JABATAN KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

SESSION I:2023/2024
DCC 50262 - Environmental Pollution & Control
CASE STUDY
(TOPIC 5-6)
DURATION: 1 WEEK

NAME : 1. MUHAMMAD AZIB AZRI BIN

SAHARUDIN
2. MOHAMAD FIRDAUS DANIEL BIN
MOHAMAD
3. AMIERUL HAFIZIE BIN MD ZAIDIN

STUDENT NO. : 1. 06DKA22F1056

2. 06DKA22F1125
3. 06DKA22F1047
CLASS: DKA4B

LECTURER’S NAME: MOHAN KUMAR A/L MANIKAM

Food waste is a vast issue global, including in Malaysia. Food waste brings negative impacts, including increasing food
production costs, impact on human health, and environmental degradation. Malaysian's animal- and plant-based diet
 preferences affected the desired food waste decomposition method as most of the methods only allow plant-based material
to be utilized as food waste compost. Food waste is directly associated with social (e.g., health, equality), economic (e.g.,
increasing costs, consumption, resource efficiency, price volatility, waste management, commodity markets), and
environmental (e.g., water, climate change, energy, depletion of resources, disruption of biogenic cycles due to intensive
agricultural activities) impacts. Resource-intensive food production causes damage to the environment; for instance, water
and air pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and greenhouse gas emissions occur during food production, storage,
conveyance, and waste management. Moreover, a lot of money could be saved by halting food waste.

Question 1

a) With the aid of diagram, explain all the food composting methods in detail step by step until the end product. Then,
CLO2, classify the most effective composting method that can be used to manage food waste. (C4)
CLO3 Backyard Composting:
C4, C5
DK1, Step 1: Select a Composting Bin: Choose a suitable composting bin or container. Options include plastic bins, wooden
DK3, bins, wire mesh bins, or DIY structures.
DK4,
DK5 Step 2: Layering: Start by adding a layer of brown materials such as dry leaves, straw, or shredded newspaper to the
DP1, DP4 bottom of the bin.

Step 3: Add Food Scraps: Add food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells to the bin. It's
important to balance green materials (food scraps) with brown materials (carbon-rich materials) to maintain proper
decomposition.

Step 4: Moisture and Aeration: Ensure the compost pile stays moist but not waterlogged. Turn the compost regularly to
aerate it and facilitate decomposition.

Step 5: Monitor and Maintain: Monitor the compost pile regularly. It should heat up as microbial activity breaks down the
organic matter. If it smells bad, add more brown materials. If it's too dry, add water.

Step 6: Harvesting: After several weeks to months, depending on conditions and the composting process, the compost will
be ready. It should be dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. Harvest the compost and use it in your garden or yard.
Among these methods, the most effective composting method for managing food waste depends on factors such as
available space, time, and resources. Backyard composting is widely practiced and suitable for households with outdoor
space and access to yard waste. Vermicomposting is ideal for those with limited outdoor space, as it can be done indoors
and produces nutrient-rich worm castings. Bokashi composting is suitable for households that want to compost quickly and
efficiently, regardless of space limitations, as it can be done indoors and doesn't require turning or monitoring of the
compost pile. Ultimately, the most effective method is the one that aligns with the individual's lifestyle and preferences.

b) Summarize the impact of food waste composting that had been chosen to 5R's concept (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse,
Rot and Recycle) to the economy and environment. (C5)

Refuse: Food waste composting encourages individuals and businesses to refuse excess or unnecessary food
consumption by providing an alternative solution for food scraps. By diverting food waste from landfills,
composting reduces the need for additional landfill space and minimizes the environmental impact associated with
landfilling organic waste.
Reduce: Composting reduces the volume of organic waste sent to landfills, thereby reducing methane emissions
—a potent greenhouse gas produced during the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in landfills. Methane
contributes to climate change, so reducing its emission through composting helps mitigate environmental impacts.
Reuse: Composting transforms food waste into nutrient-rich compost, which can be reused to enrich soil in
gardens, farms, and landscaping projects. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, conserving resources
and reducing the environmental footprint associated with their production and application.
Rot: Food waste composting epitomizes the "Rot" principle by facilitating the natural decomposition process of
organic materials. Through composting, food scraps are broken down by microorganisms into humus-rich
compost, which returns valuable nutrients to the soil, supporting plant growth and ecosystem health.
Recycle: Composting is a form of organic recycling, converting food waste into a valuable resource. The compost
produced can be recycled back into the environment as a soil amendment, closing the nutrient loop and
promoting sustainable agriculture and landscaping practices. Additionally, composting creates economic
opportunities by generating revenue streams from the sale of compost products and reducing waste management
costs associated with landfilling organic waste.

c) Recommend the sustainable concept and technique in control and monitoring the environmental pollution to
enhance the effectiveness in municipal solid waste management. (C5)

To enhance the effectiveness of municipal solid waste management and control environmental pollution, incorporating
sustainable concepts and techniques is crucial. Here are some recommendations:

Source Segregation and Recycling Programs:

Implement source segregation programs to separate recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal at the
point of generation.
Promote community awareness and education campaigns to encourage residents and businesses to participate actively in
recycling initiatives.
Establish recycling centers or collection points to facilitate the proper disposal and recycling of materials.
Composting Organic Waste:
Encourage composting of organic waste, including food scraps and yard waste, to divert it from landfills and reduce
methane emissions.
Provide residents with composting bins or offer municipal composting services to make composting accessible and
convenient.
Waste-to-Energy Technologies:
Invest in waste-to-energy technologies such as anaerobic digestion or incineration with energy recovery to convert non-
recyclable waste into electricity, heat, or biofuels.
Ensure that waste-to-energy facilities comply with strict emissions standards to minimize air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions.
 Landfill Management Practices:
Implement modern landfill management practices such as landfill gas capture and leachate treatment systems to reduce
environmental pollution.
Monitor and regulate landfill operations to prevent groundwater contamination and minimize the release of harmful gases
into the atmosphere.
Waste Reduction Strategies:
Promote waste reduction strategies such as product redesign, packaging minimization, and the use of reusable products to
decrease the overall volume of waste generated.
Encourage the adoption of circular economy principles, emphasizing resource conservation, product durability, and
materials reuse.
Smart Technology and Monitoring Systems:
Deploy smart technology and monitoring systems to track waste generation, collection, and disposal processes in real-time.
Utilize data analytics and predictive modeling to optimize waste management operations, reduce inefficiencies, and identify
areas for improvement.

Question 2

a) Malaysia, Kualiti Alam Waste Management Centre (WMC) in Negeri Sembilan. The WMC holds the license to handle
CLO2, 76 categories of 77 scheduled wastes listed under Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005.
CLO3 Identify all the facilities which is available at Kualiti Alam that related to hazardous waste management in Malaysia.
C3, (C3)
C4,C5
DK1, Kualiti Alam Waste Management Centre (WMC) in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, is a comprehensive facility
DK3, equipped to handle hazardous waste management. Here are the facilities available at Kualiti Alam related to
DK4, hazardous waste management:
DK9
DP1, Secure Landfill: Kualiti Alam has secure landfill facilities designed to safely dispose of hazardous waste. These
DP4, DP5 landfills are engineered to prevent leachate leakage and groundwater contamination.
Hazardous Waste Treatment Plants: The facility includes hazardous waste treatment plants equipped with
specialized equipment and technologies to treat various types of hazardous waste. Treatment processes may
include physical, chemical, or biological treatment methods.
Incineration Plant: Kualiti Alam has an incineration plant for the thermal treatment of hazardous waste.
Incineration is used to destroy hazardous organic compounds and reduce the volume of waste.
Stabilization and Solidification Facility: The center may have facilities for the stabilization and solidification of
hazardous waste. This process involves treating waste to immobilize hazardous constituents, reducing their
mobility and potential for environmental harm.
Container Storage Area: Kualiti Alam provides secure storage areas for containers holding hazardous waste.
These areas are designed to prevent spills, leaks, and unauthorized access.
Waste Transfer Stations: The center may have waste transfer stations where hazardous waste is received,
sorted, and temporarily stored before further processing or disposal.
Laboratory Facilities: Kualiti Alam likely has laboratory facilities for analyzing and characterizing hazardous waste
to determine appropriate treatment and disposal methods.
Emergency Response and Spill Containment Equipment: The facility is equipped with emergency response teams
and spill containment equipment to handle incidents involving hazardous materials safely.
 Training and Education Center: Kualiti Alam may offer training and educational programs for waste generators,
handlers, and regulators on hazardous waste management best practices and regulatory compliance.
Monitoring and Environmental Protection Measures: The center implements monitoring programs and
environmental protection measures to ensure compliance with regulations and minimize the environmental impact
of hazardous waste management activities.
These facilities at Kualiti Alam Waste Management Centre play a crucial role in managing hazardous waste in
Malaysia, ensuring proper treatment, disposal, and environmental protection.

b) Explain how Hazardous waste can pose serious health risks to humans, animals, and ecosystems. (C4)

Hazardous waste can pose serious health risks to humans, animals, and ecosystems due to its toxic, corrosive,
flammable, or reactive properties. Here's how:

Direct Exposure to Humans:

Inhalation: Hazardous waste often emits toxic gases or vapors, which, when inhaled, can cause respiratory
problems, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and in severe cases, damage to the lungs and nervous system.
Ingestion: Accidental ingestion of hazardous waste or contaminated food and water can lead to poisoning,
gastrointestinal issues, organ damage, and even death.
Skin Contact: Contact with hazardous waste can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, dermatitis, and systemic
toxicity if toxins are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
Water Contamination:
Surface Water: Hazardous waste that leaches into surface water bodies like rivers, lakes, and streams can
contaminate drinking water sources and harm aquatic life. Chemical pollutants may bioaccumulate in fish and
other aquatic organisms, posing risks to human health when consumed.
Groundwater: Hazardous waste can infiltrate groundwater, contaminating aquifers and wells used for drinking
water. Chronic exposure to contaminated groundwater can lead to long-term health problems, including cancer
and neurological disorders.
Soil Pollution:
Hazardous waste disposed of in landfills or improperly managed sites can leach toxic chemicals into the soil.
Contaminated soil can adversely affect plant growth, reduce agricultural productivity, and pose risks to humans
and animals through direct contact or ingestion of contaminated food crops.
Air Pollution:
Incineration or improper disposal of hazardous waste can release harmful pollutants into the air, including heavy
metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and furans. Inhalation of these pollutants can cause
respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and cancer, particularly in communities living near waste disposal
facilities.

c) Evaluate approaches in engineering technician practice such as public safety, environmental and sustainability
development in issue of hazardous waste management. (C5)

Public Safety:

Engineering technicians play a critical role in ensuring public safety in hazardous waste management by implementing
proper handling, storage, and disposal practices.

They assess risks associated with hazardous waste and develop safety protocols to protect workers, communities, and the
environment from potential hazards.

Engineering technicians conduct regular inspections and maintenance of equipment and facilities to prevent accidents and
mitigate the impact of hazardous waste incidents on public health and safety.

Environmental Protection:

Engineering technicians prioritize environmental protection in hazardous waste management by adhering to regulatory
requirements and implementing best practices for pollution prevention and control.
They assess the environmental impact of hazardous waste management activities and develop strategies to minimize
pollution and ecosystem degradation.

Engineering technicians may recommend technologies and techniques for waste treatment, remediation, and containment
to mitigate environmental risks and promote ecological sustainability.

Sustainability Development:

In hazardous waste management, engineering technicians contribute to sustainability development by promoting resource
conservation, energy efficiency, and waste minimization.

They identify opportunities for recycling, reuse, and recovery of valuable materials from hazardous waste streams to reduce
reliance on virgin resources and minimize environmental footprint.

Engineering technicians may advocate for the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices that prioritize the long-
term health of ecosystems and communities while balancing economic considerations.

d) Interpret the correct practice acts associated to sustainable environment in the issue of hazardous waste. (C5)

Compliance with Regulations:

Engineering technicians must interpret and adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and standards governing hazardous waste
management to ensure legal compliance and avoid penalties.
They stay updated on changes in legislation and regulatory requirements to ensure that hazardous waste management
practices meet or exceed environmental and safety standards.
Ethical Considerations:
Engineering technicians uphold ethical principles such as integrity, honesty, and transparency in their hazardous waste
management practices.
They prioritize public health, environmental protection, and sustainability over short-term economic gains, taking into
account the potential long-term consequences of their actions.
Professional Competence:
Engineering technicians maintain and enhance their professional competence through ongoing education, training, and
certification in hazardous waste management practices.
They apply technical knowledge, skills, and experience to assess risks, solve problems, and make informed decisions that
promote sustainable environmental practices and protect human health.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Engineering technicians engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, communities, industry partners, and
environmental organizations, to foster collaboration and consensus in hazardous waste management.
They communicate effectively, listen to concerns, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders into decision-making
processes to ensure that hazardous waste management practices are socially responsible and environmentally
sustainable.