Chemical residues that originate from a higher education institution in Brazil

Abstract

In 2018, a research study was conducted at a Public University in Brazil to investigate the quantity of chemical residues produced during laboratory activities in undergraduate engineering courses. Data was collected from control documents maintained by the institution responsible for recording waste quantities. The results showed that 383.2 liters of solutions were generated with varying compositions. Inorganic solutions without heavy metals produced the highest volume of waste, while halogenated organic solutions produced the smallest. The study highlights the need for better waste segregation and disposal methods to reduce laboratory waste. To minimize the environmental impact of laboratory activities, implementing measures such as proper waste storage, waste exchange, recycling, reverse logistics, and life cycle assessment is essential. Educational institutions need to develop better waste management practices to reduce the amount of waste in landfills.