Journal articles on the topic 'Sewage disposal plants – Safety measures'

The development of phytoremediation by garden plants is an effective way to deal with the dilemma of municipal sewage sludge disposal. In this study, two ornamental plants were used as phytoremediation plants to rehabilitate heavy-metal-contaminated municipal sewage sludge in field experiments, and the role of exogenous phytohormone IAA was also tested. Ornamental plants Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum (L. rubrum) and Rhododendron pulchrum (R. pulchrum) adapted well to the artificial soil made of municipal sewage sludge, and the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni were decreased by 7.29, 261, 20.2, and 11.9 mg kg−1, respectively, in the soil planted with L. rubrum, and 7.60, 308, 50.1, and 17.7 mg kg−1, respectively, in the soil planted with R. pulchrum, accounted for 11–37% of the total amounts and reached significant levels (p < 0.05), except Cd. The concentration of Pb in all parts of the two ornamental plants was increased, as well as most heavy metals in L. rubrum root. As a result, three months after transplant, the phyto-extraction amounts in L. rubrum were 397, 10.9, and 1330 μg for Ni, Cd, and Pb, respectively, increased by 233% to 279%. The phyto-extraction amount in R. pulchrum were 1510, 250, and 237 μg for Zn, Pb, and Cu, respectively, increased by 143% to 193%. These results indicated a potential to remediate heavy metals of the two ornamental plants, especially L. rubrum. The results of correlation analysis implied that the interaction of heavy metals in the plant itself played an important role in the uptake of heavy metals. This seemed to explain why applying IAA in the experiment had little effect on plant growth and phytoremediation of heavy metals. This study provided a green and feasible idea for the proper disposal of municipal sewage sludge.

Due to lack of central sewerage systems in coastal towns of Cyprus, temporary measures have been imposed to protect health and environment. As a result sewage is treated in small biological plants serving individual residential units. Effectiveness of treatment methods employed were examined and the method of extended aeration has been proved to be the most suitable for Cyprus conditions. Design standards have to be modified taking into account Cyprus specific conditions, especially that of temperature. Statistical results from 54 small treatment plants operating in the town of Limassol showed that the vast majority of the plants failed to meet either performance standards in terms of BOD5, SS, or bacteriological requirements in terms of faecal coliforms. It was identified that the main reason for this was the lack of proper maintenance. The bacteriological quality of bathing waters has not been affected by temporary measures although many secondary problems have arisen from the operation of about 90 small treatment plants at Limassol town. The per capita cost of construction, operation and maintenance of this decentralized system has been proved extremely high compared with that of centralized system. Improvement of the situation, in the short term, includes reconsideration of temporary measures, modification of design standards relying on reliable and high efficiency treatment methods and rising of plants maintenance level. Radical solution of the problem is the construction of the central sewerage system.

Through environmental policies that provide a gradual discussion about the disposal of waste produced in the most diverse industrial sectors, sewage sludge is emphasized by the problematic destination of the toxic compounds that compose it, compromising its disposal. Based on the need to implement measures to mitigate environmental impacts through the production of eco-efficient materials, the application of the ashes of sanitary sewage sludge as a partial substitute for Portland cement is currently being used as a coating mortars study. This replacement has a focus, besides reducing the large volume of sludge generated by Sewage Treatment Plants, to allow an attenuation in the consumption of cement, a large CO2 generator during its manufacturing process. It could be observed that the use of the calcined residue applied in mortar, ratifies a relevant physical-mechanical performance to the material, which compared to the material without the use of it, has better results coming from its reactivity provided by action of the thermal process of degradation.

In order to close the phosphorus cycle in the long term, efficient recycling processes are necessary to ensure that this critical nutrient can be returned to arable land. Sewage sludge recycling is of particular importance due to the relatively high phosphorus content of sewage sludge. In this article, the current recycling paths of Austrian sewage sludge are highlighted, focusing on the advantages and limitations of sewage sludge composting. In addition to nutrient contents, pollutant loads were also analyzed in order to also discuss the limitations of this recycling pathway. Therefore, data from Austrian composting plants with focus on sewage sludge are used. The results show that the currently relevant pollutants (heavy metals) are predominantly below the limits prescribed for recycling and spreading on arable land. However, in order to decide on a recycling path at an early stage, a pollutant monitoring system must be in place. Due to pollution, mono-incineration with subsequent phosphorus recovery is also currently being discussed in Austria. Mono-incineration can represent an important component of sewage sludge disposal, because some sewage sludges are not suitable for composting due to potential environmental hazards. Therefore, it is important that evidence-based limit values and measures for the reduction in pollutants for input sources are determined.

Scope & Goals: This article presents a coupled review of scientific literature on environmental impact, as well as occupational safety and health, of gasification plants using residues of sewage sludge and refuse-derived fuel. Methods: The survey, covering a 10-year time span, was made through a typical systematic review of literature, retrieved from online databases of scientific publications and by using general search engines; cross-referencing of citations included in documents were also considered. Results: Two tables summarizing 38 publications were created, indicating relevant studies on the matter(s), and providing a short description on risks, goals and main findings of each study, followed by a general discussion. Conclusions: Overall, gas explosion and inhalation of toxic gases were the most common risks reported in published studies, being considered negligible if safety measures are adopted; however there are fewer studies focusing on occupational safety in gasification plants as compared with the environmental issue. Release of heavy metals, tar production and toxic gases are the main environmental concerns. From the prevention viewpoint, this review shows that treatment and valorisation of harmful tars must be improved in future technological and scientific developments.

Scope & Goals: This article presents a coupled review of scientific literature on environmental impact, as well as occupational safety and health, of gasification plants using residues of sewage sludge and refuse-derived fuel. Methods: The survey, covering a 10-year time span, was made through a typical systematic review of literature, retrieved from online databases of scientific publications and by using general search engines; cross-referencing of citations included in documents were also considered. Results: Two tables summarizing 38 publications were created, indicating relevant studies on the matter(s), and providing a short description on risks, goals and main findings of each study, followed by a general discussion. Conclusions: Overall, gas explosion and inhalation of toxic gases were the most common risks reported in published studies, being considered negligible if safety measures are adopted; however there are fewer studies focusing on occupational safety in gasification plants as compared with the environmental issue. Release of heavy metals, tar production and toxic gases are the main environmental concerns. From the prevention viewpoint, this review shows that treatment and valorisation of harmful tars must be improved in future technological and scientific developments.

The problem of improving environmental safety in the handling of oily waste and sludge is relevant for most industries. Significant amounts of waste oil adversely affect virtually all components of the environment. However, it is also a valuable hydrocarbon feedstock. Thus, a rational approach to the processing of sludge can have a significant environmental and economic effect. The shortcomings of traditional thermal technologies for the disposal of technological sludge and suggests using much cheaper mechanical methods were discussed in this article. For example, install decanters of various designs in a depot depending on the overall composition of the sludge and the composition of each of its main parts: the carbon-containing part, water and mechanical impurities. A modern scheme for the disposal of technological sludge from railway infrastructure enterprises has been proposed. Such a scheme allows to reduce the man-made load associated with their accumulation, circulation and minimization. The most promising example of the use of the proposed technology of utilization of oil sludge is its implementation at the local sewage treatment plants of locomotive and wagon depots.

To assess microbial safety of treated sewage sludge (biosolids), we examined the inactivation of microbial indicators for potential bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens. The levels of indicators were determined throughout the air-drying and storage phases of anaerobically digested sewage sludge. Samples were collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Victoria, Australia. Established methods were applied for analysis of bacteria and coliphages, based on membrane filtration and layered plates, respectively. In the pan drying phase, the prevalence of Escherichia coli was reduced by &gt;5 log10 compared with sludge entering the pan. Thus, after pan drying of 8-11 months at WWTP A and 15 months at WWTP B, the numbers of E. coli were reduced to below 102 cfu/g dry solids (DS). This level is acceptable for unrestricted use in agriculture in Australia (P1 treatment grade), the UK (enhanced treatment status) and the USA (Class A pathogen reduction). Coliphage numbers also decreased substantially during the air-drying phase, indicating that enteric viruses are also likely to be destroyed during this phase. Clostridium perfringens appeared to be an overly conservative indicator. Survival, but not regrowth, of E. coli or Salmonella was observed in rewetted biosolids (15–20% moisture content), after being seeded with these species, indicating a degree of safety of stored biosolids upon rewetting by rain.

Composted sewage sludge (CSS) gained attention as a potential fertilizer in agriculture. Application of CSS increases soil microbial activity and microbial biomass, however, it can also lead to increased chemical and microbiological risks. In this study, we performed microcosm experiments to assess how CSS reshapes the microbial community of diluvial sand (DS) soil. Further, we assessed the potential of CSS to increase the persistence of human pathogens in DS soil and the colonization of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt). The results revealed that CSS substantially altered the prokaryotic community composition. Moreover, addition of CSS increased the persistence of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain 14028s and S. enterica serovar Senftenberg in DS soil. However, the enhanced persistence in soil had no impact on the colonization rate of B. rapa grown on soil inoculated with Salmonella. We detected Salmonella in leaves of 1.9% to 3.6% of plants. Addition of CSS had no impact on the plant colonization rate. The use of sewage sludge composts is an interesting option. However, safety measures should be applied in order to avoid contamination of crop plants by human pathogens.

Every day in the city of St. Petersburg there is formed more than 10,000 m3 of sewage sludge. The main mass of deposits is stored at the landfill for storing waste with an area of up to 150 hectares. Toxic substances and pathogens contained in sediments can penetrate into the environment stipulating the significant pollution of the environment. In the arsenal of technologists dealing with the problem of sewage sludge disposal, there are numerous approaches and solutions, for instance: drying sludge, incineration, composting, vermicomposting, eco-concrete fixation. However, tried everything methodological approaches have not found their applications because of the impossibility of decrease in toxicity due to the presence of substances in the resulting substance of 1st and 2nd classes of danger, having a translocation mechanism of transition in plants. And, nevertheless, the problem of sewage sludge cannot be solved by used approaches because of the high toxicity caused by the presence of substances of the 1st and 2nd hazard classes in the obtained substance, for which the translocation mechanism of environmental contamination is characteristic. The aim of our work is the substantiation of the hygienic safety of the utilization of products obtained by geotube technology from deposits at the Northern Station for aeration «Vodokanal-SPb» in road construction. As the object of research there was selected the complex of sludge lagoons of the Northern Station for aeration «Vodokanal-SPb» located in the village of Novosilky. Sanitary-chemical, toxicological, parasitological, bacteriological, radiological. It is possible to observe the binding of ionic forms of ecotoxicants, transition of them to a bound state, which provides for the environmental safety. Helminthological and bacteriological studies show the epidemic safety of the product obtained by geotubing. Geotube technology seems to be the most promising in the treatment of accumulated sludge beds on sewage sludge.

Abstract Large quantity of sewage sludge originating from wastewater treatment plants is becoming a growing problem from environmental and human health points of view. One of the ways to use sewage sludge is agricultural purpose due to its nutrients and organic matter content, but the condition is that it should be deprived of pathogenic bacteria and parasite egg contamination. Application of ionizing radiation to hygienize sewage sludge can make it appropriate for agricultural use. The process does not require addition of chemicals to sludge; it is environmentally friendly and effective in removal of biological threats. In the past, successful attempts of sewage sludge treatment using ionizing radiation were made. Pilot plants and commercial ones proved that pathogens can be easily removed from sewage sludge by ionizing radiation. The concept of ‘zero energy’ biogas plant is based on the construction of a complex system consisting of biogas plant and electron accelerator in the biofertilizer manufacturing line. Digestate originating from the methane fermentation of sewage sludge is irradiated to remove all pathogens using electron beam from an accelerator powered by electric energy obtained from burning biogas in a cogenerator. The product is a high-quality, biologically safe fertilizer.

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the meteorological factors and the number of molds and yeast-like fungi in the air in the five coastal towns in the years 2014–2017, and in 2018, after emergency disposal of raw sewage to the Gdańsk Gulf. In the years 2014–2018, a total number of 88 air samples were collected in duplicate in the five coastal towns of Hel, Puck, Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdańsk-Brzeźno. After the application of the (PCA) analysis, this demonstrated that the first principal component (PC1) had a positive correlation with the water temperature, wind speed, air temperature, and relative humidity. The second principal component (PC2) had a positive correlation with the relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature. In 2018, potentially pathogenic mold and yeast-like fungi (Candida albicans, Stachybotrys chartarum complex, Aspergillus section Fumigati) were detected in the seaside air. While the detected species were not observed in the years 2014–2017. We suggest that it is advisable to inform residents about the potential health risk in the event of raw sewage disposal into the water. Moreover, in wastewater treatment plants, tighter measures, including wastewater disinfection, should be introduced.

Through environmental policies that provide a gradual discussion about the destination of the tailings produced in the most diverse industrial sectors, the sewage sludge is emphasized by the problematic destination arising from the amount of toxic compounds that compose it, compromising its disposal. Aiming to fulfill the sustainable role through the creation of mechanisms that favor the ecological coexistence between environment and human beings, it is possible through the use of construction materials, considered as conventional, the use of calcined sewage sludge as an enhancer of the properties of matrix materials cement, significantly improving its performance against mechanical stresses and degradation mechanisms. Based on the need to implement measures to mitigate environmental impacts through the production of eco-efficient materials, the ashes of sanitary sewage sludge as a partial substitute for Portland cement have now been used as an input in coating mortars. This substitution focuses on reducing the large volume of sludge generated by the Sewage Treatment Plants, as well as on the reduction in the consumption of cement, a large CO2 generator during its manufacturing process. It was observed that through the use of this calcined by-product applied in mortars, a relevant physical-mechanical performance in cementitious materials is ratified, that in comparison to the material without the use of it, better results are observed, resulting from the reactivity conferred to the sludge after the thermal degradation process, making it a pozzolana.

To preserve the ecological balance and health of the population of the African continent, it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the surrounding rivers, lakes and ocean coasts. Oil production, transportation of oil and petroleum products inevitably lead to pollution of sea waters due to accidents on tankers, equipment breakdowns, and fires. Oceanic coasts are of great importance for the development of the tourism industry, which plays a significant role in the national economies of African countries. However, many coastal areas are contaminated with industrial and household waste, oil refining waste and sewage. As a result of the growth of cities, the increase in the number of urban residents and the development of industry, a huge number of substances that do not decompose naturally is discharged into water sources. Currently, domestic sewage in most coastal cities does not meet modern sanitary requirements, since the repair of old and the laying of new sewage treatment plants require large financial investments. In the interests of nature and human health, a number of international instruments has been adopted prohibiting the import of hazardous and radioactive waste, as well as the dumping or incineration of hazardous waste in the oceans and inland waters on the African continent. In some African countries, periodic clean-up activities are carried out on ocean and river coasts, but they are ad hoc and do not have a decisive impact on the state of contaminated areas. Experts of international environmental organizations have proposed a set of measures for the conservation and rational use of water resources: construction of wastewater treatment plants; mandatory environmental assessment of all major water management projects; development of measures to eliminate possible damage; control of new industrial installations and industrial waste disposal; design and operation of landfills based on reliable hydrogeological information and environmental expertise. However, these regulations are often violated, and solving the problem of coastal water pollution remains a distant prospect.

Biological risk assessment in occupational settings currently is based on either qualitative or semiquantitative analysis. In this study, a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) has been applied to estimate the human adenovirus (HAdV) health risk due to bioaerosol exposure in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). A stochastic QMRA model was developed considering HAdV as the index pathogen, using its concentrations in different areas and published dose–response relationship for inhalation. A sensitivity analysis was employed to examine the impact of input parameters on health risk. The QMRA estimated a higher average risk in sewage influent and biological oxidation tanks (15.64% and 12.73% for an exposure of 3 min). Sensitivity analysis indicated HAdV concentration as a predominant factor in the estimated risk. QMRA results were used to calculate the exposure limits considering four different risk levels (one illness case per 100, 1.000, 10.000, and 100.000 workers): for 3 min exposures, we obtained 565, 170, 54, and 6 GC/m3 of HAdV. We also calculated the maximum time of exposure for each level for different areas. Our findings can be useful to better define the effectiveness of control measures, which would thus reduce the virus concentration or the exposure time.

Since pollution of the Rhine has been greatly reduced by the construction of sewage treatment plants, the significance of accidents for water quality has become obvious. Most accidents are of only local importance, but after an incident in 1969 the water for fighting the Sandoz warehouse fire caused the second long distance death of fish in the river in 1986. Many waterworks are effectively protected from pollution surges by a bank filtration for the water. Waterworks with direct water intake shut their intakes down temporarily when a pollution wave is flowing past. Both wastewater discharges and the river Rhine are continuously and carefully monitored. Rapidly responding biological tests and screening processes are being used to an increasing extent. A well equipped water protection police service is an additional important control element. Safety during transport and transfer of goods by ship is controlled by the regulations on transporting hazardous goods on the Rhine. Special care and safety measures are taken for loading and unloading of ships. Routine cost-free bilge emptying is an important contribution to water protection too. Accidental pollution incidents with cooling water discharges or from the outlet from treatment plants can occur from the bank. Rapid recognition and elimination of faults are essential for cooling water protection.

ABSTRACT The dry-composting toilet, which uses neither water nor sewage infrastructure, is a practical solution in areas with inadequate sewage disposal and where water is limited. These systems are becoming increasingly popular and are promoted to sanitize human excreta and to recycle them into fertilizer for nonedible plants, yet there are few data on the safety of this technology. This study analyzed fecal coliform reduction in approximately 90 prefabricated, dry-composting toilets (Sistema Integral de Reciclamiento de Desechos Orgánicos [SIRDOs]) that were installed on the U.S.-Mexico border in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The purpose of this study was to determine fecal coliform reduction over time and the most probable method of this reduction. Biosolid waste samples were collected and analyzed at approximately 3 and 6 months and were classified based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Results showed that class A compost (high grade) was present in only 35.8% of SIRDOs after 6 months. The primary mechanism for fecal coliform reduction was found to be desiccation rather than biodegradation. There was a significant correlation (P = 0.008) between classification rating and percent moisture categories of the biosolid samples: drier samples had a greater proportion of class A samples. Solar exposure was critical for maximal class A biosolid end products (P= 0.001). This study only addressed fecal coliforms as an indicator organism, and further research is necessary to determine the safety of composting toilets with respect to other pathogenic microorganisms, some of which are more resistant to desiccation.

The lack of potable water in arid countries leads to the use of treated sewage water (TSW) for crop growth. Mercury accumulation (up to 500 ng/g) in agricultural soil originating from daily irrigation with TSW was found at two sites fed separately from a hospital sewage plant and an industrial plant. A control site irrigated with potable water ([Hg] &lt;0.01 ng/ml) had much reduced levels in soil (&lt;12 ng/g). Cold-vapour analysis of TSW revealed that Hg concentrations fluctuated widely, and were between 10-100 times higher than those of potable water. The TSW data originated from a total of 46 samples (1L each), from both plants, collected over a 6-month period. The Hg levels varied from 0.1 to 1.0 ng/ml, which suggested that the possible source of the accumulation could be found in continuous irrigation with comparatively higher Hg levels. Remedial measures could be approached from the perspective of curbing this inconsistency to produce more consistent Hg concentrations below 0.5 ng/ml. It was found that the electrical conductivity of TSW is a useful indicator to rapidly monitor fluctuations in treatment. A novel development in the study was the potential capacity of the plastic TSW discharge-pipes to behave as crude ‘chromatographic’ columns for possible Hg adsorption. If this property of the pipes is developed further it could have a considerable mitigating effect on the Hg levels. Possible recommendations for remediation to limit the Hg levels and promote sustainable development are discussed.

Since 2017, risk assessments for water intakes in Poland have provided the basis for decisions to establish indirect water protection zones. The preventive, risk-based approach and the related risk minimization measures are required under the provisions of the Drinking Water Directive (DWD) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption. This approach is in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for water safety plans. The aim of this study was to present a methodology and to carry out a risk assessment of the threats to surface water intakes, which in Poland, should be completed by the end of 2022. Risk assessments were performed for four onshore-type surface water intakes located in south-eastern Poland. The results were presented in aggregate form, which enabled clear presentation and conclusions. It was found that the greatest risks are associated with seasonal changes in water quality (mainly high turbidity and water blooms), unregulated sewage management, the occurrence of floodwater flows and catastrophic events caused by the potential failure of wastewater treatment plants. Based on the results of the risk assessment, the need to establish new, or to adjust the existing, protection zones for the analyzed water intakes was identified.

Activated sludge treatment plants generate large quantities of sludge each year, thereby posing a serious environmental problem. This study aims to experimentally assess the effect of rainwater on the leaching of sludge components. In this context, a percolation test was set up, and composed of PVC cylinders into which the solid substrate was introduced. Five modalities of the solid substrate were used: a sludge modality, a soil modality and three modalities with increasing percentage of sludge (1%, 5% and 25%) in the soil. The percolation water is collected during the rainy months in bottles placed below each column. Solid substrate samples were taken before the test and after one year. The physicochemical analysis of the percolation water showed an increase in the electrical conductivity, BOD5, COD, nitrogen compounds and phosphate compounds which were proportional to the percentage of sludge. The pH of the sewage sludge leachates varies from 7.61 to 7.98. Zinc and copper were the most mobilized metals. A year following the installation of the percolation test, electrical conductivity, total phosphorus (TP) and orthophosphate (PO4) contents decreased for the solid substrates using the five modalities. Furthermore, ammonium (NH4) and nitrates (NO3) levels decreased in soil mixed with 1 to 25% of sludge due to their leaching by rainwater. Collectively, these data show that the leachates through the soil mixed with sludge are stable and loaded with NO3, a plant nutrient that can contaminate the groundwater as well as the surface waters inducing their eutrophication. Furthermore, addition of sludge to the soil improves the levels of carbon, total nitrogen, TP and PO4 in the soil and thereby soil fertility. The addition of sludge, however, is not without soil contamination with heavy metals. Such soil contamination would cause pollution of surface and ground water. Reaching certain severity, it should call for the adoption of prompt measures for the protection of environment and human health.

Understanding of solids deposition, erosion, and transport processes in sewer systems has improved considerably in the past decade. This has provided guidance for controlling sewer solids and associated acute pollutants to protect the environment and improve the operation of wastewater systems. Although measures to decrease combined sewer overflow (CSO) events have reduced the amount of discharged pollution, overflows continue to occur during rainy weather in combined sewer systems. The solution lies in the amount of water allotted to various processes in an effluent treatment system, in impact evaluation of water quality and prediction technology, and in stressing the importance of developing a control technology. Extremely contaminated inflow has been a serious research subject, especially in connection with the influence of rainy weather on nitrogen and organic matter removal efficiency in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). An intensive investigation of an extremely polluted inflow load to WWTP during rainy weather was conducted in the city of Matsuyama, the region used for the present research on total suspended solid (TSS) concentration. Since the inflow during rainy weather can be as much as 400 times that in dry weather, almost all sewers are unsettled and overflowing when a rain event is more than moderate. Another concern is the energy consumed by wastewater treatment; this problem has become important from the viewpoint of reducing CO2 emissions and overall costs. Therefore, while establishing a prediction technology for the inflow water quality characteristics of a sewage disposal plant is an important priority, the development of a management/control method for an effluent treatment system that minimises energy consumption and CO2 emissions due to water disposal is also a pressing research topic with regards to the quality of treated water. The procedure to improve water quality must make use of not only water quality and biotic criteria, but also modelling systems to enable the user to link the effect of changes in urban sewage systems with specific quality, energy consumption, CO2 emission, and ecological improvements of the receiving water.

AbstractIncreasing amounts of sewage sludge will be applied to agricultural land over the next 10 years as a result of the prohibition of its disposal to the sea. The addition of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) to the soil via sewage sludge is controlled by European legislation designed to limit the accumulation of PTEs in soil which could give rise to toxicity to plants or livestock. However the possibility exists that direct ingestion of sewage sludge and soil together with grazed herbage may result in accumulation of PTEs in body tissues. To assess the extent of accumulation of PTEs by direct ingestion of soil and sewage sludge 12 groups of housed weaned lambs were given diets ad libitum comprising dried grass (900 g/kg total diet dry matter (DM)) and three different soils (100 glkg total diet DM). Soil was replaced by dried digested sewage sludge at levels ofO (level 0), 75 (level 1), 150 (level 2) and 300 g/kg soil DM (level 3). Voluntary intake of DM was markedly depressed by the inclusion of sewage sludge in the diet (on average by 24 g DM per g sewage sludge DM addition). There was no effect of sewage sludge on diet apparent digestibility. Live-weight gain was depressed (P < 0·001) by the addition of sewage sludge to the diet from 236 glday (level 0) to 141 glday (level 3). Liver and kidney weights were also reduced (P < 0·01). The apparent availability coefficients for Cd, Pb and Cu increased with increasing level of sewage sludge in the diet fP < 0·05), as did their concentrations in the liver and kidney (P < 0·01). Concentrations of Cd and Pb in liver increased from <0·07 mg/kg DM and <0·40 mg/kg DM (level 0) respectively to 0·61 mg/kg DM and 4·60 mg/kg DM (level 3) respectively at the end of the trial. Similarly the concentrations of Cd and Pb in kidneys increased from 0·19 mg/kg DM and <0·56 mg/kg DM (level 0) respectively to 0·80 mg/kg DM and 7·10 mg/kg DM (level 3) respectively by the end of the trial. No increases were observed in concentrations of Cd or Pb in muscle tissue. The main effect of type of soil on concentrations of PTEs in body tissues was not significant The daily rate of accumulation ofPb in kidney ranged from 1·1 to 51·5 uglg daily tissue DM growth during the first 57 days of the experiment and from 0·33 to 6·78 /xg/g daily tissue DM growth between day 57 and day 112. A decrease in the second period was also observed for Cd, with accumulation in kidney ranging from 0·31 to 4·44 fig/g daily tissue DM growth during the first 57 days and from 0·21 to 1·44 /jg/g daily tissue DM growth between day 57 and 112. Concentrations of Pb in liver of lambs given the highest level of sludge approached the statutory limit set for human food. The results indicate that in relation to accumulation of PTEs in liver and kidney there would appear to be little margin of safety with respect to the current United Kingdom statutory limits for the concentrations of Cd and Pb in sludge-amended soils. Confirmation of these results is required in the grazing situation.

Packaged water treatment schemes represent a growing model for providing safer water in low-income settings, yet post-distribution recontamination of treated water may limit this approach. This study evaluates drinking water quality and household water handling practices in a floating village in Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia, through a pilot cross-sectional study of 108 households, approximately half of which used packaged water as the main household drinking water source. We hypothesized that households purchasing drinking water from local packaged water treatment plants would have microbiologically improved drinking water at the point of consumption. We found no meaningful difference in microbiological drinking water quality between households using packaged, treated water and those collecting water from other sources, including untreated surface water, however. Households' water storage and handling practices and home hygiene may have contributed to recontamination of drinking water. Further measures to protect water quality at the point-of-use may be required even if water is treated and packaged in narrow-mouthed containers.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety measures practiced by farmers with use of pesticides in Tubah Sub-Division. The data gathered would be useful for drafting policies related to use of pesticides to reduce its effects on human health and the environment. This survey was carried out in November 2016 in Tubah Sub-Division, Mezam Division of the North West region of Cameroon. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 homesteads of the study area. The results revealed that 94.2% of the farmers were untrained in pesticide safety measures, 30.8% did not observe any safety interval before consuming freshly treated crops and 25.8% did not read instructions on pesticide labels before handling. Fifty five percent of the farmers did not use any protective equipment, 79.2% practiced careless pesticide disposal, 13.3% stored pesticides in stores and 7.5% stored pesticides inside their houses. Eighty percent of the families stored their crops via hanging in the house and smoking the crops, while 10.8% stored their crops in sealed bins. Water washing followed by removing the outer cover was applied as a crop cleaning procedure prior to cooking or consumption. Major symptoms such as headache, wheezing, dizziness and skin problems were observed in the homesteads. Some environmental changes observed after application of pesticides were damage of non-target plants and disappearance of insects. It could be concluded that in Bambili, farmers lacked proper knowledge regarding safe handling and use of pesticides and the adverse effects of improper pesticide use to human health and the environment.

In drinking water catchments, reduction of pathogen loads delivered to reservoirs is an important priority for the management of raw source water quality. To assist with the evaluation of management options, a process-based mathematical model (pathogen catchment budgets - PCB) is developed to predict Cryptosporidium, Giardia and E. coli loads generated within and exported from drinking water catchments. The model quantifies the key processes affecting the generation and transport of microorganisms from humans and animals using land use and flow data, and catchment specific information including point sources such as sewage treatment plants and on-site systems. The resultant pathogen catchment budgets (PCB) can be used to prioritize the implementation of control measures for the reduction of pathogen risks to drinking water. The model is applied in the Wingecarribee catchment and used to rank those sub-catchments that would contribute the highest pathogen loads in dry weather, and in intermediate and large wet weather events. A sensitivity analysis of the model identifies that pathogen excretion rates from animals and humans, and manure mobilization rates are significant factors determining the output of the model and thus warrant further investigation.

Aquaculture is rapidly growing part of agriculture worldwide. It makes up around 44 percent of total fish production globally. This increased growth of production is achieved despite facing many challenges in the aquaculture environment. Among production limiting challenges, the infectious disease takes the lion share by causing multibillion-dollar loss annually. To reduce the impact of the fish disease, it is necessary to address health constraints based on scientifically proven and recommended ways. This review aims at pointing out some of the best approaches to prevention and control of infectious disease in aquaculture. Among the effective prevention and control strategies, vaccination is one of the key practices. Types of vaccines for use in fish include killed vaccines, attenuated vaccines, DNA vaccines, recombinant technology vaccines, and synthetic peptide vaccines. Administration techniques of vaccines in fish include oral, injection, or immersion methods. Antibiotics are also in use in aquaculture despite their side effects in the development of drug resistance by microorganisms. Biological and chemical disease control strategies such as using probiotics, prebiotics, and medicinal plants are widely in use. Biosecurity measures in aquaculture can keep the safety of a facility from certain disease-causing agents that are absent in particular system. Farm-level biosecurity measures include strict quarantine measures, egg disinfection, traffic control, water treatments, clean feed, and disposal of mortalities. In conclusion, rather than trying to treat every disease case, it advisable to follow a preventive approach before the event of any disease outbreaks.

Abstract Romania, has declared, by the Governmental Decision nr.352/2005, all its territory as a sensitive area. This implies that, for all urban agglomerations larger than 10.000 population equivalent waste water treatment plants (WWTP) with nutrient removal must be built or upgraded. This paper presents the results regarding the possible environmental impacts expected from the project for construction of waste water treatment plant in the City of Vaslui, with main focus on surface water. This research study includes assessment methodology, project description regarding the rehabilitation and extension of the Vaslui waste water treatment plant, data related to water resources, impact assessment on water and appropriate mitigation measures. The assessment of the impacts has been performed for the construction and operational phase of the wastewater treatment plant. The construction phase was subdivided into several phases, while in the operational phase the impacts are analyzed following the line for treatment of the wastewater and effluent production, the line for sludge production and drying process, sludge disposal in safety conditions considering the provisions of 86/278/EEC Directive and the line for biogas utilization.

BACKGROUND: Hospitality& Tourism industry is a major industry contributing to 10% of the GDP of the country. wherein they have a significant economic, social, and ecological impact on nature. Today owing to the Pandemic, this sector is badly hit due to the closure of tourism operations and restricted movement of people across the country and globally. Tourism and hospitality definitely add to the generation of waste, but if managed systematically the environment can be protected from damage. Today mankind is hit by a virus and the reason is we have not respected the environment. Therefore, in recent years, the Indian Government has taken strict measures and made mandatory guidelines for hotels in tourist spots to comply with all environment-friendly practices like proper disposal of wet & dry garbage, recycling of water, sewage treatment plants installation in premises, horticulture, and minimal use of plastic, etc. Five Star hotels were generally assumed as a place to enjoy the vacation, using a swimming pool, and enjoying world cuisine but nowadays people have started asking for recycling paper, recycled linen, recycled amenities in the room, etc. With this changing trend, hotels need to adapt to a new approach and start using green initiatives which give rise to green and eco-friendly hotels. This in turn would benefit mankind, environment and a better future will be passed on as a legacy to coming generations. This paper, therefore, analyses the environment-friendly practices of selected hotels of Delhi and the awareness among the staff.

Introduction. The authors carried out a comparative analysis of Russian and foreign approaches to regulatory and legal regulation of technologies for industrial treatment of wastewater and its sediments concerning parasitic pathogens. The scientific and applied aspects of introducing domestic lime-containing reagents into disinvasion technology, which can be an alternative to energy-intensive and expensive water treatment methods, have been updated. For consideration by the R.F. Department of water and communal services, the work presents a comparative analysis of Russian and European regulatory and legal acts on the use of reagent compositions of slaked/quicklime in industrial technologies for decontamination and disinfection of sewage and their sediments. Standardization of processes and quality of wastewater disinvasion and its sediments with justification of measures to strengthen hygienic control in the world community of water treatment is updated. Materials and methods. applied methods of overview, comparative analysis to evaluate the regulatory and legal regulation of technological techniques that ensure parasitocidal efficiency of wastewater treatment and its sediments in industrial water treatment. Results. The data of full-scale studies of the waters of the surface reservoirs of the Moscow region and the quality of wastewater treatment at discharge points indicate the low efficiency of disinvestment of urban wastewater from centralized wastewater disposal, entering the hydraulic structures of the metropolis and their contribution to the total level of high parasitic pollution of surface water sources. Conclusion. The analysis of the regulatory regulation of the wastewater treatment and sediments industry showed no development of standardization of wastewater and sediments treatment sub-processes and their complete disinvasion according to parasitic safety criteria. A comparative analysis of measures to enhance hygienic assessment of the quality of cleaning and production of secondary products from formed waste and sediments also showed that preliminary work was done with best available technologies (BAT-5) (information technology support (ITS) 10-2015) on compliance with the sanitary legislation of the Russian Federation, including in terms of legal regulation of standard procedures for the production of by-product (biogas, organic fertilizer, soil, recultivant, etc.) or practically non-hazardous or low-hazard waste intended for placement in the environment.

The study of ecosystem and biotope biodiversity of park ecosystems allows to identify the most valuable plant objects in their composition, to assess the degree of stability of existing groups and to identify current threats of anthropogenic impact on them. Gryshkiv Lis tract (Poltava, Kyiv region) is one of the centers of natural phytodiversity conservation and is an array of deciduous forests with an area of ​​about 50 hectares, located adjacent to residential areas of the city. Research materials were collected during field expeditions in August–September 2021 using generally accepted geobotanical methods. The list of higher plants found on the territory of the Gryshkiv Lis tract includes 154 species belonging to 3 classes, 51 families. The most numerous of them are Asteraceae – 19%, Poaceae – 14%, Rosaceae – 11% and Lamiaceae – 10%. There are two species of plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and seven species are regionally rare plants. One plant group was identified in the Green Book of Ukraine. Ecomorphic analysis of species showed that mesophytes, sciogeliophytes and mesotrophs predominate in the study area. Thus, the proportions of hygromorphs, heliomorphs and tropomorphs are close to the structure of the typical flora of the forest-steppe zone, which indicates favorable development conditions for zonal forest vegetation. However, in the spectrum of cenomorphs the share of ruderants is quite significant – almost 20%, the percentage of adventitious species is close to 3%. This indicates a significant anthropogenic transformation of the flora of the surveyed object. Habitat classification was carried out in accordance with the structure of the National Catalog of Habitats of Ukraine. Studies have shown that in the tract "Grishkiv Lis" there are at least 7 habitats, including forest (Eastern European mesophilic eutrophic deciduous forests of forest-steppe and steppe zones), swampy (reedbeds normally without freestanding water, beds of large Carex spp.), shrubbery (lowland and collinar riverine willow scrub, Central European subcontinental thickets), grassy (mesophile fringes), synanthropic (ruderal biotops of perennial nitrophilic type grasses). The dominant habitat of the Gryshkiv Lis tract is natural deciduous forests. The studied object represents a characteristic type of vegetation for the forest-steppe zone – maple-linden oak wood (anthropogenically transformed) with elements of waterlogging. Its central areas are represented by stands with a high degree of preservation of the structure and have good prospects for preservation and restoration with moderate efforts. Recommendations for the preservation of floristic diversity and vegetation of the Gryshkiv Lis tract include the introduction of a system of biotechnical measures to support ecosystems, including restrictions and regulation of recreation, elimination of natural landfills, sewage disposal and elimination of unauthorized buildings. The territory has environmental, scientific, aesthetic and recreational significance. Creation here of a protected area will help preserve the coenotic, landscape and biological diversity of Poltava region.

Abstract In most low- and middle-income countries, due to financial constraints and improper management practices, the expansion of conventional centralized systems to enhance wastewater management services is not practical. Despite the fact that the majority of the world population has met the Millennium Development Goals 7c (MDG7c) targets, more than 2.5 billion are still using unimproved sanitation facilities and affecting the safety of drinking water and public health. Because of this problem, a novel approach on ‘Non-Sewered Sanitation’ with decentralized treatment systems is being recognized as a promising alternative to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 (SDG6) targets on ‘Safe Water and Sanitation’ and bringing health benefits to the people. This study aimed to investigate the current status of access to improved sanitation facilities in relation to the MDG7c and SDG6 in Thailand and comparing with other countries, including the effects of unsafely managed fecal sludge (FS) on the prevalence of diarrhea and liver fluke infections. The prevailing constraints and weaknesses were identified, and effective sanitation management measures to accomplish SDG6 targets were recommended. Based on data collected from 20 cities located in the north and northeastern regions of Thailand during the period of 2015–2020, the sanitation facilities data on conventional centralized systems and FS management facilities that affect the prevalence of diarrhea and liver infections were analyzed and interpreted using statistical and response surface methodology techniques. The findings showed that most of the surveyed cities have achieved the MDG7c targets, but 70% of the FS generated from on-site sanitation systems are still unsafely managed, caused by limited expansion of sewage systems for wastewater collection and conveyance (with inadequate operation and maintenance) as well as the financial constraints, especially in areas outside of urban neighborhoods. The effective sanitation management practices to accomplish the SDG6 targets were proposed such as increasing the capacity of sanitation facilities to be 55,000 m3/day/30,000 households, designing appropriate FS collection program and treatment technology, and providing more awareness programs for safe sanitation management and health risk protection.

Modern sociology has a special look at the three associated variables of environment, water and energy. The three variables are not in a harmonial state in many parts of the globe. Some have access to two, or not sufficient to one. Only a few countries are in an equilibrium state of the three. For example, many African countries are in short fall of water and energy. What sociologists suggest is to bring about resources enough as far as the three parts are concerned. In the past, the threefold relationship was less considered and measured, but currently with the heavy weight of population over 7.8 billion world over (WPDS, 2020), balance between the three is inevitable. While population all over the world has increased considerably, water resources have not increased in the same way. Moreover, in the past, population dependency on energy was not that much. But, in the industrial age of today, man is highly in need of energy of different types to maintain life. However, waste and wastewater have become problematic in current age and in most parts of the world. The emerging situation is polluting environment, seas and water streams. It is more observable in less developed world than the developed world. Therefore, the water and energy crisis is wide and ongoing. It is discussed elaborately in the present article. However, national security could be accessible only if water-energy policies are there (Bauer et el. 2014). Introduction The threefold relationship of environment, water and energy is very important from a sociological point of view. Although in the past these three variables were less considered, and their relationship with each other has been less measured, at the same time, following the comprehensive development of modern societies, the tripartite relationship of these variables is inevitable today. To have a healthy environment, enough water resources and enough energy, you must always invest in it. While energy is highly dependent on water, the supply and transfer of water, and the disposal and transfer of wastewater also require energy. Therefore, water and energy, while being necessary for each other, also ensure the health and safety of individuals. Existence of lakes, dams and other similar sources generate energy through and with the power of these elements. At the same time, energy itself transports water resources from one region to another. It also happens with the energy power of the waste disposal system or system. Otherwise, the health of individuals and the health of society in general will face irreparable risks. In the past, when such facilities were less available, many health problems arose that eventually led to an increase in mortality. Therefore, in order to have a healthy environment, providing water and energy resources is very vital and inevitable. Likewise, drinking water itself needs energy for purification and purification operations, and re-pumping to consumers. This means that any interaction regarding the sanitation of water, its purification, its displacement, etc., is itself highly dependent on energy. These conditions ultimately lead to greater well-being, health and security. While developed societies have more or less achieved these possibilities over the last century or so, non-industrial societies have recently been able to implement such schemes; That is, a strategy that leads to better health for them. Where there is a shortage of clean drinking water, and water has to be transported over long distances, having energy is extremely important. Countries generally do not have the same amount of water resources for different uses. As a result, in many cases they have to move water from long distances to other places. This kind of movement requires sufficient and sustainable energy, and this makes agricultural exploitation, agricultural prosperity, access to more resources and products, and the like, more practical and achievable. One of the most significant challenges in this regard is within African countries; That is, areas that are generally short of energy, and the aforementioned losses have made it impossible for such communities to make good use of their potential resources (agricultural land); As a result, poverty and scarcity are widespread in such societies. Method of ResearchMethodology used in the present article is of qualitative type. In that, various paradigms have been used to find out about the facts regarding pandemics during the history. Qualitative research usually studies people, events or areas in their natural settings. In finding facts for the research, the researcher engaged in careful data collection and thoughtful analysis of what was relevant. In the documentary research applied for the present research, printed and written materials were widely regarded. The research was performed as a qualitative library-type in which the researcher had to refer to the relevant and related sources. In the current research, various documents were thoroughly investigated, and the needful inferences were made. The data fed by the investigator in the present article is hopefully reliable. Though literature on pandemics is very limited, yet the author tried to investigate many different resources in order to elicit the necessary information to build up the text. Energy and waterMany of the problems of the society will be reduced if all the people of a society have adequate access to energy and water. It means the safety of water for drinking and sanitary consumption (UNDP: 2015). Access to water and energy also greatly contributes to improving the quality of life. At the same time, access to these resources greatly contributes to the health of the environment, its preservation and maintenance. Today, many less developed communities face increasing population, population density, and mass migration to urban areas. They face water and energy constraints. This has caused the environment to be directly and indirectly affected, and in a negative way. Overpopulation in urban areas, on the one hand, and water scarcity, on the other, put many green space resources at risk of extinction. Therefore, urban environmental planners must always adjust and consider the relocation and resettlement of the population in accordance with water and energy resources. This statement can be applied to all human societies, and it means that energy and water are inseparable. For example, energy is inevitably needed to cool biofuels (hydropower) or water-based power plants, and so on, to access water sources or safe water. In other words, to transfer water from one area to another, or to pump water for change or desalination, we need sufficient and appropriate energy. Therefore, countries should always pay enough attention to these two sources in their planning path. However, many traditional water sources such as springs, aqueducts and the like are being destroyed in many communities. Likewise, following the general warming of the earth, water scarcity is felt more than ever in different communities. On the other hand, following the consumption of more and more population, the need for water directly and indirectly is always increasing. Given this scenario, environmental planners must always take new practical measures to meet the growing needs of their citizens. From a sociological point of view, basic human needs cannot be met without energy and water. That is, it provided food for the growing population, and sustained economic growth. Many societies today need more food, even than in previous years. In other words, more per capita should be considered for them in terms of food, services, agricultural resources and the like. This means that as the quality of life improves, so does the expectation of consumption. In such circumstances, the community in question needs more water resources. While many societies are in such a situation. Future consumption needs are less predictable. Rising prices for food and consumables around the world in recent years are evidence of this claim. That is, many societies around the world over the past decades have not paid attention to the current years (decades) of the 21st century. At the same time (today) (1.3 billion) 1.3 billion people in the world do not have access to electricity, and about 800 million people get their water from unhealthy sources. These conditions lead to many diseases, health problems, personal and social threats and other deprivations. Therefore, considering the natural trend of population growth, which is generally 2% per year or more in developing countries, the forecast and increase of water and energy resources is of crucial importance. As noted, nearly one-seventh of the world's population is now forced to use polluted water resources, which threatens the health of current and even future generations. Therefore, environmental sociologists must always measure and predict population growth index and water resources index together. Many African countries today are in such a situation. That is, a situation whose unhealthy conditions can be transferred to other communities. It's about the same billion people suffering from poverty, hunger and deprivation, and over the next thirty years the demand for food and energy will increase at an unprecedented rate. However, a high proportion of the population, or in other words one-seventh of the world's population, faces food deprivation. While by 2050 the world population will increase from the current 7.2 billion (2013) to more than 9.2 billion, during this time the expectations of individuals, their way of life and the different needs of citizens in different societies will also increase. . These conditions will further exacerbate food and energy problems. Therefore, social planners should distribute their urban and rural population in proportion to their water and energy resources. If more population pressure is applied to urban areas, it will put additional pressure on water and energy resources. However, many human societies today still rely on the same water resources to sustain their lives, economic growth and their environment. In a situation where the share of the population is increasing, effective and productive sources of agricultural and food production. That is, water and energy resources must also increase, otherwise many products. Food production, agricultural production and the like are more or less failing. Under such circumstances, more migration will inevitably occur, which in itself has a negative impact on the environment. This trend is more related to less developed countries than industrialized and developed countries. Improving communities and ecosystemsPutting water and energy on the agenda (from a systemic point of view). How it was developed and managed must be pursued at the local, national, regional and global levels. Water and energy as two influential and vital factors today should be regularly included in development plans, sufficient budgets should be allocated to them, and as mentioned, they should be pursued at different levels and in a participatory manner. In this way, water and energy supply can be achieved to some extent. Likewise, specialized departments, in partnership with other institutions, must make the necessary predictions in proportion to time and place. Therefore, water, energy and food supply will play a central role in the importance and environmental health of communities. Due to increasing population, urban population density, population growth, and changing lifestyles, the need for water, energy and food is felt more than ever in the past. Today, however, a significant portion of the world's population cannot easily meet these needs. Therefore, countries, both independently and in partnership with other communities, must meet the growing needs for water, energy and food as much as possible. In this way, the quality of life in these communities also improves. Many Third World countries, and African countries in general, face severe restrictions in the water, energy and food sectors. The issue of energy and water in general is important in two ways. That is, in terms of the opportunities and challenges of society, and the elimination of many of the growing needs in different societies. Water and energy, while creating opportunities, on the other hand, and in conditions of scarcity or scarcity, water inevitably brings challenges and limitations. Opportunities mean that in the conditions of having sufficient water and energy, economic-agricultural development takes place in its desired form. That is, a movement that itself provides more added value. With the opportunity in question, this situation will lead to more investment, more income, and ultimately more per capita GDP. That is, what leads to an improvement in the quality of life. Few countries have achieved this today. However, many developing societies today and in the years to come will face a water and energy crisis. The problem itself requires more studies, more investment and more international cooperation. Population, economy and energy and water demandThe production and use of energy and water in its national form is a significant necessity in order to meet the basic needs and develop opportunities for the people. Energy supply means access to clean, reliable and revenue-generating energy services for cooking, heating, lighting, communications and productive uses (United Nations: 2010). The supply of water resources and the production of energy required due to the growing needs, today is the first level of importance in different countries. The provision of these resources in its national and global form must be considered, otherwise uncontrolled migration from places without water and energy to other places will inevitably take place. That is, the flow that ultimately leads to environmental problems in various forms. This process leads to housing constraints, transportation problems, and many socio-economic disadvantages. Therefore, social planners, environmental sociologists, and economists must always have adequate oversight and effective forecasting in the water and energy sectors. Water and energy themselves provide food security. It means providing and accessing adequate, healthy and nutritious food that meets the daily nutritional needs and nutritional preferences for a healthy and active life (FAO: 1996). In any case, both energy and water cross national borders in some cases, thereby facilitating international cooperation. Today, following the need of countries for these two factors, new relations have emerged between countries. Whereas in the distant past, water currents flowed easily from one country to another, today for this movement. Contracts and treaties are concluded. Similarly, while countries today need more energy (for example, electricity), cooperation and areas of trade and transmission of electricity between countries are taking place. In this way, the fields of economic cooperation between countries have increased. That is, it provides conditions that improve agriculture, improve the environment, and provide more food, and so on. Cooperation between neighbors in this way provides benefits sharing, profitability, access to more food and water-related products. As the population of countries has increased in recent decades, and on the other hand, the need for food has increased, this has made the connection between countries more and more in terms of water and energy transmission. Is. Improved global water, energy and food supply conditions can be achieved through a cohesive policy. It means adopting a method in terms of management and administration, integrated in all sections and scales (WWF Retrieved). At the international level, ongoing crises such as energy, food, financial issues, and the like indicate systemic interdependence. If the needs related to the mentioned indicators such as energy, water and food are not met in an adequate level, the society will face various crises. Under such circumstances, the standard of living declines. That is, comfort, access to the required material goods, income, employment, domestic products, and inflation are all affected by the declining trend in living standards (Retrieved: 2011). For example, in the absence of energy and water, many villagers migrate to urban areas. That is, a movement that itself leads to crises such as environmental pollution, transportation, population density, destruction of the urban environment and the like. Such crises also lead to greater challenges to personal and social health. Therefore, the water and energy crisis poses many and ongoing challenges. Sociologists in general and environmental sociologists in particular evaluate and predict these conditions. Developing countries face serious challenges in achieving their Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and their close and intimate relationships with water, energy and food need to be re-examined to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Developing countries must always anticipate their coming years by turning to water and energy resources. That is, such facilities that lead to the provision of food. However, such countries face unforeseen challenges and problems due to their increasing population on the one hand, and their extensive migration to urban areas on the other hand. Sociologists have always advised that greater individual and social health be achieved through access to adequate sources of water and energy, otherwise there will be many challenges in the lives of different strata. Likewise, the emergence of new injuries endangers individual and social health in various forms. Energy and water balanceEnergy and water are two important factors in urban development. Any industrial development and access to more industrial products, and more processing itself requires more energy and water resources. In the absence of these two sources, urban communities are largely exposed to economic stagnation, unemployment, and consequently economic inflation. This also leads to a decline in quality of life. Therefore, in proportion to the capacities related to their water and energy resources, they should welcome urban development. Today, many developing communities are facing this problem (restrictions on water and energy resources) in urban areas due to the general increase in their population, and migration from rural to urban areas. Fast-growing cities are heavily dependent on energy and water supply. But at the same time, they must reduce water demand, manage relevant trade, and make good use of their water resources. That is, through the reuse of water, the recycling of water and the production of energy from waste and the like. In a coherent and coordinated manner for industrial development, the use and reuse of energy and water is essential, in order to increase scarce resources and save costs. That is, during the production and management of waste, the motivation for social-environmental responsibility should be strengthened as much as possible through sustainable production. The relationship between energy and water is not only quantitative, but also water quality, water pollution, water pollution and the like must be considered. Different countries and societies, given their growing needs on the one hand, and the scarcity of water resources on the other hand, must always make multiple uses of the available water resources. It means recycling a lot of used water and reusing it in other fields and the like. Otherwise, the limitation and shortage of water resources will lead to food shortages. Therefore, continuous monitoring of its water resources to a large extent ensures the health and quality of life in urban and rural areas as much as possible. The connection between water and energy is inseparable, especially in urban areas. That is, city life depends on these two elements (Sustainca: 2015). Disseminate information on water and energyAccess to information and dissemination of data in the field of energy and water resources, or in other words, management of water resources, etc., is itself a major challenge in most societies today. Many countries, especially in less developed societies, do not have enough information about their water resources, water needs, future water resources, and water management in general. Therefore, based on estimates, such communities will sooner or later face challenges and problems due to water shortages. Therefore, from the sociological point of view of the environment, these communities should prioritize studies and information gathering in this regard as part of their plans, given the increase in their population and water consumption. Green infrastructure facilities, and nature conservation, provide significant services in protecting communities from floods and overheating, dust control, etc. It means strengthening green infrastructure (Benedict: 1947). The complexity of energy and water development decisions often requires some kind of modeling (or hybrid model), based on which an integrated support system is developed and maintained. To meet their water needs, countries must use newer and more advanced methods and models. Likewise, the link between less developed and more developed countries, in order to benefit from their experiences, can itself help in making decisions about energy and water development in less developed societies. Otherwise, the scope of the crisis will expand further in the coming years. Such developments include water and energy economics, their ecological impacts, social criteria, and economic tools that can be measured through choices. In other words, calculating and measuring their water and energy resources as effective methods help these countries in providing water resources. In general, today water and energy resources in its scientific form should be evaluated, measured and predicted. The bridge between science, politics and peopleDialogue or science, politics and people in the field of energy and water based on knowledge and education (literacy), indicates that energy and water need improvement and development. That is, effective efforts must be made in this regard. Innovations in technology, management and the like. In this way, a bridge between science, politics and people can be created. By creating such a tripartite relationship, energy and water resources can be fundamentally managed. At the same time, science and technology must be aligned with, and aligned with, energy and water policy.Otherwise, the challenges and shortcomings of energy and water constraints will become more and more widespread. In a situation where the global population has increased to more than 7.2 billion people today, and at the same time social, economic, service and similar needs have increased more than ever in the past, the use of science and technology to Providing as much energy and water as possible is inevitable. This connection can also be explained by the fact that human beings are inseparable from nature. As any damage to nature by man, man himself is subsequently harmed (Rights of Mother Earth: 2011). As far as developing countries are concerned, such efforts should be made to expand capacities at all levels. By creating such connections or putting them on the agenda, the necessary coordination between the environment, water and energy is achieved. Therefore, capacity building at different levels, including urban and rural areas, industrial and agricultural capacity, human capacity, both men and women, each play a role in providing resources related to water, energy and a healthy environment. ConclusionSociologically speaking, basic human needs cannot be met without energy and water. Currently, over 1.3 billion people in the world do not have access to electricity, and over 800 million people get their water from unhealthy sources. Such conditions lead to many diseases, health problems, personal and social threats, and other deprivations. As noted earlier, one-seventh of world's population is currently forced to use polluted water resources which threatens the health of generations. Therefore, environmental sociologists must always measure and predict the population growth index and water resources index together. However, many human societies still rely on the same water resources to sustain their lives, their economic growth and their environment. Water and energy as two influential and vital factors should be regularly included in development plans, and sufficient budgets need to be allocated to them. Eventually, it must be noted that water, energy and food supply play a central role in the environmental health of communities. References: Bauer, D.; et al. "The Water-Energy Nexus: Challenges and Opportunities". US Department of Energy. 2014. Benedict, M.A.; et al. Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities. 1947. California Sustainability Alliance, Cynthia, Truelove, Senior Water Policy Analyst, California Public Utilities Commission. FAO. Rome Declaration on World Food Security and World Food Summit Plan of Action, World Food Summit 13-17, November 1996, Rome. Nexus Resource. Right of Mother Earth, Bolivia UN, Bolovian.net, Retrieved 2011. Standard of Living Definition, Investopedia.com, Retrieved 2011. UNDP: Millennium Development Goals, Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability. 2015. UN Secretary General's Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change (AGECC), Summary Report and Recommendations, 28 April 2010, P.13. World Population Data Sheet, Population Reference Bureau, Washington DC. 2020.

Ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) included science and activities associated with the detection, evaluation, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment. These drugs enter the environment in a variety of ways, creating negative impacts. Vultures dying after eating the carcasses of animals treated with Diclofenac sodium, Ethinyl oestradiol negatively affecting fish through "feminization" of males, Ivermectin negatively affecting dung beetle growth, Fluoxetine causing behavioural changes in shrimps, and bacterial resistance are just a few examples of drugs that have harmful effects on the environment. Some corrective methods that can be expected to reduce the number of pharmaceuticals entering the environment include lowering pharmaceutical waste, enhancing the efficiency of sewage treatment plants, green pharmacy, and developing better medication disposal systems. Regulatory agencies have tried a variety of approaches to mitigate the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, including Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of drugs, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Risk Mitigation Measures. Drug effects must be monitored not only for medical reasons, but also to protect the environment.

Abstract A drinking-groundwater source protection technology system based on a three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater model was constructed and applied to the safe management of drinking groundwater in the first terrace of Fujiang River. In the study area, the main type of groundwater is the quaternary systemic alluvial deposit loose rock pore water and the aquifer thickness varies between 20 and 35 m. Groundwater is the main source of water and is used for various purposes through two exploitation wells. The water volumes of 1# exploitation well (1#) and 2# exploitation well (2#) are 10,000 m3/day and 5000 m3/day, respectively. An analysis of 22 indicators from 11 groundwater samples showed that a higher concentration of chemical-oxygen-demand (CODMn) and ammonia–nitrogen (NH3–N), and they had a high correlation with most of the other water-quality factors. Therefore, CODMn and NH3–N were selected as indicator factors for model calibration and prediction. Twenty-two hydraulic head observation wells were used for flow-model calibration. The flow model indicated that a drop funnel formed with a maximum depth of 12 m, and the particle-capture zone in the original downstream direction of the south side extended to 1100 m because of groundwater exploitation. The solute-transport model showed that industrial pollution sources were the main factors that led to a deterioration of water quality. To analyze the necessity and effectiveness of remediation measures for the safety of drinking-water sources, two scenarios were considered to predict the concentration of NH3-N and CODMn in groundwater exploitation wells over 20 years. Scenario I, which considered that current conditions were maintained, predicted that the NH3-N would exceed the drinking-water quality standard of 0.5 mg/L after 16 years. Scenario II, in which industrial sewage treatment plants were installed outside the particle-trapped zone of the exploitation wells and strict anti-seepage measures were implemented, predicted that the peak concentrations of NH3-N and CODMn in the exploitation wells would be 0.26 mg/L and 1.33 mg/L, respectively, after 3 years of model operation. This study provides a theoretical basis for drinking-groundwater source protection that can be applied to safety management practices.

The use of biosolids (treated municipal sewage sludge) as a fertilizer is the best way of their disposal. However, not all of them are suitable for use as a fertilizer. Biosolids should be subject to mandatory laboratory control to confirm their safety. Two directions of research on biosolids are being improved: chemical and biological. Chemical analysis methods allow us to determine the qualitative composition of complex waste. The biological approach (use of living organisms) allows us to estimate the total toxicity of all the components. Accordingly, a distinctive characteristic of biological methods is the integrated approach. We examined biosolid extract using a wide range of bioassay methods. As test organisms, we took Daphnia magna Straus, Paramecium caudatum Ehrenberg, Tetrahymena pyriformis, luminescent bacteria Escherichia coli. In addition, a phytotest was carried out on the culture of Avena sativa L. and Raphanus sativus L. None of the tests revealed a high toxicity of biosolid. Biosolid safety was confirmed by a low content of potentially toxic water-soluble elements – (μg /l): Al3+ – 980; Ba2+ – 19; B – 140; Mn – 360; Cu – 61; As – 57; Ni – 200; Pb – 1,4; Sr2+ – 302; Cr – 18; Zn2+ – 310; Co – 30; Mo – 56; (mg/l): Na+ – 16,8; Fe – 1,0. The bioassay methods make it possible to give an indicative safety assessment of this type of object by the effect of readily soluble (readily available) components from this object on living organisms and plants. The use of bioassay methods using soil extraction as a control tool allows to take into account the combined effect of the presence in the extraction of not only toxic elements that suppress the vital activity of organisms, but also of elements that attract and stimulate the activity of test-organisms.

Background: The article presents an overview of foreign and Russian scientific data on possible natural reservoirs of the COVID-19 causative agent, SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes, and measures taken to combat it in an aquatic environment. The objective of this review is to determine the possibility and features of SARS-CoV-2 dissemination through the aquatic environment, taking into account statistical significance of the results obtained and the compliance of scientific research with the criteria of evidence-based medicine. Methods: We used keywords “COVID-19”, “wastewater”, “treatment facilities”, and “river water” to search the electronic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, eLIBRARY, and ResearchGate, for journal articles on the topic. Out of 109 search results, we chose 85 papers and, having analyzed them, selected 55 most relevant articles for this review. The presence of the COVID-19 causative agent has been shown in various environmental objects including water supply systems, wastewater, and surface waters. Methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2 particles based on the detection of strains of other viruses in environmental objects have been determined. They demonstrated that the independent entry of the virus into the ecosystem occurs due to its absorption by various fomites. The review presents the results of studies conducted in a number of countries during the pandemic, confirming the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in river water. Some studies indicate the resistance of viral particles present in environmental objects to disinfectants, which, in its turn, determines the relevance of in-depth studies from the standpoint of ensuring sanitary and anti-epidemic regimen at water treatment plants. Conclusions: The analysis of the world experience enabled us to establish the SARS-CoV-2 survival ability in the aquatic environment of urbanized areas and to identify its alternative transmission routes in the environment. In modern conditions, due to a poor efficiency of sewage treatment plants in terms of virions, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment posing a potential risk of the coronavirus disease is quite possible. Our findings will help develop new preventive measures to maintain safety of water bodies and sanitary protection zones. Their implementation will contribute to improvement of the epidemic situation in our country.

Bamboo plants are fast-growing, quickly produce usable material, and are an abundant resource. Bamboo is an excellent, natural, and renewable material. It has a long history of application in human life, industrial manufacturing, cultural industries, and other fields. The warehousing of bamboo and its finished products is an emerging industry with much potential. A reasonable, stable, and orderly warehouse could be an effective solution for the sustainable management, seasonal harvesting, and raw material stability issues. In addition, the warehouse plays an important role in the processing of raw materials, reserve logistics, keeping a robust and real-time supply for downstream products. This is of great significance for alleviating problems associated with Chinese timber safety and for improving the quality of life. This paper focuses on warehousing experience in grain and coal fields, reviews the common material processing and preservation measures of bamboo, analyzes advantages and developmental prospects of bamboo warehousing, and explores and suggests appropriate storage methods, technical systems, and application models. It is expected to provide technical guidance for construction in the bamboo storage industry, and to supply ideas and suggestions for the modern development of the bamboo industry.

Since the Fukushima accident, there has been an increasing discussion on post-accident radiation protection as well as nuclear regulation and management. This study assessed the general content of discussions during the chronic phases after the accident, and analyzed the changes over the years in discussion on radiation protection measures related to the accident by focusing on the meeting minutes of the Nuclear Regulation Authority, Japan from 2012 to 2018 using the method of text mining. The analysis revealed that while the authority’s main focus was on regulation and management regarding the safety of nuclear power plants, in addition to emergency measures for the future (especially in matters such as evacuation), discussions were also held on radiation protection measures for residents and workers and risk communication in the period following the accident. The authority was observed to have dynamically tackled the issues that were regarded as most urgent after the accident and gradually shifted its focus to mid- to long-term issues. In the aftermath of a nuclear accident, it is important for the authorities responsible for nuclear regulation to deepen their knowledge of social measures such as evacuation, return of residents, and risk communication, and strengthen cooperation with experts from other fields.

Abstract In the absence of official standards and guidelines for nuclear fusion plants, fusion designers adopted, as much as possible, the well-established standards for fission based Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). This often implies interpretation and/or extrapolation, due to differences in structures; systems and components; materials; safety mitigation systems; risks; etc. This approach could result in considering overconservative measures that might lead to an increase of cost and complexity with limited or negligible improvements. One important topic is the generation of radioactive waste in fusion power plants. Fusion waste is significantly different from the fission NPP waste, i.e., the quantity of fusion waste is much larger, however it is mostly comprised of Low-Level Waste (LLW) and Intermediate Level waste (ILW). Notably, the waste does not contain many long-lived isotopes, mainly tritium and other activation isotopes but no-transuranic elements. Important benefit of fusion is the lower decay heat removal and rapid radioactivity decay overall. The dominant fusion wastes are primarily composed of structural materials, such as different types of steel, including reduced activation ferritic martensitic (RAFM) steels, like EUROFER97 and F82H; AISI 316L; bainitic; and JK2LB. The relevant long-lived radioisotopes come from alloying elements such as niobium, molybdenum, nickel, carbon, nitrogen, copper, and aluminum and also from uncontrolled impurities (of the same elements, but also e.g., of potassium and cobalt). After irradiation, these isotopes might preclude disposal in LLW repositories. Fusion power should be able to avoid creating High-Level Waste (HLW), but the amount of fusion ILW and LLW will be significant. Thus, the efforts of recycling and clearance are essential to support fusion deployment, reclaim resources (through less ore mining), minimize the radwaste burden for future generations, and continue holding the promise of fusion energy production with low environmental impact.

AbstractIt is acknowledged that a variety of chemicals enter the environment and may cause joint effects. Chemicals regulated under the European Chemicals Regulation REACH are often part of formulated mixtures and during their processing and use in various products they can be jointly released via sewage treatment plants or diffuse sources, and may combine in the environment. One can differentiate between intentional mixtures, and unintentional mixtures. In contrast to other substance-oriented legislations, REACH contains no explicit requirements for an assessment of combined effects, exposures and risks of several components. Still, it requires ensuring the safe use of substances on their own, in mixtures, and in articles. The available options to address intentional as well as unintentional mixtures are presented and discussed with respect to their feasibility under REACH, considering the responsibilities, communication tasks and information availability of the different actors (registrants, downstream-user and authorities). Specific mixture assessments via component-based approaches require a comprehensive knowledge on substances properties, uses, fate and behaviour, and the composition of the mixture under consideration. This information is often not available to the responsible actor. In principle, intentional mixtures of known composition can be assessed by the downstream-user. But approaches have to be improved to ensure a transparent communication and sound mixture assessment. In contrast, unintentional mixtures appear to be better addressable via generic approaches such as a mixture allocation factor during the chemical safety assessment, although questions on the magnitude, implementation and legal mandates remain. Authorities can conduct specific mixture risk assessments in well-defined and prioritized cases, followed by subsequent regulatory measures. In order to address intentional and unintentional mixtures within the current REACH framework, legal mandates together with guidance for the different actors are needed. Furthermore, further data on mixture compositions, uses and co-exposures need to be made accessible via shared databases.

Purpose. The article provides an analysis of the degree of implementation of the tasks and activities of the Strategy of the State Environmental Policy of Ukraine for the period until 2020 in relation to Goal 2 to improve the environmental situation and increase the level of environmental safety in the field of water resources protection through the reconstruction of existing and construction of new urban treatment facilities in order to reduce to 2020 years of the level of anthropogenic pollution. Methods. The system analysis was carried out on the basis of information, statistical and calculated data on the national reports of the Ministry of Regional Development. Results It has been established that the planned environmental protection measures in the field of water resources protection, especially in the area of water disposal, are often not implemented due to the lack of funding at the level of the state budget and national target programs. However, in recent years, a positive trend has been noted to improve the situation in the field of repair, reconstruction, modernization and construction of systems of communal treatment facilities. It has been determined that the dynamics of changes in the volume (in percentage) of insufficiently treated wastewater discharged into water bodies tends to decrease. Conclusions. On the basis of data processing, the fulfillment of Goal 2 was confirmed in full, namely, the reconstruction of existing and construction of new urban wastewater treatment plants was carried out in order to reduce the level of water pollution by pollutants (primarily organic substances, nitrogen and phosphorus compounds) by 15 percent by 2020, and also reduced by 2020 by 20 percent (to the base year) the discharge of insufficiently treated wastewater.