Plastic Pollution in Slovenia: From Plastic Waste Management to Research on Microplastics

2019 ◽  
pp. 307-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Kalčíková ◽  
Andreja Žgajnar Gotvajn
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Plastic Pollution

scholarly journals New Policy Framework with Plastic Waste Control Plan for Effective Plastic Waste Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 6049
Author(s):  
Sun-Kyoung Shin ◽  
Namil Um ◽  
Yong-Jun Kim ◽  
Na-Hyeon Cho ◽  
Tae-Wan Jeon
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Circulation System ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Control Plan

With an increasing use of plastic, considerable plastic waste is generated, threatening the environment and public health. In particular, changes in living patterns in urban areas have significantly impacted the rate at which plastic waste increases every year. Thus, governments in many developed countries have implemented numerous policies to reduce plastic waste generation. Among them is the concept of circular economy that aims to protect the environment from plastic pollution and promote growth and innovation in industry and human life through overall changes in designing, producing, using, and recycling plastic products. The Korean government has implemented the Resource Circulation Act (RCA), which includes the concept of circular economy and resource efficiency policy for overall waste management. Following the concept of RCA, the Plastic Waste Control Plan (PWCP) was established for the comprehensive management of plastic waste. Therefore, this study introduces the goals and strategies of PWCP, which has a circulation system of four stages of production, consumption, discharge, and recycling, as well as the major roadblocks in the stages impeding the achievement of the goals and strategies. This study also suggests countermeasures at the government level for solving the major problems in the four stages.

Marine plastic waste input between 1990-2015 and potential beaching scenarios

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Laufkoetter ◽  
Kevin Lang ◽  
Fabio Benedetti ◽  
Victor Onink ◽  
Meike Vogt
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Lagrangian Model ◽  
Waste Collection ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Waste Production

<p>Marine plastic pollution has been recognized as a serious issue of global concern with substantial risks for marine ecosystems, fisheries, and food supply to people. Yet, the amount of plastic entering the ocean from land and rivers is barely understood. Currently, estimates exist for the coastal plastic input in the year 2010 on country-level resolution and for riverine plastic input for the year 2017. Key limitations are the restricted data availability on plastic waste production, waste collection and waste management. In addition, the transport of mismanaged plastic via wind and rivers is currently not well understood.</p><p>We present a model to estimate the global plastic input to the ocean for the years 1990-2015 on a 0.1x0.1° raster. To this end, we first train a machine learning model (random forests) and a linear mixed model to predict plastic waste production on country level, using data of municipal waste collection and several socio-economic predictor variables. We then estimate the amount of plastic waste that enters the environment, using high resolution population data and waste management data of each country. This is combined with distance-based probabilities of land and river transport to obtain the annual amount of plastic entering the ocean on a 0.1x0.1° spatial resolution. Our results indicate that global plastic waste production increased roughly linearly between 1990 to 2015. However, estimating the amount of mismanaged waste and the subsequent transport towards the ocean is afflicted with high uncertainties.</p><p>We then use the estimated plastic input into the ocean to force several Lagrangian model runs. These Lagrangian simulations include different parameterizations of plastic beaching, in particular they vary in terms of the beaching probabilities and the assumed residence time of plastic on beaches. We present the global distribution of beached plastic and the size of the reservoir of beached plastic in these model scenarios.</p>

scholarly journals PLASTIC POLLUTION MANAGEMENT: A PANACEA FOR NIGERIA S UNTAPPED WASTE TO WEALTH GROWTH; A STUDY OF SOME SELECTED URBAN CITIES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIAENUGU, OWERRI, AWKA AND UMUAHIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (06) ◽  
pp. 599-609
Author(s):  
Patrick E. Ejim ◽  
◽  
Jude Eze ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Wealth Creation ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Pollution Management ◽  
Employment Generation ◽  
Positive Effect

The study investigated on the plastic pollution management: A panacea for Nigerias untapped waste to wealth growth: A study of some selected urban cities in south east Nigeria Enugu, Owerri, Awka and Umuahia. The specific objectives include to: examine the extent management of plastic waste have aided employment generation in some urban areas in South East, Nigeria, Nigeria determine the extent value chain network of plastic management has aided wealth creation in some urban areas in South East, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross sectional survey. The study instrument includes Garbage picking kits, health hazard prevention materials, waste selector machines, questionnaire, video coverage and security kits to help the research attendants for easy identification. Procedure: The study identified various dump sites across the cities mentioned. Out of a population of 6,454 staff, the sample size of 1096 was chosen after applying the Freund and Williams formula for the determination of adequate sample size. Out of the sample size of 912 returned the questionnaire and accurately filled. That gave 83 percent response rate. The validity of the instrument was tested using content analysis and the result was good. The reliability was tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). It gave a reliability co-efficient of 0.85 which was also good. Data was presented and analyzed by mean score (3.0 and above agreed while below 3.0 disagreed) and standard deviation using Sprint Likert Scale. The hypotheses were analyzed using Z- test statistics tool. The findings of the reveals that management of plastic waste has positive effect on employment generation in some urban areas in South East, Nigeria r (85, n = 1096) = 24.471, p < 0.05 value chain network of plastic management had positive effect on wealth creation in some urban areas in South East, Nigeria r (85, n = 1096) = 46.882, p < 0.05. The study concluded that in order for solid waste management and plastic production systems to coevolved towards maximizing recycling as a strategy for plastic waste management. The study recommended among others, that there is a need to formulate and enforce a plastic bag regulation primarily to do away with the menace and to guide any such endeavors.

Plastic waste detection assisted by artifical intelligence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Gnann ◽  
Shungu Garaba ◽  
Oliver Zielinski
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Polymer Composition ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Phnom Penh ◽  
Artifical Intelligence ◽  
Living Organisms

&lt;p&gt; Plastic pollution has a big impact on living organisms. At the same time, plastics are everywhere in our daily life. For example, plastic is used in packaging, construction of buildings, cars, electronics, agriculture and many other fields. In fact, plastic production has been increasing rapidly since the 1950s. However, plastic waste management strategies have not adapted accordingly to these rising amounts, which end up in the blue and green planet. Unfortunately, for developing nations it is even more complicated and strategies are still developing. Here we investigate the possibilities of plastic waste detection in Cambodia focusing on cities, rivers and coastal areas. Very fine geo-spatial resolution Red-Green-Blue (RGB) drone imagery was captured over regions of interest in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. To this date, techniques of detecting plastic litter are based on RGB imagery analyses, generating descriptors such as colour, shape, size and form. However, we believe by adding infrared wavebands additional descriptors, such as polymer composition or type can be retrieved for improved classification of plastic litter. Furthermore, remote sensing technologies will be merged with object-based deep learning methodologies to enhance identification of plastic waste items, thus creating a robust learning system. Due to the size and complexity of this problem, automated detection, tracking, characterization and quantification of plastic pollution is a key aspect to improve waste management strategies. We therefore explore multispectral band combinations relevant to the detection of plastic waste and operational approaches in imagery processing. This work will contribute towards algorithm development for analysis of video datasets enhancing future near real-time detection of plastic litter. Eventually, this scientific evidence-based tool can be utilized by stakeholders, policymakers and citizens.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals PLASTIC POLLUTION IS ONE OF THE MAIN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM OF HUMANITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (157) ◽  
pp. 109-121
Author(s):  
E. Mykhailova
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Environmental Problem ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Waste Incineration ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Waste Reuse ◽  
Management Hierarchy

Тhe article is devoted to the global environmental problem of plastic waste pollution. Now, about 9 billion tons of primary plastic have been produced. Of this amount, 6.3 billion tons is plastic waste, of which 9 % was recycled, 12 % incinerated, and 79 % accumulated in landfills or in the environment. The main feature of plastic materials is their stability. Once in the environment as waste, plastic can be in its original state for more than 450 years. The purpose of the article is to study the current state of production and use of plastics, as well as the field of plastic waste management; identification of perspective methods for solving the problem of plastic pollution. Plastics are organic macromolecular compounds that have high quality characteristics. Due to this, they became widespread. There are different types of plastics: thermoplastics, thermosets, foams and bioplastics. Currently, 40% of plastic is used once, after which it is discarded. Under the influence of various factors in the environment plastic slowly breaks down into small fragments, known as microplastics. Microplastic particles get into the soil, water, and through food chains can enter the human body. Potentially microplastics can negatively affect the human body. To solve the problem of accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, many countries around the world, including Ukraine, are implementing a waste management system based on the European waste management hierarchy. The hierarchy reflects five approaches to waste management: Removal (waste disposal and incineration without energy production), Recovery (waste incineration with energy production), Recycling (waste conversion into secondary raw materials for reuse), Reuse (waste reuse without recycling) and Prevention (waste amount minimization). Disposal is the least efficient way of waste management, and recycling and prevention are the most effective ways. Keywords: plastic, waste, pollution, environment, landfill, recycling.

scholarly journals Effects of Mismanagement of Medical and Plastic Waste in Pre and During COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 04 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanapat Thutsaringkarnsakul ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Medical Waste ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Mariana Trench ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Medical Wastes

Many countries already have problems with waste management, but when the COVID-19 outbreak happens, the existing problems are worsened. This review aims to examine how mismanagement of medical and plastic waste affects the environment and people, especially those who work in healthcare facilities. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was clear that the majority of issues stemmed from mismanagement of plastic waste. For example, plastic waste can be seen in various places, such as the deepest oceanic floor, The Mariana trench, which is proved by microplastics found in amphipods’ digestive tract living down there. Apart from environmental effects, the economy is also affected by plastic pollution as the tourism business has decreased in Korea and USA due to the increasing amount of plastic waste. While normal plastic waste can largely affect society, medical wastes seem to pose more severe consequences as medical wastes might be contaminated, pathologic, and radioactive. However, during the pandemic, the usage of both medical and plastic waste has increased in general. Mismanaged waste also carries COVID-19 like other pathogens, and the virus can survive on it for a long period of time, making any mismanaged waste a risk factor. Incinerated ashes from medical waste used for fighting the virus can also cause pollution as they contain heavy metals. In conclusion, mismanaged plastic waste mostly affects the environment, while mismanaged medical waste might carry harmful pathogens, including the COVID-19, putting people at risk. More actions need to be done to improve the effectiveness of waste management procedures.

scholarly journals Policy and Legislations on Microplastics Pollution Management in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Trung Thang ◽  
Duong Thi Phuong Anh ◽  
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Solid Waste Management ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Integrated Solid Waste Management ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
Vision 2030

Plastic pollution has become a major global environmental problem. The amount of plastic waste, including microplastics discharged into the environment, is on the increase, causing harm to the environment, ecosystems, especially marine ecosystems, entering the food chain, and affecting human health. Recognizing the environmental risks of plastic waste, the State has issued many legal documents on plastic waste management such as the Law on Environmental Protection (2014, 2020); Law on Environmental Protection Tax 2010; National environmental protection strategy up to 2020, Vision 2030; National strategy on integrated solid waste management up to 2025, Vision 2050, among others. However, there are still many shortcomings to plastic waste management in Vietnam, e.g. there are no effective solutions in reducing, sorting, collecting, reusing, recycling and treating waste. More importantly, public awareness and understanding of microplastic pollution in Vietnam still need improving. Therefore, pollution caused by microplastics needs to be studied and evaluated in relation to its origin, current situation, impacts and management policies.

scholarly journals Determinants of Unsafe Plastic Waste Disposal among Households in the Tamale Metropolitan Area, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Kombiok ◽  
Kingsley Atta Nyamekye ◽  
Rita Adjei ◽  
Leslie Danquah
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Household Wealth ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Urban Migration ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Global Discourse ◽  
Strict Enforcement ◽  
Key Aspects

Background. The global discourse on plastic waste generation and disposal has over the last two decades, gained traction with the aid of research-based evidence. Though observed globally, the situation is quickly deteriorating in developing countries such as Ghana. In Ghana and Africa as a whole, rapidly increasing population and rural to urban migration have been cited as factors that exacerbate the existing struggles with plastic pollution. This study aimed at identifying the determinants of unsafe plastic waste disposal among households. Methods. The study was carried out in three communities in Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana. Data were collected from 270 randomly selected households through household surveys, key informant interviews, and direct field observations. Results. The study revealed that the majority (63.3%) of the total respondents used and disposed of their plastic waste “unsafely.” The analysis showed that the education level and household wealth were significant determinants of unsafe plastic disposal. Conclusion. The study concludes that challenges of plastic waste management are not limited to economic, technical, and institutional factors, but social factors such as human behavior are key aspects of waste management that need attention. The study, therefore, recommends strict enforcement of sanitation by-laws, promotion of education, and provision of alternatives to plastics that will minimize the need for importing and manufacturing plastics, as potential steps towards addressing unsafe disposal of plastics in the domestic environment.

scholarly journals A Solution To Plastic Problems; A Stronger Campaign Or An Innovative Waste Management

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Eva Rosalyn ◽  
Dwinanto Kurniawan
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Environmental Problem ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has become a huge environmental problem, prompting some cities and countries to heavily tax or ban the plastics products (e.g bags, straws). The purpose of this research is to provide knowledge into the effectiveness of campaigns using plastic and plastic waste, and provide an overview of a new innovative waste management. In this paper, researcher are intended to introduce Masaro (Manajemen Sampah Zero), a CSR program at PT Polytama, as it would be an innovative and efficient waste management instead a massive campaign.Keywords: Plastic problems, Campaign, Waste management

SOLID WASTE TO THEME BASED PARKS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA: A HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY AND SKILLED INITIATIVE FOR ENTREPRENEURS

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan . ◽  
Mrs. Sunita Yadav ◽  
Dr. Bhagwan Singh
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Solid Waste Management ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Himachal Pradesh ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
The Status

Waste is generated by various day to day human activities. Adopting improper waste handling and disposal methods can harm the well-being of public and environment. Waste management creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs in terms of social causes and it affects the economic structure and economic status of any country. One of the new approaches in waste management and income generation is Social entrepreneurship. But in Bharat i.e. India the young entrepreneurs have a dearth of consciousness towards social entrepreneurship. This paper discusses the status of solid waste management in India and Government initiatives for managing Solid Waste at Dharamshala. The main objectives of study are 1) to check awareness of people in managing solid waste at Dharamsala 2) and how to convert the plastic waste into theme based parks as skilled initiative for entrepreneurs at tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh. The paper thus explores the scope for entrepreneurs in waste management. The study reveals that Solid waste management concept attracted the attention of government around 1970s. But till now we believe in filling the waste in the ground or putting them in the dustbin. Government of India has created few acts and rules on waste management which are listed in this paper. Through this study it is revealed that people of Dharamshala welcome to the construction of themed parks made from plastic bottles. Majority of these people believe in separating waste at home and according to them conditions of waste disposal at Dharamshala are not very good. There is a positive correlation between people’s opinion of constructing theme parks and using plastic bottles in park’s construction. Study believes that the quantity of plastic waste in our country is endless which creates lot scope and opportunity to the social entrepreneurs.

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