Characterization for optimizing the integrated management of solid waste for energy recovery and circular economy.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management poses a significant environmental challenge in municipalities across developing nations worldwide. Our studies were focused on characterizing the waste and analyzing the chemical properties of mixed waste fractions to assess their potential for waste-to-energy conversion. The objective of our study was to scrutinize the existing state of the MSW management system and gauge its waste generation rates. Specific ASTM methods were employed to carry out both physical and chemical characterizations. The outcomes reveal that the city generates a daily volume of 1155 tons of domestic solid waste (DSW), translating to a generation rate of 0.51 kg-1 capita-1 day-1. When analyzed by source, organic matter emerged as the predominant constituent, accounting for 73.74% of the waste, followed by combustible content waste at 15.17%. The moisture content of MSW ranged between 26 and 58% throughout the seasons, while volatile solids varied from 22.35 to 99.74%. Among the components screened, carbon and oxygen stood out as the dominant elements. The calorific values encompassed a broad range, ranging from 14.87 MJ kg-1 for leather waste to a substantial 25,629.27 MJ kg-1 for organic waste. To alleviate the escalating burden of increasing solid waste generation, alternative treatment approaches were recommended. These include composting, biomethane plants, the establishment of recycling facilities, and the enhancement of existing landfill sites to scientifically designed landfills. In summary, the findings from this study provide valuable insights for regulatory bodies and municipal authorities. These insights can guide the formulation of policies concerning waste sampling, characterization, segregation, and the implementation of education and awareness campaigns.

Blastomycosis-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Blastomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic to the Midwestern and South Central United States. Infection is caused by inhaling spores of Blastomyces dermatitidis (B. dermatitidis) that inhabit soil. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a rare complication of pulmonary blastomycosis with a significantly high mortality rate. We present a case of blastomycosis associated with severe ARDS treated with traditional prone position ventilation (PPV) and neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA) along with antifungal therapy, steroids, and supportive care in a rural setting with no access to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This case demonstrates that traditional therapies such as prone position ventilation can help patients with blastomycosis-associated ARDS especially in rural settings where advanced therapies such as ECMO are lacking. The use of NAVA in blastomycosis-associated ARDS needs further research.