Assessment of Used Baby Diapers Composting in Bolivia
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Area
2.2. Experimental Trials
2.3. Preparation of the Sample
2.3.1. Diaper Selection
2.3.2. Mixing and Preparation of the Trials
2.3.3. Location of the Samples
2.4. Variables Considered
- Acidity (pH);
- Decomposition time;
- Earthworm growth;
- Compost production (in mass).
2.5. Statistical Analysis
3. Results
3.1. Effective Decomposition of the Substrate
3.2. pH Analysis
3.3. Treatment Time
3.4. Earthworms Growth Rate
3.5. Chemical Composition
4. Discussion
4.1. Lessons Learned and Potential Applications
- The biological part of UBDs can be treated by a co-composting and vermicomposting process, providing interesting results for its implementation in areas with low financial sustainability and a lack of SWM systems;
- The pH of the biomass increases with the addition of cow dung and AB, improving the biological decomposition of baby diapers;
- Composting of used diapers cannot be implemented without the mix of cow dung.
4.2. Limitation of the Analysis and Future Developments
- The percentage of cow dung that can be mixed with diaper hydrogel in order to obtain compost;
- Analysis of possible low-tech mechanization systems in order to separate baby diaper hydrogel for optimizing the process and reducing biological and occupational risks;
- To measure the heavy metal contents and the level of degradation of pathogens in order to provide more details about infection issues.
4.3. Remarks and Policy Implications
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Treatment | AB | Cow Dung | Earthworms |
---|---|---|---|
T1 | + | - | + |
T2 | + | + | - |
T3 | + | + | + |
T4 | - | - | + |
T5 | - | + | + |
Treatment Requirements | Opportunities | Weaknesses | Possible Solutions |
---|---|---|---|
UBD selective selection at the source | The selective collection provides positive effects in terms of the separation of the waste flow, making it recyclable. At the same time, this practice involves the citizens, improving their awareness of environmental terms. | The involvement of the population is not easy to achieve. The public acceptance of the treatment option introduced can be a barrier that should be overcome. | Public campaigns, incentives, seminars, and involvement of primary schools allow supporting public acceptance. |
Separation of the organic fraction from the plastic residues and mixing of the components | The selection of recyclable plastic and compostable hydrogel from the UBDs is the way forward for a circular economy of the disposable UBDs in developing countries. It represents the only way of implementing the co-composting process. | The manual selection poses a health and biological risk to the operators. Vectors, such as mosquitos or flies, can transport pathogens, mainly if the manual selection is not implemented in closed environments. | Innovative and mechanic treatment options should be introduced in order to reduce the possible contact of the waste with the operators. Personal protective equipment and safety precautions should be used as well as specific environment and containers must be employed. |
Use of AB | The application of AB to the substrate allows increasing the pH of the biomass and improving the characteristics of the earthworms’ growing environment. | The implementation of the AB requires investment in its acquisition, reducing the financial sustainability of the process. | AB are not required to be implemented for optimizing the co-composting process. Its application depends on local needs and financial sustainability. |
Use of Californian red earthworms | The use of Californian red earthworms is required in order to improve the process and reduce the treatment time needed for converting the UBD into compost. Their application reduces the time necessary for the composting process. | The Californian red earthworms cannot be available everywhere in the world. Moreover, their application requires a first investment in terms of financial resources. | Studies related to the most appropriated local earthworm for treating organic waste can be implemented. If appropriated, breeding of such variety of earthworm should also be introduced locally. These activities allow creating new jobs and appropriate systems for the local developing contexts. |
Use of cow dung | The use of manure is imperative in order to guarantee the earthworms’ activity and the biodegradation. Its application represents another opportunity to recover another waste flow. | The manure application requires its local availability. The transportation of this waste fraction might be costly. | The implementation of the manure requires the presence of farms near the treatment area. Therefore, UBDs can be transported farther, in order to guarantee the location of the treatment close to the farms. |
Applications of the compost | The outcome of the treatment process is compost that can be implemented as a substitute for chemical fertilizers. Its application allows cultivating biological products reducing economic expenses and pollution of the water bodies. | The main barrier for the use of compost produced from baby diapers is the availability of the market. Local farmers should be encouraged to use it. | Public and farmer involvement should support the introduction of the process in order to show its potentialities. At the same time, certifications, quality assurance, and periodic assessments are required for guaranteeing the reliability of the compost as a fertilizer. |
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Ferronato, N.; Nova Pinedo, M.L.; Torretta, V. Assessment of Used Baby Diapers Composting in Bolivia. Sustainability 2020, 12, 5055. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125055
Ferronato N, Nova Pinedo ML, Torretta V. Assessment of Used Baby Diapers Composting in Bolivia. Sustainability. 2020; 12(12):5055. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125055
Chicago/Turabian StyleFerronato, Navarro, Máximo Lucio Nova Pinedo, and Vincenzo Torretta. 2020. "Assessment of Used Baby Diapers Composting in Bolivia" Sustainability 12, no. 12: 5055. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125055