Shadi Moqbel - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Shadi Moqbel

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Nov 6, 2023

Journal of Renewable Materials, Dec 31, 2022

Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste, Jul 1, 2023

Thirty four (34) of the fifty (50) selected Nigerian based pharmaceutical businesses, mainly acti... more Thirty four (34) of the fifty (50) selected Nigerian based pharmaceutical businesses, mainly acting as local manufacturers and major importers of medicines were interviewed using questionnaires to ascertain their waste management practices, knowledge of waste management policies and subjection to regulatory control. This study indicated that like its counterpart industry in other countries of the world, the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry generated both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. However, the wastes were not categorized, poorly managed by 91.2% of the respondents, while 58.8% of the health and safety personnel had little or no modern knowledge of waste management. Furthermore, 73.5% of the respondents claimed that they were aware of the regulatory requirements on waste, but no adherence was observed. The industry did not benefit from the strict supervisions of regulatory agencies. Pharmaceutical waste was improperly disposed and all the secondary manufacturers (79.4%) discharged wastewater without removal of pharmaceuticals. This study highlighted the urgent need to train personnel in the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory authorities. Management of waste should be planned, documented, implemented and sustained.

Research Square (Research Square), Oct 4, 2022

Prioritizing water distribution networks rehabilitation is a challenge for decision-makers due to... more Prioritizing water distribution networks rehabilitation is a challenge for decision-makers due to the various and complicated elements that are involved in the decision process and mainly the high cost of such projects. Using a multicriteria approach for prioritization of water network rehabilitation will strengthen the decision-making process and provide a base for a cost-effective solution. Although network rehabilitation is crucial to water management in Jordan due to being under water scarcity, refugee waves and frequent failure in old networks, current practices in giving preferences are based on the personal experience of certain stakeholders. This study develops a priority-based model using fuzzy logic to facilitate decision-making. The weights of contributing factors were calculated using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) after judging by stakeholders and water distribution projects' experts in the Jordanian water sector. Then, a priority model was built using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that produced a priority ranked list. The study results showed that the physical factors have the highest weight, followed by the operational, quality of service, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Finally, the model was tested on five water networks in the Amman Governorate.

Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, Jul 8, 2019

Improving solid waste management practices and policies in developing countries requires handling... more Improving solid waste management practices and policies in developing countries requires handling of difficult topics such as littering. In this work we investigated littering in Jordan, a developing countries. A questionnaire was constructed to solicit people's justification for littering. The questionnaire considered three categories: social reasons, physical reasons, and psychological reasons. In addition, the study considered the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. People's view of the norm in Jordan, their education, and the belief that litter cleaning is not their job were the most significant reasons in the social category for littering. Infrastructure and honoring bread were the most significant reasons in the physical reasons for littering. Disgust and fear of sickness were the most significant reasons among the psychological reasons for littering. Results of the socio-demographical characteristics study indicate that young people and people aged 50 years and above tend to litter more, minimum education and basic environmental awareness are crucial in improving people's littering behavior, littering is not related to income, and there are no gender differences in littering for psychological reasons.

Arabian Journal of Geosciences, Aug 1, 2022

Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology-transactions of The Asme, Feb 1, 2017

Drag force is usually exerted on bridge piers due to running river water. This force is calculate... more Drag force is usually exerted on bridge piers due to running river water. This force is calculated empirically based on drag coefficients stated in design codes and specifications. Different values of drag coefficients have been reported in literature. For example, AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications uses a drag coefficient of 1.4 and 0.7 for square-ended and semicircular-nosed pier, respectively, while Coastal Construction Manual (FEMA P-55) recommends a value of two and 1.2 for square and round piles, respectively. In addition, many researchers have obtained other different values of drag coefficient under similar conditions (i.e., similar range of Reynolds number) reaching to 2.6 for square object. The present study investigates the drag coefficient of flow around square, semicircular-nosed, and 90 deg wedged-nosed and circular piers numerically using finite element method. Results showed that AASHTO values for drag force coefficient varied between very conservative to be under-reckoning. The study recommends that AASHTO drag coefficient values should be revised for different circumstances and under more severe conditions.

Environmental Research, Engineering and Management, Nov 13, 2018

Sustainable development has forced developing countries to have a focused look at their waste man... more Sustainable development has forced developing countries to have a focused look at their waste management system including educational institutions. In this work, a waste characterization study was conducted at the University of Jordan. A simple method for characterizing solid waste is proposed for high intensity institutions. The study included estimation of waste generation rate, characterization of the solid waste generated on campus and it's variation over four distinct periods during the academic calendar: regular semester, study break, summer semester and the month of Ramadan. Exploring the study results, recycling potential was evaluated. The study revealed that in regular semesters the university campus produces an average of 8113 kg of waste per day. The results show that at least 87% of the waste generated on campus may be recycled. To ensure sustainable solid waste management and reliable recycling program, a university run program must be operated.

Waste Management & Research, Jan 23, 2020

Littering in developing countries remains a problem that has not been overcome, and past research... more Littering in developing countries remains a problem that has not been overcome, and past research based on a trial-and-error approach has not solved the problem. In this study, a questionnaire was constructed and distributed to the people of Jordan. People were asked to indicate what motivates them to use the litter bins. The motivators were divided into intrinsic motivators and extrinsic motivators. The responses to the questionnaire were statistically analysed according to the score for each motivator and the responders' attributes. The highest level intrinsic motivators were the 'sense of morals and ethics' and 'following the way they were raised'. The highest impact of extrinsic motivators was the presence of children followed by increasing number of receptacles, being in a clean place and the presence of recycling programmes. Studying the respondents' attributes showed there are differences in people's responses to intrinsic motivators according to socio-demographical factors, while for extrinsic motivators these factors tend to diminish and people react almost the same. The results of this study can explain some of the differences in reported results in the literature on littering behaviour according to socio-demographic factors. To have an effective anti-littering approach in Jordan, the authorities should consider using a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. In the intrinsic motivators, the authorities should praise and remind people of their core values, morals and their children's behaviour and future. For the extrinsic motivators, the following descending order is suggested: convenient infrastructure, recycling programmes, anti-littering campaigns, rewards, penalties.

Waste Management, Jan 30, 2010

Landfill fires create a critical problem for landfill operators and require investigation of its ... more Landfill fires create a critical problem for landfill operators and require investigation of its occurrence and the conditions that favor its initiation. Subsurface fires are considered the most significant due to the difficulty in determining their location and extent. These fires are mainly caused by spontaneous combustion, combustion due to high temperature in absence of flame. This study investigates the effect of moisture content, oxygen concentration and leachate components on spontaneous ignition, combustion initiation, and self-heating of solid waste. A new procedure for testing spontaneous ignition is described; however, variations in solid waste components and landfill conditions can create some limitations to its use. The presence of water and dissolved solids in leachate was found to accelerate chemical self-heating of the solid waste. Oxygen concentration at 10% by volume can sustain chemical oxidation but did not promote accelerated burning.

international journal of energy and environmental engineering, Jun 6, 2020

Demand for energy has forced people to look for non-traditional energy sources. Biomass energy, m... more Demand for energy has forced people to look for non-traditional energy sources. Biomass energy, mainly municipal solid waste, is emerging as one of the promising sources of energy. The use of landfills as a geothermal source of energy is one of the latest approaches for acquiring energy within the solid waste. In this work, the bioreactor landfill is evaluated as a potential energy source. A lab-scale bioreactor that is equivalent to household size bioreactor was built and thermal energy extraction was investigated. The study indicated that the use of the bioreactor may be considered as an economical source of energy. The study results show that a 2 m 3 lab-scale bioreactor can maintain a center temperature higher than 30 °C for a period of 4 months. Also, it was found that the lab-scale bioreactor was able to raise the water temperature up to a stable 3 °C in an open-loop system within 30 min.

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Jul 16, 2020

Purpose-This study sought to assess the process of initiating a sustainable recycling program at ... more Purpose-This study sought to assess the process of initiating a sustainable recycling program at the University of Jordan. It illustrates the potentials of recycling, perceived awareness of recycling by the students and staff, as well as challenges to a sustainable waste recycling program. This study aims to identify the barriers and challenges that face a sustainable waste recycling program at the University of Jordan. Design/methodology/approach-The study consisted of investigating waste recycling potential on campus, inspecting general environmental awareness toward recycling and running an experimental recycling study on part of the campus. A waste characterization study was conducted to assess the current waste status and recycling extent. A questionnaire survey was carried out to obtain information on the students' and staffs' awareness of waste recycling and management on campus. In the experimental recycling study, seventy units of waste segregation bins were distributed on campus. The recycling efficiency was evaluated at two schools; the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine. The administrative support and collaboration while running the recycling program were also observed. Findings-Overall, waste recycling at the University of Jordan has an appreciable opportunity and potential. A substantial amount of waste can be diverted from going to the landfill. Data showed general positive recycling rates except for plastic. Also, the recycling rates show great potential for enhancing. The recycling at the University of Jordan faces several barriers and obstacles. The greatest barrier was identified as the lack of cooperation of the administrative system on campus. The administrative Assessment of sustainable recycling

guidance, and unlimited patience during my study period at UCF. She has my respect and admiration... more guidance, and unlimited patience during my study period at UCF. She has my respect and admiration. Also, I would like to thank Dr. C. David Cooper and Dr. Ruey-hung Chen for all of their help and sparing some of their precious time to answer my numerous questions. I also would like to thank Dr. Ni-Bin Chang and Dr. Hala Sfeir for serving as members of my doctoral committee. Many thanks to my friends and colleagues for their help and encouragement during the time I spent at UCF. I also acknowledge the Environmental Research and Education Foundation for funding this work. This work would not have been possible without you contribution. Finally, I thank my family for their love and patience. You are my world!!! vii

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Oct 18, 2021

This study examined the key challenges obstructing the sustainable development in the waste manag... more This study examined the key challenges obstructing the sustainable development in the waste management sector in Jordan. A questionnaire was designed and conveyed to stakeholders to collect their perspectives on the key challenges and the waste management data parameters. It was concluded that the most critical challenges are the lack of strict laws and legislation, inefficient management, insufficient financial capacity, the lack of strict laws and regulations, and the lack of public awareness and contribution. Nonetheless, waste management challenges in Jordan could be clustered under three dimensions: limited private sector involvement, weak institutional capacities, and poor community engagement. The inadequacy of waste management data in Jordan was tackled through the design of a simple and innovative databank system, and in accordance with recommendations inferred from the questionnaire. The databank system was developed in a way to guarantee the smooth and sustainable data monitoring and storage, and to allow users to generate daily, monthly, or annual progress reports in a simple manner.

Arabian Journal of Geosciences

Azraq basin, being one of the largest basins in Jordan and a viable drinking water resource, witn... more Azraq basin, being one of the largest basins in Jordan and a viable drinking water resource, witnessed a dramatic increase in water demand over the past four decades. This led to an over-abstraction from this aquifer, which in turn resulted in deterioration of its water quality. To better manage and sustain this and other aquifers, new elaborate computer codes, called ParFlow and Slim-Fast, have been used to simulate groundwater flow and contaminants’ transport at Azraq basin. ParFlow is a portable and parallel processing simulator, designed for modeling multi-phase fluid flow in 3D heterogeneous porous media. This code possesses a local mesh refinement capability, uses site topography and subterranean formations and offers a variety of numerical methods for various aspects of numerical simulation, while Slim-Fast uses the random walk method to solve sub-surface transport problems of multi-phase, multi-constituent contaminant mixture. Slim-Fast was written specifically to exploit a ...

Landfill fires are relatively common incidents that landfill operators encounter which have great... more Landfill fires are relatively common incidents that landfill operators encounter which have great impact on landfill structure and the environment. According to a U.S. Fire Administration report in 2001, an average of 8,300 landfill fires occurs each year in the United States, most of them in the spring and summer months. Subsurface spontaneous fires are considered the most dangerous and difficult to detect and extinguish among landfill fires. Few studies have been conducted on spontaneous fires in landfills. Information regarding the thermal behavior of solid waste is not available nor have measurements been made to evaluate spontaneous ignition of solid waste. The purpose of this research was to provide information concerning the initiation of spontaneous ignition incidents in landfills, and investigate the conditions favoring their occurrence. This study enabled better understanding of the self-heating process and spontaneous combustion in landfills. Effects of parameters critica...

Spontaneous combustion landfill fire incidents are critical problems for landfill operators and o... more Spontaneous combustion landfill fire incidents are critical problems for landfill operators and owners. Their occurrence might be occasional or rare but their consequences can be severe and catastrophic to the landfill and surrounding communities. This study explored the causes of spontaneous landfill fires and heat generation through a questionnaire and a numerical model. A questionnaire was created and distributed to landfill owners and operators. The questionnaire layout was organized to allow landfill operators/owners to add their observations on spontaneous fires, detection and extinguishing methods, comments and notes. The numerical model has been developed to simulate temperature rise in landfill. Four scenarios have been presented using the model showing the general conditions for heat generation in landfills. These scenarios include: anaerobic condition, aerobic condition, high temperature condition, and spontaneous combustion. The model shows significant contribution of ch...

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment