Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and its Impact on Soil Properties in and around the Achan Dump Site in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Abstract

Abstract: Solid waste disposal may result in soil pollution with implications for ground water quality. Deteriorating soil quality and decrease in vegetation are grave consequences of open waste dumping which have resulted in growing public concern. The effect of waste disposal on soil quality of Achan, Srinagar was studied. The objective of the study was to determine the physical and chemical properties of the soil samples collected from all the sides of the dumping site and at different distances. The results of the physical properties showed that bulk density was lower at the dumpsite and increased with increase in distance. Soil moisture content, pH, EC, OC, organic matter, CEC were higher at the dump site and decreased with increase in distance. Exchangeable cautions (Ca, Mg, and Na), DTPA micro nutrients and heavy metal concentration were higher at the dumpsite and decreased with the increase in the distance. All the parameters were found to be significantly different in different sampling sites except soil pH and nitrogen