Seeking evidence of multidisciplinarity in environmental geochemistry and health: an analysis of arsenic in drinking water research

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - A multidisciplinary approach to research affords the opportunity of objectivity, creation of new knowledge and potentially a more generally acceptable...     

Cement-based batteries design and performance. A review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Lithium batteries are increasingly used to store energy, but are limited by high cost, safety concerns, leaking of electrolytes, and low capacity....     

Recycling of synthetic waste wig fiber in the production of cement-adobe for building envelope: physio-hydric properties

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Waste wigs are often disposed off in their volume on landfills, thus constituting a nuisance to the environment. Recycling these wigs in masonry...     

Trends in the management of waste tyres and recent experimental approaches in the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from rubber crumbs

The health and environmental consciousness of waste tires has increased tremendously over the years. This has motivated efforts to develop secondary applications that will utilize tire when they reach the end of their life cycle and limit their disposal in landfills. Among the applications of waste tires which are discussed in this review, the use of rubber crumbs in artificial turf fields has gained worldwide attention and is increasing annually. However, there are serious concerns regarding chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process of tires, which ultimately end up in rubber crumbs. Chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals which are found in rubber crumbs have been identified as harmful to human health and the environment. This review paper is intended to highlight some of the methods which have been used to manage waste tire; it also looks at chemicals/materials used in tire compounding which are identified as possible carcinogenic.

     

Field data: distributions and costs of road-traffic fatalities in South Africa

BACKGROUND: Road-traffic crashes and fatalities constitute major social and economic issues in South Africa. They are a major cause of morbidity and mortality comparable to HIV/AIDS, homicides, and some chronic diseases. METHODS: Road-traffic accident data for the year 2003 obtained from the Department of Transport, Pretoria, South Africa were used for this study. The valuation of the costs of road-traffic crashes and fatalities in South Africa is based on the gross output or human capital approach. RESULTS: 10,197 fatal road crashes and 12,353 fatalities were reported during the study period. More than 50% of the fatal road crashes and fatalities occurred in only three out of 11 provinces. The Northern Cape, which is the least populated province, had the highest fatal road crashes per 100,000 population and fatalities per 100,000 population. The number of road-traffic fatalities in the rural areas was 2.7 times that in the urban areas. The total costs of the road-traffic fatalities which was about R 8 billion (>US$ 1 billion) is about 0.6% of the country's nominal GDP for 2003. 60% of the cases and costs of road-traffic fatalities involved persons aged 20-39 years, although this age group is only 27% of the country's population. The rural areas accounted for 73% and the urban areas 27% of the total costs of fatal road-traffic crashes. CONCLUSION: Those living in the rural areas of the South African society and those aged 20-49 years constitute high-risk groups of road-traffic crashes and fatalities. They are also responsible for most of the attendant costs of fatal crashes and fatalities in the country.     

High level leaching of heavy metals from colorful ceramic foodwares: a potential risk to human

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Ceramic foodwares are among the products used by people on daily basis without being cautious of exposures to heavy metals through possible leaching...     

The use of seat belt by motor vehicle occupants in South Africa

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to examine the use of seat belt by motor vehicle users in the various provinces in South Africa. METHODS: Data were abstracted from published reports of the national Department of Transport. Percentage distribution and correlation of road safety variables and seat belt wearing rates for motor vehicle users were calculated for the different provinces. RESULTS: High seat belt wearing rates by the drivers (between 75.1% and 88.1%, national rate was 81%). The seat belt wearing rates for the front and back seat passengers were much lower than for the drivers. The seat belt wearing rates for front seat passengers (44.5% to 60.5%, national - 50.1%) and back seat passengers (1% to 16%, national - 7.6%) were much lower than for the drivers. The national seat belt wearing rate for all vehicles between 1982 and 1995 was between 46.9% and 69.2%, but this has generally declined. CONCLUSION: There is a need for the implementation of strategies to increase the use of seat belts to reduce injuries and fatalities.     

Reuse of walnut shell waste in the development of fired ceramic bricks

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The development of agricultural waste–doped fired bricks is an important step toward achieving lightweight eco-efficient bricks with improved...     

COVID-19 disposable face masks: a precursor for synthesis of valuable bioproducts

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Disposable face mask has become a mandatory personal protective equipment in order to prevent contracting COVID-19. With the significant...