All

The utilization of three novel and distinct agricultural waste materials, namely casuarina fruit powder (CFP), sorghum stem powder (SSP) and banana stem powder (BSP) as low cost adsorbents for reducing chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels of coffee industry wastewater has been examined. Prepared adsorbents were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopic (EDAX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The effects of parameters like adsorbent dose, pH, temperature, agitation rate and time of adsorption on the reduction of COD levels were analyzed for each adsorbent individually and the efficiency order is CFP>SSP>BSP. Based on the extent of compatibility to Freundlich/Langmuir adsorption isotherm and different models (pseudo-first order and second order, Boyd, Weber’s and Elovich), simultaneous occurrence of chemisorption and physisorption was proposed. Based on the observations, it is proposed that three kinetic stages involve in adsorption process viz., diffusion of sorbate to sorbent, intra particle diffusion and then establishment of equilibrium. As these three adsorbents exhibit adsorption capacity more than 80%, the adsorbents prepared from agricultural wastes have promising role towards reduction of COD from industrial wastewater to contribute environmental protection.  

Proper Hospital healthcare Waste Management (HCWM) is imperative for ensuring public health and environmental protection. In this context, three Prefectural hospitals of Mytilene, Agrinio, and Messolonghi, were studied with respect to planning and management of infectious wastes, cost, training of the white Staff involved, security measures to be taken, and also knowledge related to the implementation of the existing National and European Community, legislation. It was found that the existing legislative procedures were broadly applied. However deviations were reported and it was recognized that serious difficulties in the implementation of the legislation throughout the process i.e. from the phase of separation throughout the processing phase did exist. These deviations frequently originated from conflicts in the directions given by the legislation Joint [Governmental Gazette B1537/8-5-2012]. In order to achieve better implementation of HCWM, recommendations are proposed here.

The aim of this paper is to highlight the way towards the exploitation of treated wastewater for food crops production in order to cope with the acute water scarcity and its hazardous consequences. Reclaimed water reuse has not been practiced in Tobruk, and hence, lack of relevant data and information was the major difficulty in carrying out this research. The existing sewage treatment plant in Tobruk city produces about 7,000 cubic meters per day of suitable effluent for agricultural irrigation and safe discharge. This proportion is worth twice as much as the water being currently used for irrigation. Therefore, with proper planning and management, treated wastewater reuse schemes, in addition to their economical and environmental benefits, can be an efficient mechanism to cope with water shortage and reducing the high burden placed on the desalination plant. Wastewater reuse is considered as a reliable, secure, and drought-resistant water source. Owing to the lack of disinfection processes and routinely monitoring data, there is uncertainty concerning the microbiological safety and quality of the treated effluent. Public perception might be the major challenge facing the planning for a reuse scheme as 51 % of the population of Tobruk have shown their reluctance to consume food crops irrigated with treated wastewater. Nonetheless, public attitudes can be fostered by awareness through the media as some people, when the issue was discussed, have shown a positive response. In fact their main concerns were related to public health safety and potential negative environmental impacts which can be addressed through good planning and prudent management.