TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF BIOHAZARDOUS LIQUID WASTE IN CLINICAL LABORATORIES IN SUDAN – KHARTOUM STATE

This study emphasizes the importance of effective biohazardous liquid waste management in clinical laboratories to protect public health and the environment, particularly in low-income settings like Sudan. Improper disposal practices in Sudan lead to significant risks, including groundwater contamination and disease outbreaks. The research explores the potential of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to automate waste treatment processes, enhancing precision and minimizing human exposure to hazardous materials. Biohazardous liquid waste originates from healthcare facilities, research labs, pharmaceutical production, and veterinary clinics, including substances like blood, bodily fluids, cytotoxic drugs, and chemicals. Inadequate management contributes to the spread of infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, and environmental pollution. While global guidelines from organizations such as WHO and IAEA provide recommendations for segregation, containment, and safe disposal, implementation in low-income regions is insufficient. Sudan's Health Care Waste Regulation of 2005 offers a framework but lacks enforcement. The study concludes by highlighting the urgent need for automated and efficient waste management systems to bridge these gaps, ensuring compliance with global standards and safeguarding both community health and ecosystems.