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Assessment of Used Baby Diapers Composting in Bolivia

Author

Listed:
  • Navarro Ferronato

    (Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via G.B Vico 46, 21100 Varese, Italy)

  • Máximo Lucio Nova Pinedo

    (Department of Agronomic Engineering, Catholic University of Carmen Pampa, Coroico, Bolivia)

  • Vincenzo Torretta

    (Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via G.B Vico 46, 21100 Varese, Italy)

Abstract

Solid waste open dumping in developing countries is a global concern. To move towards sustainable development, mixed waste should be reduced, and recyclable waste recovered. The aim of the current research was to find appropriate solutions to disposable used baby-diapers recycling in Bolivia since it is a waste fraction widely produced and commonly disposed of in open dumps. Composting of the organic diaper hydrogel was assessed in five trials, adding components available locally: cow dung, activated bacteria, and Californian red earthworms ( Eisenia fetida ). It was observed that about 60 days were globally required for biomass decomposition with cow dung, activated bacteria, and earthworms, and more than 70 days for the treatment of the substrate mixed only with manure, while the diaper hydrogel did not degrade without cow dung. This research is the first that attempted to treat disposable used baby diapers with the vermicomposting process. In general, the outcomes of the research are promising: vermicomposting with cow manure can be a recycling option for disposable used baby diapers, introducing appropriate practices toward a circular economy in developing regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Navarro Ferronato & Máximo Lucio Nova Pinedo & Vincenzo Torretta, 2020. "Assessment of Used Baby Diapers Composting in Bolivia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:12:p:5055-:d:374432
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rosa María Espinosa-Valdemar & Alethia Vázquez-Morillas & Sara Ojeda-Benítez & Gabriela Arango-Escorcia & Sonia Cabrera-Elizalde & Xochitl Quecholac-Piña & Maribel Velasco-Pérez & Perla X. Sotelo-Nava, 2015. "Assessment of Gardening Wastes as a Co-Substrate for Diapers Degradation by the Fungus Pleurotus ostreatus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(5), pages 1-13, May.
    2. Kyung-Shin Kim & Kyoung Jin Kim, 2018. "Evaluation of a Disposable-Diaper Collection Trial in Korea through Comparison with an Absorbent-Hygiene-Product Collection Trial in Scotland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-13, March.
    3. Marco Ragazzi & Riccardo Catellani & Elena Cristina Rada & Vincenzo Torretta & Xavier Salazar-Valenzuela, 2014. "Management of Municipal Solid Waste in One of the Galapagos Islands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(12), pages 1-16, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel A. Salas & Paulina Criollo & Angel D. Ramirez, 2021. "The Role of Higher Education Institutions in the Implementation of Circular Economy in Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-27, August.
    2. Asif Iqbal & Abdullah Yasar & Abdul-Sattar Nizami & Rafia Haider & Faiza Sharif & Imran Ali Sultan & Amtul Bari Tabinda & Aman Anwer Kedwaii & Muhammad Murtaza Chaudhary, 2022. "Municipal Solid Waste Collection and Haulage Modeling Design for Lahore, Pakistan: Transition toward Sustainability and Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-39, December.

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