Department of Environment and Sustainable Development, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
Department of Science, Institute of Computer Science and Technology, SHEPA, Varanasi, India.
Environ Monit Assess. 2020 Feb 20;192(3):191. doi: 10.1007/s10661-020-8135-3.
Varanasi, India's historic cultural capital, struggles with efficient waste management practices. This impacts environment and human well-being in terms of waste generation that is estimated around 550-650 TPD with a generation rate of 0.42 kg capita day (n = 117). The present study aims to explore and characterize wastes, current practices, ecological profiling, and phytotoxicity of an abandoned open dumping site, and vermicomposting of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) as sustainable waste management approach. Compositional analysis of waste indicates organic fraction (46.13%) as a major component along with a considerable amount of heavy metals. The calorific value and moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW) was 2351.4 cal g and 34.72%, respectively. Ecological profiling of the dumping site revealed that floral diversity and ecological species/indicators were negatively affected. Likewise, phytotoxicity results displayed a negative impact on germination and physiology of maize (Zea mays L.) plants grown on dumping site soil. Vermistabilization of OFMSW showed a significant increase in N (56.10-89.48%), P (33.93-82.87%), and K (25.55-50.42%) and a decrease in total organic carbon (15.15-24.81%). Similarly, C/N and C/P ratios decreased by 1.89-2.51 and 1.72-2.18 folds, respectively. A survey of stakeholders suggested that open dumping was the main practice adopted by Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) during 2013-2015. Recently (2017-2018), VMC adopted different methods, such as door-to-door collection and source segregation for effective waste management. Waste characteristics and nutrient profile of the vermicompost explains that vermicomposting could be used for efficient waste management in Varanasi, further reducing the collection, transportation, and disposal costs of waste, which enables to close the loop and move towards a circular economy. Moreover, implications of existing waste management practices and possible management options need to be addressed scientifically. Therefore, this research outcome will help in designing a successful waste management plan for Varanasi and other cities with similar waste characteristics.
印度历史文化之都瓦拉纳西在高效的废物管理实践方面面临挑战。这对环境和人类福祉产生了影响，因为废物产生量估计约为 550-650 吨/天，产生率为 0.42 公斤/人/天（n=117）。本研究旨在探索和描述一个废弃的露天垃圾场的废物特性、当前实践、生态特征和植物毒性，以及作为可持续废物管理方法的城市固体废物（MSW）有机部分的堆肥。废物的成分分析表明，有机部分（46.13%）是主要成分，同时还含有相当数量的重金属。城市固体废物（MSW）的热值和水分含量分别为 2351.4 卡路里/克和 34.72%。垃圾场的生态特征分析表明，花卉多样性和生态物种/指标受到负面影响。同样，植物毒性结果显示，在垃圾场土壤上生长的玉米（Zea mays L.）植物的发芽和生理受到负面影响。有机废物的堆肥稳定化显示，N（56.10-89.48%）、P（33.93-82.87%）和 K（25.55-50.42%）显著增加，总有机碳（15.15-24.81%）减少。同样，C/N 和 C/P 比分别减少了 1.89-2.51 和 1.72-2.18 倍。利益相关者的调查表明，2013-2015 年期间，瓦拉纳西市政公司（VMC）主要采用露天垃圾处理方式。最近（2017-2018 年），VMC 采取了不同的方法，如上门收集和源头分类，以实现有效的废物管理。堆肥的废物特性和养分状况表明，堆肥可用于瓦拉纳西的高效废物管理，进一步降低废物的收集、运输和处理成本，从而实现闭环，并朝着循环经济方向发展。此外，需要科学地解决现有的废物管理实践的影响和可能的管理选择。因此，这项研究结果将有助于为瓦拉纳西和其他具有类似废物特征的城市设计成功的废物管理计划。
