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Trends in sustainable landfilling in Malaysia, a developing country

Fauziah SH, Agamuthu P

Waste Manag Res, 2012 Jul;30(7):656-63.
PMID: 22455994 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X12437564

In Malaysia, landfills are being filled up rapidly due to the current daily generation of approximately 30,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste. This situation creates the crucial need for improved landfilling practices, as sustainable landfilling technology is yet to be achieved here. The objective of this paper is to identify and evaluate the development and trends in landfilling practices in Malaysia. In 1970, the disposal sites in Malaysia were small and prevailing waste disposal practices was mere open-dumping. This network of relatively small dumps, typically located close to population centres, was considered acceptable for a relatively low population of 10 million in Malaysia. In the 1980s, a national programme was developed to manage municipal and industrial wastes more systematically and to reduce adverse environmental impacts. The early 1990s saw the privatization of waste management in many parts of Malaysia, and the establishment of the first sanitary landfills for MSW and an engineered landfill (called 'secure landfill' in Malaysia) for hazardous waste. A public uproar in 2007 due to contamination of a drinking water source from improper landfilling practices led to some significant changes in the government's policy regarding the country's waste management strategy. Parliament passed the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (SWPCM) Act 2007 in August 2007. Even though the Act is yet to be implemented, the government has taken big steps to improve waste management system further. The future of the waste management in Malaysia seems somewhat brighter with a clear waste management policy in place. There is now a foundation upon which to build a sound and sustainble waste management and disposal system in Malaysia.
Challenges and issues in moving towards sustainable landfilling in a transitory country - Malaysia

Agamuthu P, Fauziah SH

Waste Manag Res, 2011 Jan;29(1):13-9.
PMID: 20880936 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X10383080

Malaysia disposes of 28,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste directly into landfills daily. This fact alone necessitates sustainable landfills to avoid adverse impacts on the population and the environment. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the issues and challenges faced by waste managers in moving towards sustainable landfilling in Malaysia. Various factors influence the management of a landfill. Among them is the human factor, which includes attitude and public participation. Although Malaysia's economy is developing rapidly, public concern and awareness are not evolving in parallel and therefore participation towards sustainable waste management through the 'reduce, reuse and recycle' approach (3Rs) is severely lacking. Consequently, landfill space is exhausted earlier than scheduled and this is no longer sustainable in terms of security of disposal. Challenges also arise from the lack of funding and the increase in the price of land. Thus, most waste managers normally aim for 'just enough' to comply with the regulations. Investment for the establishment of landfills generally is minimized since landfilling operations are considered uneconomical after closure. Institutional factors also hamper the practice of sustainable landfilling in the country where 3Rs is not mandatory and waste separation is totally absent. Although there are huge obstacles to be dealt with in moving towards sustainable landfilling in Malaysia, recent developments in waste management policy and regulations have indicated that positive changes are possible in the near future. Consequently, with the issues solved and challenges tackled, landfills in Malaysia can then be managed effectively in a more sustainable manner.
Removal of bisphenol A and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol from landfill leachate using plant- based coagulant

Aziz A, Agamuthu P, Fauziah SH

Waste Manag Res, 2018 Oct;36(10):975-984.
PMID: 30058954 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X18790360

Landfill leachate contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs), namely, bisphenol A (BPA) and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, which exceed the permissible limits. Thus, such landfill leachate must be treated before it is released into natural water courses. This article reports on investigations about the removal efficiency of POPs such as BPA and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol from leachate using locust bean gum (LBG) in comparison with alum. The vital experimental variables (pH, coagulant dosage and stirring speed) were optimised by applying response surface methodology equipped with the Box-Behnken design to reduce the POPs from leachate. An empirical quadratic polynomial model could accurately model the surface response with R2 values of 0.928 and 0.954 to reduce BPA and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on treated flocs for further understanding. FTIR analysis revealed that the bridging of pollutant particles could be due to the explicit adsorption and bridging via hydrogen bonding of a coagulation mechanism. SEM micrographs indicated that the flocs produced by LBG have a rough cloudy surface and numerous micro-pores compared with alum, which enabled the capture and removal of POPs from leachate. Results showed that the reduction efficiencies for BPA and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol at pH 7.5 were 76% and 84% at LBG dosage of 500 mg·L-1 and 400 mg·L-1, respectively. Coagulant dosage and pH variation have a significant effect on POPs reduction in leachate. Coagulation/flocculation using LBG could be applied for POPs reduction in leachate as a pre-treatment prior to advanced treatments.
Effective removal of p-tert-Butylphenol and Pyridine, 3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-, (S)- from landfill leachate using locust bean gum

Aziz A, Agamuthu P, Fauziah SH

Waste Manag Res, 2018 Dec;36(12):1146-1156.
PMID: 30067147 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X18789062

The widespread distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in landfill leachate is problematic due to their acute toxicity, carcinogenicity and genotoxicity effects, which could be detrimental to public health and ecological systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effective removal of POPs - namely, p-tert-Butylphenol and Pyridine, 3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-, (S)- - from landfill leachate using locust bean gum (LBG), and in comparison with commonly used alum. The response surface methodology coupled with a Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the operating factors for optimal POPs removal. A quadratic polynomial model was fitted into the data with the R2 values of 0.97 and 0.96 for the removal of p-tert-Butylphenol and Pyridine, 3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl), (S)-, respectively. The physicochemical characteristics of the flocs produced by LBG and alum were evaluated with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The infrared spectra of LBG-treated floc were identical with LBG powder, but there was some variation in the peaks of the functional groups, signifying the chemical interactions between flocculants and pollutant particles resulting from POPs removal. The results showed that p-tert-Butylphenol and Pyridine, 3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-, (S)- obtained 96% and 100% removal using 500 mg/L of LBG at pH 4. pH have a significant effect on POPs removal in leachate. It is estimated that treating one million gallons of leachate using alum (at 1 g/L dosage) would cost US$39, and using LBG (at 500 mg/L dosage) would cost US$2. LBG is eco-friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic and, hence, strongly recommended as an alternative to inorganic coagulants for the treatment of POPs in landfill leachate.
Screening of Bacillus strains isolated from mangrove ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia for microplastic degradation

Auta HS, Emenike CU, Fauziah SH

Environ Pollut, 2017 Dec;231(Pt 2):1552-1559.
PMID: 28964604 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.043

The continuous accumulation of microplastics in the environment poses ecological threats and has been an increasing problem worldwide. In this study, eight bacterial strains were isolated from mangrove sediment in Peninsular Malaysia to mitigate the environmental impact of microplastics and develop a clean-up option. The bacterial isolates were screened for their potential to degrade UV-treated microplastics from polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Only two isolates, namely, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus gottheilii, grew on a synthetic medium containing different microplastic polymers as the sole carbon source. A shake flask experiment was carried out to further evaluate the biodegradability potential of the isolates. Degradation was monitored by recording the weight loss of microplastics and the growth pattern of the isolates in the mineral medium. The biodegradation extent was validated by assessment of the morphological and structural changes through scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The calculated weight loss percentages of the microplastic particles by B. cereus after 40 days were 1.6%, 6.6%, and 7.4% for PE, PET, and PS, respectively. B. gottheilii recorded weight loss percentages of 6.2%, 3.0%, 3.6%, and 5.8% for PE, PET, PP, and PS, respectively. The designated isolates degraded the microplastic material and exhibited potential for remediation of microplastic-contaminated environment. Biodegradation tests must be conducted to characterize the varied responses of microbes toward pollutants, such as microplastics. Hence, a novel approach for biodegradation of microplastics must be developed to help mitigate the environmental impact of plastics and microplastic polymers.
Distribution and importance of microplastics in the marine environment: A review of the sources, fate, effects, and potential solutions

Auta HS, Emenike CU, Fauziah SH

Environ Int, 2017 May;102:165-176.
PMID: 28284818 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.02.013

The presence of microplastics in the marine environment poses a great threat to the entire ecosystem and has received much attention lately as the presence has greatly impacted oceans, lakes, seas, rivers, coastal areas and even the Polar Regions. Microplastics are found in most commonly utilized products (primary microplastics), or may originate from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris (secondary microplastics). The material enters the marine environment through terrestrial and land-based activities, especially via runoffs and is known to have great impact on marine organisms as studies have shown that large numbers of marine organisms have been affected by microplastics. Microplastic particles have been found distributed in large numbers in Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, India, South Africa, North America, and in Europe. This review describes the sources and global distribution of microplastics in the environment, the fate and impact on marine biota, especially the food chain. Furthermore, the control measures discussed are those mapped out by both national and international environmental organizations for combating the impact from microplastics. Identifying the main sources of microplastic pollution in the environment and creating awareness through education at the public, private, and government sectors will go a long way in reducing the entry of microplastics into the environment. Also, knowing the associated behavioral mechanisms will enable better understanding of the impacts for the marine environment. However, a more promising and environmentally safe approach could be provided by exploiting the potentials of microorganisms, especially those of marine origin that can degrade microplastics.
CAPSULE: The concentration, distribution sources and fate of microplastics in the global marine environment were discussed, so also was the impact of microplastics on a wide range of marine biota.
Biodegradation of benzo[a]pyrene by bacterial consortium isolated from mangrove sediment

Aziz A, Agamuthu P, Alaribe FO, Fauziah SH

Environ Technol, 2018 Feb;39(4):527-535.
PMID: 28281885 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2017.1305455

Benzo[a]pyrene is a high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon highly recalcitrant in nature and thus harms the ecosystem and/or human health. Therefore, its removal from the marine environment is crucial. This research focuses on benzo[a]pyrene degradation by using enriched bacterial isolates in consortium under saline conditions. Bacterial isolates capable of using benzo[a]pyrene as sole source of carbon and energy were isolated from enriched mangrove sediment. These isolates were identified as Ochrobactrum anthropi, Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila, and Aeromonas salmonicida ss salmonicida. Isolated O. anthropi and S. acidaminiphila degraded 26% and 20%, respectively, of an initial benzo[a]pyrene concentration of 20 mg/L after 8 days of incubation in seawater (28 ppm of NaCl). Meanwhile, the bacterial consortium decomposed 41% of an initial 50 mg/L benzo[a]pyrene concentration after 8 days of incubation in seawater (28 ppm of NaCl). The degradation efficiency of benzo[a]pyrene increased to 54%, when phenanthrene was supplemented as a co-metabolic substrate. The order of biodegradation rate by temperature was 30°C > 25°C > 35°C. Our results suggest that co-metabolism by the consortium could be a promising biodegradation strategy for benzo[a]pyrene in seawater.
Plastic debris in the coastal environment: The invincible threat? Abundance of buried plastic debris on Malaysian beaches

Fauziah SH, Liyana IA, Agamuthu P

Waste Manag Res, 2015 Sep;33(9):812-21.
PMID: 26092255 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X15588587

Studies on marine debris have gained worldwide attention since many types of debris have found their way into the food chain of higher organisms. Thus, it is crucial that more focus is given to this area in order to curb contaminations in sea food. This study was conducted to quantify plastic debris buried in sand at selected beaches in Malaysia. Marine debris was identified according to size range and distribution, and this information was related to preventive actions to improve marine waste issues. For the purpose of this study, comparison of plastic waste abundance between a recreational beach and fish-landing beaches was also carried out, since the different beach types represent different activities that produce debris. Six beaches along the Malaysian coastline were selected for this study. The plastic types in this study were related to the functions of the beach. While recreational beaches have abundant quantities of plastic film, foamed plastic including polystyrene, and plastic fragment, fish-landing beaches accumulated line and foamed plastic. A total of 2542 pieces (265.30 g m(-2)) of small plastic debris were collected from all six beaches, with the highest number from Kuala Terengganu, at 879 items m(-2) on Seberang Takir Beach, followed by Batu Burok Beach with 780 items m(-2). Findings from studies of Malaysian beaches have provided a clearer understanding of the distribution of plastic debris. This demonstrates that commitments and actions, such as practices of the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' (3R) approach, supporting public awareness programmes and beach clean-up activities, are essential in order to reduce and prevent plastic debris pollution.
Growth kinetics and biodeterioration of polypropylene microplastics by Bacillus sp. and Rhodococcus sp. isolated from mangrove sediment

Auta HS, Emenike CU, Jayanthi B, Fauziah SH

Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Feb;127:15-21.
PMID: 29475646 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.036

Interest in the biodegradation of microplastics is due to their ubiquitous distribution, availability, high persistence in the environment and deleterious impact on marine biota. The present study evaluates the growth response and mechanism of polypropylene (PP) degradation by Bacillus sp. strain 27 and Rhodococcus sp. strain 36 isolated from mangrove sediments upon exposure to PP microplastics. Both bacteria strains were able to utilise PP microplastic for growth as confirmed by the reduction of the polymer mass. The weight loss was 6.4% by Rhodococcus sp. strain 36 and 4.0% by Bacillus sp. strain 27 after 40days of incubation. PP biodegradation was further confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses, which revealed structural and morphological changes in the PP microplastics with microbial treatment. These analyses showed that the isolates can colonise, modify and utilise PP microplastics as carbon source.
Implications of municipal solid waste management on greenhouse gas emissions in Malaysia and the way forward

Michel Devadoss PS, Agamuthu P, Mehran SB, Santha C, Fauziah SH

Waste Manag, 2021 Jan 01;119:135-144.
PMID: 33059163 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.09.038

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Malaysia has been mainly focused on collection, transportation and disposal of MSW. To examine the contribution of MSW management to GHG emissions, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 Waste Model was used by deploying Tier 2 method. It estimated that 6,898,167 tonnes CO2-eq of GHG emissions were released in 2016 from solid waste disposal sites (SWDS) and are projected to increase to 9,991,486 tonnes CO2-eq in 2030. To reduce GHG emissions from MSW management, Solid-Waste-Management Greenhouse-Gas (SWM-GHG) calculator was used to compare different approaches. SWM-GHG calculator focused on three settings including recycling approach, incineration approach and integrated approach. According to SWM-GHG calculator, in 2016, 15,906,614 tonnes CO2-eq of GHG emissions were released by recycling approximately 16% of MSW and disposing of 84% of MSW in SWDS. Out of the three approaches, integrated approach can result in highest reduction of GHG emissions by 2050 (64%) from GHG emissions in 2016, as compared to recycling approach (50% reduction) and incineration approach (46% reduction). While, recycling has been the main national goal for last 14 years as it has increased up to 17.5% by 2016, the current Malaysian government aims to establish 8 incinerators in Malaysia that will treat approximately 32% of MSW annually. However, estimations of SWM-GHG calculator and some opportunities and threats highlighted by SWOT analysis suggest the integrated approach as the best suited approach for Malaysia for achieving significant and sustainable reductions in GHG emissions.
Enhanced microbial degradation of PET and PS microplastics under natural conditions in mangrove environment

Auta HS, Abioye OP, Aransiola SA, Bala JD, Chukwuemeka VI, Hassan A, et al.

J Environ Manage, 2022 Feb 15;304:114273.
PMID: 34902688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114273

In-situ bioremediation of mangrove soil contaminated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics was investigated using indigenous microbial consortium with adequate capacity to degrade the plastics. Eight (8) bacteria were isolated from plastic/microplastic-inundated mangrove soil and screened for the ability to degrade PET and PS microplastics. Optical density at 600 nm and colony forming unit counts were measured to evaluate the growth response of the microbes in the presence of PS and PET microplastics at different times of exposure. Structural and surface changes that occurred post biodegradation on the microplastics were determined through EDS and SEM analysis. The obtained results demonstrated the elongation and disappearance of peaks, suggesting that the microbial consortium could modify both types of microplastics. The overall results of the microplastic degradation showed varied degrees of weight loss after 90 experimental days, with the treated plot recorded 18% weight loss. The augmented soil was increased in the concentrations of Si S, and Fe and decreased in the concentrations of C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Cl, and K after bioremediation.
Fulltext Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Zn(II) Proline-Cysteine-Dithiocarbamate, Zn(II) Proline-Cysteine-Proline-Dithiocarbamate, and Zn(II) Arginine-Cysteine-Dithiocarbamate as Anticancer Agents against a DNA Target

Irfandi R, Raya I, Fudholi A, Ahmad A, Muharram M, Luthfiana D, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2026 Oct 01;27(10):3689-3697.
PMID: 42935060 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.10.3689

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment has long relied on chemotherapy agents such as cisplatin, but their side effects and the development of resistance have spurred the search for alternative drugs.
OBJECTIVE: This study explores the potential of Zn(II)-based complexes, namely ZnProCysDTC, ZnProCysProDTC, and ZnArgCysDTC, as DNA-targeting anticancer agents.
METHODS: Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to assess the binding stability and structural effects of these complexes on DNA.
RESULTS: The results revealed that ZnArgCysDTC showed the most significant interaction with DNA, exhibiting high RMSD, binding energy, and hydrogen-bonding stability. ZnProCysProDTC and ZnProCysDTC also demonstrated strong binding, but with weaker stability than ZnArgCysDTC. The findings suggest that ZnArgCysDTC holds promise as an alternative to cisplatin, offering similar or superior DNA-binding potential with potentially fewer side effects.
CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the design of Zn(II)-based compounds for anticancer therapy and underscores the need for further optimization. Future research should focus on enhancing the stability and therapeutic efficacy of these complexes to develop safer and more effective cancer treatments.

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