Investigation of Environmental Pollution in Residential Areas From Littered Wastes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran

2 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran

4 Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran

10.34172/jaehr.1331

Abstract

Background: The problem of waste littering in urban areas is a widespread issue in most cities and represents a significant challenge in waste management. Hence, this study aimed to assess the level of environmental pollution in urban areas in terms of litter density.
Methods: The quantity of littered wastes (LWs) was examined across six residential areas, with observations and waste counting conducted over a two-month period on both working days and weekends. The LWs were categorized into four groups, and their on-site density was calculated.
Results: The results indicated that the average waste density in the locations studied was 5.08 number/m2. The lowest recorded LW number was 19.49 number/100 m, while the highest was 30.49 number/100 m. The categories of plastic and tobacco wastes comprised 13.25% and 82.64% of the total LWs, respectively. On average, 0.71 number/100 m of paper were observed in the areas studied, accounting for 2.8% of the total LWs. The presence of suitable waste bins in the areas surveyed underscores the significant influence of individual behavior on urban pollution.
Conclusion: Therefore, there is a pressing need to raise awareness among citizens regarding the consequences of littering and to implement more effective urban cleanup methods.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research
Volume 11, Issue 3
July 2023
Pages 189-193

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