Characterization and phytotoxicity assessment of organic pollutants in old and fresh municipal solid wastes at open dump site: A case study

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generated from various sources poses serious environmental problems if not managed properly, like ocean plastic accumulation, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, etc. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of old and fresh MSW sample showed the presence of different metals, polymers, and other co-pollutants in high concentrations in fresh MSW while, it disappeared in old MSW sample which might be due to chemical reactions by the microbial community as well as other environmental conditions. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of these MSW samples revealed the presence of different functional groups of compounds like ketone, alcohol and nitro compounds with strong and medium bond intensity in dumpsites. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that the organic compounds like hexanal, 2-ethyl, decane, 2,2-dimethyl, undecane, 3,6-dimethyl-, dodecane, 2,7,10-trimethyl, oxalic acid, hexane, 3,4-bis (1,1-dimethyl ethyl)-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl,and butyl neopentyl ester present in MSW are identified as environmental toxicants which are androgenic and mutagenic in nature. Octadecane, 2,2,4,15,17,17-hexamethyl-7,12-Bis (3,5,5-trimethylhexyl), decane, 2,2-dimethyl and octane, 3,6-dimethyl are disappeared in old MSW sample due to the metabolic activity of microorganisms. Moreover, the toxicity assessment using the seed germination test of Phaseolus aureus L. showed more than 80% inhibition of germination as compared to the control sample. Phytotoxicity test using Phaseolus aureus L. revealed the toxicity of MSW which leads to inhibition in seed germination. • Municipal solid waste is a major source of environmental pollution. • Different organic pollutants in municipal solid waste were characterized. • Phytotoxicity of municipal solid waste was assessed by Phaseolus aureus L. • Results indicated that dumped municipal solid waste is hazardous to the environment.