ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
T. Puspaningrum; N.S. Indrasti; C. Indrawanto; M. Yani
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Coconuts and their derivatives, such as copra and charcoal, are leading commodities of Indonesia contributing to local consumption and exports. Life cycle assessment is a tool for evaluating the inputs, outputs, and potential impacts of a product system throughout its life ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Coconuts and their derivatives, such as copra and charcoal, are leading commodities of Indonesia contributing to local consumption and exports. Life cycle assessment is a tool for evaluating the inputs, outputs, and potential impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle and is associated with product sustainability. The cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of copra and coconut shell charcoal aims to determine the impacts of coconut, copra, and charcoal production from copra byproducts quantitatively and identify scenario improvements to reduce the impacts and enhance sustainability.METHODS: Field observations were conducted in tall coconuts in Agrabinta, South Cianjur, and in copra and coconut shell charcoal factories in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. The life cycle assessment method comprises the following four stages: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. The scope of this study was based on land preparation, nurseries, planting, fertilization, harvesting of mature coconuts, transportation of mature coconuts, copra production, transportation of coconut shells, and charcoal production. Ten impacts were calculated using the Center of Environmental Science of Leiden University Impact Assessment baseline method with Simapro software.FINDINGS: This study obtained ten impact categories, not only the global warming potential impact similar to most studies of perennial crop products in Indonesia. Normalization results showed that the category with enormous impacts on humans from coconut cultivation and copra processing activities had terrestrial ecotoxicity potential. The largest impact on charcoal production was on the human toxicity potential. Separated coconut factories from plantations have a high impact because of high fuel transportation. Four recommendation scenarios were formulated: 1) utilization of smoke from pyrolysis into liquid, 2) implementation of organic coconut cultivation practices, 3) integration of coconut plantations with copra and charcoal processing plants and processing smoke into liquid, and 4) combining scenarios 1, 2, and 3. In scenario 3, seven of ten impacts showed the lowest value among other scenarios. This scenario potentially decreases the impact from 68.35 to 99.62 percent. The human toxic potential of coconut shell charcoal decreased from 2.92 × 105 to 109.43 kilogram 1,4-dichlorobenzene equivalent, terrestrial ecotoxicity potential decreased from 59 to 19 kilogram 1,4-dichlorobenzene equivalent, and the global warming potential decreased from 1753.55 to 93.03 kilogram carbon dioxide equivalent.CONCLUSION: Life cycle assessment can evaluate the impacts of copra and coconut shell charcoal from the coconut cultivation to the production stages. Opportunities for improvement can be identified from the interpretation and hotspots. Scenario analysis results showed the potential of developing integrated coconut agroindustry with coconut plantations, copra factories, and charcoal factories to produce liquid smoke in one location. This integration markedly reduces the impact due to the reduction of transportation fuel and emissions and the treatment of air pollution from pyrolysis.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
N. Fahimah; I.R.S. Salami; K. Oginawati; S.J. Yapfrine; A. Supriatin; Y.N. Thaher
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Excessive presence of heavy metals in water sources can reduce water quality and harm human health. However, research on heavy metals from water sources for sanitation and hygiene purposes and drinking water in the Upper Citarum Watershed remains limited. This study focuses ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Excessive presence of heavy metals in water sources can reduce water quality and harm human health. However, research on heavy metals from water sources for sanitation and hygiene purposes and drinking water in the Upper Citarum Watershed remains limited. This study focuses on the distribution of heavy metals and chemicals that have potential health risks.METHODS: Ten heavy metals, namely, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, cobalt, iron, mercury, manganese, arsenic, and zinc, were analyzed. Groundwater samples were collected from 160 locations, and drinking water samples (for respondents who do not drink groundwater) were collected from 98 locations. Heavy metal concentrations were detected using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.FINDINGS: The levels of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, iron, mercury, manganese, and lead exceeded the quality standards for drinking water, while those of arsenic and cobalt did not exceed the quality standards for water hygiene and sanitation. Arsenic and cobalt quality standards were more stringent for drinking water compared with those for water hygiene and sanitation. Lead–cadmium and iron–manganese in groundwater showed a positive Spearman correlation (p<0.05) and may originate from the same source. Copper and zinc did not exceed the quality standard in 100% of drinking water samples. Iron and zinc in groundwater differed significantly due to variations in topography and soil type (p<0.05). This study reveals that 6 out of 10 heavy metals are chemicals of potential concern and are sorted based on potential risks to health, that is, arsenic > mercury > lead > cobalt > manganese > cadmium. Ingestion is the main pathway for potential risk, and children are more likely to be at risk than adults.CONCLUSION: Stakeholders and decision makers must immediately implement sustainable actions to protect public health. Evaluation of water sources, technology, maintenance processes, and water quality should be conducted before and after technology use from Refill Drinking Water Depots to ensure that raw and processing water meets the quality standards.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
E. Frimawaty; A. Ilmika; N. A. Sakina; J. Mustabi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Farmer characteristics are recognized in this study. The characteristics, perceptions, willingness to adopt climate change mitigation, and awareness of livestock farmers toward livestock waste management are the main points for determining appropriate climate mitigation rules.METHODS: ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Farmer characteristics are recognized in this study. The characteristics, perceptions, willingness to adopt climate change mitigation, and awareness of livestock farmers toward livestock waste management are the main points for determining appropriate climate mitigation rules.METHODS: This study was conducted in Enrekang and Barru Regencies of South Sulawesi. International Business Machines - Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 27 was used for this study. In descriptive statistics, data were compiled, and the age, long husbandry experiences (year), number of family member, number of farming assistant, gender, education, farmer group participation status, side job, type of business, cattle ownership status, number of cattle (head), and weight total of cattle’s manure (kilogram per day) were examined qualitatively. A chi-square test was used to compare the experimental results (perception and knowledge of livestock manure management) with practical livestock manure management.FINDING: This study found that the average age of farmers in the study area is 45 and 11.2 percent received have high formal education level from a university. Most of the cattle are male at 86.7 percent. Poor manure management system at 76.30 percent manure un-managed and un-appropriate farmer groups with more than 60 percent of the farmers un-joined farmer’s group. Almost 50 percent of the cattle farmers are willing to learn manure management. Nevertheless, this study found that the respondents’ knowledge and practical manure management, as well as the respondents’ knowledge (0.837) and perception (0.343) of practical manure management, do not have any significant connection.CONCLUSION: This study determines the full condition of cattle farmers in Barru and Enrekang Regencies. Barriers include low level of education, age of farmers, lack of manure management, and lack of willingness to join farmers group. Nevertheless, drivers, such as willingness to adopt manure management and high levels of experience in cattle farming, were also found. Enriching the knowledge and perception of farmers is essential in managing livestock wastes to mitigateof climate change.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
S. Ajbar El Gueriri; F. El Mansouri; F. Achemlal; S. Lachaal; J. Brigui; A. Fakih Lanjri
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Good health and a safe environment are essential for sustainable development, including the appropriate management of healthcare wastes. The study intends to assess the generation rate and management methods of healthcare waste in the regional hospital center and a private ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Good health and a safe environment are essential for sustainable development, including the appropriate management of healthcare wastes. The study intends to assess the generation rate and management methods of healthcare waste in the regional hospital center and a private clinic in Tangier, Morocco, with a focus on potential risks to health workers from infectious diseases.METHODS: The study collected data on healthcare waste generation over a period of two months by measuring and analyzing general and hazardous waste using an electronic scale. The data was presented as averages in kilograms per bed per day and as percentages. A questionnaire was provided to 100 healthcare workers. It included questions on their sociodemographic characteristics and their knowledge and attitudes regarding healthcare waste management.FINDINGS: The case study revealed that the healthcare waste production in the two institutions varied, with the private clinic producing 0.76 kilograms per day per bed and the regional hospital center producing 1.84 kilograms per day per bed. The survey also discovered that the hazardous fraction of waste generated in the regional hospital center was 40 percent, which was much higher than the World Health Organization’s estimation. The daily amount of hazardous waste generated increased from 260.49 kilograms to 436.81 kilograms post-COVID-19. The survey found gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and daily challenges in waste management practices among the health workers in both facilities.CONCLUSION: The survey findings suggest that the healthcare waste management methods in Tangier are unsafe and may endanger the health workers and patients. The study found that the lack of monitoring and control contributed significantly to noncompliance with good practices. These findings can be used by the regional divisions of the Ministry of Health to develop specific protocols for managing sanitary emergencies and perform routine observation and training at all levels in the two facilities studied.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
L. Sulistyowati; Y. Yolanda; N. Andareswari
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Belawan Harbor is the third largest port, which is located in an estuary, causing the port water area to be vulnerable to pollution, especially heavy metals. Conflicts between the community and the port authorities often occur due to pollution. Heavy metals are dangerous ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Belawan Harbor is the third largest port, which is located in an estuary, causing the port water area to be vulnerable to pollution, especially heavy metals. Conflicts between the community and the port authorities often occur due to pollution. Heavy metals are dangerous contaminants for waters, and total organic carbon in waters is needed but will cause eutrophication if the concentration is excessive in the environment. The level of heavy metal pollution in the waters of the Belawan Harbor and the factors that cause the pollution should be analyzed, because the level of heavy metal pollution has not been measured in the sediments of harbor waters. This study can be used as a reference for the actions of related agencies in dealing with heavy metal pollution in waters.METHODS: Sampling of sediments was performed at 10 locations, starting before the harbor activity began and moving toward the open sea. Sampling was conducted using Van Veen grab. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed in the laboratory using the atomic absorption spectrometer method to assess the essential heavy metal copper and non-essential heavy metal lead, cadmium, and mercury. Heavy metal pollution in sediments was assessed by analyzing sediment pollution index. The multivariate statistical analysis on the relationship among factors was conducted using Pearson correlation matrix method, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis.FINDINGS: The environmental quality standards used indicate average concentration of heavy metals; lead (28,869 milligram per kilogram) and copper (8,003 milligram per kilogram) are below the quality standard. The mercury concentrations are undetectable (<0.00011 milligram per kilogram) at each station. By comparison, the concentration of cadmium (1,455 milligram per kilogram) exceeded the Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. Results of the index analysis show that the average value of the pollution factor of copper is −0.177 (low contamination), that of lead is −1.433 (moderate contamination), and that of cadmium is −4.850 (high contamination); the geoaccumulation index value of copper is −5.328. (not polluted), that of lead is −0.190 (unpolluted), and that of cadmium −1.657 (moderately polluted). As mercury concentration in sediments is relatively low, it is not considered when calculating pollution levels. Overall, on the basis of a pollution index of 1.033 (1 < pollution load index ≤ 2), this condition indicates that the waters of the Belawan Harbor are categorized as not polluted to lightly polluted. The highest total organic carbon is at the estuaries of the Belawan and Deli Rivers. The sediment fraction is 72.2 percent sandy, 16.4 percent sludge, and 11.4 percent clay substrate.CONCLUSION: Pollution in the waters of the Belawan Harbor is in the category of not polluted to slightly polluted. Although the pollution is still in the light category, this must be of particular concern to the relevant agencies, especially the local government, to make the right policies to overcome this pollution immediately. Pollution problems increase with the anthropogenic activities around coastal areas, as well as activities in the Belawan and Deli River watersheds, because the pollutant will flow from the upstream to the estuary area.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
R.G. Sarmurzina; G.I. Boiko; B.K. Kenzhaliyev; U.S. Karabalin; N.P. Lyubchenko; P.V. Kenyaikin; Zh.B. Ilmaliyev
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The reduction of fresh water deficit and water-related morbidity is the most important problem of the state’s national security. The effective treatment of natural water in industrialized areas from natural and anthropogenic pollutants is the main ecological task. Coagulation ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The reduction of fresh water deficit and water-related morbidity is the most important problem of the state’s national security. The effective treatment of natural water in industrialized areas from natural and anthropogenic pollutants is the main ecological task. Coagulation is one of the effective methods used to treat water chemically to purify it. Aluminum polyoxychlorides have gained popularity because of their advantages over coagulants—aluminum and iron sulfates. No production of aluminum polyoxychloride occurs in Kazakhstan despite the need for coagulants (the minimum need is assessed at about 11 thousand tons). The work is aimed at theoretical justification and experimental proof of a principally new approach to the development of aluminum polyoxychloride production technology based on activated aluminum alloys containing metal activators, such as gallium, indium , and tin from 0.5 to 5 percent weight. In addition, the goal is solving environmental issues associated with improving the drinking water quality and related to environmental pollution with wastewater.METHODS: The microstructures, phase components, and elemental compositions of alloys and reaction products were studied by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The thermal effects of alloys were investigated usin thermogravimetry methods. Oil content in wastewater was determined by spectrophotometry. Oil particle dimensions and wastewater zero potentials were determined using electrophoretic light scattering method and residual turbidity by turbidimetry. Water quality assessment was included in the purified water analysis and comparison with the sanitary and epidemiological standards established for drinking water supply and wastewater intended for water discharge.FINDINGS: The structures and compositions of activated aluminum alloy containing metal activators - gallium, indium, and tin - from 0.5 to 5 weight percent and aluminum polyoxychlorides based on it were studied using modern instrumental methods. The efficiency of the treatment of natural and oil-contaminated wastewater with aluminum polyoxychloride was assessed. The treated water parameters were within the norms established for drinking water supply and wastewater disposal by Sanitary Rules and Norms 2.1.4.559-96. The efficiency of potable water treatment reached 90–99 percent.CONCLUSION: An effective and technologically simple method is developed for producing aluminum polyoxychloride. It involves dissolving an activated alloy in 1–5 percent hydrochloric acid, with an aluminum content of 98.5–85 percent. Alloy processing is carried out at temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degree celsius. The temperature rises from 20 to 25 degree celsius to the specified optimum without heat supply from the outside due to the interaction among reagents. The process is completed in 2–3 hours. The results confirm that aluminum polyoxychloride is an effective coagulant for drinking and wastewater treatment. The treated water is within the established limits in terms of hydrogen potential, chemical oxygen demand, and turbidity. The water treatment method can be easily implemented.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
A.M. Sabilillah; F.R. Palupi; B.K. Adji; A.P. Nugroho
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The threat posed by microplastics to humans through fish consumption is potentially great due to microplastics’ capacity to adsorb heavy metals. The Code and Gajahwong streams have suffered from plastic and heavy metal pollution as the major rivers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The threat posed by microplastics to humans through fish consumption is potentially great due to microplastics’ capacity to adsorb heavy metals. The Code and Gajahwong streams have suffered from plastic and heavy metal pollution as the major rivers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. However, little is known about the cumulative danger caused by the association of the microplastic and heavy metals. A thorough analysis of the extent of the health risks that people who consume fish from these rivers may experience is urgently needed. Hence, this study aimed to study microplastic pollution accumulated by fish in Code and Gajahwong streams, analyze the interactions with heavy metals, and assess the potential health risks.METHODS: Fish sample collection was conducted in three stations by considering the severity of plastic pollution. Microplastics were extracted from the gills, digestive tract, muscle, and water and then characterized based on the number, size, shape, color, and type of polymer. Potential health risks were evaluated based on the potential ecological risk index, polymer hazard index, pollution load index, estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, total target hazard quotient, and target cancer risk.FINDINGS: Microplastics have contaminated the streams and fish and were dominated by small-sized green fibers and low-density polyethylene polymer. The pollution was related to human activities around the streams. The highest accumulation in fish was found in the digestive organs. Lead and cadmium have been associated with microplastics. The calculation of the potential ecological risk index and polymer hazard index showed that the medium risk of microplastic contamination in both streams. Based on the values of estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, total target hazard quotient, and target cancer risk, short-term consumption of fish from the streams carries a low risk, but it will increase over time and pose a serious harm in the long term.CONCLUSION: Given that most of the microplastics found were associated with lead and cadmium, they can increase the risk to human health due to the transfer of microplastics through food chains. Mitigation efforts involving various stakeholders, community involvement, and continuous education must be continuously pursued. This study significantly contributes to the current problem of environmental pollution by means of microplastic threats associated with heavy metals and provides a thorough health risk assessment applicable to other rivers and mitigation efforts that must be exerted to achieve sustainability.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Science
D. Pringgenies; W. Ari Setyati; F. Feliatra; D. Ariyanto
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangroves are known to contain tannins, flavonoids, and quinones, which have the potential to be antibacterial, effective even against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Mangroves also have antifungal and antiviral properties. Although, mangroves are known for their use as medicinal ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangroves are known to contain tannins, flavonoids, and quinones, which have the potential to be antibacterial, effective even against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Mangroves also have antifungal and antiviral properties. Although, mangroves are known for their use as medicinal ingredients, information regarding symbiont bacteria’s antibacterial and antifungal potential is still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to examine symbiont bacteria in the fruit and leaves of Xylocarpus granatum as additional raw materials for anti-acne cosmetic creams and moisturisers.METHODS: Symbiont bacteria were isolated using the pour plate method through Zobell 2216E and incubated for 2 x 24 hours at 27.5 Celcius degree. Afterwards, 13 isolates were successfully isolated and characterised based on their morphology. Further, everal tests were conducted, including the antibacterial test, antifungal test, molecular identification, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The pathogenic bacteria used in the antibacterial test were Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio alginolyticusFINDINGS: The antibacterial test results showed that eight isolates were capable of producing an inhibition zone against S. aureus, seven isolates were positive for antibacterial activity against Vibrio harveyi, and 10 isolates were positive for antibacterial activity against Vibrio alginolyticus. The pathogenic fungi used in the antifungal test were Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans. The antifungal test results demonstrated that six isolates could produce inhibition zones against Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans. Furthermore, molecular identification was carried out on six potential isolates based on the antibacterial and antifungal tests, which were X2.52, X1.65, X1.64, X1.53, X1.54, and X1.63. The molecular identification results revealed the occurrence of four species in the Xylocarpus granatum mangroves, namely, Sinomicrobium oceani, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas khazarica, and Alcaligenes aquatilis.CONCLUSION: The study found that the mangrove symbiont bacteria had antibacterial and antifungal potential. The compound with the highest concentration in six isolates was 9-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester. This type of content has antibacterial potential and is also predicted to have antifungal potential.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Management
F. Mardianti; D.E. Purba
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this era of globalization, clean water management is considered a complex problem requiring the strategic management of various aspects. Citizen participation in managing polluted waters is a critical, determining factor in preventing water crises. This study predicts the ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this era of globalization, clean water management is considered a complex problem requiring the strategic management of various aspects. Citizen participation in managing polluted waters is a critical, determining factor in preventing water crises. This study predicts the socioeconomic factors influencing citizens’ behaviors in polluted water management.METHOD: A survey on Jakarta’s clean water was conducted with 503 respondents in 2022. Three interest variables were studied: first action taken during contamination, water nuisance level, and willingness to pay for clean water. Control variables were also explored, including daily income, education level, age, marital status, and gender. Data were analyzed using logistic regression.FINDINGS: In general, socioeconomic factors influence citizens’ behaviors in dealing with polluted water. The specific findings regarding the probabilities for the first action on the basis of asking for immediate action from local authorities, namely, by asking other citizens, waiting for information from other citizens, and looking for sources of water pollution were –2.21, –3.50, and 0.61, respectively. The results also revealed the probabilities of nuisance level (0.07), willingness to pay for clean water (0.0495), daily income (–0.02), educational level (–0.429), and age (0.01). The probabilities for married citizens (–2.845) and men (–0.268) were lower than those for unmarried citizens and women, respectively.CONCLUSION: The findings of this study can be used to predict the management of water pollution among Jakarta citizens, as well as serve as a reference for related stakeholders. Socioeconomic factors can affect citizens in various aspects of life, including participation in water management. However, not all socioeconomic factors are directly proportional to citizen participation. In fact, other socioeconomic indicators are inversely proportional to what are expected based on theoretical assumption. Finally, educational level and income do not always translate to behavioral changes linked to water pollution management.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Science
K. Narozhnykh
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Elemental status is associated with the biochemical processes occurring in the body. Beef, consumed worldwide, is an excellent source of iron in terms of quantity and bioavailability, providing up to 18 percent of the daily requirement. The level of iron in muscle tissue affects ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Elemental status is associated with the biochemical processes occurring in the body. Beef, consumed worldwide, is an excellent source of iron in terms of quantity and bioavailability, providing up to 18 percent of the daily requirement. The level of iron in muscle tissue affects beef quality. Current methods used to assess iron content in cattle muscles are laborious and complex. Accordingly, the current study aimed to develop a fast and simple method to assess the elemental status of animals in vivo and in a minimally invasive way based on an effective model for iron-level prediction by using blood-analysis results toward ecological well-being. This method can overcome the shortcomings of currently used approaches.METHODS: Samples of diaphragmatic muscle weighing 100 grams, as well as blood samples, were obtained from Hereford cattle bred under typical conditions of an industrial complex in the south of Western Siberia, Russia. Elemental analysis was performed by atomic absorption method with electrothermal atomization. Regression analysis was conducted to estimate the relationships between iron level in the muscle tissue of Hereford cattle and independent values (blood parameters). An optimum model for predicting the iron level was established. The coefficients of regression models were calculated using the least squares method, and the values of the dependent variable corresponded with the Gaussian ones. A high correlation existed between independent variables.FINDINGS: An optimum model for predicting the iron level in the muscle tissue of Hereford cattle was established. It contained three predictors, namely, number of erythrocytes, color index, and globulin, as a result of selection based on internal and external-quality criteria. The model meets the necessary assumptions: the residuals are normally distributed, no autocorrelations exist, and the observations are influential. Furthermore, no signs of multicollinearity exist between the main effects of the model (variance-inflation factor = 1.2–1.7).CONCLUSION: The model can be used for the intravital analysis of iron level in the muscle tissue of cattle. In contrast to currently used methods, the approach proposed can be used for intravital analysis of the level of iron in muscle tissue, which is the most important advantage of the developed approach. The results can be used in ecology to assess ecological well-being and determine the allowable load of iron in animals. For veterinary medicine, the resulting model enables the evaluation of the iron level in the muscle tissue of Hereford cattle during their lifetime. Studying the effect of different factors on meat quality may allow to decrease or avoid useless measures used in farming, such as the excessive use of feed additives. In turn, these measures can decrease resource exploitation and increase farming productivity. Therefore, the results can guide the further development of sustainable farming.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Management
B. Parsafar; M. Ahmadi; Gh.R. Jahed Khaniki; N. Shariatifar; A. Rahimi Foroushani
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Receiving nutrients from fruits and vegetables are essential for public health. However, a large amount of waste is produced during producing, supplying, and consuming these fruits and vegetables. Water, fertilizers and pesticides used for the production of agricultural ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Receiving nutrients from fruits and vegetables are essential for public health. However, a large amount of waste is produced during producing, supplying, and consuming these fruits and vegetables. Water, fertilizers and pesticides used for the production of agricultural products can affect the soil and their cultivation environment and finally lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the amount of fruit and vegetable waste caused by corruption and evaluate its economic loss and health damage.METHODS: The data were collected using the observation technique aided by observation tools and weighing tests to physically analyze and determine the quantity and quality of waste from Tehran’s fruit and vegetable distribution centers. In each center, the waste obtained from fruits and vegetables was stored in special waste tanks at the end of the day, and the waste was transported to outside the center by special waste disposal vehicles. The economic loss of unusable fruits and vegetables was calculated according to the weight of their waste in the fields of agricultural product supply. The data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS, ANOVA statistical test, and Excel software.FINDINGS: The results revealed that the amounts of fruit and vegetable wastes were 12 percent and 24 percent, respectively, accounting for a total loss of 54,891,539 USD. The highest quantity of fruit waste (15 percent) was observed in summer, and the economic loss due to fruit waste was higher in this season. Also, the amounts of vegetable waste in summer and spring were equal to 28 percent and 24 percent, respectively, indicating the higher economic loss due to vegetable in these seasons.CONCLUSION: The results showed that the economic loss due to vegetable waste was greater than the economic loss due to fruit waste. The amount of vegetable waste was 24 percent, representing a high economic loss. The generation and disposal of these wastes caused a great economic loss and health problems due to their unpleasant odor, release of leachate into the environment, and landfill pollution. Therefore, it was recommended to follow appropriate production principles and supply operations. Moreover, a comprehensive waste disposal management, as a practical measure, should be used to prevent and control these problems. The use of modern technology in harvesting, transporting and supplying fruits and vegetables could reduce their lesion, and subsequently reduce the economic loss.
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