النفايات الطبية في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي

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كان هناك وعي متزايد بالحاجة للإدارة الآمنة للنفايات الطبية في جميع أنحاء العالم . تتولد النفايات الطبية من جميع القطاعات الصحية بما في ذلك المستشفيات والمختبرات ومراكز التشخيص والبحث، وعيادات طب الأسنان وبنوك الدم والمشارح ومراكز التشريح، والمستشفيات البيطرية والمختبرات الصناعية ,, إلخ . النفايات الطبية التي تشكل أكبر خطر على صحة الإنسان هي النفايات المُعدية (أو النفايات الطبية الخطرة) التي تشكل 15 – 25 في المئة من إجمالي نفايات الرعاية الصحية .

ويمكن أن تشمل النفايات المعدية جميع أنواع النفايات التي تلوثت او يشتبه في تلوثها  بسوائل الجسم مثل الدم ومشتقاته، وأنابيب القسطرة والقفازات، والفحوصات المستخدمة لفحص البكتيريا  ومخازن العوامل المُعدية، ضمادات الجروح، والحفاضات، وعينات التشخيصالتي يتم  التخلص منها، والمواد الملوثة (مسحات والضمادات والشاش و,,)، والأجهزة الطبية التي التخلص منها، الحيوانات المختبرية الملوثة الخ .

كمية النفايات المنتجة في المستشفى يعتمد على مستوى الدخل القومي ونوع المنشأة المعنية. مستشفى الجامعة في بلد ذات دخل مرتفع يمكن أن تنتج ما يصل إلى 10 كيلوغراما من النفايات لكل سرير في اليوم , بكل الفئات مجتمعةً .

النفايات الطبية في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي

يواصل قطاع الرعاية الصحية في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي  النمو بوتيرة سريعة للغاية ، الأمر الذي أدى بدوره إلى زيادة كبيرة في كمية النفايات الناتجة عن المستشفيات والعيادات والمؤسسات الأخرى. وفقا لتقديرات معتدلة ، يتم إنشاء أكثر من 150 طن من النفايات الطبية في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي كل يوم .

السعودية تقود المجموعة مع جيل من نفايات الرعاية الصحية اليومي لأكثر من 80 طنا . . بقدر ما تشعر الإمارات العربية المتحدة بالقلق ، فإنه يتم إنتاج ما يقارب 21.5 ألف طن يوميا من النفايات الطبية في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، منها 12 طن يوميا تنتجه إمارة  أبوظبي وحدها. وتنتج الكويت حوالي 12 طن بينما يولد البحرين 7 أطنان من النفايات الطبية الخطرة يوميا .

هذه الأرقام تدل على حجم المشكلة التي تواجهها السلطات البلدية في التعامل مع مشكلة التخلص من النفايات الطبية في جميع أنحاء دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي . الكمية المتزايدة من النفايات الطبية أصبحت تشكل تحديات كبيرة للصحة العامة والبيئة في المدن الرئيسية في المنطقة. و الوضع تفاقم  من خلال أساليب غير مناسبة للتخلص  منها، عدم كفاية الموارد المادية، وعدم وجود بحوث بشأن إدارة النفايات الطبية .

توليد النفايات الطبية في بعض دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي

حجم النفايات الطبية ( طن في اليوم الواحد )

الدولة

80

المملكة العربية السعودية

21.5

الإمارات العربية المتحدة

12

دولة الكويت

7

مملكة البحرين

الحاجة إلى استراتيجية في إدارة النفايات الطبية

الإدارة غير السليمة لنفايات الرعاية الصحية من المستشفيات والعيادات وغيرها من المرافق في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي تشكل مخاطرعلى الصحة المهنية والعامة للمرضى وعمال الصحة وحاملو النفايات، والناس عموما . كما من الممكن أن يؤدي أيضا إلى تلوث الهواء والماء والتربة والتي قد تؤثر على جميع أشكال الحياة. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، إذا لم يتم التخلص من النفايات بشكل صحيح، قد تكون فرصة لبعض  أفراد المجتمع لجمع  المعدات الطبية المتخلص منها (وخاصة المحاقن) وإعادة بيع هذه المواد التي قد تسبب الأمراض الخطيرة .

وفقا لمنظمة الصحة العالمية، إن الالتهابات المصاحبة للمستشفيات والتي تعرف بال (HAI) تؤثر على ما يقرب  5٪ من المرضى في المستشفيات. مشاكل النفايات الطبية المُعدية و تعقيدها  والارتفاع الأخير في معدل الإصابة بالأمراض مثل الإيدز، ومرض سارس والالتهاب الكبد ” ب ” فتح باب خطر أكبر من التلوث من خلال سوء التصرف والممارسات غير الآمنة.

إدارة النفايات غير الكافية من الممكن أن تسبب تلوثا بيئيا ونمو وتكاثر النواقل مثل الحشرات والقوارض والديدان وربما تؤدي إلى انتقال أمراض مثل التيفوئيد والكوليرا والتهاب الكبد والإيدز من خلال إصابات حاصلة بفعل  الحقن والإبر الملوثة .  بالإضافة إلى المخاطر الصحية المرتبطة بسوء إدارة النفايات الطبية، يجب النظر في تأثير ذلك على البيئة، وخاصة مخاطر تلوث المياه والهواء والتربة.

و يزداد الوضع تعقيدا بسبب الظروف المناخية والبيئية القاسية في المنطقة، مما يجعل التخلص من النفايات الطبية أكثر صعوبة. و بما أن النفايات الطبية هي أكثر خطورة من النفايات العادية، فإنه من الضروري على الحكومات والشركات الخاصة في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي وضع برنامج ناجحة  لإدارة نفايات المستشفيات تجنبا لانتشار الأمراض وحماية البيئة.

ترجمة

علا محمود المشاقبة , حاصلة على درجة البكالوريوس تخصص ” إدارة الأراضي و المياه ” من الجامعة الهاشمية – الأردن بتقدير جيد جدا , أعمل تطوعيا كعضو إداري مع مجموعة ” مخضّرو الأردن JO Greeners”  منذ ثلاثة سنوات و حتى الأن  , و متطوعة أيضا مع منظمة  EcoMENA  . موهبة الكتابة شيء أساسي في حياتي و قمت بتوظيفها في كتابة و خدمة القضايا البيئية .

8 Top Trends Driving the Modern HVAC Industry

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Like other industrial sectors, the HVAC industry is going through a rapid transformation. The development of modern HVAC systems are driven by technological advancements, human-centric design, and sustainable living. In this post, excellencehvac.com will discuss the emerging trends driving the development of modern HVAC systems, and how they are impacting homeowners as well as businesses.

intelligent hvac systems

1. The Home Automation Revolution

Modern HVAC systems have emerged as the main component of an automated home. Nowadays, heating and cooling systems can decode user preferences and daily regimen to automatically set optimum room temperature for resident’s comfort.

Home assistant integrations, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit, allows remote temperature adjustments while geofencing technology helps HVAC units to activate the heating or cooling system as the homeowner is close to the dwelling. IoT sensors collect real-time information from the HVAC system to identify performance-related problems and schedule preventive maintenance.

2. Focus on Better Indoor Air Quality

Modern HVAC systems are playing a key role in improving the indoor air quality in your homes and workplaces, especially for allergy-prone individuals. The new generation of health-focused HVACs capture allergens, ultrafine particles, and pathogens from indoor air, besides disinfecting air through UV light treatment. Smart HVACs also introduce fresh outdoor air into the indoor environment

3. Emergence of High-Efficiency Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are garnering renewed focus in cold countries worldwide. The main benefit of a heat pump is its ability to provide both cooling and heating from the same unit, which means it can be used throughout the year. Modern heat pumps, based on cold-climate technology, can operate efficiently even at sub-zero temperatures.

The increasing popularity of electric heat pumps, especially in Europe and North America, is contributing to significant reduction in global carbon emissions. In fact, many homeowners are also installing solar-powered heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps, thus reducing their utility bills and carbon footprint.

hvac manufacturing facility

4. Push for Net-Zero Buildings

Technology-powered HVAC design is helping urban planners to transition to net-zero energy buildings. Net-zero buildings minimize energy demand through energy-efficient design and meeting the building energy requirement with renewable energy resources, such as geothermal energy and solar panels.

Geothermal energy systems make use of earth’s underground temperature, and offer remarkable energy efficiency for building’s heating and cooling requirements. The top HVAC manufacturers have replaced refrigerants with high global warming potential, such as R-410A, with eco-friendly variants, like R-32.

5. Introduction of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems

In a VRF system, refrigerant is the primary cooling and heating medium which circulate between a single outdoor condenser and multiple indoor units. This enables the adjustment of refrigerant flow depending on the heating and cooling needs of a particular zone. Unlike traditional HVACs, this precise control guarantees personalized comfort and better system performance by creating custom climate zones across a building by using automated dampers and multiple thermostats. The zoning system helps in the reduction of energy waste from unused rooms, especially in commercial buildings.

6. Rise of Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless system is one of biggest trends in HVAC sector. Unlike conventional systems, ductless HVACs can directly cool or heat your space leading to the reduction in both utility bills and energy waste. Such systems are ideal for rooms without existing ductwork.

7. Proactive HVAC Management

Like other industrial sectors, big data is making a deep impact on the HVAC industry. Data-driven proactive HVAC maintenance aids in real-time tracking of runtime, cycles, and efficiency metrics. Automated alerts are sent to the users for filter replacements, maintenance requirements, unusual performance dips, and other malfunctions. This predictive maintenance framework helps in increasing the equipment lifespan and prevents costly repairs.

8. Emergence of Human-Centric HVAC Control

The modern HVAC systems are designed to provide personalized comfort, well-being, and energy efficiency. An interesting development in human-centric HVAC control is the use of occupant sensors which adjust airflow and temperature based on room occupancy. Some HVAC manufacturers also provide personalized diffusers whose function is to create a localized climate around the occupant. In addition, radiant HVAC systems makes use of walls or floors to provide draft-free comfort.

Conclusion

The modern HVACs are geared towards intelligent control, and they are harmoniously integrated for a sustainable living. The new generation of human-centric and tech-driven HVAC units lowers utility bills, reduces carbon footprint, provides personalized comfort, and foster healthy indoor environment.

Green Buildings Certification in the MENA Region – Key Challenges

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Green building rating systems are increasingly gaining attention in the building industry in the MENA region. During the last 15 years, there has been a regional trend in developing and applying green building ratings systems. In several countries such systems have been developed in an attempt to follow the international green movement.

For example, the Pearl Building Rating System (PBRS) was founded in UAE in 2007, the Green Pyramid (GPRS) and ARZ Building Rating System in Egypt and Lebanon respectively were founded in 2008, the Edama was proposed in Jordan in 2009 and Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) was founded in 2010.

palm tower dubai

A new study compared four regional rating systems in the Middle East, in addition to LEED and BREEAM. The study found that the problem with most emerging rating systems is that they imitate the LEED or BREEAM rating systems and are not enough adapted to local environmental, cultural, historical, societal and economic context. Thus certification systems must be adapted to meet the needs of the Middle East regional climate, social, environmental and economic conditions.

The study, conducted in 2013, compared four rating systems (GPRS, SI 5281, QSAS and PBRS) and a cross analysis study was used to answer questions about the strength and weakness of the systems. The four systems use score point system for assessment. The four tools provide programs involving the building life cycle process – pre-design, design and post-design (occupation).

There are many common criteria and categories between the four examined rating systems; such as limiting the consumption of energy and water in the building, improving the environmental quality in both indoor and outdoor, resources and material conservation, service quality, and site strategies. The four rating systems operate from an ecological footprint minimisation paradigm. At the same time, each rating system focuses on certain aspects more than the other ones according to the country’s local context. Surprisingly, there is no agreement on weighing the different environmental criteria.

Problems of Green Building Rating Systems

The study found that the examined rating systems are proposing theoretical models that needs to move to effective market implementation politically (government) and economically (NGOs and the private sector). The rating systems require more adaptation to local and regional context. Rating systems should differentiate themselves from well-established green building rating systems.

green building rating system in middle east

For example, the study believes that water scarcity should be the most important category together with human wellbeing. Already LEED and BREEAM programs are considered the most fairly comprehensive in scope – from registration to calculation to building certification. In the case of the four rating systems, the initiation approaches were bottom down and not bottom up approaches.

Therefore, the uptake and market penetration is slow compared to LEED or BREEAM. In the four countries, there is no encouragement/engagement in the form of working out incentives or law enforcement to apply the four rating systems except for PBRS. In fact, each country in the region is looking to achieve those criteria individually. The entry of the LEED and BREEAM rating system into the Middle East property market coincided with increasing demand for regional and local ratings systems.

As a result, different systems were developed under serious time pressure in the last ten years. The four compared systems are based on American and British standard. In the same time, there are currently no standardisation efforts working at local level to quantify and assess sustainability.

Towards Harmonised Systems

Green Building Councils in the Middle East will have a long way; they have to manage to position themselves as leaders promoting green buildings in the countries where they operate. By comparing and evaluating the four rating systems lesson could be learned and problem could be avoided. Therefore, the author believes that a harmonised system within the Middle East would have distinctly better chances if the following issues are addressed:

Institutional Settings

Since the oil embargo of 1973, Western countries developed local codes and standards, which are revised annually, for the built environment. Those codes correspond to their context and are strongly linked to practice and buildings industry. However, in the four examined countries, the (b) local codes and standards are still not mature when compared to American or British ones. So there is a regulation problem on the institutional level. More importantly, (b) energy and water are heavily subsidized in most of the four countries.The comparison revealed that the certification rates are low and the fees structure is very high (registration, certification, auditing).

Thus, the whole political regulation landscape regarding resources efficiency is contradicting with the rating systems scope and objective. Therefore, it is important to address the

  • efficiency regulations and
  • subsidies policies on the institutional level and avoid the dependence on Western standards, codes and rating systems.

This should be done through facilitating the adjustment and upgrading for the specification of environmental assessment factors in a dynamic, flexible and simple way.

green building in amman

Scientific Rigour and Priorities

Developing an assessment framework should be based on in-situ building performance research and technical knowledge. Technical rigour is very important in this case, for example setting benchmarks and measuring the performance. Furthermore, the investigated rating systems are located in hot climates, with scarce water resources which require a different approach and credits focus. Issues like solar protection, water conservation, life style, solar cooling and urban planning should be more strongly addressed in future developments. This includes advancing environmental footprint issues, like climate change.

Regionalisation

The assessment framework should suite the local context of each country in the Middle East, depending on its culture, issues, stakeholders, practices and institutions. Surprisingly, SI 5281 is the only rating system that was written in a native language, thus it is essential for each country, to design its own indicators to serve its goals in local language. This includes the development of local criteria to quantify the social part of sustainability that includes tradition and culture.

Providing a Platform

Multi-stakeholders should participate in developing rating systems, since they require participative and collaborative work process. Experts, designers, elected officials, working group, agency players, and others should be introduced as key participants in this process. The building industry should be encouraged to get into sustainable track to achieve a real transformation, regarding water and energy. There is a need to link those rating systems to grass root initiatives rather than developing them within academia or elite practicing companies.

According to the study, the examined certification systems need strong adaptation to meet the needs of the Middle East regional climate, social, cultural, environmental and economic conditions. Also there must be a harmonisation effort between regional rating systems aiming to develop and implement a common, transparent regional building assessment methodology. Otherwise, there will be a proliferation of immature systems without accumulated and unifying experience.

Conclusion

There is still a long way before those examined systems examined become mature and widely usable.  Despite that the development of the examined rating systems is intended to facilitate the assessment of sustainable design in the MENA countries; they fail to suit the local context culture issues, resources, priorities, practices and economic challenges. The GPRS, QSAS and PBRS systems neglect the interpretation of essential local sustainability measurements in their assessment set and normative standards.

The study concludes that the existing rating system needs to increase the technical rigor and to put more weight on the most important categories, mainly water, IEQ, pollution and energy. The study suggests a number of recommendations to develop a harmonised green building assessment system in the MENA region. The usefulness of rating systems in the future depends on their flexibility and ability to measure the merits of buildings.

Note: The original version of the article can be viewed at this link.

السياحة البيئية: نظرة على الأردن

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تشهد السياحة البيئية في الأردن تطوراً متعدد الجوانب يشمل كلاً من الفرص الاقتصادية البحتة المرتبطة بالسياحة ذاتها إضافة إلى المجالات الأوسع التي تشمل التنمية البيئية والمجتمعية كعناصر أساسية في نمو هذا القطاع. واستجابة لرغبة واهتمامات المسافرين (السوّاح) المحليين والإقليميين والدوليين، توفر السياحة البيئية في الأردن منصة مثالية للشركات المستدامة المسؤولة التي تعمل على جذب الاستثمارات الخضراء وتمكين المجتمعات المحلية من خلال تطوير خدمات ومنتجات مميزة ومتخصصة.

biodiversity in dead sea

الميزة التنافسية

إن ندرة وتفرّد الموارد الطبيعية في دول الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا، بما في ذلك الأردن، أصبحت توفر ميزة تنافسية تفتح أبوابا جديدة للسياحة البيئية وسياحة المغامرة. كما ويشكل الابتكار الاجتماعي والابتكار في المجال البيئي (الأخضر) بعداً آخر يحفّز انطلاق أفكاراً جديدة للأعمال الصغيرة والمتناهية الصغر في الأردن مما يسهم في إيجاد فرص العمل وتوليد الدخل للمجتمعات المحلية، خاصة لفئات الشباب والنساء. وبينما  يبحث المستثمرون التقليديون عادة عن توجهات وفرص في الأسواق الخارجية،  يوفر قطاع السياحة البيئية فرصا استثمارية محلية قيّمة.

الأردن – النموذج الأمثل

كان الأردن من أوائل دول الشرق الأوسط التي وظفت القيمة الاجتماعية والاقتصادية لبيئتها المتنوعة والفريدة. فمنذ الستينيات، اتخذ الأردن خطوات جادة لحماية بيئته الطبيعية من خلال إنشاء الجمعية الملكية لحماية الطبيعة والتي أنيط بها إنشاء المناطق المحمية وإدارتها.  في عام 1993، ومن خلال إنشاء نموذج  محمية ضانا للمحيط الحيوي، وضع الأردن السياحة البيئية كعنقود تنموي رئيسي لدمج التنمية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية ضمن حماية البيئة. واليوم، يوجد في الأردن عشر محميات طبيعية توفر للسائح تجربة استثنائية للتمتع بالطبيعة ومساعدة المجتمعات المحلية.

تشهد السياحة البيئية في الأردن تطوراً متعدد الجوانب

وقد اكتسبت تجربة الأردن في مجال السياحة البيئية اعترافاً عالمياً وغدت نموذجاً ناجحاً للشراكات ما بين الحكومة والمنظمات غير الحكومية والمجتمعات المحلية. وتشير أرقام الجمعية الملكية لحماية الطبيعة إلى أن مشاريع السياحة البيئية قد ولّدت حوالي 1.5 مليون دينار أردني (حوالي 2.1 مليون دولار أمريكي) في عام 2015 من خلال زيارة  175 ألف شخص للمحميات الطبيعية في الأردن، 65 في المائة منهم من الأجانب.

 الآفاق المستقبلية للسياحة البيئية

ولكي تزدهر السياحة البيئية في الأردن وتحقق أهدافها التنموية، فلا بد من توفر مجموعة من العوامل الممكنة، بما في ذلك البنى التحتية المختلفة. حيث يتحتم على الحكومات والقطاع الخاص والمؤسسات الدولية أن تعمل معاً من أجل توفير هذه البنى ومنها:  تطوير الإطار التشريعي والتنظيمي الملائم، تسهيل استخدام الأراضي، توفير أدوات التمويل المناسبة، تنمية القدرات البشرية والمؤسسية المحلية، وتوفير مناخ جاذب للاستثمار، هذا بالإضافة إلى توفير وسائل النقل المريحة وبكلفة معقولة.

كما أن تمكين الابتكار المحلي وتعزيز الريادة المجتمعية في المجتمعات المحلية سيشكل بدوره القيمة المضافة  الحقيقية  للمحافظة على مستقبل السياحة البيئية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا.

ترجمة 

د. بان مساعده

حاصله على الدكتوراه في وقاية النبات من جامعة هانوفر/ المانيا. عملت كباحث رئيسي في المركز الوطني للبحث والارشاد الزراعي في مجال أبحاث الزراعة العضوية والمكافحة الحيوية، وعضوا في لجان مأسسة الزراعة العضوية في الاردن، وفي تدريب المجتمعات المحلية على مفاهيم المكافحة الحيوية والزراعة العضوية، وفي مجال إعداد وتقديم البرامج الزراعية التلفزيونية. في قطاع المؤسسات غير الحكومية عملت كمشرف تطوير برامج تنمية المجتمعات المحلية وإعداد مقترحات المشاريع الاجتماعية – الإقتصادية  في مؤسسة  نهر الاردن.

Restoring the El Harrach River: A Strategy for Environmental, Urban, and Social Renewal

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The El Harrach River, which flows through some of the most densely populated areas of Algiers, has for several decades become a symbol of the environmental challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing coastal cities. The foul odors that recur regularly are not only a nuisance for residents: they reflect a deep ecological imbalance, chronic pollution, and a deterioration of quality of life. Understanding the origins of these odors and proposing sustainable solutions requires an integrated analysis of the hydraulic, social, urban, industrial, and biological pressures exerted on this watercourse.

el harrach river

The Degradation of El Harrach River

For years, a significant share of domestic wastewater from Algiers’ neighborhoods, particularly those of Baraki, Hussein Dey, El Harrach, Bachdjerrah, and surrounding urbanized areas, was discharged directly or only partially treated into the river. These waters, rich in organic matter, decompose under the action of anaerobic bacteria, producing gases such as hydrogen sulfide, easily recognizable by its rotten-egg smell, ammonia, and other volatile organic compounds.

On top of this, industrial effluents were discharged for many years, as several facilities located in the river valley, from textiles to agri-food, as well as mechanical and chemical industries, released heavily loaded wastewater without adequate treatment. These effluents contain heavy metals, oils, fats, solvents, or complex chemical substances that further disrupt the ecosystem, promote anaerobic degradation of sediments, and intensify odor production. Sometimes, pollution comes from more distant areas, as the river begins in the Blida region, where no monitoring is conducted.

The decomposition of organic matter, amplified by the continuous deposition of solid waste, vegetation, plastics, food residues, and even animal carcasses, also contributes to accelerated fermentation. Added to this is the river’s physical configuration. The current is slow, often obstructed by sediments, waste, constructions, or insufficient infrastructure. This slowdown creates stagnant zones where dissolved oxygen drops significantly. The lack of oxygen favors anaerobic bacteria that produce gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, or mercaptans, all responsible for strong odors.

The sludge accumulated at the bottom of the river for years constitutes a true biological reactor where successive chemical and microbiological reactions continuously release foul-smelling gases. Climatic conditions further exacerbate the phenomenon: in summer, heat reduces oxygen solubility, accelerates fermentation reactions, and increases gas volatilization. Accelerated evaporation also concentrates certain pollutants locally.

Strategy to Restore El Harrach River

Faced with this situation, solutions must be addressed with a systemic logic. Sustainable improvement of the El Harrach River requires acting simultaneously on pollution sources, hydraulic dynamics, the biological quality of the environment, urban management, governance, and citizen involvement. A single isolated action, even an ambitious one, will not be sufficient. The top priority remains full control of domestic discharges. This means that the capacity of the Baraki wastewater treatment plant and associated sanitation systems must not only be maintained but strengthened. Wastewater must be collected, directed to appropriate treatment systems, and purified in accordance with international standards before being discharged or reused.

To prevent stormwater from overloading sanitation networks and bypassing treatment systems, it is also necessary to modernize the stormwater drainage network to strictly separate sewage from rainwater. This separation is essential to maintain treatment plant efficiency and limit accidental discharges into the river, particularly during heavy rainfall. Added to this are state investments, including river development works and the establishment of monitoring stations.

The second-dimension concerns industrial discharges. No lasting progress can be expected if industrial effluents are not fully controlled. Every industrial site in the river valley must have pre-treatment facilities meeting regulatory requirements. Monitoring must be intensified and conducted regularly, with a clear system of deterrent sanctions and support mechanisms for companies wishing to modernize their facilities. A complete, continuously updated mapping of industrial facilities and their discharges would make it possible to better target priorities. Industries must drastically reduce discharges of heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and complex organic compounds, as these substances do not degrade easily and strongly contribute to anaerobic reactions in sediments.

Water stagnation is another major challenge. Several actions are necessary to address it. The river’s natural flow must first be restored by removing physical obstacles, clearing obstructed sections, rehabilitating and recalibrating the riverbed, and reinforcing the banks while respecting ecological engineering principles. Dredging the sludge, particularly that accumulated over several decades, is essential, as these sediments are saturated with organic matter and pollutants responsible for continuous gas emissions. This dredging must be carried out in a controlled manner, with a system for managing polluted sediments to avoid their dispersion in the environment. Once the riverbed is restored, water circulation will become more fluid, naturally increasing oxygenation and reducing the formation of anaerobic pockets.

To reinforce these efforts, targeted aeration or oxygenation systems could be installed in critical zones, particularly where the current is naturally weak. Artificial oxygenation, used in several international urban rehabilitation projects, can drastically reduce odors by promoting less odorous aerobic decomposition. At the same time, the installation of vegetated filters, constructed wetlands, or retention basins can play a crucial role in improving biological water quality. These nature-based solutions help filter pollutants, stabilize banks, create habitats for biodiversity, and strengthen the environment’s self-purification capacity.

Managing solid waste is another essential component. Waste dumped in or near the river does more than pollute visually: it ferments, creates blockages, slows water flow, traps other organic materials, and promotes anaerobic decomposition. It is therefore essential to implement an integrated waste management strategy, including regular cleaning operations, the elimination of illegal dumping sites, strengthened control of sensitive areas, and extensive public awareness campaigns. Improving lighting, installing surveillance cameras, or establishing regulated nearby collection points can significantly reduce illegal dumping. Cooperation between local authorities, environmental associations, residents, and specialized companies will be essential to ensure long-term success.

Another fundamental issue is ecological restoration. The progressive renaturalization of the river, through the planting of species adapted to wetlands, the creation of ecological corridors, and the reintroduction of resistant aquatic fauna and flora, can not only enhance the site’s appearance but also strengthen its ecological resilience. Riparian vegetation plays a crucial role in natural filtration, soil stabilization, regulating water temperature, and improving aquatic habitats. Experiences in other major Mediterranean cities such as Barcelona or Marseille show that ecological restoration of an urban river can transform a degraded area into a true biodiversity corridor and recreational space for residents.

Scientific monitoring and governance are also indispensable pillars. Implementing a continuous monitoring system, based on sensors measuring dissolved oxygen, organic load, pollutant discharges, sediment composition, and gas emissions, would allow assessment of intervention effectiveness and adaptation of strategies. This system should be complemented by microbiological monitoring to identify the dynamics of anaerobic bacteria responsible for odors. An open digital platform would make data accessible to the public and encourage transparency, a crucial element for strengthening trust and citizen participation.

The success of such a project also requires a clear and coherent governance model. It is essential to coordinate interventions between the various stakeholders: the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Water Resources, local authorities, the National Waste Agency, industrial managers, and associations. A unified steering structure, equipped with sufficient resources and a multi-year roadmap, would be best positioned to implement a coherent strategy. Past projects have sometimes suffered from a lack of coordination between institutions, which reduced the impact of investments. A strengthened regulatory framework, including strict discharge standards, monitoring mechanisms, and compliance incentives, will also be necessary.

Finally, the social and cultural dimension must not be overlooked. The El Harrach River flows through dense and vibrant neighborhoods, where the population can become a key player in transforming the site. Awareness campaigns, environmental education in schools, community cleanup programs, and citizen initiatives can help change behaviors. In several cities around the world, resident participation in reclaiming urban rivers has proven decisive.

Conclusion

The sustainable improvement of the El Harrach River will not rely solely on technical interventions, but on a comprehensive transformation combining sanitation, ecological restoration, integrated water management, industrial and environmental responsibility, citizen participation, modern governance, and transparency. By adopting a clear, ambitious, and coherent strategy, Algiers can transform this river,today perceived as a problem, into a true symbol of urban, ecological, and social renewal.

Earth Day – It’s Our Turn to Lead

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Earth Day focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world’s population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever. With smart investments in sustainable technology, forward-thinking public policy, and an educated and active public, we can transform our cities and forge a sustainable future. Nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people.

earth day 2015

Due to rising population, more migration is taking place from rural to urban areas. Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities with urbanisation rates rising and impacts of climate change have prompted the need to create sustainable communities. The Earth Day is observed believing that nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people.

It is a fact that people are crowding cities and with the increase in population density, pollution of all sorts is increasing as well. Many cities are finding it difficult to cope with this fast urbanisation and to provide basic facilities like shelter, infrastructures, water, sanitation, sewerage, garbage, electricity, transportation etc. to its inhabitants.

People who live in high-density air pollution area, have significantly higher risk of dying from lung cancer, than people living in less polluted areas. Children contribute to only 10 per cent of the world’s population but are prone to 40 per cent of global diseases. More than 3 million children under the age of 5 years die every year due to environmental factors like pollution.

Earth Day seeks to create awareness amongst people to act in an environmentally-friendly manner, promote and do smart investments in sustainable urban system transforming our polluted cities into a healthier place and forge a sustainable future. It’s exceptionally challenging for our communities and cities to be green.

cities-sustainable-development-goals

Achieving low-carbon, sustainable growth in Arab cities is a complex task.

Time for Action

It’s time for us to invest in efficiency and renewable energy, rebuild our cities and towns, and begin to solve the climate crisis. Most of the Middle East nations have limited land area and are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change which is affecting the social and environmental determinants of health, clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter. We need to audit our actions and see what are we contributing towards your environment and community?

Earth Day is a day for action; a chance to show how important the environment is to us. Earth Day is about uniting voices around the globe in support of a healthy planet. The earth is what we all have in common.

Let us be a part of this green revolution, plan and participate in Earth Day activities moving from single-day actions, such as park cleanups and tree-planting parties to long-term actions and commitments and make our city a healthier place to live as the message of the Earth Day is to “Actively participate and adopt environmentally friendly habits”.

How To Lessen Your Contribution To Noise Pollution

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If you are constantly bugged by disturbing or unwanted noise to the point that it interferes with your normal daily activities, then you are categorically experiencing noise pollution. This is a disruptive type of sound that can be annoying and life-altering because it can affect your mood, responses, relationships or socialization, and performance.

Extreme noise pollution can greatly affect an individual’s quality of life. It can also cause chronic stress which impacts overall health. Noise pollution would usually come from different sources such as industrial noise or those coming from construction, electrical machinery, or from traffic noise such as sounds of motorcycles, cars, buses, airplanes, or even from lawnmowers.

Easy Ways To Reduce Noise Pollution

You can help to minimize the sound and noise pollution and its harmful effects by controlling or limiting the noise in your own space. You have to learn how to take the upper hand in your environment. This is the first step to taking control of noise pollution.

Here are some ways to do that:

1. Turn Off Your TV

A lot of kids are said to suffer from home noise pollution. Unknowingly, kids are exposed to the dangers of noise pollution in their very own home which can trigger stress and anxiety. Turning your T.V. off can help you avoid distractions while you’re doing other tasks, help you focus on getting productive work done, and eliminate unwanted noise when you are relaxing or sleeping.

2. Trade Noise Pollution with a Calming or Productive Noise

Not all sounds are created equal. In the same way, noise can be seen as either toxic or productive. If you cannot completely block or eliminate the noise, then you can reduce it by using a creative or better kind of noise that can boost your overall health.

You can replace the irritating noise by playing instruments or streaming your favorite music, using white noise, or injecting a more pleasant sound to drown the disturbing sound. This masks the unwanted noise and replaces it with an inspiring or enjoyable sound so you can sleep like a baby.

3. Plant Trees as Noise Buffers

If you are a green lifestyle advocate, then you can try planting shrubs and trees which can effectively drown out unwanted noise by as much as 50%. These trees and shrubs serve as dense foliage that blocks noise pollution. It is recommended to plant these trees and shrubs as close to the source of noise as possible.

The evergreen variety is highly recommended because it can provide your homes with all-year-round insulation or protection from noise pollution. You can combine tall grasses and short shrubs to provide better soundproofing plus enhanced visual appeal.

4. Be Mindful of Your Own Noise

You have to pay attention to your own noise or backyard before you complain of external noises. Be a good neighbor and pay attention to your own sounds or noise that may be affecting other people’s homes. If your kids are fond of playing loud music, then advise them to keep it down, especially at night. Partying too should be kept on certain hours and must not go on all night long.

Check on your barking dog to see how to keep it calm. Being a good neighbor will allow your neighbors to reciprocate in a good way.

5. Meditate and Exercise

You can combat the ill or negative effects of noise pollution by keeping your inner calm. Your body follows through your psyche or emotional and mental health. Doing regular exercises plus meditation or yoga can create a balance between your mind and body. This helps sync your internal and external gears to work as one.

The unwanted noise or external distractions may get in the way of attaining inner calm but meditation and exercises can help you achieve that. Also, maintaining inner peace and joy would also help you avoid making unnecessary noise that can disrupt or disturb other people’s peace.

6. Use Sound-Absorbing Materials

Noise can be very contagious. You can soundproof your home and also install sound-absorbing materials to help control the noise in your walls so it won’t disturb the neighborhood. Use sound-blocking curtains that work both ways – noise-proofing your space and also absorbing or containing noise in a room. It is recommended to use padded carpeting and acoustic ceilings to reduce sound transfer.

7. Replace Old and Noisy Appliances

Most old or run-down appliances create the most noise. Consider replacing old appliances with quieter ones. Check appliances for any damage because most buzzing or rattling sound comes from appliances that are in need of a fix.  Premium appliance models would usually have a quieter sound so consider buying that if it fits your budget.

Most washing machines, dishwashers, fans, and other noisy appliances should be set up far away from bedrooms or living room spaces that would require a peaceful environment.

8. Fix Noisy Pipes

If you have been experiencing some hauntings like banging pipes or noise under the floor, then that could be your pipes in need of a quick fix and not some ghosts. The chattering or rattling in your pipe greatly contributes to unwanted noise in your home and calling a pipe technician can help you solve that noisy pipe dilemma right now.

9. Check Sound System

Noisy subwoofers are a common culprit of distracting noise around the house and in the neighborhood. Buying a premium or high-quality speakers helps you create that clean sound without cranking up the volume. It sure is worth the price tag!

Check your sound system and make sure the vibration and sound is not that offensive. You can adjust the settings or if not, you can purchase a subwoofer isolation pad that will help soften the sounds while on party mode.

Bottom Line

You can put a stop to chaos by taking the upper hand on your own noise. Your home can be a source of noise pollution. It may be that old washing machine, speaker system or T.V. or perhaps your pets. Noise pollution can hamper good health and relationships in and outside of your home. It can affect your temperament and reduce productivity levels. Your home is your haven, keep it that way by taking control of your own noise and installing a system that absorbs sound waves and reduce it to a minimum.

Safe and Responsible Disposal Of Paint: Things You Should Know

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As with most home improvement projects, it is likely that you will have some leftover painting supplies when you are done painting. However, you will soon discover that landfills will not accept paint. It is considered hazardous waste and not something that they want to risk putting in the landfill where it might leach into the water supply.

Since you are reading this article, you clearly want to get rid of your leftover paint in an economical manner that is also safe for the environment.

Why Paint is Harmful to the Environment

There are a lot of chemically-made compounds that go into paint. The resins and binders are used to create the color for the paint. And then, the solvent carries that to the surface and provides the evaporation or drying mechanism.

The World Health Organization has made some correlations between the risk of cancer and the amount of exposure you have to paint. There is an estimated 20-40% increase in your risk of cancer if you spend your life around the paint. Lung cancer is an unusually high risk. Researchers are also drawing a connection between neurological conditions and paint exposure.

When the paint is drying, it is releasing volatile organic compounds, or VOCs into the air. These react with the oxygen in the air to produce ozone, which has been implicated in causing the greenhouse effect of global warming.

While lead has been removed from paint since 1978, titanium dioxide can cause some of the most significant harm to the environment. These contaminants are costly to remove and can lead to hefty EPA fines if they make their way into the landfill’s leach water. Accordingly, most landfills have strict policies on how to dispose of paint.

Paint is one of those things that is easy to buy. You can do a little comparison shopping online or locally, and then get it at a local hardware store.

How To Safely Dispose Of Paint?

ToolTally sells paint supplies such as paint sprayers and rollers. They suggest drying the paint out and then throwing it away like normal trash. So the first method for paint disposal is to leave the cans and buckets open and let them evaporate until they are dry.

This takes a little longer, but it is the cheapest method. You have to plan ahead and find a safe space where you can set them to air out. Once the paint is thoroughly dry, most landfills will accept them as they would any other waste.

One variation of this idea is to buy a cheap tarp or large piece of plastic. Spread that out in the sun and then dump the paint out on it. By spreading the paint out, you are able to get it to dry faster. When you are finished, wad up the tarp and throw the entire thing away.

The other idea that can speed up this process is to use some paint drying compound. There are special compounds made that you can mix directly into the paint, but two of the cheapest are quick-drying cement powder and cat litter.

Either of these options works wonders for thickening the paint and preparing it for disposal. Just dump it in and mix it up. In a matter of minutes, the paint is a sticky goo that is mostly dry, and within an hour or two, it is ready for the landfill. A lot of contractors like this method as it lets them dump their cans more quickly and get on to the next job.

How to Safely Store Paint?

Storing and reusing paint is another excellent way to protect the environment. Often you will want to use that paint for other projects. Additionally, you might decide to include it with the house for the next homeowners in case they want to touch anything up. The paint will store for ten years, so it makes sense to hang onto it for as long as you need to.

When you store the paint, you want to make sure that it will stay fresh for the next time you need it. There are a few problems with leaving the paint in the cans. The first problem is that there is a lot of air in the can. This can cause a film to form on the top of the paint. Additionally, these cans take up a lot of room and are quite unsightly. Furthermore, if they get knocked over, the lids are not very secure and can come off and make a huge mess.

Finally, the inside of these paint cans will break down in the solvent-rich environment of paint. This can lead to oxidation and rust that then gets into your paint and taints it.

It is recommended to get airtight plastic or glass jars in which to store your paint. Use a funnel to transfer the paint over, and then label the jar with an explanation of what the paint is, where it was purchased, any relevant color codes, and with what piece of furniture or room that it goes. Including the date is a good idea as well in case you need to get rid of it down the road.

If you ever need to get rid of the paint down the road, you can mix in some concrete cement and dispose of it as described above.

Can You Donate Paint To Habitat For Humanity ReStore?

Each local store will set the rules on what they will take. However, it isn’t common to find one that will accept used paint.

Can You Donate Paint To Goodwill Stores?

If you are Marie Kondo-ing your garage and want to donate your paint to Goodwill, you are out of luck. They do not accept paint as a donation as they consider it a hazardous material.

Can you Recycle Paint at Lowes, Home Depot, or Sherwin Williams?

These stores do not accept paint as it is considered a hazardous waste, and they don’t want to mess with that. If you have paint that you need to get rid of, search for a hazardous waste disposal facility or check with your landfill to see if they will accept paint after you treat it with one of our methods above.

Can Paint Be Put In Recycle Bins?

No. Most cities will remove the paint cans from the recycle bins and leave them with you before taking your other recyclables. When in doubt, check with your local laws to make sure you are abiding by their instructions and regulations.

Membrane Innovation: Transforming Water Security in Arid Regions

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Membrane innovation has emerged today as one of the most decisive technological levers for arid countries facing water scarcity, degradation of natural resources, and the rapidly increasing water demand for drinking, agricultural, and industrial water. At the heart of this silent revolution, membranes, whether reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, forward osmosis, or emerging processes such as biomembranes and graphene-based membranes, have transformed the way dry nations produce, recycle, and secure their water supply. Far from being a simple technical tool, they have become a major geopolitical, economic, and environmental instrument.

reverse osmosis for water filtration

In the context of accelerated climate change, where extreme droughts are becoming the norm and conventional resources are dwindling, membrane innovation appears as a structuring response to both current and future needs. The advances achieved over the past decades, supported by substantial public and private investments, have improved energy efficiency, material durability, operational resilience, and the integration of membranes into hybrid systems that better align with the constraints of arid regions [1-2].

This transformation is particularly visible in regions where water has become the limiting factor for human, agricultural, and industrial development. In the dry countries of North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and even certain arid zones of Latin America, membrane innovation has not only provided cleaner water: it has helped fundamentally rethink the relationship between water resources, energy, agriculture, and the environment. The convergence of these issues is now better understood through the lens of the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems Nexus, which enables an analysis of how each technological improvement generates tangible effects on food security, soil management, energy use, environmental impacts, and population resilience [3-4].

The recent history of desalination in arid regions shows that this once energy-intensive and costly sector has gradually transformed into a more efficient, less polluting, and more technologically advanced industry thanks to membrane innovation. Reverse osmosis has supplanted thermal processes in the majority of new installations, with energy consumption cut in half over the past twenty years. Membrane pretreatments such as ultrafiltration and microfiltration have improved raw water quality even in the most challenging marine environments. Energy recovery systems have significantly reduced energy requirements per cubic meter produced, while the latest membranes incorporate nano-engineered structures that enhance permeability, resistance to biofouling, and durability. Hybrid processes combining reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, membrane distillation, or electrodialysis are multiplying, paving the way for solutions adapted to extremely difficult waters, brines, deep mineralized aquifers, and industrial effluents [5-6].

To understand these advances, one must closely examine the countries that have implemented ambitious investment policies in membrane desalination. Saudi Arabia is one of the most emblematic examples. Located in the heart of a desert zone, it now produces more than 20% of the world’s desalinated water and has fully integrated membranes into its national strategy. The massive installations supplying Riyadh, Jeddah, or Jubail rely heavily on reverse osmosis rather than thermal technologies, enabling major energy gains through synergies with renewable energy. The Rabigh 3 plant, for instance, is one of the largest reverse osmosis plants in the world: it provides high-quality water at a cost once deemed unthinkable for such an arid country. The integration of nanostructured membranes has reduced operating pressure, improved cleaning cycles, lowered operating costs, and limited production downtime. In parallel, the Kingdom is investing heavily in solar desalination, with pilots combining reverse osmosis and high-performance photovoltaics, demonstrating that a sustainable energy model is possible even in the most extreme environments. Ultrafiltration membranes have become the standard for pretreatment, ensuring enhanced reliability, essential in marine environments rich in suspended solids [4,7-8].

desalination plant in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia has also been a pioneer in a crucial field for arid regions: brine valorization, often a critical issue in fragile environments. Advanced work is being carried out on selective membranes that allow mineral extraction, turning a problematic residue into an economic resource. In parallel, the country is testing membrane distillation on a large scale, a technology complementary to reverse osmosis that uses low-grade thermal gradients, particularly well-suited to desert climates where solar energy is abundant [7].

Beyond the Middle East, other arid regions have shown remarkable progress. In Australia, confronted with persistent droughts, membranes have ensured the water security of cities like Perth, where two large reverse osmosis plants have transformed a vulnerable territory into a model of water resilience. In Tunisia, Jordan, and California, membrane innovations have made it possible to integrate desalination and water reuse into advanced agricultural strategies, creating new synergies between water, energy, and food production.

One of the areas where membranes have brought a true qualitative leap is wastewater reuse,essential for agriculture in arid zones. In a context where freshwater is becoming rare, membranes now make it possible to transform treated wastewater into a secure resource for irrigation, industry, or aquifer recharge. Advanced membrane processes, ultrafiltration followed by reverse osmosis and activated carbon, ensure water quality close to potable standards, even in highly urbanized environments. Countries like Singapore or Australia have shown that membrane-based reuse can become a national pillar, reducing pressure on natural resources and supporting agricultural productivity [9].

In arid countries, these innovations are now part of a broader logic: that of integrated, systemic, and sustainable water resource management. Membranes are no longer considered in isolation, but as elements of a wider technological ecosystem that includes renewable energy, digitalization, automation, resource recovery, water circularity, and agricultural optimization. This conceptual shift helps move beyond a fragmented vision of water solutions toward a coherent, resilient, and evolving model.

A key question nonetheless remains: to what extent can these innovations be adapted, transferred, or scaled up for the benefit of other arid countries, particularly in Africa? Hydrogeological, climatic, economic, and institutional conditions often differ significantly from those of Saudi Arabia or Australia, making a contextualized approach essential. Membranes are not a miracle solution ; they are a powerful technology that must be integrated into broader public policies, energy investments, agricultural strategies, and governance mechanisms.

Recent advances are nonetheless opening promising perspectives. Graphene membranes, still in development, could drastically reduce energy needs. Biomembranes, inspired by natural protein channels, promise a significant leap in selectivity and durability. Third-generation antifouling membranes limit biofilm formation, reducing chemical consumption and extending installation lifespan, crucial for countries with limited maintenance capacities. Hybrid models integrating forward osmosis or membrane distillation make it possible to treat water sources previously considered unusable. Intelligent real-time monitoring systems, coupled with artificial intelligence, enable continuous optimization, predictive maintenance, and substantial reductions in operating costs [10-11].

The democratization of membranes is also being driven by miniaturization: compact, containerized, modular units are increasingly used in isolated rural areas, offering flexible solutions for small communities facing water scarcity. The combination of membranes and solar energy, in particular, offers a sustainable alternative to heavy infrastructure. Pilot projects in Saudi Arabia, Australia, and South Africa show that “solar membrane desalination” can become a viable solution for remote villages [11].home water filtration system

In a world where water tensions are intensifying, membrane innovation thus appears as a cornerstone of resilience for arid countries. It not only ensures access to quality water but also transforms water scarcity into a technological and economic opportunity. Every advancement improves water security, stimulates food sovereignty, creates skilled jobs, and strengthens energy independence when synergy with solar energy is harnessed.

A final, fundamental challenge remains: environmental sustainability. Conventional desalination has often been criticized for its impact on marine environments and its carbon footprint. Recent improvements, however, point toward cleaner models: drastic reduction of discharges thanks to membrane concentration, brine valorization, membranes requiring fewer chemicals, and hybridization with solar energy and RDF production from end-of-life membranes. These developments show that membrane innovation can follow an ecological trajectory compatible with current climate challenges.

Bottom Line

The recent advances in membrane technologies represent far more than a technical evolution. They constitute a strategic transformation that redefines the ability of arid countries to face their natural constraints, develop a more resilient water economy, and strengthen their water sovereignty. Pioneering countries demonstrate that this is no longer a last-resort technology but a genuine instrument of development. For regions experiencing extreme water stress, the future of water will be largely shaped by membrane innovation.

References

[1] Sahar Foorginezhad, Mohammad Mahdi Zerafat, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Pei Sean Goh. Emerging membrane technologies for sustainable water treatment: a review on recent advances. Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2025, 4, 530-570.

[2] Abdelrazeq, H.; Khraisheh, M.; Ashraf, H.M.; Ebrahimi, P.; Kunju, A. Sustainable Innovation in Membrane Technologies for Produced Water Treatment: Challenges and Limitations. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6759. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126759

[3] Morante-Carballo, F.; Montalván-Burbano, N.; Quiñonez-Barzola, X.; Jaya-Montalvo, M.; Carrión-Mero, P. What do We Knowabout Water Scarcity in Semi-Arid Zones? A Global Analysis and Research Trends. Water 2022, 14, 2685. https://doi.org/10.3390/ w14172685

[4] D’Agostino D, Al-Memari M and Burt JA (2025) Evolution of desalination research and water production in the Middle East: a five-decade perspective. Front. Water 7:1672360. doi: 10.3389/frwa.2025.1672360

[5] C. Morgante, M. Herrero-Gonzalez, J. Lopez, J. Imholze, V. Boffa, R. Ibañez, J.L. Cortina. A global outlook of the desalination industry and state-of-the-art technologies for brine valorisation. Desalination,  December 2025, 119718

[6] Do Thi, H.T.; Pasztor, T.; Fozer, D.; Manenti, F.; Toth, A.J. Comparison of Desalination Technologies Using Renewable Energy Sources with Life Cycle, PESTLE, and Multi-Criteria Decision Analyses. Water 2021, 13, 3023. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13213023

[7] Alodah, A. Towards Sustainable Water Resources Management Considering Climate Change in the Case of Saudi Arabia. Sustainability 2023, 15, 14674. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su152014674

[8] Ben Rouane Doha, Ait Errouhi Ahmed, Mghaiouini Redouane. Seawater desalination: A review of technologies, environmental impacts, and future perspectives. Desalination and Water Treatment. Volume 324, October 2025, 101578

[9] Ferri, E.N.; Bolelli, L. Wastewater Remediation Treatments Aimed at Water Reuse: Recent Outcomes from Pilot- and Full-Scale Tests. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 2448. https://doi.org/10.3390/ app15052448

[10] Junhyeok Kang, Ohchan Kwon, Jeong Pil Kim, Ju  YeonKim, Jiwon Kim,Yonghwi Cho, Dae Woo Kim. A Comprehensive Review and Perspectives Published as part of ACS Environmental Au special issue “2024 Rising Stars in Environmental Research”.

[11] Nam, Y.-T.; Kang, J.-H.; Jang, J.-D.; Bae, J.-H.; Jung, H.-T.; Kim, D.-W. Recent Developments in Nanoporous Graphene Membranes for Organic Solvent Nanofiltration: A Short Review. Membranes 2021, 11, 793. https://doi.org/10.3390/ membranes11100793

Major Illnesses Caused by Dirty Water and How to Avoid Them

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Did you know that over 780 million people worldwide lack access to clean water? In many parts of the world, drinking water is so dirty that it can cause several potentially fatal illnesses. The diseases caused by contaminated water ranges from Cholera to Polio to Typhoid fever and each one presents a host of severe symptoms, which result in almost a million deaths annually.

In this article, Waterlogic highlight the regions worst affected by water borne diseases as well as suggesting actions to take and help make the drinking water safe to drink — including one technology used in the plumbed-in water dispensers.

 

Beyond Wage Slavery – A Return to a Better Economy, Politics And Society

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According to the Cambridge Dictionary, wage slavery is defined as the economic condition where someone is obliged to work so that they can earn enough money to live on and pay for necessities. In effect, all workers in the global economy who have no other option but to work and sell their labour or else face poverty and homelessness, are in fact slaves to the capitalist economy. This links with the ideas of thinkers like Karl Marx and Joseph Proudhon, who elaborated on the comparison between wage labour and slavery, most notably the critique of work and working conditions.

wage slavery in the 21st century

Moreover, any consistent critique of contemporary wage slavery and global capitalism must engage with the contemporary political and societal situation, especially industrialization, the rise of the nation state and individualism.

The path to creating a society beyond wage slavery means drawing on different insights from disciplines as diverse as sociology, politics and philosophy. Primitivist philosophers like John Zerzan exhort pre-industrial civilization, specifically the lifestyle of hunter-gatherers as a cultural ideal. A world where the modern state did not exist and could not force people to either work or starve; a world where men and women didn’t have to slave away and dedicate the most meaningful hours of their day to deadening, mechanistic work. Instead, life was lived on a more individualistic, if somewhat tribal level.

A society where physical fitness, outdoor exercise and play, self-sufficiency and a tight sense of community foster an environment closer to human flourishing. While the wholesale implementation of a hunter-gatherer lifestyle might seem impossible today, with the pressures of industrialization, urbanization and the nation state; primitivism offers a challenge to the dominant industrial paradigm.

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By reverting to a simpler lifestyle, growing your own food, living close to nature and the adoption of foraging, the average person can challenge the chokehold of industry, technology and capitalism from supermarkets to fast-food restaurants and return to an unhurried and more deliberate existence.

Now, the question of work enters the equation. What is the role of work in a pre-industrial society based on foraging and small-scale subsistence agriculture, and is this linked with wage slavery? Work in a pre-industrial society is anathematic to the modern conception of wage slavery.

A pre-industrial lifestyle, or a limited industrial lifestyle, can accommodate small-scale subsistence agriculture, foraging and crop harvesting, and this is very different from the factory system and industrial jobs in urban centers. Subsistence agriculture is when farmers grow crops to meet the needs of themselves and their immediate families in smallholdings rather than serving the market economy.

If wage slavery is defined by the pressure to work in exploitative conditions or else face poverty and homelessness, then the close-knit bands of foragers or farmers engaged in smallholding or subsistence agriculture, are not wage slaves in the strictest sense of the word. Instead, while they are aligned with an economy based on the production and exchange of crops and other goods, this is not exactly industrial capitalism.

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The economy of pre-industrial society largely excludes wage slavery because the adoption of smallholdings and subsistence agriculture is conducive to a gift economy. A gift economy is compatible with freedom from wage slavery as smallholdings and subsistence agriculture don’t explicitly depend on the selling of crops and livestock. Instead, crops, livestock and handmade goods can be exchanged between rival bands and small communities due to the absence of any large-scale industry or market capitalism. As such, it is very plausible that pre-industrial lifestyles offer liberation from the yoke of wage slavery.

Moving beyond wage slavery will also impact society quite profoundly. Instead of rush-hour traffic and the rat race, society will be based on straightforwardness, social connection, proximity to nature and handmade craftsmanship. Not a traffic light in sight!

All these differences between industrial and pre-industrial society, the latter heavily dependent on wage-slavery, demonstrate the benefits gained by forgoing the pressures of modernity and the market economy. While it may seem very difficult to turn back the clock and escape from wage-slavery, state interference in the economy and society, industrialization and automation; it is a necessary step considering Climate Change, a phenomenon which has been fueled by the industrial revolution.

Therefore, it is only by taking inspiration from the past that humanity can revert to a better lifestyle and live in harmony with nature once again. Of course, by transcending wage slavery and escaping the clutches of capitalism and industrialization, society will reap considerable economic, social, political and even psychological advantages.

Solid Waste Management in Oman

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Solid waste management is a challenging issue for the Sultanate of Oman because of limited land availability and adverse impacts on environment and public health. With population of almost 3.9 million inhabitants, Oman generates more than 1.7 million tons of solid waste each year. The average per capita waste generation is more than 1.2 kg per day, which is equivalent to about 4700 tons of municipal waste every day.

waste dump in middle east

Solid waste in Oman is characterized by very high percentage of recyclables, primarily paper and cardboard (15%), plastics (20.9%), metals (1.8%) and glass (4%) (Source: Waste Characterization and Quantification Survey, Be’ah, 2013).

However the country is yet to realize the recycling potential of its municipal waste stream. Most of the solid waste is sent to authorized and unauthorized dumpsites for disposal which is creating environment and health issues. There are several dumpsites which are located in the midst of residential areas or close to catchment areas of private and public drinking water bodies.

Solid waste management scenario in Oman is marked by lack of collection and disposal facilities as well as lack of public awareness. Solid waste, industrial waste, e-wastes etc are deposited in scores of landfills scattered across the country. Oman has around 350 landfills/dumpsites which are managed by municipalities. In addition, there are numerous unauthorized dumpsites in Oman where all sorts of wastes are recklessly dumped.

Al Amerat landfill is the first engineered sanitary landfill in Oman which began its operations in early 2011. The landfill site, spread over an area of 9.1 hectares, consists of 5 cells with a total capacity of 10 million m3 of solid waste. Each cell has 16 shafts to take care of leachate. All the shafts are interconnected in order to facilitate movement of leachate to the leachate pump.

The project is part of the government’s initiatives to tackle solid waste in a scientific and environment-friendly manner. Being the first of its kind, Al Amerat sanitary landfill is expected to be an example for the future solid waste management projects in the country.

Future Planning

Solid waste management is among the top priorities of Oman government which has chalked out a robust strategy to resolve waste management problem in the Sultanate. The country is striving to establish engineered landfills, waste transfer stations, recycling and waste-to-energy projects in different parts of the country.

Modern solid waste management facilities are under planning in several wilayat, especially Muscat and Salalah. The new landfills will eventually pave the way for closure of authorized and unauthorized garbage dumps around the country.

Municipal solid waste in Oman is characterized by high percentage of recyclables

The state-owned Oman Environment Services Holding Company, now known as Be’ah, which is responsible for waste management projects in Oman, has recently started the tendering process for important projects. Be’ah has launched its waste management strategy and has awarded numerous tenders, while a host of other tenders are under evaluation or bidding phase.

Be’ah has invited tenders from specialised companies for engineered landfills, material recovery facilities, waste transfer stations and waste management services in the upcoming Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), among others. Among the top priorities is that development of Barka engineered landfill as the existing Barka waste disposal site, which serve entire wilayat and other neighbouring wilayats in south Batinah governorate, is plagued by environmental and public health issues.