-
Research Article
Performance Assessment of an Aerated Biofiltration Systems Based on Coconut Residues
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
158-167
Received:
14 August 2025
Accepted:
22 August 2025
Published:
11 September 2025
Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of an aerated biofiltration process employing coconut-based filter media for the treatment of domestic wastewater. To achieve this, a semi-industrial pilot system was constructed, consisting of five biofiltration columns packed with different proportions of coconut fibers and husks. The experimental design included an initial 30-day acclimation phase to allow biofilm establishment, followed by a 60-day monitoring period during which the system’s performance was systematically evaluated. The influent wastewater, collected from a hotel, was first characterized and classified as urban wastewater with relatively low biodegradability, as indicated by a COD/BOD5 ratio of 3.94. The results demonstrate that the biofiltration system provided high removal efficiencies for several key pollutants. Turbidity removal reached up to 88%, while ammonium and nitrites were reduced by more than 75%. Similarly, reductions exceeding 70% were observed for total phosphorus and total Kjeldahl nitrogen. COD removal, however, remained moderate at around 50%, highlighting limitations in the system’s ability to eliminate carbonaceous compounds. Overall, the findings indicate that the coconut-based biofiltration process is particularly effective in nitrogen and turbidity removal, reflecting the suitability of coconut husk and fibers as sustainable filter media in decentralized wastewater treatment applications. Nevertheless, the study also reveals important constraints regarding carbon and phosphorus removal. These were attributed to the presence of refractory transphilic and hydrophobic organic fractions in the influent, as well as the limited availability of biodegradable carbon required to support complete phosphorus degradation. The outcomes of this research underscore both the potential and the limitations of coconut-based aerated biofiltration and provide insights for optimizing low-cost, nature-based treatment systems aimed at improving wastewater quality in resource-constrained settings.
Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of an aerated biofiltration process employing coconut-based filter media for the treatment of domestic wastewater. To achieve this, a semi-industrial pilot system was constructed, consisting of five biofiltration columns packed with different proportions of coconut fibers and husks. The experimental design ...
Show More
-
Research Article
Analysis of Non-residential Solid Waste Composition, Generation, and Management Mechanisms
Abayneh Agumass Amogne*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
168-180
Received:
30 July 2025
Accepted:
12 August 2025
Published:
23 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251405.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Although it is crucial to characterize, quantify, and assess the current management mechanisms used by solid waste generators to ensure effective solid waste management, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding non-residential solid waste in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, particularly in Dangila town. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the composition, generation and management mechanisms of non-residential solid waste for Dangila town. To achieve this, data were collected for seven days, using interviews, group discussions, field observations, and measurements. The study found that food waste was the most significant portion in hotels, cafés, and restaurants, comprising 40.51% and 54.98%, respectively. The estimated solid waste generation rates per facility for hotels, kiosks, and cafes & restaurants were 17.52, 0.97, and 2.11 kg/day, respectively. The solid waste produced by the generators was collected fragmentally, and they did not use an environmentally friendly, socially acceptable, or aesthetically pleasing solid waste management mechanism. The study concludes that the municipality should have a common solid waste collection system and a legal framework to manage the solid waste generated from commercial and institutional centers. It is also essential to apply an integrated solid waste management mechanism for the solid waste generated from these solid waste streams.
Abstract: Although it is crucial to characterize, quantify, and assess the current management mechanisms used by solid waste generators to ensure effective solid waste management, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding non-residential solid waste in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, particularly in Dangila town. Therefore, this study aimed to a...
Show More
-
Research Article
Water Supply and Sanitation Crisis in Joragate Railway Slum, Khulna: A Study on Groundwater Quality, Hygiene Practices, and Health Risks
Sadia Islam Mou*,
Rita Paul,
Farhana Haque,
Sadhon Chandra Swarnokar
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
181-196
Received:
25 August 2025
Accepted:
8 September 2025
Published:
26 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251405.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study explored water quality, sanitation practices, waste disposal systems, and socio-economic conditions in the Joragate Railway Slum, located in Ward 21 of Khulna District, Bangladesh. Four blocks Greenland A, D, E, and F were selected and 300 households were surveyed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and simple random sampling techniques. Additionally, 14 groundwater samples were collected during the monsoon and winter seasons and analyzed for a range of physico-chemical parameters as well as microbial indicators were also tested. The results showed that while the water quality was generally acceptable, elevated sodium and alkalinity levels during winter raised concerns. Microbial contamination exceeded safe limits across all blocks, posing significant public health risks. The Water Quality Index (WQI) showed the water quality as generally good for drinking and domestic use, though hygiene practices and infrastructure gaps remain critical. Sanitation was inadequate, with reliance on pit latrines, child open defecation, and poor hygiene, though Greenland-F exhibited comparatively better awareness and cleanliness practices. The study emphasizes an urgent need for additional deep tubewells, improved sanitation, structured waste management, and public health education programs. Alongside, promoting hygiene awareness and proper waste disposal practices is vital for reducing disease risks and improving living conditions in this vulnerable community.
Abstract: This study explored water quality, sanitation practices, waste disposal systems, and socio-economic conditions in the Joragate Railway Slum, located in Ward 21 of Khulna District, Bangladesh. Four blocks Greenland A, D, E, and F were selected and 300 households were surveyed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and simple random sa...
Show More
-
Research Article
Perceptions of the Environmental and Health Impacts of Effluents from the Mofolé Slaughterhouse (Mokolo, Far North Cameroon)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
197-212
Received:
15 August 2025
Accepted:
1 September 2025
Published:
26 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.20251405.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This article presents the results of a survey on the environmental and health risks associated with the effluents from the Mokolo slaughterhouse, located in the urban area of Mofolé. The study was conducted using random sampling, which included 262 questionnaires administered to 65 households, as well as 20 interview guides with the slaughterhouse managers, butchers, and representatives from services such as the Divisional Delegation of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (DDEPDED), Divisional Delegation of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (DDEPIA), and the Municipality. The results indicate that 62% of the participants are women, reflecting the local demographics. It is also noted that 73% of the effluents lack any management system, and 99.6% of households report that the slaughterhouse's wastewater is discharged into their environment. Furthermore, 85% of the 221 residents living near the slaughterhouse use surface and groundwater for their domestic needs. The presence of pests is alarming: 92% of participants report seeing flies, 85% report seeing mice, and 78% report seeing cockroaches. Additionally, 63% of residents observe a degradation in the management of the slaughterhouse waste in recent years. These findings highlight the environmental and health risks associated with the effluents from the Mofolé slaughterhouse. Over 79% of disease cases reported in the last five years were linked to hygiene and water quality problems. Hence, emphasis should be laid on the need for a treatment system to ensure environmental and sanitary safety.
Abstract: This article presents the results of a survey on the environmental and health risks associated with the effluents from the Mokolo slaughterhouse, located in the urban area of Mofolé. The study was conducted using random sampling, which included 262 questionnaires administered to 65 households, as well as 20 interview guides with the slaughterhouse ...
Show More
