Recycled plastics, often championed as an environmentally conscious choice, face a critical reevaluation, according to a recent study led by researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Examining recycled plastic pellets from 13 countries across Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, the study unveiled a concerning array of over 491 potentially harmful organic compounds. Pesticides topped the list with 162 chemical compounds, followed by 89 pharmaceuticals and 65 industrial chemicals.
Hanoi, Vietnam - 4-11 November, 2023
The presence of disease-causing bacteria carrying the NDM-1 gene, which grants resistance to antibiotics, has been detected in the drinking water supply of New Delhi. A team led by Cardiff University has found new strains of resistant bacteria in the Indian capital, including those responsible for cholera and dysentery. This is the first evidence of the environmental spread of NDM-1, as it had previously only been found in hospitals.
Why is it important to provide access to drinking water in schools?
The presence of drinking water in schools can have a positive impact on the health of students. Schools have a unique opportunity to promote healthy dietary habits, including the consumption of water.
Located in Duc Pho Town of Quang Ngai Province, a 210-hectare lagoon serves as a salt farm where saltwater is extracted. However, in recent times, a large portion of the lagoon has been transformed into a dumping ground.
Due to the suspension of a waste treatment plant in the area five years ago, people started disposing of their trash directly into the lagoon. This has resulted in the pollution of the water source for seafood and salt farming, leading some farmers to abandon their salt farms. In certain areas, the trash overload is managed by burning it.
The rainy season in the south and Central Highlands has arrived earlier than usual, bringing with it heavier rainfall and stronger winds, resulting in increased instances of flooding. The southeast region experienced its first rains of the season in early May, with higher volumes than normal. On May 22, Dong Nai Province endured over two hours of rain, causing floods of over 1 meter in many streets of Bien Hoa City and severely disrupting traffic. This rainfall was recorded at 62 mm by the Hydrometeorological Center of Dong Nai.
The impact of pollution caused by a 700-hectare landfill in Cu Chi District, HCMC, extends up to 10 km, affecting the lives of thousands of people residing in the vicinity. This landfill, which is the largest in HCMC, receives more than 3,000 tons of garbage daily. Currently, there are two waste treatment companies operating at the landfill, employing outdated methods such as burying or burning trash that cannot be recycled. Unfortunately, these methods contribute to the pollution of the surrounding area.
Experts warn that the Saigon River, with its historical significance and economic potential, is currently facing threats from erosion, pollution, and human encroachment.
Architect Ho Viet Vinh, speaking at a conference on infrastructure planning for the Saigon River, emphasized the need for intervention to prevent further degradation. Deputy Chairman of the HCMC Urban Planning Development Association, Nguyen Minh Hoa, echoed Vinh's concerns, stating that neglecting the river could lead to future catastrophes.
Microplastics are becoming more and more pervasive and can be found in various places, including our bodies. These minute plastic fragments are a consequence of the disposal and decomposition of industrial waste and consumer products, contributing to the accumulation of plastic debris in the environment.