The impact of COVID-19 pandemic in medical waste amounts: a case study from a high-populated city of Turkey

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - In this study, the amount of medical waste generated in a high-populated city in Turkey between January 2018 and August 2021 was evaluated, and the...     

Quantifying the sources of ozone, fine particulate matter, and regional haze in the Southeastern United States

A detailed sensitivity analysis was conducted to quantify the contributions of various emission sources to ozone (O₃), fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), and regional haze in the Southeastern United States. O₃ and particulate matter (PM) levels were estimated using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system and light extinction values were calculated from modeled PM concentrations. First, the base case was established using the emission projections for the year 2009. Then, in each model run, SO₂, primary carbon (PC), NH₃, NO_x or VOC emissions from a particular source category in a certain geographic area were reduced by 30% and the responses were determined by calculating the difference between the results of the reduced emission case and the base case.The sensitivity of summertime O₃ to VOC emissions is small in the Southeast and ground-level NO_x controls are generally more beneficial than elevated NO_x controls (per unit mass of emissions reduced). SO₂ emission reduction is the most beneficial control strategy in reducing summertime PM_2.5 levels and improving visibility in the Southeast and electric generating utilities are the single largest source of SO₂. Controlling PC emissions can be very effective locally, especially in winter. Reducing NH₃ emissions is an effective strategy to reduce wintertime ammonium nitrate (NO₃NH₄) levels and improve visibility; NO_x emissions reductions are not as effective. The results presented here will help the development of specific emission control strategies for future attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in the region.     

Ethical Approach to Fluoridation in Drinking Water Systems of UK and Turkey

The practice of adding substances to make water safe to drink and its consequential effects on human health have been a contentious matter for a long time. In this study, the addition of fluoride in drinking water was evaluated after examining two different countries: Britain and Turkey. This study has used an independent and ethical approach taking into account the cautious but assertive dentists’ comments on the addition of fluoride for years. This research focuses on a comparative analysis of Britain, an advanced economy, and Turkey, a developing country, supported with tangential reference to worldwide practice in general. Drawing on ongoing studies, the research analyses empirical evidence and arguments to conduct an assessment of Turkey’s practices. The ethical argument about fluoridation focuses on the question of adequate evidence for its health benefits and the autonomy of the consumer. As the consumer is not fully consulted about this practice, it could be argued that the will of the consumer can be put to the test in the democratic process. Hence, the key to any policy has to be about both clarity of the national government intention and continued engagement with consumer groups at regional level.     

Generic foresight model in changing hygiene habits with the pandemic: use of wet wipes in next generations

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - The vast use of wet wipes has now become a habitude, particularly following the altered perception of cleanliness during the pandemic and the...