20 to 80% of municipal solid waste (MSW) is UFW. The UFW inversely correlated to the economic status of the community, while the mass of UFW produced per capita was directly correlated (Adhikari et al., 2006). In many... [ view full abstract ]
20 to 80% of municipal solid waste (MSW) is UFW. The UFW inversely correlated to the economic status of the community, while the mass of UFW produced per capita was directly correlated (Adhikari et al., 2006). In many countries around the globe, the landfill practice is not even feasible, resulting in land and water dumping (Louis, 2004; Korfmacher, 1997). Because of its biodegradability, UFW attracts disease vectors such as parasites, pathogens, insects and vermin (Louis, 2004;Yedla and Parikh, 2001) and its proper use before disposal can improve the environment and reduce health risks. In Asia, for example, a large number of cities can generally afford the management of 10 to 30% of their MSW (Sharholy et al., 2007). Because the UFW fraction of such cities generally constitutes 50 to 70% of MSW, the on-site treatment of UFW could resolve most of the garbage issue, and in parallel, reduce the mass of MSW to be transported outside city limits, as well as the smog and GHG emissions. Where landfilling is practiced, the UFW fraction has a major impact on water, soil and air resources. Besides reducing the amount of land available for food production, landfilled UFW brings moisture producing contaminated leachate which can pollute groundwater and soils with heavy metals and toxic organic compounds (Louis, 2004; El-Fadel et al., 2003). Wang et al., 1997). Worldwide, the anthropogenic emission of GHG from landfill sites is estimated at 8% and results mainly from landfilled UFW. Given the increased food prices and the resources required, food waste is being recognized as one of the major growing factor affecting urban health and the disposal of this unused food is controversial.the challenges and economic benefits of the on-site reduction, rescuing and reuse of UFW within urban context, to minimize and evaluate conversion of UFW into resources.
I. Research Collaborations 1.1 Scientific collaborations in geography and urban health 1.2