Municipal solid waste management options

Municipal solid waste (MSW) or garbage is thrown away from every house, every office, and every institute i.e. from every area that is dwelled. Topsy-turvy urbanization in the race of raising high rise & hi tech constructions far beyond the needs and closer to our egotistic fulsomeness, has lead this bare problem to a calamitous survival. The governments, environmentally sensible organizations, and inimitable individuals are finding technological ways to counter this global catastrophe. First step is to make people aware of reducing, reusing, & recycling waste at its very origin then to properly hauling it away, treating, and utilizing it in a manner that is auspicious for the environment and health of our planet.

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Waste-to-energy

A study in Malaysia shows that waste-to-energy techniques can recuperate energy from MSW [1]. MSW is being used for energy production in levelheaded countries who are putting forward a stiff scuffle to make human life better after whole world has wriggled to make it worse. In Malaysia a case study was done at a landfill to mug up the options for technological waste-to-energy stratagem. Incineration is expedient for the production of electricity & heat. Anaerobic digestion was found out to be more promised for electricity generation. A study in China showed that waste-to-energy incineration of MSW can improve ambient environment and cut out greenhouse gas emissions while producing renewable energy [2]. Pollutant discharges via MSW into land, water, & air can also be taken care of through this technology. Waste-to-energy methods can not only elicit better management of MSW but can also kindle methods of harvesting alternative energy.

Biogas yield

Biogas can be yielded from MSW using efficiently designed anaerobic digesters [3]. After adequately reducing MSW’s size and by considering key features like temperature hydrogen-ion concentration, and moisture content etc. for designing digesters, the biogas yield can be resourceful.

Bioelectricity production

A study on cattle manure shows that bioelectricity can be produced through it [4]. MSW has the potential to generate electricity that can be further utilized. Also, the greenhouse gas emissions can also be reduced when large amount of MSW will be employed for bioelectricity production [5].

MSW management in Pakistan

In Pakistan the annual MSW production is around 20 million tons and the production rate is increasing each year [6]. Unless the public is aware of environmental issues and is self-motivated to generate less waste at the source, the MSW production rate per year cannot be lessen. In the absence of proficient waste collection system the waste is being dumped on the streets and in any area that has apparently unclaimed space. Neither waste sorting at the source is encouraged nor does the public have an inner urge to do so. Serious health problems are on rise due to deteriorating environment. According to a study in Data Ganj Bukhsh Town in Lahore, Pakistan showed that reconditioning household waste material, gathering biowaste, biogasification, and energy recovery from landfill are preferable scenarios for an environmentally enhanced practice [7]. A proper MSW management plan is needed to solve the issue of solid waste floating around here and there across the country.  

A gist of MSW by,
Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

References

[1]        S. T. Tan, W. S. Ho et al., “Energy, economic and environmental (3E) analysis of waste-to-energy (WTE) strategies for municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Malaysia”, Energy conservation and management, vol. 102 (2015), p: 111-120.  

[2]        H. Cheng and Y. Hu, “Municipal solid waste (MSW) as a renewable source of energy: Current and future practices in China”, Bioresource Technology, vol. 101 (2010), p: 3816-3824.

[3]        A. H. Igoni, M. J. Ayotamuno et al., “Designs of anaerobic digesters for producing biogas from municipal solid-waste”, Applied Energy, vol. 85 (2008), p: 430-438.

[4]        Y. Lee and N. Nirmalakhandan, “Electricity production in membrane-less microbial fuel cell fed with livestock organic solid waste”, Bioresource Technology, vol. 102 (2011), p: 5831-5835.

[5]        M. A. Rajaeifar, H. Ghanavati et al., “Electricity generation and GHG emission reduction potentials through different municipal solid waste management technologies: A comparative

review”, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 79 (2017), p: 414-439.  

[6]      https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/solid-waste-management-in-pakistan/

[7]        S. A. Batool and M. N. Chuadhry, “The impact of municipal solid waste treatment methods on greenhouse gas emissions in Lahore, Pakistan”, Waste Management, vol. 29 (2009), p: 63-69.  

Tux paint art - Castle

Tux paint keeps children engage in constructive activity at the computer instead of just gaming & videos.

Here is another wonderful Tux paint art of a castle.

Tux paint art by,

Asma Khurram

Tux Paint Art - Rain and clouds

Tux paint offers great tools to create and enjoy! 

This art has raining clouds and rain.

Tux paint art by,
Hafsa Khurram

Tux Paint art - Seals

Water seals are made in Tux Paint along with other soft-art. 

The seals.

They are cute.

Tux Paint art by,

Hafsa Khurram

Stars and flowers

Stars, hearts, flowers, and cupcakes made up of plaster of Paris. Put together beautifully to make a wonderful art piece. 

Here are the details of each piece:

Star that is colored and glitter glued.

Cupcake that is painted with various colors.

Hearts painted blue & green.

Rose painted red and glittered.

Beautiful artwork by beautiful,

Asma Khurram

Do’s and Don’ts of detox water with 5 detox water recipes

Do not do dieting while consuming detox water

When one feels motivated and all of sudden starts working out, says no to junks, no to sugary and savory foods, and no to nutrition and then starts consuming detox water, detox water and detox water, then harm is sure to happen. 

Do have proper nutrition daily

It is vital for the body to have proper nutrition on a daily basis in order to function well. Have balanced and nutritious meals, then detox water will show its miracles. Instead, having detox water while body is already deprived of essential nutrients will do no good than harm.

Do not just drink detox water

People are seen drinking just detox water and no plain water. The body comes under chaos when it doesn’t get plain and refreshing water at all. As a result, starts responding to this situation and the person feels sick.

Do drink plain water as well

Remember, plain water is the best drink ever; better than any detox water, bubblies, or juices. Plain water is a natural detoxifier. No detox can ever be invented that can replace what nature has bestowed already. So have your water please!

Detox water recipes

1^st recipe: Grapefruit & apple

Half grape fruit slices + 1 apple slices + 1 liter of water

Soak for a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 hours in refrigerator.

Or it can be soaked for 1 – 3 hours outside of refrigerator.  

Grape fruit is packed with nutrients and vitamin C which are vital for health. It fights harmful cells, helps in weight loss, boosts immunity, and good for skin & optimal health. But do not be hasty to get all those benefits within 24 hours. Just have a maximum of 1 grapefruit in a day. So, you can add half or quarter grapefruit to your detox water and rest of it consume as a fruit. 

2^nd recipe: Cucumber, ginger, & mint

Half cucumber slices + 1 small piece of ginger + few mint leaves + 750ml to 1 liter of water

Soak for a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 hours in refrigerator.

Or it can be soaked for 1 – 3 hours outside of refrigerator.  

3^rd recipe: Grape fruit & dates

Half grape fruit slices + 1 dates + 750 ml to 1 liter of water.

Soak for a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 hours in refrigerator.

Or it can be soaked for 1 – 3 hours outside of refrigerator.  

Dates are usually not added to detox waters. But as dates are good source of essential minerals and various vitamins, they will provide a nutritious tag within the detox water.      

4^th recipe: Beetroot

1 beetroot slices + 500ml to 750 ml of water.

Soak for a minimum of 10 minutes to a maximum of 45 minutes inside or outside of refrigerator.

5^th recipe: Honey, ginger, & cinnamon

1 teaspoon honey + 1 small piece of ginger + 1 small cinnamon stick + 250 to 500 ml of water.

Soak for 1 – 3 hours inside or outside of refrigerator.

Detox water recipes by,

Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

Power Seeds – Superfoods – Black Seeds & Flax Seeds

With the advent of this era of allopathic failure at large, many avengers who are those whose underlying conditions have been vetoed & rebuked at the doorsteps of allopathic treatment, have started searching how to cure themselves and their loved ones with alternative treatments. Vetoed & rebuked in the sense that any allopathic practitioner doesn’t say that you are not welcome, but there are no answers thus there are no results with that treatment. Of course why would a tiger say no to the chicken would he? They open-handedly welcome the prey seeing him as a big diamond crystal to be cashed soon. And how many of us are not aware that allopath sure says no after a big squeeze (of money) when they see that the victim is of no use now. 

Having said, I am not at all criticizing the ones who are not of the above explained nature. In fact I am grateful to those who have found the flaw in their own field and have spoken about it and are spreading the truth with their money & lives as many of them are already assassinated or under life’s threats. The world has backlashed on them because it’s huge game of money or should I say game of thrones - the unshared dominion; right? 

With the trust in the One who has actual unshared dominion and due to the above elucidated reason that I and my loved ones have been swindled by so called allopathic care with no cures and zero answers, I have been researching, vocalizing, consuming, and writing about such alternative healing foods. Thus, here are two more healing foods and I am not sure these seeds dates back to when the time in history. But am sure they did exist as therapeutic procedures especially black seeds. 

So consume these after your own research.

Thus, heal thyselves!    

Black seeds

Black seeds or nigella sativa are one of the seeds that have been used as medicine and as food flavor since ancient times. Black seeds and black seed oil deal with autoimmune diseases. The diseases that are manifested in the form of inflammations, skin conditions, gastrointestinal problems, nasal tract infections, joint pains, and many more.

How to include black seeds in diet?

Just add a pinch of black seeds or ground black seeds in your curries or bread dough. Do not consume it in large amounts.

Where to get black seeds in Pakistan?

Black seeds are called ‘kalonji’ in Urdu. Black seeds are available at ‘perchoon ki dukaan’ and grocery stores. 

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds or linseeds are brown, small, flat & oval shaped seeds. These seeds can do wonders when they enter the human body as they are protein-rich, contain omega-3 fatty acids, high in dietary fiber, and have antioxidants & minerals. These make a good addition to diet as these are low in carbohydrates, lower cholesterol levels, good for skin and hair, digestive system, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and also support fat-loss.

How to include flaxseeds in diet?

Grounded flaxseeds are better for body as it is able to get most benefits from them. Increase water intake when using flaxseeds. A pinch of flaxseeds to a maximum of half teaspoon can be added to daily diet.

Flaxseeds can be added to smoothies, cake or muffin batter, bread dough, cereals or chat.

      

Where to get flaxseeds in Pakistan?

Flaxseeds are called ‘alsi k beej’ in Urdu. Flaxseeds are available at ‘perchoon ki dukaan’ and grocery stores.

Superfoods aficioner,
Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

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