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Suarez Rivadeneira JE, Suarez Chavarry EB, Ramirez ÍM, Camacho WR, Calderón EV, Astonitas RP, Acosta RCSC, Eli MR, Ventura HKM, Musayón Díaz MP. Generation rate of hospital solid waste from different services: A case study in the province of Bagua, northern Peru. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31814. [PMID: 38867984 PMCID: PMC11167298 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the unit generation rate of solid hospital waste at the Gustavo Lanatta Lujan Bagua Support Hospital (HAB). The calculations were based on the weights of hospital waste disposed periodically to the biosafety cell located 7 km from the city of Bagua since 2015. Nineteen services were identified and grouped into three areas: hospitalization area, emergency area and gynecology area, studied according to the group classification of Peruvian regulations. The results show that 92.77 kg/day-1 are generated, 62.26 % are biocontaminated waste, 26.45 % are common waste, 7.7 % are sharp-sharp waste and 3.6 % are special waste. It was also found that only 73.56 % is disposed of in the hospital's biosafety cell. In this sense, this study will contribute to promote the reduction of the entry of hazardous substances into the stream of an adequate waste management and save workers and the environment in the Amazon Region. Therefore, awareness should be raised at all levels of society through various means of communication and education, so that the risks of spreading health hazards can be minimized by improving hospital waste management. In addition, healthcare waste management should be implemented, taking into account the parameters to be monitored, the economic resources to be managed and the national plans for healthcare waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Eduardo Suarez Rivadeneira
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Jr. Atahualpa Nº 1300, Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
| | | | - Ítalo Maldonado Ramirez
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Jr. 1ero de Setiembre N°400, Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Wilfredo Ruiz Camacho
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Jr. Sargento Lores N°439, Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Edilbrando Vega Calderón
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Calle los Tamarindos Centenario Casa Blanca Mz 7 k3 Lote N°3, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Peru
| | - Roberto Pérez Astonitas
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Av. Ferdando Belaunde Terry Mz 6 Lote 30, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Peru
| | - Roberto Carlos Santa Cruz Acosta
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Calle Agropecuaria N°520, Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Morales-Rojas Eli
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Jr. Atahualpa Nº 1300, Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
- Universidad Nacional Intercultural Fabiola Salazar Leguía de Bagua. Innovación y Transferencia Tecnológica, Calle Agropecuaria N°520, Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Heling Kristtel Masgo Ventura
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Av. Héroes del Cenepa 1118, Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Mayra Pamela Musayón Díaz
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Jr. El Comercio N°365, Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
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Hasan MM, Ng KTW, Ray S, Assuah A, Mahmud TS. Prophet time series modeling of waste disposal rates in four North American cities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33335-5. [PMID: 38632194 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33335-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
In this study, three different univariate municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal rate forecast models (SARIMA, Holt-Winters, Prophet) were examined using different testing periods in four North American cities with different socioeconomic conditions. A review of the literature suggests that the selected models are able to handle seasonality in a time series; however, their ability to handle outliers is not well understood. The Prophet model generally outperformed the Holt-Winters model and the SARIMA model. The MAPE and R2 of the Prophet model during pre-COVID-19 were 4.3-22.2% and 0.71-0.93, respectively. All three models showed satisfactory predictive results, especially during the pre-COVID-19 testing period. COVID-19 lockdowns and the associated regulatory measures appear to have affected MSW disposal behaviors, and all the univariate models failed to fully capture the abrupt changes in waste disposal behaviors. Modeling errors were largely attributed to data noise in seasonality and the unprecedented event of COVID-19 lockdowns. Overall, the modeling errors of the Prophet model were evenly distributed, with minimum modeling biases. The Prophet model also appeared to be versatile and successfully captured MSW disposal rates from 3000 to 39,000 tons/month. The study highlights the potential benefits of the use of univariate models in waste forecast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
| | - Sagar Ray
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Anderson Assuah
- University College of the North, Box 3000, 436 - 7th Street East, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1M7, Canada
| | - Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
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Kumari P, Mahmud TS, Ng KTW, Chowdhury R, Gitifar A, Richter A. Variability of the treated biomedical waste disposal behaviours during the COVID lockdowns. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:24480-24491. [PMID: 38441741 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Literature review suggests that studies on biomedical waste generation and disposal behaviors in North America are limited. Given the infectious nature of the materials, effective biomedical waste management is vital to the public health and safety of the residents. This study explicitly examines seasonal variations of treated biomedical waste (TBMW) disposal rates in the City of Regina, Canada, from 2013 to 2022. Immediately before the onset of COVID-19, the City exhibited a steady pattern of TBMW disposal rate at about 6.6 kg∙capita-1∙year-1. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns brought about an abrupt and persistent decline in TBMW disposal rates. Inconsistent fluctuations in both magnitude and variability of the monthly TBMW load weights were also observed. The TBMW load weight became particularly variable in 2020, with an interquartile range 4 times higher than 2019. The average TBMW load weight was also the lowest (5.1 tonnes∙month-1∙truckload-1) in 2020, possibly due to an overall decline in non-COVID-19 medical emergencies, cancellation of elective surgeries, and availability of telehealth options to residents. In general, the TBMW disposal rates peaked during the summer and fall seasons. The day-to-day TBMW disposal contribution patterns between the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic are similar, with 97.5% of total TBMW being disposed of on fixed days. Results from this Canadian case study indicate that there were observable temporal changes in TBMW disposal behaviors during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Kumari
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada.
| | - Rumpa Chowdhury
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Arash Gitifar
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Amy Richter
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
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Shefali. Generation, types and impacts of biomedical waste during COVID-19: Indian context. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2023; 38:e2023019-0. [PMID: 38298038 PMCID: PMC10834080 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2023019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
India's already-stressed waste disposal system has been strained by the COVID-19 outbreak. The challenge of managing biomedical Waste (BMW) in India has become more complicated in recent years, mainly due to the sudden emergence of COVID-19. As a methodology, a literature review was carried out with the help of Google Scholar, Research Gate, PubMed, and academic journal databases. Additionally, publications from numerous non-academic sources (such as news websites etc.) and current guidelines, such as those from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, were also accessed. The review study identifies that PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) made up the majority of biomedical waste, followed by vaccine waste, during the peak of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The increase in PPEs such as face masks, aprons, face shields, gloves, goggles, and sanitizers, as well as other medical waste like bandages, plastic containers, syringes, testing kits, and tissues, has significantly changed the makeup of the BMW. This pandemic has hampered the proper management of solid waste, which has now surfaced as a major threat to developing countries. In this paper, biomedical waste management strategies followed in India and its disposal methods, cost-effective and environment-friendly methods to treat medical waste are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefali
- Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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Ang L, Hernández-Rodríguez E, Cyriaque V, Yin X. COVID-19's environmental impacts: Challenges and implications for the future. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165581. [PMID: 37482347 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Strict measures have curbed the spread of COVID-19, but waste generation and movement limitations have had an unintended impact on the environment over the past 3 years (2020-2022). Many studies have summarized the observed and potential environmental impacts associated with COVID-19, however, only a few have quantified and compared the effects of these unintended environmental impacts; moreover, whether COVID-19 policy stringency had the same effects on the main environmental topic (i.e., CO2 emissions) across the 3 years remains unclear. To answer these questions, we conducted a systematic review of the recent literature and analyzed the main findings. We found that the positive environmental effects of COVID-19 have received more attention than the negative ones (50.6 % versus 35.7 %), especially in emissions reduction (34 % of total literature). Medical waste (14.5 %) received the highest attention among the negative impacts. Although global emission reduction, especially in terms of CO2, has received significant attention, the positive impacts were temporary and only detected in 2020. Strict COVID-19 policies had a more profound and significant effect on CO2 emissions in the aviation sector than in the power and industry sectors. For example, compared with 2019, international aviation related CO2 emissions dropped by 59 %, 49 %, and 25 % in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, while industry related ones dropped by only 3.16 % in 2020. According to our developed evaluation matrix, medical wastes and their associated effects, including the persistent pollution caused by antibiotic resistance genes, heavy metals and microplastics, are the main challenges post the pandemic, especially in China and India, which may counteract the temporary environmental benefits of COVID-19. Overall, the presented results demonstrate methods to quantify the environmental effects of COVID-19 and provide directions for policymakers to develop measures to address the associated environmental issues in the post-COVID-19 world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeping Ang
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, Albrecht-von-Haller Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspuele 2, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Enrique Hernández-Rodríguez
- Institut de Recherche sur les Forets, Université du Quebec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada
| | - Valentine Cyriaque
- Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, 490 rue de la couronne, Québec, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Xiangbo Yin
- Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, 490 rue de la couronne, Québec, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada.
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Mahmud TS, Ng KTW, Hasan MM, An C, Wan S. A cross-jurisdictional comparison on residential waste collection rates during earlier waves of COVID-19. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY 2023; 96:104685. [PMID: 37274541 PMCID: PMC10225168 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2023.104685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There is currently a lack of studies on residential waste collection during COVID-19 in North America. SARIMA models were developed to predict residential waste collection rates (RWCR) across four North American jurisdictions before and during the pandemic. Unlike waste disposal rates, RWCR is relatively less sensitive to the changes in COVID-19 regulatory policies and administrative measures, making RWCR more appropriate for cross-jurisdictional comparisons. It is hypothesized that the use of RWCR in forecasting models will help us to better understand the residential waste generation behaviors in North America. Both SARIMA models performed satisfactorily in predicting Regina's RWCR. The SARIMA DCV model's performance is noticeably better during COVID-19, with a 15.7% lower RMSE than that of the benchmark model (SARIMA BCV). The skewness of overprediction ratios was noticeably different between jurisdictions, and modeling errors were generally lower in less populated cities. Conflicting behavioral changes might have altered the residential waste generation characteristics and recycling behaviors differently across the jurisdictions. Overall, SARIMA DCV performed better in the Canadian jurisdiction than in U.S. jurisdictions, likely due to the model's bias on a less variable input dataset. The use of RWCR in forecasting models helps us to better understand the residential waste generation behaviors in North America and better prepare us for a future global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Shuyan Wan
- Department of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8, Canada
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Requena-Sanchez NP, Carbonel D, Demel L, Moonsammy S, Richter A, Mahmud TS, Ng KTW. A multi-jurisdictional study on the quantification of COVID-19 household plastic waste in six Latin American countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93295-93306. [PMID: 37505388 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This study examines urban plastic waste generation using a citizen science approach in six Latin American countries during a global pandemic. The objectives are to quantify generation rates of masks, gloves, face shields, and plastic bags in urban households using online survey and perform a systematic cross-jurisdiction comparisons in these Latin American countries. The per capita total mask generation rates ranged from 0.179 to 0.915 mask cap-1 day-1. A negative correlation between the use of gloves and masks is observed. Using the average values, the approximate proportion of masks, gloves, shields, and single-use plastic bags was 34:5:1:84. We found that most studies overestimated face mask disposal rate in Latin America due to the simplifying assumptions on the number of masks discarded per person, masking prevalence rate, and average mask weight. Unlike other studies, end-of-life PPE quantities were directly counted and reported by the survey participants. Both of the conventional weight-based estimates and the proposed participatory survey are recommended in quantifying COVID waste. Participant' perception based on the Likert scale is generally consistent with the waste amount generated. Waste policy and regulation appear to be important in daily waste generation rate. The results highlight the importance of using measured data in waste estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norvin Plumieer Requena-Sanchez
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development (GIRDS), Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, 15333, Lima, Peru
| | - Dalia Carbonel
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development (GIRDS), Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, 15333, Lima, Peru
| | - Larissa Demel
- United Nations Development Program, Apartado, 0816-1914, Panama, Panama
| | - Stephan Moonsammy
- Department of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, RV6J+XV8, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Amy Richter
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
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Mahmud TS, Ng KTW, Karimi N, Adusei KK, Pizzirani S. Evolution of COVID-19 municipal solid waste disposal behaviors using epidemiology-based periods defined by World Health Organization guidelines. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY 2022; 87:104219. [PMID: 36187707 PMCID: PMC9515004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2022.104219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to identify the effects of continued COVID-19 transmission on waste management trends in a Canadian capital city, using pandemic periods defined from epidemiology and the WHO guidelines. Trends are detected using both regression and Mann-Kendall tests. The proposed analytical method is jurisdictionally comparable and does not rely on administrative measures. A reduction of 190.30 tonnes/week in average residential waste collection is observed in the Group II period. COVID-19 virulence negatively correlated with residential waste generation. Data variability in average collection rates during the Group II period increased (SD=228.73 tonnes/week). A slightly lower COVID-19 induced Waste Disposal Variability (CWDW) of 0.63 was observed in the Group II period. Increasing residential waste collection trends during Group II are observed from both regression (b = +1.6) and the MK test (z = +5.0). Both trend analyses reveal a decreasing CWDV trend during the Group I period, indicating higher diversion activities. Decreasing CWDV trends are also observed during the Group II period, probably due to the implementation of new waste programs. The use of pandemic periods derived from epidemiology helps us to better understand the effect of COVID-19 on waste generation and disposal behaviors, allowing us to better compare results in regions with different socio-economic affluences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir S Mahmud
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 0A2
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 0A2
| | - Nima Karimi
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 0A2
| | - Kenneth K Adusei
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 0A2
| | - Stefania Pizzirani
- School of Land Use and Environmental Change, University of the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada, V2S 7M8
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Requena-Sanchez N, Carbonel D, Moonsammy S, Demel L, Vallester E, Velásquez D, Toledo Cervantes JA, Díaz Núñez VL, Vásquez García R, Santa Cruz M, Visbal E, Ng KTW. COVID-19 impacts on household solid waste generation in six Latin American countries: a participatory approach. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:155. [PMID: 36441286 PMCID: PMC9702680 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10771-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the Americas, the continent with the highest number of COVID-related deaths according to WHO statistics. In Latin America, strict confinement conditions at the beginning of the pandemic put recycling activity to a halt and augmented the consumption of plastic as a barrier to stop the spread of the virus. The lack of data to understand waste management dynamics complicates waste management strategy adjustments aimed at coping with COVID-19. As a novel contribution to the waste management data gap for Latin America, this study uses a virtual and participatory methodology that collects and generates information on household solid waste generation and composition. Data was collected between June and November 2021 in six countries in Latin America, with a total of 503 participants. Participants indicated that the pandemic motivated them to initiate or increase waste reduction (41%), waste separation (40%), and waste recovery (33%) activities. Forty-three percent of participants perceived an increase in total volume of their waste; however, the quantitative data showed a decrease in household waste generation in Peru (-31%), Honduras (-25%), and Venezuela (-82%). No changes in waste composition were observed. Despite the limited sample size, this data provides a much-needed approximation of household waste generation and composition in the pandemic situation during 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norvin Requena-Sanchez
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development Group, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, 210 Túpac Amaru Ave, Rímac, Lima, Peru
| | - Dalia Carbonel
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development Group, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, 210 Túpac Amaru Ave, Rímac, Lima, Peru
| | - Stephan Moonsammy
- Department of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, P. O. Box 10 1110, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Larissa Demel
- United Nations Development Program, Casa de las Naciones Unidas, Edificio # 129, Ciudad del Saber, Panama City, Panama
| | - Erick Vallester
- Technological University of Panama, Avenida Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Vía Puente Centenario, Campus Metropolitano Víctor Levi Sasso, Panama City, Panama
| | - Diana Velásquez
- National Autonomous University of Honduras, Bulevar Suyapa, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | | | | | - Rosario Vásquez García
- Daniel Alcides Carrion National University, Av. Los Próceres 703, Yanacancha, Cerro de Pasco, Peru
| | - Melissa Santa Cruz
- Intercultural National University Fabiola Salazar Leguia From Bagua, Jirón Ancash N° 520 Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Elsy Visbal
- Litoral Headquarters, Simón Bolívar University, Camurí Grande, Edo. Vargas Parroquia Naiguatá, La Guaira, Venezuela
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK Canada
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