MODULE 3

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

Environmental Pollution can be defined as any undesirable change in physical, chemical, or

biological characteristics of any component of the environment i.e. air, water, soil which can
cause harmful effects on various forms of life or property
Pollution is the introduction of pollutants (chemical substances noise, heat, light, energy and
others) into the environment which results in deleterious effects of such a nature as to endanger
human health, harm living resources and ecosystems, and impair or interfere with amenities
and other legitimate uses of the environment.
MAJOR FORMS OF POLLUTION
The major forms of pollution are listed below along with the particular pollutants
relevant to each of them:
• Air pollution, the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere. Common
examples include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and nitrogen
oxides produced by industry and motor vehicles. Photochemical ozone and smog are created as
nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react to sunlight.
• Water pollution via surface runoff, leaching to groundwater, liquid spills, wastewater
discharges, Eutrophication and littering.
• Soil contamination occurs when chemicals are released by spill or underground storage tank
leakage. Among the most significant soil contaminants are hydrocarbons, heavy metals,
herbicides, pesticides and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
• Radioactive contamination, added in the wake of 20th-century discoveries in atomic physics.
• Noise pollution, which encompasses roadway noise, aircraft noise, industrial noise as well as
high-intensity sonar.
• Light pollution, includes light trespass, over-illumination and astronomical interference.
•Visual pollution, which can refer to the presence of overhead power lines, motorway
billboards, scarred landforms (as from strip mining), open storage of trash or municipal solid
waste
• Thermal Pollution is a temperature change in natural water bodies caused by human influence
 1. WATER POLLUTION
Water Pollution can be defined as alteration in physical, chemical, or biological
characteristics of water through natural or human activities and making it unsuitable for its
designated use.
CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER POLLUTION:
▪ Physical characteristic refers to color, taste, turbidity and smell of water.
▪ Chemical characteristic refers to- pH, TDS, DO, COD, BOD.
▪ Biological characteristic refers to- presence of biological components i.e. bacteria, fungi, etc.
▪ On Earth, only 1/3th part of available water from ice and groundwater is pure, rest is
contaminated.

UTILISATION OF WATER
Precipitation is the primary resource of irrigation water, in the form of rainfall and
snow. These give rise to secondary sources of irrigation broadly classified as;
1. Surface Water
2. Ground Water
3. Auxiliary Water

Surface Water Pollution

Surface water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies like rivers, lakes, and
oceans. It occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals, plastics, sewage, or industrial
waste, are discharged into these waters, affecting aquatic life and making the water unsafe for
humans and wildlife.

Groundwater pollution
Groundwater pollution occurs when pollutants seep through the soil and into underground
water sources. Contaminants like pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals can leach into
the groundwater, making it unsafe for drinking and agricultural use. Groundwater pollution is
particularly concerning because it is difficult to clean and can persist for long periods.

SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION

1. Geology of aquifers from which groundwater is abstracted
 2. Industrial discharge of chemical wastes and byproducts
3. Discharge of poorly-treated or untreated sewage
4. Surface runoff containing pesticides or fertilizers
5. Slash and burn farming practice, which is often an element within shifting cultivation
agricultural systems
6. Surface runoff containing spilled petroleum products
7. Surface runoff from construction sites, farms, or paved and other impervious surfaces
e.g.
8. silt
9. Discharge of contaminated and/or heated water used for industrial processes
10. Acid rain caused by industrial discharge of Sulphur dioxide (by burning high-Sulphur
fossil fuels)
11. Excess nutrients are added (Eutrophication) by runoff containing detergents or
fertilizers
12. Underground storage tank leakage, leading to soil contamination, and hence aquifer
contamination
13. Inappropriate disposal of various solid wastes and, on a localized scale, littering
14. Inappropriate disposal of various solid wastes and, on a localized scale, littering

EFFECT OF WATER POLLUTION

An excessive amount of mercury in water can cause Minamata disease in humans and
dropsy in fishes; Lead in large amount can cause dyslexia, Cadmium poisoning causes Itai –
Itai disease, etc.
Polluted water has less amount of Dissolved oxygen (DO) content which is important for
sensitive organisms, thereby eliminates sensitive organisms.
Excess of nitrate in drinking water is dangerous for infants and human health, excess fluoride
cause neuromuscular disorder and teeth deformity, hardening of bones and painful joints.
Contaminants may include organic and inorganic substances.
Organic water pollutants:
1.Insecticides and herbicides, a huge range of organ halide and other chemicals 2. Bacteria,
often is from sewage or livestock operations; Food processing waste, including pathogens
• Tree and brush debris from logging operations
• VOCs (Volatile organic compounds), such as industrial solvents, from improper storage
Inorganic water pollutants:
• Heavy metals including acid mine drainage
• Acidity caused by industrial discharges (especially sulfur dioxide from power plants)
• Chemical waste as industrial by products
• Fertilizers, in runoff from agriculture including nitrates and phosphates
• Silt in surface runoff from construction sites, logging, slash and burn practices or land
clearing sites
. Types of treatment offered for water pollution:
1] Separate treatment: here individual and specific treatment is followed for industrial and
domestic sewage separately. This treatment saves space and is process specific w.r.t. pollutant
removal.
2] Joint treatment: here domestic sewage is mixed with industrial sewage. This helps in
diluting the toxicity of industrial wastes but also increases the load on STP.
3] Partial treatment: only a portion of domestic sewage is mixed with industrial waste. This is
design specific based on characteristic of wastewaters.
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS:
In India, water pollution is regulated primarily through the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974. The Act was enacted to prevent and control water pollution and to
maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water in the country
1. Establishment of Pollution Control Boards Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) were established under this Act. These boards monitor
water pollution, enforce the law, and guide industries on controlling pollutants.
2. Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs)Industries generating wastewater are required to install
Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) to treat waste before discharging it into water bodies.
3. National Water Policy: The National Water Policy supports the goals of the Water Act,
promoting the sustainable

2. NOISE POLLUTION
Sound becomes undesirable when it disturbs the normal activities such as working, sleeping,
and during conversations.
World Health Organization stated that “Noise must be recognized as a major threat to human
well-being
Noise can be defined as the wrong sound at wrong place at wrong time. It is derived from the
Latin word Nausea.
Noise is any sound independent of loudness producing undesirable effects on individual.
Amplitude [loudness] and frequency [intensity] are its two properties
SOURCES OF NOISE Pollution
Indoor – Outdoor
Industrial - Residential/Traffic
Natural - Manmade
Indoor source: baby crying, door banging, audio systems
Outdoor source: loud speakers, brawling
Natural sources: birds, thunder, earthquake, volcanic eruptions
Man-made sources: automobiles
Industrial sources: drilling, rotary machinery, mining,
Traffic: aircrafts, railways

EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION

According to the USEPA, there are direct links between noise and health. Also, noise pollution
adversely affects the lives of millions of people.
At 120 decibels the ear registers pain but hearing damage begins about 85 decibels. Apart from
hearing loss, noise can cause lack of sleep, irritation, indigestion, ulcers, High B.P., Heart
diseases , Stress etc.,.
1. Annoyance (Feeling slightly angry): One of the most important effects of noise on human
is
61 annoyance. Due to this breathing rate affects.
2.Noise- induced hearing loss: Exposure to noise for a long enough duration results in
damage
to the inner ear and thus decreases one’s ability to hear. The
louder the noise the less time it takes to cause hearing loss.
3.Effects on sleep: Noise disturbs sleep. It has been found that the cases related to various
levels of noise are associated with sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbance
by noise depends on the characteristics of the noise such as frequency,
loudness and whether the noise is continuous or intermittent.
Other effects: There are many other effects of noises such involve aggression (ready to
attack).
People may turn mad and nerves may not function normally, People may be deformed in many
ways including increased stress and strain, nonfunctioning of hands, legs etc due to noise
pollution if exposed continuously.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO CONTROL NOISE POLLUTION

 Turn off Appliances at Home and offices
 Shut the Door when using noisy Machines
 Use Earplugs
  Lower the volume
 Stay away from Noisy area
 Follow the Limits of Noise level
 Control Noise level near sensitive areas
 Go Green by planning trees
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS:
The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, specify different noise standards
for different areas and times of day:
Noise levels: Noise levels are specified for different areas, such as industrial, commercial, and
residential areas. For example, the noise standard for residential areas during the day is 55
decibels (dB), while the standard for industrial areas is 75 dB.
Silence zones: Areas around hospitals, schools, universities, and courts are designated as
silence zones, with a noise standard of 50 dB during the day and 40 dB at night.
Loudspeaker restrictions: Loudspeakers and public address systems can only be used after
obtaining written permission from the authorities. They can't be used at night, except in closed
premises for communication

3. LAND POLLUTION/SOIL POLLUTION

Land pollution is the degradation of the Earth's land surface through misuse of the soil by poor
agricultural practices, mineral exploitation, industrial waste dumping, and indiscriminate
disposal of urban wastes. It includes visible waste and litter as well as pollution of the soil
itself.
SOURCES OF SOIL POLLUTION
Four Main causes of land pollution are-
1. Intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural practices
2. Unscientific disposal of solid wastes on land
3. Dumping of radioactive wastes on land and/ or radioactive out fall
4. Heavy metals in soil pollution
EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION

❖ Agriculture: It reduces soil fertility and thus crop yields; increase soil erosion and
salinity.

❖ Ecological imbalance and imbalance in flora and fauna further increases.

❖ Problems in urban areas like clogging in drains, the release of gases, foul smells, and
problems in wastewater management.
❖ Release of radioactive rays, biomagnification and pollutant gases cause health problems
Land pollution is often a consequence of increasing urbanization and industrialization. Man’s
increasing demands on the environment and the resources it holds are putting countries under
pressure.
Soil Pollution is mainly due to chemicals in herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides (poisons
which kill insects and other invertebrate pests). Litter is waste material dumped in public
places such as streets, parks, and picnic areas, at bus stops and near shops.
CONTROL MEASURES
•Anti-litter campaigns can educate people against littering;
•Organic waste can be dumped in places far from residential areas;
•Inorganic materials such as metals, glass and plastic, but also paper, can be reclaimed and
recycled.
•In – situ - Bioremediation, phyto remediation, bio-augmentation
• Recycling is another way of controlling the soil pollution. Recycling paper, plastics and other
materials reduce the volume of refuse in landfills, another common cause of soil pollution
• Afforestation helps prevent soil erosion and pollution
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS:
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
This overarching act enables the government to create specific standards and guidelines to
prevent soil contamination. Under this act, industries are regulated to ensure that their waste
does not lead to soil pollution. Guidelines can be issued on acceptable limits of pollutants in
the soil, focusing on hazardous chemicals and waste disposal practices
4.AIR POLLUTION
Definition: the presence in the air of substances generally originating from manmade/natural
activities in concentrations that interfere with the health, comfort, and safety of living beings. It
can be indoor as well outdoor Air pollution.
CLASSIFICATION OF AIR POLLUTANTS
[a] Origin of pollutants
1) Primary air pollutants are those which are emitted directly into the atmosphere.
Eg: C; CO; CO2; SOx ; N; S; H; NOx; CFC’s etc .
2) Secondary air pollutants are those which are produced in the air by the interaction
Among the primary air pollutants or by reaction with atmospheric constituents.
Eg: Ozone (O3); Smog; Para Acetyl Nitrate (PAN); Acid Rain; Aerosols.
[b]States of Matter
Particulates: composed of solid-liquid --- inert/reactive particles sized 2x10-4 – 500 microns.
e.g., dust/smoke

Gaseous: SO2, CO, H2S, CH4, CO2 and O3

[c]Chemical composition
Organic: Aldehydes, Esters, ethers, and amines
Inorganic: NOx, SO2, NH3, H2S and O3
[d]Characteristics
Physical: Dust, fly ash, spray, pollen, smoke, mist and fumes
Chemical: Organic – Inorganic
Biological: Protozoa, Bacteria, Fungi and Virus.
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
 Cause Global warming due to excess concentration of CO2, NOx, CFC, SO2.
 Causes Green House Effect.
 Causes Acid rain.
 Nitrogen oxides in air cause Problems in the lungs, respiratory systems and causes
asthma and bronchitis
 Suspended particulate matter in air causes lung irritation reduces development of RBC
and pulmonary malfunctioning.
 CO causes severe headache, irritation to mucous membrane, unconsciousness and
death.
 Photochemical smog cause asthma and bronchitis
CONTROL MEASURES AND PREVENTION MEANS

Control techniques:-
At Source: Modification of process / equipment / exhaust / products.
At Receiver: Proper zoning / planning of industrial area.
At Transmission: Operation/maintenance of vehicles / forest belt.
Alternative Fuel resources: bio fuel/ eco-friendly fuel/ low Sulphur % coals
Norms & Regulations: Emission tests, Penalties, Stringent enforcements & monitoring
Dilution of pollutants concentration at source by use of tall stacks and control equipment’s.
Some of the control equipment’s used are settling chamber, cyclonic separator, filter,
electrostatic precipitator and wet collector, the choice depends on characteristics of air
pollutant.
1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)Launched in 2019, NCAP aims to reduce particulate
matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels by 20-30% by 2024 in over 120 cities. It focuses on
improving air quality through monitoring, research, and promoting sustainable practices.
2. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)This program aims to replace traditional fuels with
cleaner LPG for cooking, especially in rural households. It provides free LPG connections to
households, helping to reduce indoor air pollution and deforestation.
3. Electric Vehicle (EV) Promotion Under the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, the government provides subsidies for electric vehicles
and charging infrastructure to promote cleaner transportation options.

WASTE MANAGEMENT
Waste
Waste (also known as trash, refuse, garbage, junk) is unwanted or useless materials.
In biology, waste is many unwanted substances or toxins that are expelled from living
organisms, metabolic waste; such as urea and sweat.
Basel Convention Definition of Wastes and Disposals
Waste means
“substances or objects which are disposed of or are intended to be disposed of or are
required to be disposed of by the provisions of the law”
Disposal means
“any operation which may lead to resource recovery, recycling, reclamation, direct re-
use or alternative uses”Waste management is the collection, transport, processing or disposal,
managing and monitoring of waste materials.
The term usually relates to materials produced by human activity, and the process is generally
undertaken to reduce their effect on health, the environment or aesthetics. Waste management
is a distinct practice from resource recovery which focuses on delaying the rate of consumption
of natural resources. All wastes materials, whether they are solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive
fall within the remit of waste management.
Types of Wastes
Solid wastes: Wastes in solid forms, domestic, commercial and industrial wastes
Examples: plastics, bottles, cans, papers and other trash

Liquid Wastes: wastes in liquid form

Examples: domestic washings, chemicals, oils, waste water from ponds, manufacturing
industries and other sources
Classification of Wastes according to their Effects on Human Health and the
Environment
Hazardous wastes
Substances unsafe to use commercially, industrially, agriculturally, or economically and have
any of the following properties- ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity & toxicity
Non-hazardous
Substances safe to use commercially, industrially, agriculturally, or economically and do not
have any of those properties mentioned above. These substances usually create disposal
problems.

BIOMEDICAL WASTE
• Medical waste that contains potentially infectious material.
• 1988 Medical Waste Tracking Act defines it as, “waste generated during medical
research, testing, diagnosis, immunization, or treatment of human beings or animals.”
Types of Biomedical Waste
1. Infectious Waste
2. Sharps Waste
3. Pharmaceutical Waste
4. Radioactive Waste
5. Non hazardous Waste

There are five basic methods for processing

1. Segregation: Waste is separated at the source according to type (e.g., infectious, hazardous,
radioactive, chemical) using color-coded bins.
Color Coding in Biomedical Waste Management
1. Yellow: For human and animal anatomical waste, soiled waste, expired medicines, and
chemical waste.
2. Red: For contaminated recyclable waste like IV tubes and gloves.
3. Blue/White: For glassware, needles, and sharp objects.
4. Black: For general non-hazardous waste
2. Collection and Storage: Properly labeled containers are used to store waste securely before
disposal
3. Transportation: Waste is safely transported, often in dedicated vehicles, to prevent
accidental exposure.
4. Treatment: Waste is treated using methods like incineration, autoclaving, microwaving, and
chemical treatment to neutralize pathogens and hazardous materials.
i)Incineration:
This is a high-temperature process where biomedical waste is burned in a
controlled environment, reducing it to ash. It is effective for treating pathological waste,
pharmaceutical waste, and sharps . Incineration destroys microorganisms and hazardous
components, but it can release toxic emissions if not properly managed.
ii) Autoclaving:
Autoclaving uses high-pressure steam at temperatures around 121–134°C to sterilize
waste, especially effective for microbiological waste . This process kills bacteria, viruses, and
spores, making the waste non-infectious. Autoclaved waste can then be disposed of more
safely, often in landfills
iii). Microwaving:
This involves using microwave energy to heat and disinfect waste by creating steam within the
waste itself. It effectively destroys pathogens and is often used for treating non-sharp, moist
waste
5. Disposal: Treated waste is disposed of through methods such as landfill burial or recycling,
depending on its type..
Importance of Biomedical Waste Management
• Prevents Disease Spread: Proper management prevents exposure to infectious agents.
• Environmental Protection: Reduces pollution by safely disposing of hazardous
materials.
• Public Health: Protects healthcare workers, sanitation workers, and the general public
from health hazards. Effective biomedical waste management requires strict adherence
to local and international guidelines, like the WHO and the Biomedical Waste
Management Rules, to ensure safety and environmental sustainability.
Industrial Waste management
• Industrial waste also referred to as manufacturing waste, is the unwanted waste
generated due to by-products of industrial processes.
 • Industrial activities involve discarding hazardous solid, liquid or gaseous discharges in
varying amounts.
• Industrial waste management, therefore, includes the safe removal, recycling and
disposal of such waste.
• The industrial waste can be generated by a range of different processes, such as
wastewater, sludge, rejected products and product residues, dust, ashes, vapours etc.
Strategies for Industrial Waste Management
• Source Reduction: This involves innovative practices that reduce the amount of any
pollutants, and contaminants and the volume of the waste. Such practices reduce the
risks to public health and the environment and make managing industrial waste easy.
• Segregation and Storage: Segregating waste based on its type (hazardous, non-
hazardous, recyclable, etc.) to allow for appropriate handling. Proper storage in labeled,
secure containers to prevent contamination and leakage..
• Treatment Methods:
i)Physical Treatment: Processes like filtration, sedimentation, and centrifugation
separate solids and liquids or contaminants from waste water
ii) Chemical Treatment: Neutralizing hazardous waste by using chemicals to alter its
composition, making it safer for disposal.
iii)Biological Treatment: Using microorganisms to break down organic waste in
wastewater (e.g., activated sludge, bioreactors).
iv)Thermal Treatment: Incineration or pyrolysis to reduce the volume of waste and
eliminate hazardous elements.
• Recycling: Recycling involves collecting, processing, and reusing materials,otherwise
be handled as waste. This requires an examination of waste streams and production
processes to identify opportunities.
Recycling and beneficially reusing wastes can help reduce disposal costs, while using
or reusing recycled materials as substitutes can reduce the raw materials costs
• Waste Disposal:
Landfilling: Non-hazardous waste can be disposed of in landfills, but it should be
treated to minimize environmental impact.
Deep-Well Injection: Hazardous liquid waste is injected into deep underground wells,
isolated from groundwater.
Secure Hazardous Waste Disposal: Hazardous waste requires specially designed
facilities that prevent soil and water contamination
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Solid waste management involves the collection, transportation, processing, recycling, and
disposal of solid waste materials. The primary goal is to reduce the negative impact of waste on
human health, the environment, and aesthetics
The main steps and methods used in solid waste management:
1. Waste Generation and Separation:
This is the initial stage where waste is generated at homes, industries, and commercial
establishments.
Segregation of waste at the source (e.g., separating biodegradable from non-biodegradable) is
crucial for efficient management
2. Collection and Transportation:
Waste is collected from various sources and transported to processing facilities. In some areas,
separate bins or collection systems are used for different types of waste (e.g., recyclable,
organic).
3. Processing and Treatment Composting: Organic waste (like food and garden waste) is
decomposed by microorganisms, turning it into compost that can be used as fertilizer.
a) Incineration: Non-recyclable waste is burned at high temperatures to reduce its volume,
though this can release pollutants if not controlled properly.
b ) Recycling: Materials like plastic, paper, glass, and metals are processed and reformed into
new products.
c) Biological Processing: Anaerobic digestion, for example, can convert organic waste into
biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
4. Landfilling:
Non-recyclable and non-compostable waste often ends up in landfills. Modern landfills are
designed to contain waste and prevent contaminated liquid from seeping into the ground,
although they still pose environmental challenges
Hazardous Waste
• Hazardous waste management is the process of handling, treating, and safely disposing
of waste materials that pose a risk to human health and the environment.
• These materials may include toxic chemicals, flammable substances, corrosive agents,
and reactive wastes that can cause harm if not managed properly.
• The goal of hazardous waste management is to minimize the potential dangers
associated with hazardous substances, prevent pollution, and ensure safe disposal or
recycling.
Methods used in Hazardous waste management
1. Identification: Identifying waste materials that are hazardous based on properties like
toxicity, flammability, reactivity, and corrosiveness.
2.Storage and Handling: Using secure containers and safety procedures to handle and store
hazardous waste, ensuring it doesn’t leak or cause harm
3. Transportation: Safely moving hazardous waste to disposal or treatment facilities,
following strict regulatory guidelines to prevent accidents.
4. Treatment: Processing the waste to neutralize its harmful properties, often through
chemical, physical, or thermal treatment methods.
5. Disposal: Disposing of hazardous waste in a way that minimizes environmental impact,
typically through specialized landfills or containment systems.
Municipal Sludge
• Municipal sludge management refers to the treatment, handling, and disposal or reuse
of sludge generated during wastewater treatment processes in municipal sewage
treatment plants.
• Proper management of this sludge is essential to prevent environmental contamination
and public health risks.
The sludge contains organic and inorganic compounds, pathogens, nutrients, heavy metals,
and other contaminants, so it must be carefully managed to minimize these risks
Sludge Treatment
1. Reduces water content in the sludge to decrease its volume, making it easier and more
economical to transport and treat.
2. Stabilization:
Anaerobic Digestion: Decomposes organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas
and reducing pathogen levels.
Aerobic Digestion: Uses oxygen to break down organic material, stabilize the sludge, and
reduce odors.
Dewatering: Removes more water, resulting in a cake-like material, which is less costly to
transport and easier to dispose of or use.
Drying: Reduces water content further, especially for regions where the sludge may be
incinerated or used in construction materials.
Sludge Disposal
3. Incineration: Burns the sludge to reduce volume and, in some cases, recover energy. This
approach requires air pollution control measures.
4.Landfilling: A traditional method, but regulated due to potential groundwater contamination
risks. Specially designed landfills for sludge prevent leaching of contaminants.
5.Ocean Dumping: This practice has decreased globally due to environmental concerns and
regulations

E-WASTE MANAGEMENT

E-waste (electrical and electronic waste) is the term used to describe old or discarded
appliances that includes computers, consumer electronic goods etc. It also refers to electronic
products nearing the end of their useful life. Roughly 40 million metric tonnes of e-waste is
produced globally each year, and only about 13% of that weight is recycled (that too mostly
in developing countries).
Characteristics of E-Wastes
Precious metals: Gold, Silver, Palladium and less quantities of platinum.
Base metals: Copper, aluminum, nickel, tin, zinc, iron etc.
Special metals: Indium, Bismuth, antimony, Selenium etc.
Hazardous metals: Mercury, Beryllium, lead, cadmium, Arsenic etc.
Disposal methods
It is a fact that e-waste comprises of hazardous elements which offer the potential of
increasing the intensity of their discharge in environment.
Based on composition following methods are suggested.
Land-filling: It is not possible to quantity environmental impacts from e-waste in landfills.
They contain mixtures of various waste streams, and Emission of pollutants from landfills
can be delayed for several years. As a consequence of the complex material mixture in e-
waste, it is not possible to exclude environmental (long-term) risks even in secured land
filling.
Incineration: Advantage of incineration of e-waste is the reduction of waste volume and
the utilization of the energy of the combustible materials. By incineration some
environmentally hazardous organic substances are converted into less hazardous compounds.
A disadvantage of this also includes the emission of poisonous gases and residues into the
atmosphere.
Impacts of E-Wastes and its ill-management

 The informal sector's recycling practices magnify health risks.

 Primary and secondary exposure to toxic metals (such as lead), results from open-air
burning used to retrieve valuable components (such as gold).
 Combustion from burning e-waste creates fine particulate matter which is linked to
pulmonary and cardiovascular disease.
 Guiyu in China is one of the largest e-waste recycling site in the world. It exhibits
substantial digestive, neurological, respiratory and bone problems among workers.

QUESTION BANK

1. What is Environmental Pollution? Explain the major forms of Pollution.

2. What is Water Pollution? Explain the 2 types of Water Pollution.
3. What are the characteristics of Water Pollution?
4. Explain the sources and effects of Water Pollution.
5. Write a short note on Water Act 1974.
6. What is Noise Pollution? Discuss the sources of Noise Pollution.
7. Explain the effects of Noise Pollution.
8. What are the effective measures to control Noise Pollution.
9. Explain the types of Air pollutant.
10. What are the effective measures to control Air Pollution. Discuss the
Environmental act related to Air Pollution
11. What is Soil Pollution? Explain the sources and effects of Soil Pollution
12. Write a note on Environment Protection Act 1986.
13. Define Waste and Disposal according to Basel Convention.
14. Explain the types of Waste.
15. Differentiate between Hazardous and Non-hazardous waste. Give examples
16. What is Biomedical Waste? Mention the types of Biomedical waste.
17. Explain 5 basic methods of processing Biomedical Wastes
18. Explain the segregation methods of Biomedical Wastes.
19. What is the importance of Biomedical Waste Management.
20. Explain the methods of processing Hazardous waste
21. Explain the main steps and methods in Solid Waste Management.
22. What is E-Waste? What are the characteristics of E-Waste.
23. Explain the disposal methods of E-waste management.
24. Write a note Municipal Sludge.
25. Write a note on Industrial waste management.
26. Explain the impacts of E-Waste.