Open Disposal Research Articles

Challenges and Urgent Need of Solid Waste Management in Rudrapur City, US Nagar Uttarakhand

The rapid expansion of urban areas (horizontal and vertical) that occurred throughout the 20th century transformed urban areas into areas that required environmental problems that most urban cities have to face on a global scale. With the rapidly growing population in the urban centers, SWM is turning into a notable environmental challenge and an advent issue, especially in the urban areas (MC) of Uttarakhand. Open throwing and dumping of un-segregated SW pollute the freshwater streams also and open disposal and burning of SW are the main reasons for the adversely affected urban environment, i.e., air pollution, air quality, smog etc. The lack of appropriate SWM facilities has seriously threatened the urban areas. Growing amounts of consumption and waste production combined high-density low-income living Cities, i.e. Rudrapur. Improper management of SWM is just one of the major present problems facing the Rudrapur MC, which are environmental loss, degradation of water and air quality and urban health problems also related to untreated SW throwing, depositing in different parts of urban areas. The present study is based on observation and exploratory research methods by using both primary and secondary data which was collected during a field survey of Rudrapur MC. The entire Rudrapur MC generated a huge amount of SW in quantities comparable to the very small amount collected and transferred to a disposal and treatment site by the MC. Insufficient methods of solid waste collection and transportation in Rudrapur city are not so much improved and there is little access to municipal vehicles for SW collection, transfer and transportation to the final disposal.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of solid waste management system among households of Darge sub-city, east Wollega Zone, Oromia, Western Ethiopia

Background: Inappropriate solid waste management produced in the course of human activities has serious problems for the environment that adversely affect the health of the human population. Thus, towns and cities in developing countries like Ethiopia face environmental health and aesthetic problems resulting from improper management of solid waste disposal. Uncontrolled waste management may also contribute to the transmission of communicable diseases from different systems as well as encourage fly breading, which has nuisance effects in addition to disease transmission. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of solid waste management systems in households in Darge sub-city, East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using systematic random sampling techniques from February 1st to February 15th, 2022. Data was collected from 278 households using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. After data collection, data analysis was performed using SPSS computer software version 22.0. Results: The study showed that 67.3% had good knowledge, 65.86% had a positive attitude, and 63.3% had good practice in solid waste management (SWM). Among the households, 12.6% and 42.1% dispose of solid waste in open fields and open disposal pits, respectively. The perceived reason for improper solid waste disposal was a lack of awareness (55.4%) and a shortage of a place for solid waste disposal (30.6%). Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude, and practice of households in the study area need improvement according to standards for towns and sub-cities. Increasing knowledge, changing attitudes, and improving practice in SWM using the existing structure are recommended.

Plastic Solid Waste Management Assessment Among Selected Schools in Gwadabawa Local Government, Sokoto, Nigeria

The objective of this work was to assess the plastic solid waste management among selected schools in Gwadabawa Local Government, Sokoto, Nigeria. A descriptive survey (cross-sectional) study was employed and collected data from portions of schools and respondents. The findings indicate that, demographic characteristics of teacher respondents involved in this study are: Males are 66.7%, females are 33.3%; and the levels of education include, NCE/diploma (58.0%), BSc (26.7%), MSc (13.3%), and PhD (2.0%). Regards to students involved, 48.0% are males, 60.0% are females; 36.0% are 18-20 years old, and 64.0% are above 20 years old. The level of education of students include, 60.0% diploma students, and 40.0% certificates students. The effects are listed in the order of frequency as submitted by participants: Release of gases (20.5%), land pollution (17.0%), water pollution (15.0%), attraction of vermin (11.0%), breeding of diseases (10.5%), loss of biodiversity (7.5%), reduction of beauty of environment (7.5%), offensive odour (5.0%), flooding (5.0%), and particulates release (1.0%). Methods of waste elimination are: open disposal occurs among 37.5% schools; likewise, open disposal and burning, occur in 37.5%; while, use as fertilizer was recorded in 12.5% schools. Waste collection methods are either open dumping (80.0%), or use of containers (20.0%). The use of segregation of waste; therewith, only 20.0% practice segregation, the remaining 80.0% do not practice segregation, rather openly display mixtures of waste materials. The possible remedies to mitigate plastic solid waste mismanagement and effects include, education (awareness) and behavior change (53.3%) was mostly stated, funding (26.7%), improvisation (15.3%), scavenging (3.3%), and innovations (1.3%). Policy makers need to act urgently in diverse ways, and the people are supposed to be educated on ways of remediating plastic waste pollution.

Plastic Solid Waste Management Assessment Among Selected Schools in Gwadabawa Local Government, Sokoto, Nigeria

The objective of this work was to assess the plastic solid waste management among selected schools in Gwadabawa Local Government, Sokoto, Nigeria. A descriptive survey (cross-sectional) study was employed and collected data from portions of schools and respondents. The findings indicate that, demographic characteristics of teacher respondents involved in this study are: Males are 66.7%, females are 33.3%; and the levels of education include, NCE/diploma (58.0%), BSc (26.7%), MSc (13.3%), and PhD (2.0%). Regards to students involved, 48.0% are males, 60.0% are females; 36.0% are 18-20 years old, and 64.0% are above 20 years old. The level of education of students include, 60.0% diploma students, and 40.0% certificates students. The effects are listed in the order of frequency as submitted by participants: Release of gases (20.5%), land pollution (17.0%), water pollution (15.0%), attraction of vermin (11.0%), breeding of diseases (10.5%), loss of biodiversity (7.5%), reduction of beauty of environment (7.5%), offensive odour (5.0%), flooding (5.0%), and particulates release (1.0%). Methods of waste elimination are: open disposal occurs among 37.5% schools; likewise, open disposal and burning, occur in 37.5%; while, use as fertilizer was recorded in 12.5% schools. Waste collection methods are either open dumping (80.0%), or use of containers (20.0%). The use of segregation of waste; therewith, only 20.0% practice segregation, the remaining 80.0% do not practice segregation, rather openly display mixtures of waste materials. The possible remedies to mitigate plastic solid waste mismanagement and effects include, education (awareness) and behavior change (53.3%) was mostly stated, funding (26.7%), improvisation (15.3%), scavenging (3.3%), and innovations (1.3%). Policy makers need to act urgently in diverse ways, and the people are supposed to be educated on ways of remediating plastic waste pollution.

Analisis Sanitasi Lingkungan Berdasarkan Tempat Pembuangan Sementara (TPS) Sampah pada Rumah Kos Wilayah Kota Semarang

Sanitation of public places is one of the efforts that can be made to maintain cleanliness. The minimum requirements for TTU sanitation are solid waste management, dirty water, and human excrement. Based on these sanitation requirements, there are still problems, namely many boarding houses whose garbage containers do not meet the requirements. Open disposal of waste has the potential to pollute the environment and will have a negative impact on public health. The purpose of this research is to analyze the health impacts that will arise as a result of an open waste temporary disposal site. The method in this research is observation by collecting data. Sampling was carried out purposively which was in accordance with the research objectives, namely a sample of five boarding house in the city of Semarang. The observation results show that the boarding house environment has a problem with garbage. This is evident from the observation results which show that there are 4 out of 5 that do not have trash covers and 4 out of 5 boarding houses whose trash cans are breeding grounds for insects. Conclusion: Seeing these results, problems can arise in the surrounding environment and cause disease for residents who live in the boarding house. Therefore, the trash can and lid must be located together in every place. Suggestion: It is better if the owner can provide garbage facilities and trash covers at the boarding house so that the environment is clean, comfortable, and protected from animals that can cause disease.

EXAMINING DATA COLLECTION AND COMPILATION FOR DEVELOPING BIOGAS PLANTS FOR RECYCLED WASTE MANAGEMENT

In this study, open disposal area, unfortunately, stills the means of open burning of solids waste in developing environment. Provide for leachate and gas control system. The untreated dumping encourages the breeding of insects and rodents and causes several health diseases, movement of leachate into the subsurface. Due to the improper lining, raw solids waste from the existing dumping site comes in contact with directly, causing severe deterioration the quality of the water. The solid waste characterization, the effect of leachate in the dumping site, groundwater quality analysis and also for 51 wards question sheet survey has been conducted that results were analyzed using SPSS 17. Various physic and chemical parameters were estimated this includes pH, turbidity, chloride, total hardness, calcium & magnesium hardness, sulphate and TDS, major cations such as calcium, magnesium ion. Everyday Thanjavur dumping ground receives 115 tones of Municipal Solid Waste from the Thanjavur city. In the part of result analysis, groundwater samples showed that dumping ground leachate constitutes a serious warning to the local aquifers. The waste generated in Thanjavur contains a maximum portion of biodegradable material, moisture content high, calorific value low and it is acceptable for biogas production. In this project, a fixed dome type biogas plant is designed because of low cost and a plan/model is recommended to improve the existing MSWM. The recommended model deals with maximize recycling and minimize landfilling of the Municipal Solid Waste. This study also has to be improved to provide efficient and effective MSWM.

Solid Waste Issues: Generation Composition and Disposal of Municipal Solid Waste in District REWA Madhya Pradesh of India

Solid waste disposal is a significant and pervasive issue in many industrialized and developing nations, including India, in both urban and rural areas. The collection and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) is one of the main issues facing the urban environment in the majority of the world’s countries today. Solutions for MSW management need to be technically sound, socially and legally acceptable, environmentally benign, and financially viable. The largest problem facing the authorities of both large and small cities is solid waste management. Conventional landfills, incinerators, composting, and methods of managing solid wastes are typical examples of established technology for disposing of garbage. Anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting have historically been the most widely utilized procedures for the treatment and valuation of the organic part of MSW. The amount of organic solid waste (OSW) produced annually is rising sharply on a global scale. Agricultural waste, home food waste, human and animal wastes, etc. make up the majority of OSWs. Usually, they are burned, disposed of in landfills, or used as animal feed. Rich in proteins, minerals, and carbohydrates, OAWs can be utilized as raw materials or substrates in several processes. There are negative effects on the environment, the economy, and social life as a result of the high rates of organic waste generation and their open disposal in landfills. One of the greener methods for keeping organic contaminants out of landfills is composting. As to the latest statistics of CPCB, India generated approximately 160.03 tons of municipal garbage per day. Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh along with 27 other ULBs generate an average MSW of 340 TPD.

Waste Management in Nepal: Characterization and Challenges to Promote a Circular Economy

In Nepal, the informal sector is responsible for treating 15% of household waste. It is the only alternative to landfilling and open disposal; however, the current waste management system does not acknowledge informal recyclers aggravating various challenges and vulnerabilities that the sector already faces. This study identifies and validates for the first time the challenges of the informal waste sector while providing a granular understanding of the actors that shape waste management in the region. The study uses primary data collected over a period of 6 months in Kathmandu and Lalitpur, the first and third most populated areas in Nepal. The methods considered were semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and a co-creation workshop with formal and informal actors. A novel characterization of waste management actors was conducted to identify two profiles namely cyclists and scavengers and question the formality of the collection centres. Findings suggest that the price volatility of recycled materials and the lack of treatment and absence of regulatory capacity are among the main challenges in promoting a circular economy from the informal sector. The recommendations to overcome these challenges are a series of policy reforms, such as an extended responsibility producer scheme and the review of the tax on recycled material transport. The main policy implication from the finding reveals that circular economy is already being promoted by the informal sector — a responsibility that should fall under the remit of the regional and national governments. The study concludes that integration is not only necessary to improve the conditions of informal workers but essential to developing a circular economy in Nepal.

Effects of various additives on the crumb rubber integrated geopolymer concrete

The use of scrap tyres in construction materials has been promoted to curb the environmental exploitation caused by the open disposal of non-biodegradable waste rubber. Tyre grinds as aggregates in geopolymer concrete (GPC) would increase its sustainability value by reducing the consumption of natural aggregates. Although there is limited literature addressing the damage to GPC characteristics caused by rubber aggregates, this investigation was designed to determine the extent of possible side effects of using crumb rubber (CR) in GPC. Additionally, this investigation aims to address any resulting reduction in strength and durability using additives such as cement and fibres. Geopolymer specimens with CR replacement of fine aggregates by volume (0, 5, 10 and 15%) showed a compressive strength reduction of up to 17% when tested according to ASTM standards. Substituting the total binder by weight with Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) improved the microstructural integrity of the rubberised geopolymer mix with the highest percentage of OPC. Despite producing new and additional binding products (CSH and CASH gels), the GPC surface readily disintegrated under acid exposure. Optimum glass fibres (GF) reinforcement (0.30%) effectively disrupted the GPC pore network, consequently reducing the acid permeability of the matrix. Further addition of steel fibres (SF) enhanced the GPC specimen's compressive and flexural strength. To analyse the cumulative effect of these additives on GPC microstructure, supporting tests such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were carried out. Although these additives enhanced the overall performance of rubberised geopolymer, it might somewhat reduce its green aspect.

Seroprevalence and associated factors of infectious bursal disease (IBD) in indigenous chicken in eastern province in Rwanda

ABSTRACT The status of Infectious bursal disease (IBD) in indigenous chickens and backyard poultry in Rwanda has not been previously elucidated. This cross-sectional study was to determine the seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease in indigenous chickens and to identify the associated factors. The study was been done in three districts in the Eastern province of Rwanda where blood from 364 indigenous chickens were collected. ID Screen® IBD indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used to detect IBD antibodies in these birds. 145 questionnaires were also administered to poultry farmers to obtain information on biosecurity measures and associated factors to IBD outbreaks. The study revealed 48.4% (176/364) prevalence of the chicken with IBDV antibodies with statistical significance (P < .05) among/between location and age groups. The questionnaire revealed that there were other important associated factors which included chicken scavenging for seed as a source of food (59.3% of farmers reported), absence of routine vaccination (53.8%), live chickens are purchased from the open market with no information about IBD outbreaks and vaccination (30.0%), open disposal of dead chickens suspected of IBD (58.9%). IBD virus antibodies are present in indigenous chicken in Eastern Rwanda hence further investigation to better understand the epidemiology of IBD virus in indigenous chickens is desired and more research is needed to identify the role of indigenous chickens in the spread of IBD virus in Rwanda.

Environmental Risk of Arsenic Mobilization from Disposed Sand Filter Materials.

Arsenic (As)-bearing water treatment residuals (WTRs) from household sand filters are usually disposed on top of floodplain soils and may act as a secondary As contamination source. We hypothesized that open disposal of these filter-sands to soils will facilitate As release under reducing conditions. To quantify the mobilization risk of As, we incubated the filter-sand, the soil, and a mixture of the filter-sand and soil in anoxic artificial rainwater and followed the dynamics of reactive Fe and As in aqueous, solid, and colloidal phases. Microbially mediated Fe(III)/As(V) reduction led to the mobilization of 0.1-4% of the total As into solution with the highest As released from the mixture microcosms equaling 210 μg/L. Due to the filter-sand and soil interaction, Mössbauer and X-ray absorption spectroscopies indicated that up to 10% Fe(III) and 32% As(V) were reduced in the mixture microcosm. Additionally, the mass concentrations of colloidal Fe and As analyzed by single-particle ICP-MS decreased by 77-100% compared to the onset of reducing conditions with the highest decrease observed in the mixture setups (>95%). Overall, our study suggests that (i) soil provides bioavailable components (e.g., organic matter) that promote As mobilization via microbial reduction of As-bearing Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides and (ii) As mobilization as colloids is important especially right after the onset of reducing conditions but its importance decreases over time.

LCA of Disposal Practices for Arsenic-Bearing Iron Oxides Reveals the Need for Advanced Arsenic Recovery.

Iron (Fe)-based groundwater treatment removes carcinogenic arsenic (As) effectively but generates toxic As-rich Fe oxide water treatment residuals (As WTRs) that must be managed appropriately to prevent environmental contamination. In this study, we apply life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare the toxicity impacts of four common As WTR disposal strategies that have different infrastructure requirements and waste control: (i) landfilling, (ii) brick stabilization, (iii) mixture with organic waste, and (iv) open disposal. The As disposal toxicity impacts (functional unit = 1.0 kg As) are compared and benchmarked against impacts of current methods to produce marketable As compounds via As mining and concentrate processing. Landfilling had the lowest non-carcinogen toxicity (2.0 × 10-3 CTUh), carcinogen toxicity (3.8 × 10-5 CTUh), and ecotoxicity (4.6 × 103 CTUe) impacts of the four disposal strategies, with the largest toxicity source being As emission via sewer discharge of treated landfill leachate. Although landfilling had the lowest toxicity impacts, the stored toxicity of this strategy was substantial (ratio of stored toxicity/emitted As = 13), suggesting that landfill disposal simply converts direct As emissions to an impending As toxicity problem for future generations. The remaining disposal strategies, which are frequently practiced in low-income rural As-affected areas, performed poorly. These strategies yielded ∼3-10 times greater human toxicity and ecotoxicity impacts than landfilling. The significant drawbacks of each disposal strategy indicated by the LCA highlight the urgent need for new methods to recover As from WTRs and convert it into valuable As compounds. Such advanced As recovery technologies, which have not been documented previously, would decrease the stored As toxicity and As emissions from both WTR disposal and from mining As ore.

Comprehensive technological assessment for different treatment methods of leather tannery wastewater.

The leather-making process necessitates large amounts of water and consequently generates tons of liquid waste as leather tannery wastewater (TWW) is disposed of directly in the open environment. Open disposal of untreated TWW into the natural environment causes an accumulation of various polluting compounds, including heavy metals, dyes, suspended solids inorganic matter, biocides, oils, tannins, and other toxic chemicals. It thus poses potential hazards to the environment and human health. This study primarily focuses on providing in-depth insight into the characteristics, treatment strategies, and regulatory frameworks for managing TWW in leather processing industries. Different technologies of conventional physico-chemical (equalization, coagulation, and adsorption), advanced approaches (Fenton oxidation, ozonation, cavitation), thermo-catalytic and biological treatments available to treat TWW, and their integrative approaches were also highlighted. This review also sheds light on the most frequently applied technologies to reduce contaminant load from TWW though there are several limitations associated with it such as being ineffective for large quantities of TWW, waste generation during treatment, and high operational and maintenance (O&M) costs. It is concluded that the sustainable alternatives applied in the current TWW technologies can minimize O&M costs and recirculate the treated water in the environment. The exhaustive observations and recommendations presented in this article are helpful in the industry to manage TWW and recirculate the water in a sustainable manner.

Challenges for sustainable water use in the northern part of Pakistan focusing on hydrology assessment of non-industrial zone

The current study was focused on the water quality assessment of the District Muzaffarabad (DMZD) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the northern part of Pakistan. The qualitative assessment was done on the surface water bodies, spring waters and tap water sources of DMZD. A total of eight parameters were assessed in this exploration including physical parameters, microbiological analysis, anion detection, and heavy metal exploration. Some physical parameters i.e., Electrical Conductance and Total Dissolved Solid showed higher variance than WHO allowed limits having a positive correlation within themselves that has indirectly affected the water quality of the region. Microbiological analysis was also performed using 3M-petrifilms with a capacity to quantify and distinguish between coliforms and E. coli by producing different stains on the surface chromophore of the petrifilm. Amongst eighty collected samples, more than 90% were contaminated with bacteria i.e., coliforms or E. coli. Poor water management and open disposal of sewage, sludge and other waste products were the main causatives of bacterial pollution. The significant anions which were crossing the maximum concentration limits (MCL) were fluoride, nitrite and nitrate (2.981 mg/L, 0.418 mg/L and >30 mg/L). Amongst anions especially, nitrite and nitrate were the real culprits of many health-related issues in humans’ i.e., cancers, etc. and fluorides were responsible for diseases such as dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis etc. Water quality was generally poor and unsafe in the studied areas. We have also analyzed heavy metal content in the water samples collected from DMZD, AJK. Heavy metals ions detected in the collected water samples were; Arsenic (As3+), Copper (Cu2+), Iron (Fe2+), Lead (Pb2+) and Nickel (Ni2+). We used robust Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for heavy metal detection having broader LoD for a variety of turbid samples especially. Along with some fluctuations in the concentrations of other heavy metals, a significant spike was observed for Pb2+ (0.01818 mg/L) in ICP-OES experiments exceeding from MCL (0.01 mg/L) of lead setup by WHO. A higher concentration of Pb2+ was due to anthropogenic sources and natural sources in District Muzaffarabad. The study was aimed to find out the cause of the recent upsurge of different lethal diseases (gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, cancers etc.) in the region relative to water contamination. From this study and application of analytical methods we have revealed meaningful information about the unexplored water quality data of the studied area.

Municipal Solid Waste Management through Sustainable Landfilling: In View of the Situation in Karachi, Pakistan.

Open disposal is the most common technique used for municipal solid waste (MSW) management due to the absence of sanitary landfills in Pakistan. The major cities and small towns in Pakistan have become a showcase of negligence and mismanagement of MSW, which results in deterioration of the environmental and social-life quality. Moreover, research has proved that inefficient handling (disposal) of MSW results in uncontrolled emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), mainly methane, and adds a significant share in global climate change. This study aims to estimate methane emissions from MSW disposed of at dumpsites and compare the GHG mitigation potential of different landfill strategies in specific climate and waste compositions in Karachi. The GHG estimations are based on lab-scale investigations conducted by simulating landfill conditions through the landfill simulation reactor (LSR) experiment. The synthetic MSW sample representing the composition of MSW generated in Karachi was used in the LSR experiment. Environmental sustainability and GHG mitigation potential of different landfilling strategies was evaluated by analyzing gas formation potential (GP21) and respiration activity (RI4) at the end of the experiment. This study revealed that the quantity of solid waste annually disposed of at dumpsites in Karachi possesses the potential to release about 3.9 Mt CO2-eq. methane (with specific methane potential of 1.8 tCO2-eq./tonne DM disposed) due to the biological decomposition of the organic fraction. Results show that the fresh waste disposed of at landfill sites in Karachi possesses about 92% and 94% higher GP21 and RI4, respectively, than the German allocated criteria for mechanically and biologically treated (MBT) waste for landfills Furthermore, sanitary landfills with post-aeration conditions showed higher GHG mitigation potential and low biological activity in the waste. The second highest GHG mitigation potential and lowest biological activity of the waste was noticed from bioreactor landfills with post-aeration conditions. The third number in GHG mitigation and reduced waste activity was noticed in the waste sampled from bioreactors without aftercare approach. The least GHG mitigation potential was noticed from the uncontrolled waste dumping (existing) approach with high residual gas potential and respiration index level. This lab-scale landfill simulation study can provide baseline data for further research and planning the development of new sustainable landfills in Karachi, Pakistan and in the region.

Review on bioremediation and phytoremediation techniques of heavy metals in contaminated soil from dump site

In current scenario the main problem of soil pollution is due to open disposal of municipal solid waste. Leachate generated in the dump yard will contaminate the soil by toxicity of heavy metals (Arsenic, Chromium, Lead, Cadmium, and mercury) which will pollute air, water and soil. This review article summarizes the various remediation techniques which enhances the efficiency of removal of contaminant in the environment. The most effective and promising methods to remediate the contaminated soil is by bioremediation and Phytoremediation. Bioremediation is the process/method which detoxify the heavy metals with the help of microorganism in environment. Phytoremediation process which helps to absorb the Heavy metals in the soil by using plants and trees to remediate the soil. Both of these techniques are cost effective and suitable for removing the heavy metals in the contaminated soil. This review aims to shows the factors which have affect or reduce the efficiency of remediation; microbes which are to be used for the process and enhancement for this technique have been discussed. Similarly, suggested plants used for phytoremediation extend the tolerance limit and reduce the metal accumulation in the soil. Heavy metal absorbed plants to be treated by incineration or utilization of some by-product for future eco-friendly uses.

Soil Quality Indices and Agricultural Impact of Swine Waste Open Disposal

Agricultural impact of swine waste open disposal in Ubakala area of Abia State were evaluated. Results indicates an increase in soil temperature with increasing soil depth while soil pH was observed to be slightly acidic. Increased soil nutrients, soil enzymes were recorded from the study. This findings suggest that swine dumps may not be good for agricultural purposes unless adequate treatment measures are taken prior to its application as fertilizer.

Selection of Best Soft Computing Systems for the Analysis of Heavy Metal Concentration in Soils of a Waste Disposal Site in Khulna

Collection of soil samples is labored, time-consuming and the determination of heavy metal concentrations in the laboratory are expensive. The aim of this study was to fix the functions, algorithms as well as optimization of methods for soft computing system such as ANFIS, SVM, and ANN based on their best performance. In this study, soil samples were collected from eighty five distinct locations in and around of a selected open disposal site at old Rajbandh, Khulna, Bangladesh at a depth 0-30 cm from the existing ground surface. In the laboratory, the concentration of heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Cd, As, Sc, Hg, Mn, Cr, Ti, Sb, Sr, V and Ba in soils were measured. The soft computing systems such as ANFIS, SVM, and ANN were implemented for the analysis of heavy metal concentrations in soil. The result reveals model with SCP, gaussmf, linear and hybrid was the best-fitted model of ANFIS. In addition, in SVM analysis, the model SVM-RBF with 15 folds was selected. In ANN, the model LT (Levenberg-Marqardt and Tansig functions) with neuron structure 2-10-1 was selected. The accuracy of the predicted results was checked based on the acceptable limits of prediction parameters such as R value, RMSE, MAPE, GRI and percentage recovery. The result demonstrates that ANFIS model was a reliable technique than that of other counterparts of SVM and ANN with the acceptable degree of robustness and accuracy. Therefore, the performance of soft computing systems may be expressed by the sequence of ANFIS &gt; SVM &gt; ANN. Here it can be noted that one can easily be computed the concentration of a particular heavy metal in soil by inserting GPS values (latitude and longitude) only in the developed rule viewer of ANFIS.

Household Waste Management in Formal Housing Developments in Afghanistan: A Case Study of Kabul City

This study investigated the management of household solid waste in Kabul city, a planned urban city in Kabul Province, Afghanistan. The study involved assessment of waste quantification and composition, handling, collection, and disposal as well as public concern and attitude towards waste management. A questionnaire survey was conducted from 270 households (10%) selected on the basis of stratified random sampling. Quantification/ composition was determined by manually sorting and weighing daily waste from sampled households using the standard method ASTM-D5231-92. The solid waste generated per capita was 0.557±0.138 kilograms per capita per day (kg/c/d) (SD=0.138) and (3.75±0.33 kilograms per household per day (kg/h/d) whereas the total waste generation from Kabul city was estimated at 9.5 tons/d with a major fraction of food waste (92.5%) followed by glass (1.8%), metal and yard waste (1.6% each), paper (1.4%) and plastic (1.1%) insight income families. Nearly one-third of the households had no storage and practiced open disposal in street sand empty plots. Waste collection by the municipal authority was unsystematic and random with daily collection from only 10% of the households mostly using donkey carts. Key issues of public concern were improper solid waste management, waste burning, pollution of water bodies, disposal in empty plots and streets, and open dumping. Public awareness about solid waste issues was high however only 15% showed a willingness to pay for waste management.

GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY IN PARTS OF ORLU METROPOLIS, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

The groundwater vulnerability to pollution in parts of Orlu metropolis, Southeastern Nigeria, was assessed on the basis for proposing an appropriate strategy for protecting the groundwater resources. The vulnerability assessment was accomplished using the LeGrand and GOD models. The model techniques generally involve parameter rating and point count systems, based on evaluation of various hydrogeological parameters in relation to their capacity to influence the flow of contaminants in the groundwater system. Borehole information of five locations was collected within the area. The result show that the unsaturated zone material of these sub areas is composed of sandy-clay facies with low effective hydraulic conductivity (k3) and relatively high sorption properties. The characteristics of the overburden materials indicate that contaminants would not migrate down to the water table with ease, especially areas where the water table is deep. The area generally has extremely low vulnerability and has considerable depth to water table which enhances contaminant attenuation and retardation. Also, the high sorption properties of the overburden materials tend to inhibit advective flow of contaminants down the water table. Policies should be instituted to facilitate the closing of pollution sources in the area of high vulnerability such as open disposal pits, leaking petrol stations, effluent discharge from industries, and use of pit latrines, and to locate future disposal site in areas of lower vulnerability.