Development of Localized Assessment of Municipal Wastewater Disposal Risks

A means to develop a comparative assessment of the risks of available wastewater effluent disposal options on a local scale needs to be developed to help local decision-makers make decisions on options such as direct or indirect potable reuse options. These options have garnered more interest as a result of water supply limitations in many urban areas. This risk assessment was developed from a risk assessment developed at the University of Miami in 2001 and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2023. Direct potable reuse and injection wells were deemed to have the lowest risk in the most recent study by FAU. However, the injection well option may not be available everywhere. As a result, a more local means to assess exposure risk is needed. This paper outlines the process to evaluate the public health risks associated with available disposal alternatives which may be very limited in some areas. The development of exposure pathways can help local decision-makers define the challenges, and support later expert level analysis upon which public health decisions are based.

Study of the Management and Disposal Practices of Unused or Out-of-Date Medicines by Households in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Not all medicines that pass-through consumers’ hands are used, and some often expire in households. These health products can be sources of accidental risks and pollution when they are not properly disposed of. In Burkina Faso, there are as yet no guidelines for the disposal of unused medicines in households. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent of household possession of unused or expired medicines, and to describe attitudes and disposal practices. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study covering households in the Ouagadougou commune conducted from June to August 2021. Two-stage stratified sampling was used: selection of Enumeration Zones (EZs) and selection of households, with each EZ comprising several households. Data collection was based on direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed using Epi Info software version 7.2.4.0. Results: In total, 417 household residents were surveyed out of the planned 423 households, corresponding to a completion rate of 98.58% compared with the initial sample. Among the respondents, 79.62% had unused and/or expired medicines in their household. A total of 2562 drug packaging units were counted, for a total weight of 121.90 kg. Nearly 75% were aware that improper disposal was a danger to the environment. Some respondents kept their unused medicines at home until they expired (43.41%), and disposed of them mainly by throwing them in the household garbage (75.58%). The majority (79%) were in favor of the government setting up a take-back program for these medicines. Conclusion: The introduction of a take-back program for unused or out-of-date medicines will ensure safer disposal of medicines, and better protection for households and the environment.

Patients’Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Disposal Methods of Expired and Unused Medicines: Implication for Creation of Drug Take-Back Program

Background: Handling of medicines is a day-to-day activity by patients and many health care providers. However, multiple studies have brought to light inappropriate disposal methods for expired and unused medication (EUM). Improper disposal of expired and unused medicines is hazardous both to humans and the environment. Objective: This sought to measure patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on disposal methods of EUM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 patients at three outpatient pharmacies at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs). The structured questionnaire was used to collect data and STAT version 15.1 was used to analyse the data. Results: 384 respondents participated in this study and, at some point, had EUM. In this study, 356 (92.7%) of the participants reported that they had never heard of a drug take-back system. Most of the participants 285 (74.2%) and 239 (62.2%) kept and donated their unused medicine, respectively. Additionally, 244 (63.5%), 212 (55.2%), and 176 (44.8%) of the participants disposed of expired medicines in the bin or garbage, flushed them in toilets or sinks, or burned them, respectively. Occupation was significantly associated with unsafe disposal of unused medicine [P-value = 0.019]. Conclusion and Relevance: Knowledge of safe disposal methods for EUM was good amongst most participants. However, used unsafe disposal methods. The majority of the participants exhibited positive attitude concerning safe disposal methods. This study highlights the need for drug-take-back program creation in Zambia.

Managing the surge:A comprehensive review of the entire disposal framework for retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles

Anticipating the imminent surge of retired lithium-ion batteries(R-LIBs)from electric vehicles,the need for safe,cost-effective and environmentally friendly disposal technologies has escalated.This paper seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of the entire disposal framework for R-LIBs,encompassing a broad spectrum of activities,including screening,repurposing and recycling.Firstly,we delve deeply into a thorough examination of current screening technologies,shifting the focus from a mere enumeration of screening methods to the exploration of the strategies for enhancing screening efficiency.Secondly,we outline battery repurposing with associated key factors,summarizing stationary applications and sizing methods for R-LIBs in their second life.A particular light is shed on available reconditioning solutions,demonstrating their great potential in facilitating battery safety and lifetime in repurposing scenarios and identifying their techno-economic issues.In the realm of battery recycling,we present an extensive survey of pre-treatment options and subsequent material recovery technologies.Particularly,we introduce several global leading recyclers to illustrate their industrial processes and technical intricacies.Furthermore,relevant challenges and evolving trends are investigated in pursuit of a sustainable end-of-life management and disposal framework.We hope that this study can serve as a valuable resource for researchers,industry professionals and policymakers in this field,ultimately facilitating the adoption of proper disposal practices.

Development of an Integrated Disposable Device for SARSCoV-2 Nucleic Acid Extraction and Detection

Objective To develop a highly sensitive and rapid nucleic acid detection method for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Methods We designed,developed,and manufactured an integrated disposable device for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction and detection.The precision of the liquid transfer and temperature control was tested.A comparison between our device and a commercial kit for SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction was performed using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The entire process,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification,was evaluated.Results The precision of the syringe transfer volume was 19.2±1.9μL(set value was 20),32.2±1.6(set value was 30),and 57.2±3.5(set value was 60).Temperature control in the amplification tube was measured at 60.0±0.0℃(set value was 60)and 95.1±0.2℃(set value was 95)respectively.SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction yield through the device was 7.10×10^(6) copies/mL,while a commercial kit yielded 2.98×10^(6) copies/mL.The mean time to complete the entire assay,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification detection,was 36 min and 45 s.The detection limit for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was 250 copies/mL.Conclusion The integrated disposable devices may be used for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care test(POCT).

Analysis of impact pressure,rock-breaking effect,and ground vibration induced by the disposable CO_(2)fracturing tube

The technology of expansion fracturing with liquid CO_(2)(EFLCO_(2))has attracted increasing attention due to reduced vibration and damage.The disposable fracturing tube has been developed and is gradually replacing the Cardox tube.However,there is a lack of impact pressure testing of disposable tubes under real working conditions,selection of gas explosion design parameters,and systematic analysis of blasting vibration.This limitation has constrained the widespread application of disposable fracturing tubes in engineering.A joint monitoring of the pressure-time curves in the disposable tubes and boreholes was conducted.The rock-breaking effect of varying hole spacing parameters in the EFLCO_(2)design was analyzed,and a systematic study was carried out on the vibration peak value,frequency,and energy characteristics.The results show that(1)the pressure distribution characteristics,stress peak value,and duration in the disposable tubes are different from those of Cardox tubes,which show multi-peak distribution,low-pressure peak value,and short duration.The correlation between the pressure in the disposable tube,filling pressure,and liquid CO_(2)weight is established,and a theoretical calculation method for the borehole wall pressure is proposed;(2)The hole spacing in rocks of different hardness is suggested;and(3)At the same scale distance,the peak particle velocity(PPV)caused by EFLCO_(2)(PPVCO_(2))is significantly smaller than that caused by blasting(PPVexplosive).The ratio of PPVexplosive to PPVCO_(2)is a power function related to scale distance,and a distance-related zonality exist in this relationship.The frequency composition of the vibration signal caused by EFLCO_(2)is relatively simple with a narrow frequency band.Its PPV and energy are mainly concentrated in the low-frequency band.This research contributes to the optimization of disposable fracturing tubes,gas explosion design,and vibration hazard control.

International law obligations for the disposal of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water under the principles of nuclear safety

The disposal of contaminated water from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant is a significant international nuclear safety issue with considerable cross-border implications.This matter requires compliance not only with the law of the sea but also with the principles of nuclear safety under international law.These principles serve as the overarching tenet of international and China’s domestic nuclear laws,applicable to nuclear facilities and activities.The principle of safety in nuclear activities is fully recognized in international and domestic laws,carrying broad legal binding force.Japan’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea violates its obligations under the principle of safety in nuclear activities,including commitments to optimum protection,as low as reasonably practicable,and prevention.The Japanese government and the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA)have breached the obligation of optimum protection by restricting the scope of assessments,substituting core concepts,and shielding dissenting views.In the absence of clear radiation standards,they have acted unilaterally without fulfilling the obligation as low as reasonably practicable principle.The discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water poses an imminent and unpredictable risk to all countries worldwide,including Japanese residents.Japan and the IAEA should fulfill their obligations under international law regarding disposal,adhering to the principles of nuclear safety,including optimum protection,the obligation as low as reasonably practicable,and prevention through multilateral cooperation.Specifically,the obligation to provide optimum protection should be implemented by re-evaluating the most reliable disposal technologies and methods currently available and comprehensively assessing various options.The standard of the obligation as low as reasonably practicable requires that the minimization of negative impacts on human health,livelihoods,and the environment should not be subordinated to considerations of cutting costs and expenses.Multilateral cooperation should be promoted through the establishment of sound multilateral long-term monitoring mechanisms for the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water,notification and consultation obligations,and periodic assessments.These obligations under international law were fulfilled after the accidents at the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear power plants.The implications of the principles of nuclear safety align with the concept of building a community of shared future for nuclear safety advocated by China.In cases of violations of international law regarding the disposal of nuclear-contaminated water that jeopardize the concept of a community of a shared future for nuclear safety,China can also rely on its own strength to promote the implementation of due obligations through self-help.

Production Practice of Solid Waste Desulfurizer Disposal in European Metallurgical Furnace

In order to realize the OY Smelting Furnace disposal of solid waste,municipal waste,form a model of steel enterprises and urban integration,through the production practice of smelting furnace,analyzes the mechanism of solid waste disposal,and proposed the disposal of solid waste desulfurization agent and disposal method:According to the theory to guide the actual production process,the test ton of iron with 10-15kg of desulfurizer in the production process does not affect the quality of molten iron and slag quality.

Earthquake-induced fracture displacements and transmissivity changes in a 3D fracture network of crystalline rock for spent nuclear fuel disposal

During the long service period of a nuclear waste repository in crystalline rock,large earthquake(s)may occur nearby the repository site and coseismically alter the local stress field around pre-existing fractures within the geological formation.The resulting fracture normal/shear displacements may lead to fracture opening and further promote the transport of leaked radionuclides into the groundwater system.Thus,it is of central importance to analyze the consequences of potential future earthquake(s)on the hydrogeological properties of a repository site for spent nuclear fuel disposal.Based on the detailed site characterization data of the repository site at Forsmark,Sweden,we conduct a three-dimensional(3D)seismo-hydro-mechanical simulation using the 3Dimensional Distinct Element Code(3DEC).We explicitly represent a primary seismogenic fault zone and its surrounding secondary fracture network associated with a power-law size scaling and a Fisher orientation distribution.An earthquake with a magnitude of M_(w)=5.6 caused by the reactivation of the primary fault zone is modeled by simulating its transient rupture propagating radially outwards from a predefined hypocenter at a specified rupture speed,with the faulting dynamics controlled by a strength weakening law.We model the coseismic response of the off-fault fracture network subject to both static and dynamic triggering effects.We further diagnose the distribution of fracture hydro-mechanical properties(e.g.mechanical/hydraulic aperture,hydraulic transmissivity)before and after the earthquake in order to quantify earthquakeinduced hydraulic changes in the fracture network.It is found that earthquake-induced fracture transmissivity changes tend to follow a power-law decay with the distance to the earthquake fault.Our simulation results and insights obtained have important implications for the long-term performance assessment of nuclear waste repositories in fractured crystalline rocks.

Research on revision of relevant provisions of high-speed railway emergency disposal in the regulations on railway technical management(RRTM)

Purpose–This study aims to improve the rules and regulations system of high-speed rail emergency disposal.Design/methodology/approach–Based on the analysis of the demands,rules and regulations of China concerning on-site high-speed rail emergency disposal,basic principles for revising the regulations on railway technical management(RRTM)are proposed and suggestions and evaluation methods according to the main clauses are put forward.Findings–Basic principles for revising the RRTM are proposed,namely“to meet the actual needs of on-site high-speed railway emergency disposal,standardize the emergency disposal process,improve the efficiency of emergency disposal and keep the consistency between provisions of emergency disposal”.Existing provisions related to emergency disposal efficiency,scenarios,safety and service quality are made up for the deficiencies.To make up for the deficiencies of the existing provisions related to emergency disposal efficiency,improvement of emergency disposal scenarios and guarantee of emergency disposal safety and quality,this paper puts forward suggestions on revising 15 emergency disposal provisions of the RRTM with regard to earthquake monitoring and warning,in-station foreign body invasion warning,air conditioning failure of EMU trains and forced parking of trains in sections.A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model based on the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)is constructed to evaluate the proposed revision scheme and suggestions,which has been highly recognized by experts.Originality/value–This study implements the goal of high-quality railway development.

“双碳”目标下煤炭绿色低碳发展新思路

在“双碳”目标背景与当前技术条件下,“煤”“废”“碳”构成了煤炭的“不可能三角”,严重制约着煤炭行业的绿色低碳可持续发展。秉持“以废治废”“从哪里来到哪里去”的原则,着眼“煤”的减损化开采、“废”的功能化利用、“碳”的低碳化处置三维视角,探索“煤”“废”“碳”协同发展路径,为破解煤炭“不可能三角”和推动煤炭绿色低碳发展提供全方位解决方案。具体包括:①阐明了“煤”的减损化开采科学内涵,明确了生态脆弱区含(隔)水层空间组合特征、采煤减损技术应用下的覆岩移动规律和覆岩采动损伤下的地表变形规律等减损化开采科学问题,提出了面间煤柱“掘-充-留”一体化、窄条带式充填开采和综采架后充填开采等减损化开采技术;②阐明了“废”的功能化利用科学内涵,明确了固废功能化利用的科学问题,包括镁-煤基固废原材料改性方法与机理、多元固废协同作用机制、全固废充填材料性能调控理论3个方面,形成了以固废原材料改性、固废基胶凝材料研发、全固废充填材料制备为核心的固废功能化利用关键技术体系;③阐明了“碳”的低碳化处置科学内涵,提出了“碳”的低碳化处置科学实践框架和实施路径,厘清了在“碳”的低碳化处置过程中关于矿化材料制备、封存空间构筑、CO_(2)封存机理与调控、CO_(2)封存长期环境效应和储库稳定性等方面的科学问题,明确了碎胀空间CO_(2)封存、煤矿CO_(2)固碳充填等关键技术,形成了利用煤矿采空区实现CO_(2)低碳封存的新模式。立足煤炭绿色低碳可持续发展,协同推进“煤”的减损化开采、“废”的功能化利用与“碳”的低碳化处置,对推动煤炭行业“双碳”目标实现具有重要意义。

毒性危险废物利用处置后鉴别技术要点

毒性危险废物是我国固体废物环境管理的重点和难点。危险废物鉴别是识别固体废物危险特性和确定危险废物环境管理对象的重要技术手段和关键依据。目前毒性危险废物利用处置后鉴别的主要问题是对利用和处置情形界定错误、毒性危险特性的确定不准确以及对GB 5085.7−2019《危险废物鉴别标准通则》中“危险废物利用处置后判定规则”未充分掌握,致使危险废物鉴别结论依据不足甚至错误。针对存在的关键问题,提出从3个方面提高毒性危险废物利用处置后鉴别技术:①应根据GB 5085.7−2019《危险废物鉴别标准通则》中的利用和处置定义,对毒性危险废物的利用和处置进行界定。②利用《国家危险废物名录》以及危险废物鉴别标准,准确识别被利用和处置危险废物的毒性危险特性,即《国家危险废物名录》所列危险特性为单独毒性的,以及“,”分隔的多个危险特性中列在第一位为毒性的,均为具有毒性危险特性的危险废物;其他固体废物都需要利用危险废物鉴别标准对其毒性危险特性进行认定。③毒性危险废物利用过程产生的固体废物的危险废物鉴别,应首先依据《国家危险废物名录》鉴别,若已经列入《国家危险废物名录》,则属于危险废物,不应根据危险废物鉴别标准和技术规范进行危险废物鉴别;危险废物处置后产生的固体废物的危险废物鉴别,需精准界定“利用”和“处置”,确属处置的,应明确被处置危险废物的毒性危险特性,只有不具有毒性危险特性时,才可对处置后产生的固体废物进行危险废物鉴别。建议从3个方面提高毒性危险废物利用处置后鉴别技术水平,包括梳理危险废物“利用”和“处置”情形界定的关键技术要点,总结该类鉴别最常出现的错误以及相应的正确鉴别技术,以及构建具有典型毒性危险特性的危险废物利用处置全过程中的危险特性识别体系。

用于微塑料分离收集的智能沙滩垃圾处理机

为解决沙滩塑料垃圾处理中的微塑料分离收集问题,实现设备智能化,设计了一种智能沙滩垃圾处理机。这一垃圾处理机利用摄像头成像技术,结合Opencv算法,对塑料垃圾进行快速识别,利用超声传感器确定垃圾位置和距离,以单片机为主控,实现智能垃圾处理。沙子和垃圾混合物运送至垃圾处理机后,通过所设置的振筛机构实现中大型塑料垃圾与微塑料垃圾的分离。以海水为浮选液,利用密度差实现沙子和微塑料垃圾的分离。利用无轴螺旋机构,实现沙水分离。在测试的60min内,塑料垃圾识别正确率为93.6%,收集到微塑料垃圾315g。这一垃圾处理机低碳环保,占地面积小,质量轻,可用于沙滩垃圾清理,也可作为机械创新设计实践教学与培训的工具。

7.5 Fr电子输尿管软镜治疗小负荷上尿路结石的临床观察

目的探讨7.5 Fr一次性电子输尿管软镜治疗输尿管上段或肾内单发小负荷结石的有效性和安全性。方法回顾性分析2021年6月至2022年12月手术干预的输尿管上段或肾内单发结石患者400例,结石直径1 cm左右,按手术方式分为观察组和对照组,各200例,分别行7.5 Fr和8.5 Fr一次性电子输尿管软镜联合钬激光碎石取石术,术中分别置入9.5/11.5 Fr和12/14 Fr输尿管软镜鞘,钬激光碎石,套石篮取石。观察两组围术期指标、并发症情况、随访结果及手术前后白细胞计数、中性粒细胞比值、C反应蛋白等感染指标。结果观察组200例(100%)患者均一期置鞘完成手术,无分次手术干预或改行经皮肾镜激光碎石术。对照组151例(75.5%)一期置鞘完成手术,余49例中分次进行手术干预7例,改行经皮肾镜激光碎石术42例。两组患者术后复查X线示结石均清除,无残留。观察组术中出血量明显少于对照组,术后血尿持续时间、腰腹部疼痛持续时间及住院时间明显短于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组手术时间、置镜成功率及结石清除率比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。术后两组患者均不留置导尿管,无感染发生,未出现尿源性脓毒血症。术后观察组15例(7.5%)、对照组73例(36.5%)发生输尿管双J管留置相关并发症(腹痛、血尿或膀胱刺激征),两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。两组手术前、后白细胞计数、中性粒细胞比值、C反应蛋白等感染指标比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论7.5 Fr一次性电子输尿管软镜治疗输尿管上段或肾内单发小负荷结石(直径1 cm左右)置镜成功率及结石清除率高,创伤小,患者恢复快,安全有效。

城市生命线安全运行风险监测及响应研究

本文介绍了城市生命线建设背景,分析其运行风险。阐述了城市生命线安全运行风险监测的感知系统及应用平台的构建。研究了风险预警的研判分析及协同处置流程,实现了风险事件及时高效的响应处置。

含^(60)Co极低放土壤废物的填埋处置

在对四川省城市放射性废物库暂存的含^(60)Co极低放土壤废物进行源项分析的基础上确定了填埋处置方案。根据填埋处置方案对该批含^(60)Co极低放土壤废物进行了填埋,对填埋过程中工作人员受照剂量进行了估算。经计算,此次填埋操作过程中工作人员最大个人剂量为103.07μSv,满足相关剂量控制要求。

高校微生物实验室废弃物处置及安全管理

微生物实验室废弃物合理处置与安全管理是高校实验室安全管理的核心内容,处置不当会造成环境污染或人身伤害,甚至导致社会公共安全事故。分析了微生物实验室废弃物分类与合理处置方法,探讨了废弃物安全管理发展现状及国内高校存在问题,提出了相应策略:制定完善的管理制度,健全废弃物安全管理体系;加强宣传教育与人员培训,提高相关人员的安全意识;加强微生物实验室废弃物处置设施建设;建设微生物实验的虚拟仿真教学项目。

水库清淤物处置原则研究及综合利用实践案例

针对当前水库清淤物处置及资源化利用等问题,引入固废处置的“三化”原则,从无害化处理、减量化处理和资源化利用3个方面,提出了水库清淤物处置及综合利用的控制指标及限值要求。以大渡河沙湾水库清淤实践为例,分析了“三化”达标的不同级配泥沙应用于堤防建设、城市建设及造地回填等工程的实践与成效,研究成果可为水库清淤及淤积物处置利用提供参考借鉴。

围压和裂隙倾角对花岗岩力学行为的影响研究

含裂隙围岩的力学行为对高放废物地质处置库的长期稳定和安全至关重要。为研究围压和裂隙倾角对花岗岩围岩力学行为的影响,以完整花岗岩和含不同倾角贯通单裂隙的花岗岩为研究对象,开展了单轴压缩和三轴压缩试验研究。结果表明:0~10 MPa围压范围内,倾角30°和60°裂隙花岗岩分别发生了穿裂隙面破坏和沿裂隙面滑移破坏;随围压升高,倾角45°裂隙花岗岩由复合破坏转变为穿裂隙面破坏,后又在10 MPa围压条件下再次转变为倾斜“Z”字型裂纹的复合破坏。围压的存在制约了预制裂隙面的劣化作用。三轴压缩条件下低倾角裂隙花岗岩的抗压强度及变形发展曲线与完整花岗岩的结果相近,试样峰值破坏时的轴向应变在围压0,2,5,10MPa条件下分别约为0.38%,0.49%,0.59%和0.75%。沿裂隙面滑移破坏试样的抗压强度以及峰值破坏时的轴向应变均显著低于穿裂隙面破坏试样的相关结果,且其抗压强度与试验前后裂隙面的分形维数差值符合幂函数增长关系。