Developing countries | An-Najah Staff

Dental Solid and Hazardous Waste Management and Safety Practices in Developing Countries: Nablus District, Palestine

Thu, 2014-01-09 12:54 — Mohammed Al-Subu'

Journal Title, Volume, Page:

Waste Manag Res. 2010 May;28(5):436-44. doi: 10.1177/0734242X09337657. Epub 2009 Sep 11

Year of Publication:

2010

Link:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19748956

Authors:

Issam A. Al-Khatib

Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, Birzeit University, West Bank, Palestine

Maria Monou

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineer ing, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

Salem A. Mosleh

Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah Na tional University, West Bank, Palestine

Mohammed M. Al-Subu

Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah Na tional University, West Bank, Palestine

Current Affiliation:

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine

[email protected]

Despo Kassinos

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineer ing, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

Preferred Abstract (Original):

This study investigated the dental waste management practices and safety measures implemented by dentists in the Nablus district, Palestine. A comprehensive survey was conducted for 97 of the 134 dental clinics to assess the current situation. Focus was placed on hazardous waste produced by clinics and the handling, storage, treatment and disposal measures taken. Mercury, found in dental amalgam, is one of the most problematic hazardous waste. The findings revealed that there is no proper separation of dental waste by classification as demanded by the World Health Organization. Furthermore, medical waste is often mixed with general waste during production, collection and disposal. The final disposal of waste ends up in open dumping sites sometimes close to communities where the waste is burned. Correct management and safety procedures that could be effectively implemented in developing countries were examined. It was concluded that cooperation between dental associations, government-related ministries and authorities needs to be established, to enhance dental waste management and provide training and capacity building programs for all professionals in the medical waste management field.

Solid Waste Characterization, Quantification And Management Practices In Developing Countries. A Case Study: Nablus District – Palestine

Wed, 2011-05-04 11:58 — Hafez Shaheen

Journal Title, Volume, Page:

Journal of Environmental Management 91 (2010) 1131–1138

Year of Publication:

2010

Link:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479710000046

Authors:

Issam A. Al-Khatib

Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, Birzeit University, P.O. Box 14, Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine

[email protected]

Maria Monou

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus

Abdul Salam F. Abu Zahra

Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine

Hafez Q. Shaheen

Department of Civil Engineering, An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine

Current Affiliation:

Department of Civil Engineering, An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine

[email protected]

Despo Kassinos

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus

Preferred Abstract (Original):

Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the most challenging issues faced by developing countries that suffer from serious pollution problems caused by the generation of large waste quantities. This paper presents the case study of SWM in the Nablus district – Palestine. Surveys for household residents' and SWM program operators, field investigations, on-site waste measurements and characterizations were conducted. Per capita waste generation rates varied between different localities although trends were similar. Overall, the majority of waste was organic (65.1% by weight), suggesting a strong resource recovery potential in terms of animal feed or compost. Recyclable waste (plastic, paper and card) made up 16.7% by weight the waste composition suggesting an incentive to introduce source separation. Household attitudes complemented the waste characterization study, revealing the main problems faced. SWM operators quoted on the current status, highlighting problems with disposing in unsanitary landfills, ineffective solid waste fees system, increasing solid waste quantities and lacking equipment and experienced personnel. To enhance sustainable SWM, public awareness, funding, expertise, equipment and facilities and other provisions currently lacking or inappropriate must be provided.