Waste Management II

Question 1

Define Segregation of waste

Answer 1

Segregation of waste means dividing the waste into different categories like dry and wet or biodegradable and non- biodegradable

Question 2

Dry waste, Wet waste consists of?

Answer 2

Dry waste consists of waste that does not decay and is non biodegradable

Wet waste consists of waste that is organic in nature and is biodegradable

Question 3

Benefits of Segregation of waste (4 pts)

Answer 3

1. When waste is segregated lower volumes of waste reach landfills
2. Air and water pollution is reduced comparatively
3. Easier to apply different processes of waste disposal like composting, recycling and incineration
4. Source of income for rag pickers

Question 4

What duties should residential colonies undertake for Segregation of waste (2)

Answer 4

1. Collective efforts for safe disposal of domestic waste

2. Sweepings from public parks and gardens should be converted into compost for the maintenance of gardens and parks

Question 5

Name and describe the three types of Non biodegradable waste

Answer 5

Recyclable waste- waste that can be recycled into useful products

Toxic waste- waste that cannot be disposed of off directly as it may be harmful and require adequate treatment

Soiled waste- waste from hospitals

Question 6

What is open dumping?

Answer 6

Open dumping is the process of dumping waste materials in open lowlands. It is not the most environment friendly method of Waste Management but is the cheapest method.

Question 6

What is open dumping?

Answer 6

Open dumping is the process of dumping waste materials in open lowlands. It is not the most environment-friendly method of Waste Management but is the cheapest method.

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of open dumping

Answer 7

1. Open pits spoil the site of the surrounding area
2. The are breeding grounds for vectors such as insects and rodents
3. The release a foul stench
4. When incinerated, it releases several toxic gases into the air
5. The rainwater carries the waste to nearby lakes, streams or pollutes the underground water table

Question 8

What are Sanitary Landfills?

Answer 8

Sanitary landfill is a method of dumping where the waste is packed and dumped daily at the site and covered by the earth to prevent insects and rodents from breeding.

The waste then decomposes due to physical, chemical and biological changes and release large amounts of gas which can be used for generation of power

Question 9

Where are sanitary landfills usually carried out?

Answer 9

Disposal of waste in a sanitary landfill is usually done with minimal environmental damage in areas already spoiled or in need of restoration.

Question 10

Describe the 5 phases of waste undergoes in a Sanitary landfills

Answer 10

1. In the first phase, the aerobic bacteria deplete all available oxygen and the temperature of the body increases
2. In the second phase the anaerobic conditions get established, releasing hydrogen and carbon dioxide
3. The third phase establishes a population of bacteria and the beginning of methanogenic activity.
4. In the fourth stage the methanogenic activity gets stabilised.

5, The fifth stage depletes organic matter and system returns to aerobic stage,

Question 11

Advantages of sanitary landfill over open dumping

Answer 11

1. Free from air pollution from burning
2. Health problems are minimised since flies, rats and other pests cannot breed in landfills because of the covered waste
3. It is mostly free from fire hazards

Question 12

Define composting

Answer 12

Composting of waste is an aerobic method of decomposing solid wastes.

The organic waste from households are made to undergo decomposition in such a way that bacteria and other micro-organisms break them down and produce a safe, clean and soil-like material known as compost

Question 13

Describe the manual method of composting used in India

Answer 13

The Manual method of composting also known as the Indore method is followed in rural parts of India

A shallow pit of alternating layers of vegetable waste and night soil is layered.

It is turned regularly for about 3 months

It is left for another month without any turning for the process to take effect.

Question 14

Describe the mechanical method of composting used in India

Answer 14

The mechanical method of compositing is also known as the Bengaluru method and is usually practised in cities.

Waste material is placed in a 1 metre-deep hole and is not turned for about five months

Question 15

Advantages of composting (any 4)

Answer 15

1. Enhances soil nutrients and water retention capacity of soil
2. Rejuvenates poor soils by adding humus
3. Reduces cost as there is no need for excess water, fertilizers and pesticides.
4. Checks for soil erosion and silting on embankments

Question 16

Name and describe the three methods of reducing waste

Answer 16

1. Change of process
   Changes can be made in production processes either by making changes in the materials used to finish the product or using the input materials in production more efficiently
2. Water Concentration
   Using scientific techniques such as precipitation and evaporation to get rid of liquid waste. Incineration can also get rid of inflammable waste
3. Segregation of waste
   Segregation of Hazardous waste from non-hazardous waste rather than dumping them together. Instead treating hazardous waste and dumping Non Hazardous waste using the conventional ways

Question 17

What is the use of Flyash

Answer 17

Flyash from powerplants is used to manufacture cement. Bricks are made from Flyash. Flyash is also used in making roads and filling up low lying areas.