https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47516 2026-04-15T17:14:56Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48657 Title: The use of food irradiation Abstract: Preserving food has always been a need for humans. There are different technologies which are used nowadays for this purpose which have improved by time. Food preservation is important because it usually prevents the growth of fungi, bacteria and other micro-organisms and also retards the oxidation of fats which cause rancidity. It also includes processes which inhibit natural ageing. The food so treated will maintain the natural colour which can be lost during food preparation e.g. the enzymatic browning reaction in apples which causes browning when they are cut. Some methods of food preservation are freezing, pasteurisation, control of pH and chemical additives. Food irradiation is also another method of preserving food, although it is accepted by health organisations such as the WHO and some governments, it is not as commonly used as the other techniques. Notwithstanding, there IS growing international pressure from the irradiation industry and organisations to increase the use of food irradiation. This essay will focus on food irradiation and its uses. Some information on food irradiation together with historical background will be outlined in the literature review. The following will also be described and reviewed: mapping of a food irradiation facility, the equipment used and also different types of doses, different radiations, different methods being used (by gamma rays and X-rays) and types of food processed using food irradiation. Safety issues such as health and safety measures, methods used to detect free radicals and radiolytic products after the process and action plans that might be carried out in case of traces of radiation, such as recalling and withdrawal of products, the way the food will be disposed will also be characterised. The final part of the essay will deal with the effect of irradiated food regarding the toxicological considerations, microbiological and nutritional perspective, and packaging and labelling. The controversy that is associated with food irradiation process will also be discussed. Finally the legislation, including Maltese, European Union and United States of America will be briefly described and discussed. Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48634 Title: Re-siting of a landfill. Abstract: This dissertation will lead us to a study about the re-siting of landfills. The introduction reviews various types of landfills found around the world. Some of them can be either engineered or non-engineered. History regarding true origin of landfills will lead to better understanding of criteria which lead to establishment of a secure landfill: the bottom liner; the leachate collection system; a cover; and the natural hydrogeologic setting. A section of this study is dedicated to the health and environmental effects caused by landfills. Some studies have been carried out to bring out the hazards and illnesses caused when living near a landfill. Both wastes and products create very similar hazards for the environment, wildlife, and humans. A case study was carried out in Romania and Albania to bring out the problems faced by waste mismanagement by both the Romanian and Albanian people. The main reasons and benefits behind landfill remediation are discussed in this project. The challenges that environmental engineers face during landfill remediation and the solution the IUT has to offer for landfill remediation. The four main stages which include: stabilization, mining, sorting, and treatment are discussed fully in this dissertation. This study ends with a discussion on in-situ vitrification in respect to soil and groundwater pollution that is, to turn the soil containing the pollutant into a large block of glass. Thus the pollutant can then be left in place forever encased in the glass. From this technique there are many advantages over other conventional remediation which are more elaborated throughout this study. Landfilling has been used for many years as the most common means for solid waste disposal generated by different communities despite the intensive efforts that are directed to the recycling and recovery of solid wastes, landfills remain and will remain as integral part of most solid waste management. Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48138 Title: Oil pollution in the Mediterranean. Abstract: The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed sea with specific hydrological and ecological features which make it vulnerable to the effects of pollution. It has a fairly extensive coastline (46,000km long) when related to its water mass and pollution hazards are extremely critical to the environment and to related economic interests. The traffic density of merchant vessels in the Mediterranean, which represents less than 1% of the total area covered by the world's oceans, is particularly high. It is estimated that 3% of the international sea-borne trade originates or is directed to the Mediterranean parts or passes through the Mediterranean Sea and that some 20-25% of the world's sea-borne oil traffic transits through the Mediterranean. Malta's position in the Mediterranean is very vulnerable. Approximately 1500 tankers (9000 ship calls) and 700,000 tonnes of bunkers pass annually through the Mediterranean Sea. With one-fourth of the world's oil tankers plying its waters, Malta's Mediterranean coastline runs a daily risk of oil contamination. Transporting oil is risky, and the growing number of tankers sailing close to Malta has prompted increasing concerns on the island about its ability to deal with a major oil spill. (European Environment Agency, 2010) Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47798 Title: The adverse effects of pesticides on human health and the environment. Abstract: Nowadays, the adverse effects that pesticides have on both human health, and on the environment we live in, have become a matter of great concern. This project will seek to bring together existing theory and doctrine regarding pesticides and their effects. After beginning by defining what is understood by 'pesticides', the introduction will give a history of pesticides in general. An overview as to the former, and present, application of pesticides will also be included. Since the effects on human health and the environment necessarily follow from exposure to pesticides, the various routes of exposure will be discussed. The long, or short-term, exposure to pesticides and the acute or chronic effects on the human health will be elaborated on. A mention as to the signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning, described as both topical and systemic, will also be given. The effects on the environment, specifically the effects of pesticides on air, water, soil and other biota, will also be treated in detail. The relevant Maltese and European Union legislation on every aspect of pesticides will be analysed. Consideration will also be afforded to good and responsible pesticide practice along with methods of curtailing, both the use of pesticides, and their effects on human health and the environment. Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z