Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 768

Abstract: the application of Internet of things (IoT) technology in solid waste management was analyzed, including key areas such as municipal solid waste (MSW), medical waste, hazardous waste, and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management. Elaborates further in various fields of the main form of application and the application level at this stage. Also briefly analyses the trend and the direction of the development of the application.

Abstract: The significance of marine debris presence particularly plastic in marine ecosystem calls for proper monitoring strategies to establish a solid foundation for mitigation measures. The objectives of this paper are to study plastic debris distribution while correlating it to the level of awareness on marine pollution among beach users. It is aimed to investigate the impacts of tourism activities and the abundance of plastic debris on the beach. To quantify plastic debris on the beach, five points with duplicates were taken for three consecutive months. These sand samples were sieved through 1.00mm, 2.80mm and 4.7mm apertures. On the other hand, questionnaires were distributed to 625 beach users to study the awareness on issues related to marine pollution. Results indicated that the most crowded site accumulated the highest number of plastic debris (59 items), ranging between 1.00mm to 2.8mm (48% of the total weight of plastic). Debris sizing 4.75mm and more only contributed 41% of the total weight. Questionnaires data revealed that 2.4% of the respondents admitted to leave waste on the beach particularly if no garbage bins are provided, while the majority (92%) collect and throw the waste elsewhere. As for the cause of polluted beaches, 56% believed it is due to the indifferent attitude of the beach users that 20% of the respondents felt that stricter law should be enforced. It can be concluded that the number of plastic debris is highly influenced by the number of beach users. On the other hand, though it is lower in weight, smaller debris makes the largest number of items on the beach. While public believe that more stringent enforcement should be in place, an efficient waste management is also vital to prevent further detrimental impacts of plastic debris to the marine ecosystem.

Abstract: Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) has been adopted in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries since 1970s to help stimulate public participation, facilitate environmental regulation and promote industrial transformation, but have not been adequately established worldwide. In developing countries, environmental pollution is increasing rapidly and has reached severe levels as a result of economic development in the absence of effective environmental regulation and adequate public pressure. During the current exploratory period for establishing a PRTR, developing countries needs support and knowledge when it concerns PRTR schemes and the mechanisms of improving business behavior. Based on literature review and expert interviews, this paper gives a detailed introduction on the PRTR mechanism and concludes common and differentiated experience of PRTR in representative OECD countries, in order to form an overall reference of the OECD experience and provide specified enlightenments to facilitate the waste management in developing countries.

Abstract: Inappropriate production, storage and use of chemical could cause chemical incident. Chemical registration will contribute to the safe management of chemical. Represented by U.S. TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) regulations and the European REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), the awareness of building chemical registrations or chemical database is raising. By carrying out extensive research and comparing the chemical registration regulation status of eight selected countries/regions, the study is to compare the current management status of chemical registration in different developed and developing countries, which may provide information and overview for preventing, controlling and reducing chemical incident, improving safe management of chemical, and supporting the development of chemical registration database.