ISSN 2375-1266
Research Article
African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 6 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
An evaluation of a mesophilic reactor for treating wastewater from a Zimbabwean potato-processing plant
Manhokwe S.1, Parawira W.2* and Tekere, M.3
1University of Zimbabwe, Department of Biochemistry, P. Bag MP167 Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
2University of Zimbabwe, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Family Sciences, P. O. Box MP167 Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
3University of South Africa, Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa.
Accepted 06 March, 2019
Abstract
An evaluation of anaerobic treatment of potato-processing wastewater using an up flow Anaerobic Sludge Bed (UASB) reactor at 37°C was conducted. Wastewater from a potato-processing plant in Harare, with an average of 6.8 g COD/l, (COD = chemical oxygen demand) a high concentration of total solids (up to 6725 mg/l) and low pH of 4 - 4.9 was subjected to anaerobic treatment in an UASB reactor. The start up period, which was indicated by gas production and stabilization of COD reduction was 21 days. The organic loading rates (OLRs) investigated varied between 1.3 g COD/l/d and 13.1 g COD/l/d, the maximum methane yield was 0.3 l/g CODremoved at an organic loading rate of 6.6 g COD/l/d. An increase in OLRs to values above 13.1 g COD/ l/d resulted in digester failure. The maximum treatment efficiency (TE) in terms of COD reduction achieved was 90% at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2.1 d and OLR of 3.3 g COD/l/d. The TE was reduced at higher reactor influent velocities, with a minimum TE (71%) recorded at HRT of 0.5 d. Total solids (TS) removal was inconsistent with an average reduction around 50% and phosphorus removal was poor and erratic. pH from the effluent oscillated around 7 with a notable decrease from 7.8 to 6.2 at HRT of 0.5 d. Based on these observations, the UASB process has potential to treat potato-processing wastewater as a pretreatment step before discharge into municipal sewerage system of Harare.
Key words: UASB reactor, potato wastewater, anaerobic digestion, methane yield, organic loading rate.
Parawira W* and Tekere M, Manhokwe S
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Research Article
African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 6 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
The impact of municipal solid waste disposal in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, Ekiti-State, Nigeria
S. O. Adefemi* and E. E. Awokunmi
1Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, P. M. B. 5363, Nigeria.
Accepted 14 January, 2019
Abstract
Soil samples from four public waste dump sites (three samples from each location at 10 m interval) and plant sample (root and leave) from Igbaletere dump site were analyzed for heavy metals such as Cu, Mn, Fe, Cr, Pb, Co, Zn and Ni. On the average, high concentrations of Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, and Zn were found in the soil samples collected at the centre of the dump sites that is, 231.55, 292.03, 158.55 and 205.40 mg/g respectively. The lower concentration was obtained in the soil samples taken at distance 20 m away from the centre of dumpsites, Mn 64.20, Fe 110.65, Pb 213.00 and Zn 66.86 mg/g respectively. The upland location of these refuse dump sites to the adjoining wells and the potential use of the dump soil for compost could cause environmental hazard. In the plant sample, concentration of Fe (341.94 mg/g) was found to be the highest in the root, while concentrations of Mn (109.69 mg/g) the highest in the leaf. The concentration of heavy metals in the roots of plant from Igbaletere dump site was correlated with the concentration of heavy metals in the soil samples from the dump site. The value of 0.9985 correlations, 0.051 alienation and 94.49% incidence of forecasting established a relationship between the plant and the soil of Igbaletere dump site.
Key words: Refuse, dumpsite, heavy metals, plants.
E. E. Awokunmi, S. O. Adefemi*
Page: 1 - 4
Research Article
African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 6 (3), pp. 001-007, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Waste management in healthcare establishments within Jos Metropolis, Nigeria
Ngwuluka Ndidi1*, Ochekpe Nelson2, Odumosu Patricia2 and John Sunday. A1.
1Dept of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos. P. M. B. 2084, Jos. Nigeria.
2Dept of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos. P. M. B. 2084, Jos. Nigeria.
Accepted 09 January, 2019
Abstract
Poor management of healthcare waste exposes health workers and the public to the toxic effects of wastes generated from health establishments. The disposal of these wastes could also lead to environmental problems if not done properly. This study has assessed the waste management practices in hospitals and compared same with international standards. A survey was carried out in six major hospitals in Jos metropolis. The findings indicated that these hospitals fell below the recommended waste management practices as prescribed by World Health Organization and other regulatory authorities. Wastes were not segregated, and were inappropriately disposed. The health workers were unaware of relevant regulations and the existence of a hospital waste management policy. Recommendations have been made for staff training to create awareness on wastes, their effects, importance of existing guidelines and the implementation of the waste management options for the different categories of wastes so that hospitals do not become infection centres that contribute to the damage of both the environment and human health.
Key words: Healthcare waste, waste management, waste disposal, hospital waste, medical waste, infectious waste, pharmaceutical waste, chemical waste, cytotoxic waste, waste management policies/regulations.
Ngwuluka Ndidi*, Odumosu Patricia and John Sunday. A, Ochekpe Nelson
Page: 1 - 7
Editorial
African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-003, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Editorial
The need for reducing plastic shopping bag use and disposal in Africa
S Rayne
Page: 1 - 3
Research Article
African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-009, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Changes in soil properties and plant uptake of heavy metals on selected municipal solid waste dump sites in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Oyedele, D. J.1, Gasu, M. B2 and Awotoye, O.O.2
1Department of Soil Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
2Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Accepted 18 November, 2018
Abstract
In a study to evaluate the contributions of open municipal waste dump to soil heavy metals contamination and the modification of other soil physical and chemical parameters, soil samples were collected at various depths from the vicinity of major dump sites in Ile-Ife (latitudes 7°27 and 7°32 , longitudes 4° 22' and 4° 29'), Nigeria. The samples when analyzed, showed that soils in the vicinity of dump sites had significantly higher pH regime compared to the control soil. Soils of the dump sites were found to be enriched with the heavy metals (Zn, Cu and Cd) more than the adjacent soils (control) but were still within tolerable /critical level with the exception of Pb which had a high value of 109.7 ugg-1above the critical value of 100 ugg-1. There was significant relationship between the soil heavy metal content and plant uptake. Transfer factor (TF) expressed as the ratio of the heavy metal concentration in plants to that of soil varied significantly amongst the dump sites and also amongst the species of the heavy metals. The ten years old dump sites recorded the highest TF value ranging from 0.29 for Zn to 4.05 for Pb. The study therefore showed that changes in physico-chemical characteristics at dump sites could be attributed to interactions of different soil properties rather a single factor.
Key words: Heavy metal contamination, seasonal changes, soil pH, soil texture, specific adsorption mechanism, transfer factor, food chain.
Oyedele , D. J., O.O , Gasu , M. B and Awotoye
Page: 1 - 9
Research Article
African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-008, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Survey of the physico-chemical quality of the wastewaters of Biskra city rejected in Chabat Roba, Messdour and Wadi Z'ommor (Algeria)
Souiki Lynda1, Rouabhi Rachid2, Berrebbah Houria3 and Djebar Mohammed-Reda3
1Biology Department, 8th May University 1945, Guelma, 24000, Algeria.
2Biology Department, Tebessa University Center, Tebessa, 12000, Algeria.
3Laboratory of cellular toxicology, Annaba University, Annaba, 23000, Algeria.
Accepted 23 October, 2018
Abstract
The wastewaters of the agglomeration of Biskra (Southeast Algeria) are poured without treatment in three main dismissals that are Chabat Roba (1st site), Messdour (2nd site) and Wadi Z'ommor (3rd site). The pollution charge determined in the 1st site is the order of 157.76 ± 34.14 mg/L of O2 for the BOD5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand in 5 days) of 457 ± 73.59 mg/L of O2 for the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and 1109 ± 110.56 mg/L for the TSS (Total suspended Solids). In the 2nd site, the polluting charge is in average of 156 ± 29.72 mg/L of 'O2 for the BOD5, 430.76 ± 29.81 mg/L of O 2 for the COD and 1157.92 ± 76 mg/L of O2 for the TSS. The 3rd site, the polluting charge is represented by 152.92 ± 27.76 mg/L of O2 of BOD5, 381.69 ± 70.03 mg/L of O 2 of COD and by 1039 ±106.65 mg/L of O2 of TSS. The follow-up of these parameters in the three sites puts in evidence instability of the organic charge during seasons. The COD/BOD5 report equal 3 for the 1st site, this elevated value, watch that these waters are characterized by an inorganic pollution probably due to the industrial origin. With regard to the 2nd and 3rd sites, the COD/BOD5 report is between 3 and 2.5 for the first and between 2 and 2.50 for the second. The results defined the urban nature of the rejection poured in these sites.
Key words: Wastewaters, Biskra, COD/BOD5 report, pollution charge, TSS.
Souiki Lynda, Berrebbah Houria and Djebar Mohammed-Reda, Rouabhi Rachid
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