An Investigation into the Conversion of Non-Hazardous Medical Wastes into Biogas—A Case Study from the Health and Family Planning Sector in Bangladesh

Rahman, Khondokar M. and Melville, Lynsey (2023) An Investigation into the Conversion of Non-Hazardous Medical Wastes into Biogas—A Case Study from the Health and Family Planning Sector in Bangladesh. Processes, 11 (5). p. 1494. ISSN 2227-9717

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Abstract

This study aims to investigate the potential scope of rural bioenergy production from the valorisation of non-hazardous waste, particularly from institutional health and family planning facilities. A crude bioenergy production potential will be determined, as well as relevant interrelationships with food security, equality and inclusivity, poverty reduction, and their contribution to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Solid waste generation at LAMB Hospital in Bangladesh was assessed. Its energy yield capacity and replacement of conventional, inefficient fuel sources were estimated, analysed, and specified. Results showed that the biogas yield capacity of non-hazardous solid waste from the LAMB hospital is 62 m3, which is equivalent to the gas required to cook 31 family meals. From small-to-medium institutes, such as the LAMB hospital, derived waste has the capacity to meet the cooking energy demand of rural villages. The electrical yield capacity of this amount of gas is 124 kWh, and this amount of energy can replace the use of 41 tonnes of firewood that cause emissions, deforestation, and increases the propensity for flooding. The adoption of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) for biogas production also has an impact on waste management, stimulating improved governance and infrastructure and supporting agriculture through the production of nutrient-dense biofertiliser. Further analysis showed that biogas not only provides a clean and affordable fuel but, in turn, has benefits with regard to health issues. Emissions from traditional cooking fuels have deleterious impacts on health due to Indoor Air Pollution (IAP), which generally affects women to a greater extent. All of these factors contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. This study could help to reduce environmental pollution from the health sector and mitigate climate change impacts, and there is a potential for scaling up this study nationwide.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.3390/pr11051494
Dates:	Date Event 10 May 2023 Accepted 15 May 2023 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	bioenergy, social justice, poverty, equality, food security, sustainable development goals, Bangladesh
Subjects:	CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-01 - engineering (non-specific)
Divisions:	Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > College of Built Environment
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	19 Jun 2023 14:13
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2024 11:45
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/14478

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