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All Journal Environmental and Toxicology Management (ETM) Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Industrial and Domestic Waste Management Civil and Sustainable Urban Engineering Acta Pedagogia Asiana
Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Chemistry Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Education Engineering Environmental Science Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Public Health Transportation Other

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 1 
Medical Waste during COVID-19 Pandemic: Its Types, Abundance, Impacts and Implications Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Industrial and Domestic Waste Management Vol. 2 Iss. 2 (2022)
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/idwm.v2i2.117

Abstract

 COVID-19 has resulted in an abrupt and significant increase in medical waste, albeit with improving air and water quality in certain regions. This paper aims to review the types, abundance, and impacts of COVID-19-related medical waste through examining the contents of 54 peer-reviewed scholarly papers. COVID-19-related medical waste compositions vary over time, with COVID-19 screening, diagnostic, and treatment wastes, as well as used personal protective equipment (PPE), constituting the majority of medical waste at the start, followed by vaccination waste during the peak of vaccination. COVID-19-related medical waste is expected to decrease and steady as more and more countries relax restrictions in an attempt to live with COVID-19. Geographically, the amount of COVID-19-related medical waste depends on population size, with highly-populated countries and cities such as China, Manila, Jakarta, and Bangkok seeing or expected to see a hike in the waste of between 210 tonnes/day and 280 tonnes/day during COVID-19. Packaging of the medical and PPE items forming the medical waste stream also contributes to a substantial amount of waste. As plastics are a major component of medical waste, the increase in COVID-19-related medical waste and its mismanagement have worsened environmental pollution caused by plastics. The surge of medical waste during COVID-19 strained the existing medical waste disposal systems, and incineration of the waste contributed to air pollution, which was often localized. Mismanagement of the waste could also raise public health concerns and cause visual repercussions.
Valorization of Plastic Waste through Incorporation into Construction Materials Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Civil and Sustainable Urban Engineering Vol. 2 Iss. 2 (2022)
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/csue.v2i2.141

Abstract

The growing plastic pollution has prompted the quest to reduce plastic waste sustainably and control the mismanaged plastic stream. The valorization of plastic waste through reusing and recycling has received much attention as a sustainable solution to the global plastic problem, and the construction sector provides an important avenue for such an endeavor. This review aims to present the latest advances in the valorization of plastic waste as construction and building materials through the review of 60 relevant scholarly papers and a content analysis of the papers. In the construction sector, plastic waste can be valorized as additives or raw materials for brick production. As additives, plastic waste is added at different proportions (1%–70%) with other materials, including non-plastic waste, followed by curing to acquire the desired properties. Plastic waste is used as a raw material to contain strength-imparting materials. The former has been reported to have good strengths (5.15-55.91 MPa), chemical, and thermal resistance, whereas the latter may impart lower strengths (0.67-15.25 MPa). Plastic waste is also used as additives for road pavement, primarily as substitutes for concrete-making materials, and was observed to produce desirable strengths (0.95–35 MPa) at appropriate proportions (0.5–25%), indicating the importance of optimizing the plastic contents in the concrete. Plastic waste has been recycled as plastic lumber, plastic-based door panels and gates, as well as insulation materials. Plastic-based construction materials are generally lightweight, resistant to chemicals and heat, and have good sound insulation, but they may pose a fire safety concern.
Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in the Soil of a Higher Education Institution in China Kuok Ho Daniel Tang; Yuxin Luo
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Vol. 3 Iss. 1 (2023)
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v3i1.152

Abstract

While microplastics have been detected in various spheres of the environment, there are few studies examining their abundance in higher education institutions, where their exposure to students and staff could raise concern. This study aims to quantify and characterise the microplastics in the soil of a higher education institution in China. Surface soil samples were collected in triplicate from nine sampling sites distributed evenly across teaching, recreational, and residential areas on campus. The soil samples were sieved with a 5 mm screen, and the fractions passing through the sieve were digested with 30% hydrogen peroxide. Microplastics were density-separated from the digested soil and observed under the microscope. ATR-FTIR was used to determine their compositions. This study reveals a higher abundance of microplastics in teaching and residential areas (150–700 items/kg and 50–650 items/kg, respectively) as compared to recreational areas (0–450 items/kg), with the highest mean abundance (516.7 items/kg) recorded for residential areas. Fibrous and fragment microplastics (31.5% and 33.3%, respectively) were most common in the soil samples, with the former more prevalent in residential areas. There were more black microplastics (36.4%) and white microplastics (29.1%) than those of other colors. Microplastics £ 0.5 mm constituted the largest fraction (64.3%) of total microplastics recovered and polyethylene microplastics were most abundant (35.2%). This study contributes to a better understanding of microplastic pollution in the compounds of higher education institutions, which could be positively linked to the human activities within those institutions.
Gamification to Improve Participation in an Environmental Science Course: An Educator’s Reflection Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Acta Pedagogia Asiana Vol. 2 Iss. 2 (2023)
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/apga.v2i2.192

Abstract

Reticence prevalent among East Asian students has prompted educators to attempt different methods to engage them. Gamification of courses has gained popularity as an avenue to encourage students’ participation, and it is facilitated by the roll-out of diverse online gamification platforms. This study aims to reflect on an educator’s experience of incorporating elements of gamification in an environmental science course delivered in a micro-campus established through a Sino-American educational collaboration. Gibb’s Reflective Cycle was adopted to guide the reflection practice. Gamification was implemented with three online interactive platforms, namely Poll Everywhere, Kahoot, and Quizizz. Poll Everywhere was mainly used for short polls and activities during lessons, while Kahoot and Quizizz were used for quiz-like competitions whose scores did not contribute to students’ grades. Kahoot created a lively atmosphere in class but was constrained by limits on players’ numbers, internet control, and the lag between sending and receiving responses. Quizizz had more game elements, which thrilled individual players but was less able to create the lively classroom the educator desired. It was more stable, perhaps because it was less subjected to internet control. Poll Everywhere had a less attractive scoreboard and was more appropriate for short classroom activities. Students' interest in the platforms tended to wane with each repeated use of the platforms. To improve the gamification experience, a mix of platforms could be used, and locally developed platforms could be sourced for stability and diversification.
Student-centered Approach in Teaching and Learning: What Does It Really Mean? Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Acta Pedagogia Asiana Vol. 2 Iss. 2 (2023)
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/apga.v2i2.218

Abstract

Student-centered approach has been the center of attention in teaching and learning as the emphasis to shift away from teacher-centered approach is growing. While the term has been widely used, it remains unclear how it can be effectively operationalized given the continuum nature of teacher-centered and student-centered approaches. This article examines 34 articles and included a thematic analysis of their contents to systematically present the methods to operationalize student-centered approach. A channel to practice student-centered approach is project-based learning where students work on projects, such as community and design projects, and are expected to manage the projects or at least propose actions or solutions. Problem-based learning is a variant of project-based learning and students often work on scenarios, cases, questions, or problems which are less extensive than projects. Problem-solving usually precedes lectures to promote self-directed learning and facilitate scaffolding. An argument-based curriculum incorporates arguments and debates that engage students in the self-discovery of different perspectives on a given topic. Student-centered approach is closely linked to the use of technology for research, interactions, gamification, simulations, and feedback. Student-centered feedback prompts active learning through deliberate feedback while adaptive teaching involves students in content-building. This review contributes to the enhancement of student-centered elements in teaching and learning.
Phytoremediation of perfluorochemicals: A review of its advances, feasibility and limitations Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Environmental and Toxicology Management Vol. 3 No. 1 (2023): Environmental factors and their impacts
Publisher : Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33086/etm.v3i1.3724

Abstract

The detection of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in various environmental compartments has raised attention and driven countermeasures to reduce their prevalence. Phytoremediation provides a feasible option for PFCs removal from the environment. Crops such as maize, carrots, lettuce, tomato and spinach have demonstrated the ability to phytoextract and phytoaccumulate PFCs. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of PFCs in plants widely vary with plant types, plant parts, the types of PFCs and the properties of soil. Maize straw for instance was shown to have a high BCF (35.23) for perfluorobutanoic acid in comparison to maize kernel with a BCF of only 0.229 for the same compound. Maize leaves have a BCF of 9.39 for perfluorohexane sulphonic acid and maize roots have a BCF of 8.82 for perfluorooctane sulphonic acid. Carrots were found to degrade fluorotelomers whereas silver birch and long beechfern are good accumulators of numerous PFCs. BCFs of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids are usually negatively correlated to the carbon chain lengths due to decreasing aqueous solubilities with increasing carbon chain lengths which impede root uptake of the compounds. PCFs phytoremediation is low cost, less energy intensive, operationally simple and environmentally friendly but has the drawbacks of inconsistent performance, long duration, and lacking evidence on mineralization of perfluoroalkyl substances. The use of non-crop plants for PFCs phytoremediation is promulgated due to concern of food wastage and the biomass generated from phytoremediating plants should ideally be suitable as feedstock for bioenergy production. This review contributes to further advancement of PFCs phytoremediation by addressing its current limitations.
Microplastics in and Near Landlocked Countries of Central and East Asia: A Review of Occurrence and Characteristics Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Vol. 3 Iss. 2 (2023)
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v3i2.262

Abstract

The detection of microplastics in the water and sediment samples of the landlocked countries in central and eastern Asia means the relatively less populous countries are not spared from microplastic pollution. It is crucial to understand the severity of microplastic pollution in and near those countries since there are significantly fewer regional studies on microplastic pollution conducted for those countries. This review aims to systematically present the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in and near the landlocked countries to shed light on the severity of microplastic pollution therein. It analyzed the contents of more than 38 papers to achieve its aim. Of all the landlocked countries, Mongolia has the most studies on microplastic pollution, while there are none for Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. For dried sediment samples, the microplastic contents ranged from 862 items/kg in the Tuul River of Mongolia to 15–46 items/kg on the Iranian side of the Caspian Sea near Turkmenistan. Lake Hovsgol in Mongolia recorded a microplastic density of 20,264 items/km2, whereas the Selenga River system had a mean microplastic density of 120.14 items/km2. Microplastics concentrations in the Caspian Sea varied, with areas near the southwest of Turkmenistan having microplastics concentrations ranging from 0.000246 items/l to 0.710 items/l. The microplastics levels in the countries are comparable to those of other regions in the world, indicating the impacts of human activities on microplastic pollution. Some microplastics might also have entered the countries through long-range transport by air and water from areas of higher human activity.
Phytoremediation of Microplastics: A Perspective on Its Practicality Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Industrial and Domestic Waste Management Vol. 3 Iss. 2 (2022)
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/idwm.v3i2.291

Abstract

Microplastics have permeated all parts of the environment, rendering their removal essential. Numerous strategies ranging from the physical removal of mismanaged plastic items to the biodegradation of microplastics with microorganisms and biocatalysts have been proposed to alleviate microplastic pollution. Phytoremediation is one of the plastic-removing strategies, but it has not received much attention. This perspective paper aims to review the phytoremediation of microplastics and discuss its practicality. The paper shows that plants could act as interceptors and a temporary sink of microplastics by facilitating their deposition, adsorbing them, trapping them in the root zone, enabling them to cluster on the roots, taking them up, translocating them, and accumulating them in various plant parts. However, there was a lack of evidence pointing to the degradation of microplastics after they were adsorbed, taken up, and stored. Weak adsorption and environmental factors may cause the trapped microplastics to desorb, resuspend, or evade, thus also making plants a source of microplastics. The microplastics trapped and accumulated in plants may be transferred to the higher trophic levels of the food chain through ingestion and raise concerns over their ecotoxicities. Unlike localized pollution, microplastic pollution is widespread, which limits the applicability of phytoremediation. Besides, microplastics could adversely impact plant health and the ability of plants to remove other environmental pollutants. These drawbacks may reduce the attractiveness of phytoremediation unless it can be effectively combined with bioremediation to degrade microplastics.
A Review of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Regulatory Frameworks: Their Implications on Malaysia Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Vol. 3 Iss. 2 (2023)
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v3i2.282

Abstract

The increasing emphasis on sustainability has led many nations to introduce ESG-related regulatory frameworks. These frameworks aim to regulate and guide financial investments based on the ESG performance of companies while ensuring transparency to prevent the manipulation of sustainability-related information concerning investment products. This article reviews the regulatory and disclosure frameworks implemented in different nations and regions to identify their key components. The review reveals that these regulatory frameworks capture the environmental aspects encompassing climate change adaptation and mitigation, identification, evaluation and management of climate risks, circular economy practices, and pollution prevention. They also cover the social aspects, which include community development, employee welfare, and human rights. Additionally, governance aspects comprising anti-corruption measures, diversity within company boards and management, and the implementation of due diligence were included. The increased emphasis on transparency underscores the importance of disclosure. In this regard, the disclosure frameworks largely align with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, which cover governance, strategies for identifying and assessing risks and opportunities, their impacts on a company's finances and operations, resilience-building through scenario analyses, risk management integration with the overall organizational risk management, and the use of metrics and targets to measure performance. Malaysia could benefit from adopting comprehensive regulatory and disclosure frameworks that address ESG holistically, with elements related to the circular economy and dual materiality included in the frameworks. Future studies could focus on standardizing the development of metrics and targets to facilitate performance comparisons.
Co-Authors Yuxin Luo