Improper Solid Waste Disposal Research Articles

Impact of anthropogenic activities on groundwater quality and quantity in Raipur City, Chhattisgarh, India

In the present study area, anthropogenic activities such as overexploitation of groundwater, improper disposal of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), rapid industrialization, urbanization, and chemical fertilizer use are led to groundwater resource to depletion and quality degradation. Due to the imbalance between demand and availability, management approaches groundwater quality and quantity adversely affected. To assess the effects of LULC change in groundwater quality, Nitrate was considered. Land use Land cover (LULC) map of 1999 and 2016 and groundwater quality data of 1999 and 2016 revealed that groundwater quality is highly affected in the settlement area due to anthropogenic activities. There is no earmarked site in the Raipur city for the dumping of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Hence, to minimize the existing groundwater problem, there is a need to adopt proper remedial measures to improve groundwater quality and quantity.

An IoT-based bin level monitoring system for solid waste management

Improper disposal of solid waste that impacts human health and pollutes the environment, arising a need for successful and necessary collection of waste materials. However, most trash bins placed in cities can be seen overflowing due to traditional or inefficient waste management approaches. Therefore, a real-time remote monitoring system is needed to alert the level of garbage in bins to the relevant authority for immediate waste clearance. This paper presents the development and validation of a self-powered, simple connect, IoT solution to monitor the unfilled level of trash bins from a central monitoring station. The end sensor nodes of the developed IoT system are called Bin Level Monitoring Unit (BLMU) which are installed in every trash bin where the unfilled level needs to be monitored. Every BLMU measures the unfilled level of the trash bins and transmits it to a wireless access point unit (WAPU). Each WAPU receives the unfilled level data from several BLMUs and uploads it to the central server for storage and analysis. The waste collection authority can view and analyze the unfilled level of each bin using a smart graphical user interface. The following important experiments were carried out to validate the developed system: (1) the developed bin level monitoring system was tested by filling a trash bin with solid waste at various levels, and the corresponding unfilled level of the trash bin was monitored using the smart graphical user interface. (2) The life expectancy of the BLMU was evaluated as approximately 434 days. (3) The maximum transmission distance between a BLMU and a WAPU is 119 m. (4) The cost of a developed trash bin is 107 USD. Based on the results achieved, the developed trash bins can be suitable for smart cities.

High Prevalence of Clinically Active Trachoma and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool-Aged Children in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundTrachoma is the leading infectious cause of irreversible blindness. In areas where trachoma is endemic, active trachoma is common among preschool-aged children, with varying magnitude. There is a dearth of information on the prevalence of active trachoma among preschool-aged children (the most affected segment of the population).PurposeThe study aimed to assess the prevalence of clinically active trachoma and its associated risk factors among preschool-aged children in Arba Minch Health and Demographic surveillance site, Southern Ethiopia.Patients and MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 831 preschool-aged children from May 01 to June 16, 2019. A pre-tested and structured interviewer-administered Open Data Kit survey tool was used to collect data. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique by allocating a proportion to each kebeles. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe overall prevalence of clinically active trachoma among preschool-aged children was 17.8% with 95% CI (15%, 20%). Time taken to obtain water for greater than thirty minutes (AOR=2.8,95% CI: 1.62, 5.09), presence of animal pens in the living compound (AOR=5.1, 95% CI: 3.15, 8.33), improper solid waste disposal (AOR=7.8,95% CI: 4.68,13.26), improper latrine utilization (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.63,3.94), a child with unclean face (AOR=3.5, 95% CI: 2.12,5.97) had higher odds of active trachoma.ConclusionThe prevalence of clinically active trachoma among pre-school aged children was high. “Facial cleanliness” and “Environmental improvement” components of the SAFE strategy are vital components in working towards the 2020 target of eliminating trachoma. Therefore, stakeholders at different hierarchies need to exert continuing efforts to integrate the trachoma prevention and control programs with other public health programs, with water sanitation and hygiene programs and with the education system.

Optimization for the preparation of composite geopolymer using response surface methodology and its application in lead-zinc tailings solidification

The improper disposal of solid wastes could bring great pressures and threats to ecosystem. These detrimental impacts could be reduced or eliminated through solidification/stabilisation technology based on geopolymer. In this paper, composite based geopolymer prepared from coal gangue and blast furnace slag was used for the solidification of heavy metals in lead–zinc tailing (LZT). The impact of various factors on compressive strength development in composite geopolymer was evaluated through response surface experiment. Additionally, the sample with maximum strength (91.13 MPa) was chosen to solidify LZT. The results showed that strength of solidified bodies with addition of 70% LZT fell to 21.68 MPa. Based on leaching tests, these samples could potentially be used for construct applications, since leaching concentrations were far below the standard limits. Heavy metals in LZT were effectively solidified via physical and chemical ways, which was evidenced by chemical speciation analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometry analyses.

Environmental Diagnosis of the Unconfined Aquifer in the Coastal Region of Northeast Brazil

Groundwater is a large percentage of sweet easily accessible water and is often the only option for drinking water supply. In general, it possesses better quality due to interactions with the ground during percolation. In urban areas, however, various activities compromise its quality and demand, such as installation of black tanks, wastewater without treatment or with inadequate treatment, improper disposal of solid waste, waterproofing recharge areas, storage of dangerous products in underground or air tanks without basin containment, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of the unconfined aquifer in the North Zone of Aracaju, SE, through the analysis of physical, chemical and biological parameters of water samples from shallow wells, relating to potential sources of contamination, evaluating the effects of seasonality and comparing them to the limits of potability of Decree No. 2,914 / 2011 of the Ministry of Health, the results show that all samples were unfit for human consumption for at least one of the 13 analyzed parameters, with the most significant change in the dry season.

Practice of environmental sanitation and hygiene in the light of “Swacha Bharat Abhiyan”: a study among female residents of rural Punjab, India

Background: India has achieved the status of open defecation free (ODF) in 2019 October but women involvement in the actual process of implementation of the programme is very minimal. Objective of the study was to assess the awareness level & practice of environmental sanitation and hygiene and also to find out the association with demographic variables.Methods: Present study was conducted in a rural community of Punjab, India in June 2019 among 400 females. Data was collected in a predesigned structured questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics.Results: Most common source of drinking water among the participants was community RO point (54.5%) and method of SWD among the community was dumping (80%). Four out of five participants had the opinion that their village is unclean and improper solid waste disposal (37.3%) was the main reason. 95% of the participants had not participated in any community cleanliness activity also. Participants having higher educational status (p=0.0001), lower & middle class family (p=0.001) and member of small family (p=0.009) had heard significantly more about “Swacha Bharat Abhiyan”.Conclusions: Policies need to be formulated that enable women to participate in the sanitation interventions. Special focus should be given young, educated women from middle and lower socio economic status so that they become the role model of the society.

Políticas públicas e gestão de resíduos sólidos urbanos no Município de Rafael Fernandes/RN

O Presente estudo têm o objetivo de analisar a gestão integrada dos resíduos sólidos urbanos na cidade de Rafael Fernandes/RN, em meio as limitações e desafios impostos pela Lei da Política Nacional dos Resíduos Sólidos – PNRS. Ao longo dos anos, a referida cidade tem sido observada em crescimento, tanto populacional quanto do seu espaço urbano. Com isso, Rafael Fernandes incorpora problemáticas vivenciadas por cidades pequenas, principalmente, a grande produção de resíduos sólidos e seu desfecho inadequado. Tal realidade interfere nas condições do meio ambiente e na qualidade de vida da população. A pesquisa constituiu-se de revisão bibliográfica e trabalho de campo, que permitiu o contato do pesquisador com essa problemática. Adicionalmente, caracterizou-se também como exploratória e descritiva, por descrever aspectos de uma localidade em crescimento e de sua população. Os resultados analisados revelaram diversos problemas, envolvendo aspectos econômicos, ambientais e sociais, como a destinação imprópria dos resíduos sólidos. Percebe-se que os desafios são enormes e as ações desenvolvidas estão longe do ideal, para o meio ambiente e para a população, os gestores municipais necessitam desenvolver estrategias, e tomar atitudes que ocasionem sensibilização por parte da população a fim de extinguir este grande desafio.

Dengue fever: a re-emerging disease

Background: Dengue is a rapidly spreading mosquito borne disease. Dengue is now endemic in 100 countries worldwide.Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study design was used by the workers. We The workers obtained detailed information from each reported case. Active case finding by surveys during the period of the outbreak, besides a detailed environmental survey was also carried out. Standard statistical tools like calculating relative risk and Chi square were utilised for data analysis.Results: In all 17 cases who fulfilled the case definition criteria were admitted in the month of September 2019. Out of these 16 (94.11%) were confirmed by NS 1 Antigen ELISA, while 01 (05.88%) was probable case. The first case reported on 08 Sep 2019, followed by a sudden spurt in the number of cases. The weekly epidemic curve is depicted in (Figure 1). There were no complications or fatalities. Detailed environmental assessment of the area revealed Aedes mosquito breeding in artificial containers of water. The house index of 7.06%, while the container index was 6.06%.Conclusions: The above study thus highlights the necessity of strict environmental monitoring by all authorities concerned in the country to prevent morbidity and mortality due to Dengue fever and other mosquito borne diseases. The menace of Dengue fever will continue till we learn to manage our solid waste properly, as Dengue is after all a man-made disease due to improper solid waste disposal.

Biotransformation and oxidative stress responses in relation to tissue contaminant burden in Clarias gariepinus exposed to simulated leachate from a solid waste dumpsite in Calabar, Nigeria

In this study, we have investigated biotransformation and oxidative stress responses in relation to tissue contaminant burden in the African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to simulated leachate from a solid waste dumpsite in Calabar, Nigeria. Fish were exposed to simulated leachate, diluted to 0:0 (negative control), 1:10, 1:50, 1:100 and phenanthrene (a PAH: 50 μg/L used as a positive control) for 3, 7 and 14 days. Hepatic transcripts for cat, sod1, gpx1, gr, gst, cyp1a, cyp2d3, and cyp27 were analyzed by real-time PCR, while enzymatic assays for ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), buthoxyresorufin O-deethylase (BROD), methoxyresorufin O-deethylase (MROD), pentoxyresorufin O-deethylase (PROD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), uridine diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) and lipid peroxidase (LPO) were measured using standard methods. In addition, protein expression for CYP1A, CYP3A and metallotheionin (MT) were measured by immunoblotting. Fish muscle samples were analyzed for selected group of contaminants after 14 days exposure showing significantly high uptake of heavy metals (Cd, Hg and Pb), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorophenols, organochlorine (OC) and organophosphate pesticides in exposed fish. We observed significant concentration- and time-specific increases in biotransformation and oxidative stress responses at transcript and functional (enzyme and protein) levels, that paralleled tissue contaminants bioaccumulation patterns, after exposure to the simulated leachates. Our results highlighted the potential environmental, wildlife and public health consequences from improper solid waste disposal. In addition, it also provides a scientific basis for local sensitization and inform legislative decisions and policy formulation towards sustainable environmental management of solid wastes in Nigeria and other developing countries.

Eco Friendly and Edible Waste Cutlery for Sustainable Environment

Rapid industrialization and urbanization has caused the production of enormous amount of solid wastes. Many nations today are facing environmental pollution due to improper solid waste disposal. Especially, plastic waste disposal has increased rapidly in the last few decades. Researchers are working on safely disposing the solid wastes and recovering wealth out these waste materials. With a view of reducing plastic waste disposal and protecting the health of people, many entrepreneurs have developed an innovative tableware which is edible as well as bio-degradable. This aim of this paper is to review the bits and pieces of work being done on edible tableware in various parts of the world. In addition, the edible tableware developed by individual artists has also been reviewed. The future scope of research in this domain has also been looked at towards the end of this review. We believe that edible tableware could be a potential source for replacement of plastic utensils, thereby providing scope for environmental protection, leading to sustainable development.

Risk factors for diarrhoea and malnutrition among children under the age of 5 years in the Tigray Region of Northern Ethiopia.

BackgroundDiarrhoea and malnutrition are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in areas with poor access to clean water, improved sanitation, and with low socioeconomic status. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of diarrhoea, malnutrition and risk factors among children aged 6–59 months in the Tigray Region of Northern Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from June to August 2017 to assess the magnitude and factors associated with diarrhoea and malnutrition among children. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on diarrhoea, environmental, demographic and behavioural factors from 610 mother-child pairs. Anthropometric measurements were collected from the children. SPSS ver.21 statistical software was used for analysis. Factors associated with diarrhoea and nutritional status were identified using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 610 children monitored in this study, the incidence of diarrhoea among 6–59 month-old children in the two weeks preceding the day of the interview day was 27.2% (95% CI: 23.6–31%). Specifically, 35.9%, 9.7%, and 1.8% had 1–2, 3–4 and 5–6 times of diarrhoea episodes in a one year of time, respectively. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting, and acute under-nutrition were 36.1% (95% CI: 31–38.6%), 37% (95% CI: 32–39.6%), 7.9% (95% CI: 5.5–9.7%), and 5.4% (95% CI: 3.8–7.4%), respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, type of drinking water source [AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 2.03–6.71], mothers not hand washing at critical times [AOR = 15.42; 95% CI: 2.02–117.78], improper solid waste disposal [AOR = 12.81; 95% CI: 2.50–65.62], and child age (36–47 months) [AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.45–4.55] were found to be predictors of diarrhoea. Being within the age range of 12–23 months was a predictor for wasting [AOR = 4.38; 95% CI: 1.61–11.90] and being underweight [AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.7–11.2]. Similarly, the age range of 36–47 months was associated with wasting [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.45–3.85] and stunting [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.03–2.67]. Family size (less than 4) [AOR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.368–0.959] was inversely associated for wasting.ConclusionsOur study revealed that the problem of diarrhoea and malnutrition amongst 6–59 months children in the study area was significant. Access to clean water was the main problem in the study area. Hence, improving access to clean water and providing health education to mothers on personal and environmental hygiene, and proper waste disposal could improve diarrhoea in the study area. Intervention on children’s nutrition should also be implemented to minimize the problem of malnutrition.

Environmental impact assessment of surface water and groundwater quality due to flood hazard in Adyar River Bank

A study was conducted in Metro cities in Chennai handling Water quality problems due to increasing population and improper disposal of solid and liquid wastes. The research work carried out in Adyar River Basin (ARB) this river adjoining from both Chennai and Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu. The main objective of the present study is to identify the processes controlling the geochemistry of surface water and groundwater due to impact of flood in Adyar River. Surface water and groundwater samples collected from either side of the river were analyzed during post-monsoon and pre-monsoon (2016) adopting the standard methods of (WHO). Dominance of cations are in the following order Ca > Na > Mg > K and anions Cl > HCO3 > SO4 during the study period. The analytical results shows higher concentration of TDS, EC, Na, Cl, which indicate signs of deterioration but in the values of pH, Ca and Mg, are within permissible limit as per standards. To understand the geochemical processes piper and gibbs plot has used for the study. Rock water interaction and anthropogenic processes were the major processes controlling groundwater chemistry in this area.

A GIS-based analysis for sanitary landfill sites in Abuja, Nigeria

The absence of sanitary landfill in Abuja, Nigeria has been a challenge that needs the full attention of the authorities. The improper disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) on open land is a burden to the government due to the health implications and the socioeconomic issues associated with it. In order to mitigate environmental degradation, health risk concern and public vexation, the study aims at identifying suitable sites for MSW disposal in Abuja Municipal Area Council and Bwari area council of Abuja which meets global specification and standards. The integration of Geospatial data: Landsat-7ETM+, NigeriaSat-X, ASTER-GDEM, base map, soil and geology maps and multi-criteria evaluation, was used to evaluate the relative importance of each criterion in the study. Each map layers were formed by using the spatial analysis potential of the ArcGIS10.1 software and final suitability map was created using the weighted overlay analysis. The results of the analysis identified six potential sites for sanitary landfill; however four out of the six sites were considered due to the land area size of the sites and its non-intersection with the Abuja land use plan. Also, results showed that none of the existing MSW disposal sites met the global standards considered. In view of the ecological and environmental challenges regarding MSW disposal sites in Abuja, this study shows that GIS is an effective tool in MSW management, which will assist decision makers to plan appropriately toward achieving an aesthetic, healthy and sustainable environment.

Study of hybrid membrane filtration and photocatalysis for removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in groundwater.

Groundwater contamination in Thailand from leaking of leachate due to improper solid waste disposal can cause contamination by PFOA (one of the perfluorinated compounds). This study proposed a new idea for the removal of PFOA from groundwater using a combination of membrane filtration and photocatalysis. Spiked groundwater samples were treated by nanofiltration and the rejected part was sent to a UV contact tank for photocatalysis. All samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that the removal efficiency of nanofiltration was 99.62%, and the rejected part was degraded by photocatalysis at an efficiency of 59.64%. Thus, the contaminants released to the environment were only 34.23%, which is around three times lower than nanofiltration alone. The results of this technical feasibility study proved that hybrid membrane filtration and photocatalysis are able to remove and degrade the contaminants in the rejected part significantly before being released to the environment, which has been the biggest gap in the processing of membrane filtration, and should be studied further in other aspects, such as fouling effects, energy consumption, and operating costs in a long-term pilot run.

Determinants of childhood diarrhea in Medebay Zana District, Northwest Tigray, Ethiopia: a community based unmatched case\u2013control study

BackgroundGlobally, childhood diarrhea is amongst the most prevalent health problems and accounts for 9% of all deaths in children under-five. In Ethiopia, childhood diarrhea is a major public health problem in which the prevalence ranges from 13.5 to 30.5% and experienced by multiple factors. Although health extension program has been implementing for couples of years; diarrheal disease remains the second cause of morbidity and continues an important public health problem in the study district. Thus, this study assessed determinants of diarrheal disease among under-five children in the Medebay Zana district, northwest Tigray, Ethiopia, 2015.MethodA community based case-control study was used. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to enroll the study participants. Data were collected using face to face administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 3.5.4 and exported to SPSS Version 21 for analysis. Frequencies with percentages were computed using univariate analysis. Finally, logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with childhood diarrhea where P-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsSocio-demographic factors such as low maternal educational level [AOR = 2.88, 95% CI (1.70, 4.88)], being index child of older age, households with ≥3 number of children under-five [AOR = 4.05, 95% CI (1.91, 8.60)] and maternal history of diarrhea [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI (1.09, 4.05)] were statistically associated with childhood diarrhea. This study also revealed that child feeding practice; not exclusively breastfed [AOR = 4.84, 95% CI (2.21, 10.60)] and initiation of complementary feeding above 6 months [AOR = 1.78, 95% CI (1.09, 2.92)] were statistically associated with outcome variable. Environmental and behavioral practices such as unavailability toilet facility [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI (1.34, 3.30)], improper solid waste disposal [AOR = 2.29, 95% CI (1.53, 3.44)] and unprotected drinking water [AOR = 1.83, 95% CI (1.12, 2.98)] were also found significant factors of childhood diarrhea.ConclusionMaternal educational status, age of index child, number of < 5 children, child feeding practices, maternal history of diarrhea, toilet facility, solid waste disposal and household drinking water were found determinants of childhood diarrhea. These findings have policy implications and insight the strengthening for health intervention programs.

English

Improper disposal of municipal solid waste is a problem in Brazil, especially in the North, as noted in Araguatins, TO and can lead to environmental contamination caused by heavy metals. This study aims to analyze the occurrence of heavy metals in soil and leachate in the landfill of Araguatins, TO, Brazil. Soil samples and manure were collected at different points and stored in plastic containers for later laboratory analysis of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn (slurry - atomic absorption spectroscopy)) and soil (ICP-MS). Soil samples have heavy metals concentrations based on the recommended range. The slurry samples had lead, copper and zinc above the permissive range. Key words: Heavy metals, dump, slurry, soil.

Perceptions of youth about the integration of natural resource economics through environmental education in schools: a realist social perspective

The purpose of this paper is to delineate the perceptions of grade 12 students about the integration of environmental economics through environmental education into the South African Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Margaret Archer’s (1995) Realist social theory (RST): the morphogenetic approach provides the meta-theoretical framework that informs this study. RST deals with the concepts of structure, culture, agency, pre-existing structures, position-practice systems and mechanisms that have impact on the economic growth and welfare of the society. Data was collected through focus-group interviews with ten students who were purposefully selected from a classroom of 80 students. In addition, a qualitative research approach was used in this study to describe perception of youth about proper utilisation of scarce natural resources. The inductive analysis approach was used to interpret raw data sourced from the participants.The results of this paper revealed that even though youth have been taught principles of environmental education which consist of natural resource economics as a cross-curricular topic, some do not appreciate the importance of efficient use of natural resources in the reduction of poverty and welfare of future generation. Further, the youth believe that environmental issues such as land degradation, water and air pollution, and improper solid waste disposal can be alleviated through activities that can be done outside the classroom. However, some participants noted that the local government has to provide financial support for programmes that encourage natural resource sustainability in the schools.

Piloting a low-cost hardware intervention to reduce improper disposal of solid waste in communal toilets in low-income settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh

BackgroundBangladesh faces daunting challenges in addressing the sanitation needs of its urban poor. Maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of communal toilets is dependent upon periodic emptying of fecal sludge, and cooperation between users of communal toilets. Trash disposal into latrines can block the outflow pipes, rendering the toilets non-functional.MethodsPre-intervention: We conducted in-depth interviews with five operators of fecal sludge emptying equipment and five adult residents who were also caregivers of children. We identified factors contributing to improper disposal of trash into communal toilets, a barrier to operation of the equipment, in low-income communities of Dhaka, Bangladesh.Intervention design: We developed behavior change communication materials to discourage waste disposal in toilets, and promote use of waste bins. We conducted six focus group discussions with adult male, female, landlord and children to select the preferred design for waste bins to be placed inside toilets, and finalize communication materials.Post-intervention: We then pilot-tested an intervention package to promote appropriate trash disposal practices and thus facilitate periodic removal of fecal sludge when the latrine pits become full. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with community residents, landlords and cleaners of communal toilets.ResultsBarriers to appropriate waste disposal included lack of private location for disposal of menstrual hygiene products, limited options for formal trash collection and disposal, and the use of plastic bags for disposing children’s feces. A pilot intervention including behavior change communication and trash bins was implemented in two urban slum communities. Spot checks confirmed that the bins were in place and used. Respondents described positive improvements in the appearance of the toilet and surrounding environment.ConclusionThe current practice on the part of local residents of disposing of waste into toilets impedes the safe removal of fecal sludge and impairs toilet functionality. Residents reported positive changes in toilet cleanliness and usability resulting from this intervention, and this both improves the user experience with toilets, and also promotes the sustainability of the entrepreneurial model of Vacutug operators supported by WSUP.

Assessment of groundwater contamination in a suburban area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Groundwater source is the major source of drinking water in most of the suburban areas of India. Groundwater quality was analyzed for pH, TDS, hardness, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, total coliform and E. coli for the period of January–December 2013. Samples were collected from 10 locations that include 10 shallow wells and 10 deep wells in each location. The quality variation between both shallow and deep wells during pre- and post-monsoon was analyzed. The improper disposal of solid waste and the distance of septic tank were pronounced on E. coli count. The analysis reveals that groundwater contamination is influenced by seasonal changes, environmental condition of the well and maintenance of the well. The high contamination was observed in the wells which are near to the Pallikaranai marsh, and during post-monsoon season, the total dissolved solids and nitrite parameters are slightly increased, whereas chloride increases during pre-monsoon season. Correlation analysis reveals that the chloride and nitrite have a significant relation. The results suggested that the groundwater immediately needs broader protection.

Preliminary assessment of soil contamination by trace metals in peri-urban municipal landfills in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Soil contamination by trace metals as a result of improper waste management and disposal in Ibadan, Nigeria has been evaluated in this study. Several studies have shown the link between trace metal soil contamination and improper solid waste disposal. Methods: Soil samples were taken from two major landfills in Ibadan, in the south-west of Nigeria, and subjected to laboratory analysis using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) as part of a wider study to evaluate the waste management practices in the city. Results: The results of this investigation, without taking into account the background values of the trace metals at both landfill sites, showed that the quantified levels of lead at both sites exceeded threshold levels. The quantified values of zinc and copper metals exceeded the threshold levels specified in the Finnish government decree on the assessment of soil contamination and remediation needs, at 1098 mg/kg and 233.20 mg/kg in the Aba-Eku landfill site, and 1205 mg/kg and 476.55 mg/kg in the Lapite landfill site, respectively. This calls for a comprehensive risk assessment. Conclusions: It is hoped that the results of this study will serve as a basis for a wider risk assessment of all landfill sites within the city.