scholarly journals Ensuring sustainability in plastics use in Africa: consumption, waste generation, and projections

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua O. Babayemi ◽  
Innocent C. Nnorom ◽  
Oladele Osibanjo ◽  
Roland Weber
Keyword(s):  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Thermal Recovery ◽  
Waste Plastics ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Polymers And Plastics ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Plastic Bag ◽  
Environmentally Sound ◽  
Sound Management ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Currently, plastic is at the top of the international agenda for waste management. Recent meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel and the Stockholm Conventions have expressed concerns over the impact of plastic waste, marine plastic litter, and microplastics, and emphasised the importance of reducing consumption and ensuring the environmentally sound management of waste plastics. This study presents the first continental historical analysis of mass importation and consumption of different polymers and plastics (primary and secondary forms, respectively) in Africa and the associated pollution potential. We identified, collated and synthesised dispersed international trade data on the importation of polymers and plastics into several African countries. Results The 33 African countries (total population of 856,671,366) with available data for more than 10 years imported approximately 86.14 Mt of polymers in primary form and 31.5 Mt of plastic products between 1990 and 2017. Extrapolating to the continental level (African population of 1.216 billion in 54 countries), about 172 Mt of polymers and plastics valued at $285 billion were imported between 1990 and 2017. Considering also the components of products, an estimated 230 Mt of plastics entered Africa during that time period, with the largest share going to Egypt (43 Mt, 18.7%), Nigeria (39 Mt, 17.0%), South Africa (27 Mt, 11.7%), Algeria (26 Mt, 11.3%), Morocco (22 Mt, 9.6%), and Tunisia (16 Mt, 7.0%). Additionally, primary plastic production in 8 African countries contributed 15 Mt during 2009–2015. The assessment showed that environmentally sound end-of-life management of waste plastics by recycling and energy recovery is in its infancy in Africa, but recycling activities and thermal recovery have started in a few countries. Conclusions Globally, the perception is that production and consumption of plastics can only increase in the future. Solutions are needed to tackle this global challenge. Certain policies and plastic bag bans could help reduce plastic consumption in the near future, as demonstrated by Rwanda. Furthermore, there is a need for innovative solutions such as the introduction of biodegradable polymers and other alternatives, especially for packaging.

scholarly journals Green remediation of tailings from the mine using inorganic agents

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Dosic ◽  
Dragana Tomasevic-Pilipovic ◽  
Miladin Gligoric ◽  
Bozo Dalmacija ◽  
Djurdja Kerkez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mine Tailings ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Mine Tailing ◽  
High Metal Content ◽  
Green Remediation ◽  
High Metal ◽  
Environmentally Sound ◽  
Sound Management ◽  
The Impact

Increasing amounts of residues and waste materials coming from industrial activities in different processes have become an increasingly urgent problem for the future. The paper presents the problem of mine tailings generated in mine ?Sase? (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina) with high metal content (Pb, Cu and Zn). Dumpsite of this tailing represents potential risk for water bodies in the vicinity of this location. Chosen treatment process was stabilization/solidification (S/S). Inorganic agents used in this study were fly ash and red mud that represent secondary industrial waste generated on locations relatively near the mine. Therefore, their application can be used as an example of a sustainable solution of regional environmental problem. Further investigations are related to the impact of various factors on metals leaching from mine tailings solidified/stabilized material using the above mentioned immobilization agents. The performance of the immobilizing procedures was examined using several leaching tests: ANS 16.1, TCLP, DIN, MWLP. The results indicated that all S/S samples can be considered as non-hazardous waste, as all leached metal concentrations met the set criteria. These results will further enable the modelling of metals behaviour during long-term leaching from treated mine tailing. The data are invaluable in terms of economically and environmentally sound management of mine tailing.

scholarly journals Phosphorus status of soils from the poultry zone in Puerto Rico

1969 ◽  
Vol 83 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Gustavo A. Martínez ◽  
Luis Olivieri ◽  
José A. Castro ◽  
Oscar Muñiz-Torres ◽  
José L. Guzmán
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Surrounding Water ◽  
Nutrient Runoff ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
South Central ◽  
Environmentally Sound ◽  
Sound Management ◽  
The Impact

The poultry industry is the economic backbone of the south central region of Puerto Rico. However, as in other poultry production regions in the U.S., concern has risen regarding its potentially damaging impact on the environment. Eutrophication of rivers and lakes, induced by excessive nutrient runoff, has forced regulatory agencies to closely evaluate manure disposal practices. Thus, the need is critical for environmentally sound management practices in poultry producing areas. The impact of years of manure applications on the nutritional status of soils was ascertained by evaluating a number of samples from nine poultry farms of Puerto Rico. The farms were selected among those with the highest bird populations. Sixty-seven percent of the samples analyzed contained phosphorus levels (Olsen) in excess of what is considered adequate to support crop growth. Fifty-six percent of these exceeded levels considered by some states as critical for water quality purposes. Measured levels ranged from undetectable values up to 900 mg/kg P.  A diagnostic tool known as the P index was used in an effort to identify areas of concern. According to this criterion, all farms studied had zones where nutrient runoff could threaten the quality of the surrounding water bodies.

Valorization of Plastic Waste in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-45
Author(s):  
Dolores Mensah Hervie ◽  
Ernest Christian Winful ◽  
Sebrina Kafui Tsagli
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Waste Plastics ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Business Model Canvas ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Exploratory Technique

Wastes from plastics are ubiquitous and have become a critical global challenge, especially in Africa. There is an urgent call to combat the menace because of its harmful impact on the ecosystem. The research methodology used is the exploratory technique. Circular economy (CE) is the answer to this global problem, especially in advanced countries. Even though some African countries have commenced recycling waste plastics, which is a contribution to circular economy, the idea is now gaining support in Ghana. The aim of this study is to propose a strategy and design a customized business model canvas for an establishment that transforms different types of waste plastics into pavement slabs and paving tiles in Ghana. The rationale is to accentuate the significance of introducing CE as a tool for effective and efficient plastic waste management in the country.

Exploring the World Trade Organisation's Trade and Environment/Public Health Jurisprudence as a Model for Incorporating a Trade–Labour Linkage into the Organisation's Multilateral Trade Regime: Should African Countries Accept a Policy Shift?

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-65
Author(s):  
Tapiwa V. Warikandwa ◽  
Patrick C. Osode
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
World Trade ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Trade Regime ◽  
Multilateral Trade ◽  
Appellate Body ◽  
The World ◽  
Labour Standards ◽  
The Impact

The incorporation of a trade-labour (standards) linkage into the multilateral trade regime of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been persistently opposed by developing countries, including those in Africa, on the grounds that it has the potential to weaken their competitive advantage. For that reason, low levels of compliance with core labour standards have been viewed as acceptable by African countries. However, with the impact of WTO agreements growing increasingly broader and deeper for the weaker and vulnerable economies of developing countries, the jurisprudence developed by the WTO Panels and Appellate Body regarding a trade-environment/public health linkage has the potential to address the concerns of developing countries regarding the potential negative effects of a trade-labour linkage. This article argues that the pertinent WTO Panel and Appellate Body decisions could advance the prospects of establishing a linkage of global trade participation to labour standards without any harm befalling developing countries.

Remittances, Economic Growth and Poverty: A Case of African OIC Member Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-143
Author(s):  
Nasim Shah Shirazi ◽  
Sajid Amin Javed ◽  
Dawood Ashraf
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Simultaneous Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Simultaneous Equation Model ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
The Impact

This paper investigates the impact of remittance inflows on economic growth and poverty reduction for seven African countries using annual data from 1992-2010. By using the depth of hunger as a proxy for poverty in a Simultaneous Equation Model (SEM), we find that remittances have statistically significant growth enhancing and poverty reducing impact. Drawing on our estimates, we conclude that financial development level significantly increases the remittances inflows and strengthens poverty alleviating impact of remittances. Results of our study further show a signficant interactive imapct of remittances and finacial develpment on economic growth, suggesting the substitutability between remittance inflows and financial development. We further find that 3 percentage point increase in credit provision to the private sector (financial development) can help eliminate the severe depth of hunger in the region. Remittances, serving an alternative source of private credit, can be effective in this regard. Keywords: Remittance Inflow, Poverty Alleviation, Financial Development, Simultaneous Equation Model

The Impact of Biochar on the Soil

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2197-2208
Author(s):  
Carmen Otilia Rusanescu ◽  
Erol Murad ◽  
Cosmin Jinescu ◽  
Marin Rusanescu
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Biomass Gasification ◽  
High Humidity ◽  
Agricultural Ecosystems ◽  
Productive Potential ◽  
Co2 Balance ◽  
Environmentally Sound ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Organic Resources

In the present paper are presented the experimental results of biomass gasification, the biochair was produced from vineyards by controlled pyrolysis at 750 �C, in order to increase the fertility of soils, it was found the increase of the fertility produced by the development of the vegetables in the soil to which was added biochar. Soil was added to soil 4 g/dm3 biochar, 8 g/dm3 biochar, the soil had no high humidity, was taken at a time when it had not rained for at least one week, the soil pH was 8, in the soil with 8 g/dm3 biochar the plants increased compared to the soil with 4 g/dm3 and the soil without biochar. The biochar resulting from pyrolysis and gasification processes is a valuable amendment to agricultural soils and an efficient and economical way to seize carbon. Using biochar it is possible to increase the diversity of agricultural land in an environmentally sound way in areas with depleted soils, limited organic resources and insufficient water for development. Helps to soil carbon sequestration with negative CO2 balance, increases the productive potential of agricultural ecosystems.

The Creation of a Regional Voice: The Care and Feeding of the Northwest Biosolids Management Association

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Lono-Batura ◽  
D. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Information Network ◽  
Sludge Management ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Mass Audience ◽  
Management Association ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Environmentally Sound ◽  
Sound Management

The biosolids producers in southwest Canada and the northwest United States have banded together to form a biosolids information network with the purpose of advancing the environmentally sound management of biosolids through education and information, regulations development and research and demonstration. This organization currently known as the Northwest Biosolids Management Association (NBMA) has grown from a gritty band of 14 sludge management visionaries to a fully incorporated non-profit association of over 200 members in both the private and public sectors. What spark ignited this conflagration of creativity? What calamity could possibly convince 200 relatively sober agencies to pony up a collective $200,000 American every year? What great cosmic bellows continues to force the airs of inspiration into the dry and desiccated souls of Biosolids managers across beautiful British Columbia and beyond? The answers lie in the modern day alchemy that is biosolids management. It is the inspiration gained from spinning gold out of something less aesthetically pleasing. It is the satisfaction in communicating to a mass audience the technical and counter intuitive science of residuals treatment. Creation and maintenance of a Biosolids information network is an essential tool in fostering the environmentally sound use of this extremely useful product.

The Opera-Telephone in Munich

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Neumann
Keyword(s):  
Social Economic ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Technical Innovation ◽  
Reciprocal Relation ◽  
Special Means ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Listening Experience ◽  
Visual Element ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Technical Products

Through a cultural-historical analysis, the chapter portrays the Opera-Telephone in Munich as a special means of listening and explores its technical, social, economic, and psychological aspects. These aspects strongly reflect the reciprocal relation of technical innovation and listening to music, for example, by emphasizing the meaning of live broadcasting for listening habits and by highlighting the impact of headphone use on aural perception. The latter practice enables the transfer of the multidimensional opera event into a pure listening experience as the visual element is eliminated. The Opera-Telephone also serves to illustrate matters of social status in regard to private and public listening. In this way, opera was incorporated into the marketing of modern technical products.

scholarly journals Financial Inclusion, Income Inequality and Sustainable Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan African Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1780
Author(s):  
Chima M. Menyelim ◽  
Abiola A. Babajide ◽  
Alexander E. Omankhanlen ◽  
Benjamin I. Ehikioya
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Kuznets Curve ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Financial Access ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sustainable Economic Growth ◽  
The Impact

This study evaluates the relevance of inclusive financial access in moderating the effect of income inequality on economic growth in 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for the period 1995 to 2017. The findings using the Generalised Method of Moments (sys-GMM) technique show that inclusive financial access contributes to reducing inequality in the short run, contrary to the Kuznets curve. The result reveals a negative effect of financial access on the relationship between income inequality and economic growth. There is a positive net effect of inclusive financial access in moderating the impact of income inequality on economic growth. Given the need to achieve the Sustainable Development Targets in the sub-region, policymakers and other stakeholders of the economy must design policies and programmes that would enhance access to financial services as an essential mechanism to reduce income disparity and enhance sustainable economic growth.

scholarly journals Mechanical Properties of Spruce Wood Extracted from GLT Beams Loaded by Fire

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5494
Author(s):  
Lucie Kucíková ◽  
Michal Šejnoha ◽  
Tomáš Janda ◽  
Jan Sýkora ◽  
Pavel Padevět ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Thermal Recovery ◽  
Bending Test ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Spruce Wood ◽  
The Impact

Heating wood to high temperature changes either temporarily or permanently its physical properties. This issue is addressed in the present contribution by examining the effect of high temperature on residual mechanical properties of spruce wood, grounding on the results of full-scale fire tests performed on GLT beams. Given these tests, a computational model was developed to provide through-thickness temperature profiles allowing for the estimation of a charring depth on the one hand and on the other hand assigning a particular temperature to each specimen used subsequently in small-scale tensile tests. The measured Young’s moduli and tensile strengths were accompanied by the results from three-point bending test carried out on two groups of beams exposed to fire of a variable duration and differing in the width of the cross-section, b=100 mm (Group 1) and b=160 mm (Group 2). As expected, increasing the fire duration and reducing the initial beam cross-section reduces the residual bending strength. A negative impact of high temperature on residual strength has also been observed from simple tensile tests, although limited to a very narrow layer adjacent to the charring front not even exceeding a typically adopted value of the zero-strength layer d0=7 mm. On the contrary, the impact on stiffness is relatively mild supporting the thermal recovery property of wood.

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