Solid Waste Management and Air Quality Monitoring In Agricultural Food Industries: Case of AFRIFOOD / SA, Cameroon

Abstract

All human activities generates waste which gradually alters our environment. Appropriate management of these wastes is therefore essential, especially wastes from agro industries. The aim of this work was therefore to contribute to the protection of the environment by monitoring air quality and valorising rice husks in AFRIFOOD. More specifically, we identify and quantify the solid and gaseous wastes production sources. Observations and semi-structured interviews were used to identify sources of pollution; the material balance approach made it possible to quantify solid waste while the “Carbon Monoxide Meter AS8700A” and the “Air Quality Detector BR-8C” were used for the measurement of air quality (estimate of PM1; PM10; PM2.5; HCHO; TVOC). Results showed that, the main waste produced by AFRIFOOD is rice husks and at a rate of 400 tons / year; Open air burning remain the only management alternative for these wastes. The other wastes identified includes: ash from parboiling units and dust at the factory. These can all be considered as ordinary and inert waste, with little or no danger to the environment. Also, air at the plant had insignificant CO2, HCOH, TVOC and CO concentration values, justifying the "very good" rating displayed by the meters. We suggest the valorisation of the rice husks through biochar briquettes production; that will limit environmental pollution in a long term. Results from preliminary tests done suggest that this technology can be promising. Further development is needed for large scale application.