Issues in the disposal of industrial and urban wastes

Abstract

In many countries, the problems associated with the disposal of wastes generated by population centres, both large and small, together with associated industrial activity, have become significant environmental issues. The realisation that both controlled and uncontrolled disposal of wastes can result in the contamination of soils, surface waters and groundwaters has led to the development of a considerable assortment of regulatory measures and guidelines aimed at reducing or eliminating waste-related pollution. However, waste disposal and the associated environmental contamination from urban-industrial centres is an ongoing major issue, with the list of potential pollutants increasing as new chemicals and processes are developed. In addition, many sites contaminated in the past by waste disposal operations, or contaminated by a particular industrial process carried out at the site, continue to pose a serious threat to the environment.