single-use glucose biosensors, with a focus on the recovery and reuse of noble metals silver and gold. Guided by ecodesign principles and using low-impact materials, we developed a silver screen ink, gold syringe ink, and a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) substrate. Sensors were fabricated by additive manufacturing and screen printing—enabling the scalability afforded by screen printing to produce the high-coverage silver layer while also minimising gold ink waste using additive manufacturing. A low-energy recovery method that exploited selective solvent compatibility was developed to reclaim silver and gold. Second-generation devices were then fabricated, demonstrating performance comparable to commercial equivalents while achieving an 80% reduction in material usage, cost, and environmental impact across 16 categories using a life cycle assessment (LCA). Full article

Quantifying e-waste in Sub-Saharan Africa remains constrained by scarce data, weak institutional reporting, and the dominance of informal sector activity. We present the first nationwide assessment of e-waste generation and Random Forest-based national forecasting in Sierra Leone. A mixed-methods survey administered 6000 questionnaires across all 16 districts, targeting households, institutions, enterprises, and informal actors. The study documented devices in use, storage, and disposal across the following six categories: ICT, appliances, lighting, batteries, medical, and other electronics. Population growth and device adoption simulations were combined with lifespan distributions and a Random Forest model trained on survey and simulated historical data to construct e-waste flows and forecast quantities through to 2050, including disposal fate probabilities for repurposing versus discarding. The results showed sharp spatial disparities, with Western Urban (Freetown) averaging about 10 kg per capita compared to 1.8 kg per capita in rural areas. Long-term district patterns were highly concentrated: 50-year annual averages indicated that Western Area Urban contributes 15.3% of national totals, followed by Bo (12.7%) and Western Area Rural (12.1%), with the top five districts contributing 59.1%. By 2050, total national e-waste entering reuse and disposal pathways was projected to reach 23.4 kilo tons per year (kt yr⁻¹) with a 95% uncertainty interval (UI) of 11–42 kt yr⁻¹ (and a 99% interval extending to 50 kt yr⁻¹), corresponding to 0.9–3.4 kg/capita/year. Household appliances dominated total mass, ICT devices exhibited high reuse rates, and batteries showed minimal reuse despite high hazard potential. These findings provide critical evidence for e-waste policy, regulation, and infrastructure planning in data-scarce regions. Full article

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable polyesters produced through microbial fermentation of carbon-rich residues, are emerging as attractive alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Their appeal lies in their exceptional biocompatibility, inherent biodegradability, and tunable physicochemical properties across diverse applications. These materials are environmentally friendly not just at the end of their life, but throughout their entire production–use–disposal cycle. This mini-review presents an update on the expanding biomedical relevance of PHAs, with emphasis on their utility in tissue engineering and drug delivery platforms. In addition, current clinical evaluations and regulatory frameworks are briefly discussed, underscoring the translational potential of PHAs in meeting unmet medical needs. As the healthcare sector advances toward environmentally responsible and patient-focused innovations, PHAs exemplify the convergence of waste valorization and biomedical progress, transforming discarded resources into functional materials for repair, regeneration, and healing. Full article