Full Paper - An International Quarterly Journal of Environmental ...

ISSN: 0974 - 0376
NSave Nature to Survive
: Special issue, Vol. 1: 105 - 110: 2012
AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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MUNCIPAL SOLID WASTE DUMPING ON ASHTAMUDI LAKE,
KOLLAM, KERALA - AN OVERVIEW
L. Razeena Karim et al.
KEYWORDS
Muncipal soild waste
Leachate
Anthropogenic effects
Eutrophication
Proceedings of International Conference on
Anthropogenic Impact on Environment & Conservation Strategy
(ICAIECS - 2012)
November 02 - 04, 2012, Ranchi,
organized by
Department of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi
&
Departments of Zoology and Botany,
St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi
in association with
National Environmentalists Association, India
www.neaindia.org
105

NSave Nature to Survive
QUARTERLY
L. RAZEENA KARIM*, M. S. VISHNU NAIR AND E. SHERLY WILLIAMS
PG & Research Centre, Department of Zoology,
Fatima Mata National College, Kollam – 691 001, Kerala, INDIA
E-mail: razeenashibili@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Careless disposal of municipal solid waste on
surface water might affect the physical,
chemical and biological characteristics of lake
ecosystem. Ashtamudi lake in the Kollam
district of Kerala, India, is the second largest
and deepest wetland ecosystem, not
exceptional one and seriously polluted by
municipal waste disposal. Untreated muncipal
solid waste water on surface water is the
leading cause of high biochemical oxygen
demand, nitrate, phosphate and low oxygen
contents on lake. The objective of this study
was to evaluate the impact of municipal solid
waste on surface water quality of Ashtamudi
Lake. The study was undertaken for a period
of one year from December 2010 to
November 2011. Three sites were selected
for the present study and twenty one water
quality parameters were estimated. The results
of study showed that site Kureepuzha where
MSW is dumped is found to be highly polluted
than other two sites. It is therefore
recommended that the disposal of untreated
wastes should be stopped to save the
Ashtamudi lake, the Ramsar site from further
deterioration.
INTRODUCTION
Rapid increase in population and change in life style in India have resulted in a
dramatic increase in the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW). It includes
domestic as well as commercial waste that accounts for a relatively small part of the
total solid waste stream in developed countries. Accumulation of a large amount of
waste may create several problems to inhabiting populations. Population growth
has been contributing to increase the quality and variety of waste. Collection,
transportation and handling of the waste must also be properly dealt with, if not,
the waste creates a number of problems, many of which are related to human
health and environment (Dhere et al., 2008; El-Fadel et al., 1971). It is unfortunately
observed that developing countries where the waste is dumped directly in
unscientific and uncontrolled manners can be detrimental to the urban environment.
MSW leachate contains variety of chemicals like detergents, inorganic chemicals
and complex organic chemicals and metals (Cocchi and Scagliarini, 2005). These
components are themselves very much toxic for the environment and additionally
uncontrolled microbial action may result in release of more toxic elements which
were not present in a free or reactive form in the waste (Abbasi and Vinithan, 1999;
Fatta, 1999). During infiltration of water by rainfall, water already present in the
waste, or water generated by biodegradation cause the leachate to leave the
dumping ground laterally or vertically and find its way into the ground water thereby
causing contamination (Badmus, 2001; Iqbal and Gupta, 2009).
Anthropogenic inputs frequently cause excessive eutrophication in the aquatic
environment,especially where the circulation was restricted, such as in estuaries
and coastal regions (Kemp and Boynton, 1984; Zwolsman, 1994). Several
alternations in chemical characteristics and water quality in such water bodies
occur as a result of varying river flows. These alternations can lead to various
composition, blooms of phytoplankton and decrease of oxygen concentration
(Sujatha et al., 2009).The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of municipal
solid waste dumping on the Ashtamudi lake, Kollam, Kerala.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
*Corresponding author
Study area
The Kollam district is situated in 80º 50’ NL and 76º35’ EL and is 72km north of
Thiruvananthapuram. Ashtamudi wetland is an estuary, which lies in the Kollam
district. This is the second largest wetland in Kerala with a palm shaped extensive
water body and eight prominent arms, adjoining the Kollam town. Three sites from
the Ashtamudi lake were selected for the present study and each site about 10-
12km away from the bar mouth (Needakkara). The I st site (Venkekkara) where
anthropogenic influx was less and found to be less polluted, the site II (Kureepuzha)
which was the waste dumping site in the Kollam district. The waste dumping site at
Kureepuzha, 1.82 Ha in extent is located 5 km from the Kollam Central Railway
station and site III (Kavanadu). This site is located near the Needakara fishing harbour,
hence most of the mechanised fishing trawlers operated in the Needakara zone is
106

MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE DUMPING ON ASHTAMUDI LAKE
onboard in this site. Oil spillage from mechanised boat is a
major source of pollution in this site.
The site II Kureepuzha area lies in between 9°54’ and 9°55’
N L and 76°46’ and 76°48’ E L. The waste produced at
Kollam Corporation was collected from various localities and
was dumped at Kureepuzha waste dumping site. Waste
quantification and characterization surveys conducted in
Kollam indicate that the city generates about 164 MT of solid
waste every day, as against the Municipal Corporation
estimates of 108 MT per day. The main sources were
households, commercial establishments, hospitals, street
sweeping activities and hotels. The quantity of waste generated
from sources other than households is estimated to be about
50 MT of waste. A significant portion of this waste currently
find its way on the streets or open collection points, causing
severe environmental pollution problem.
Samples were collected in cleaned and dried plastic bottles
for the analysis of various physico-chemical parameters.
Temperature of samples was determined at the station itself.
The analysis of the physico-chemical characteristics of water
samples were carried out following the standard procedures.
APHA, 1992; Trivedi and Goel, 1984; Saxena, 1998) The
various parameters analysed were temperature, pH, electrical
conductivity, turbidity, total solids, total dissolved solids, total
suspended solids, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen,
biochemical oxygen demand, hardness, calcium, magnesium,
chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, sulphate, sodium,
potassium.
RESULTS
The major parameters observed includes temperature,
conductivity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, TS, TDS, TSS,
alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, sodium, pottasium, chloride,
fluoride and nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate).
Temperature and conductivity: Temperature and conductivity
at the three sites were represented in the Fig. (1a-1c). The
temperature at three sites was found to be between 27ºC and
33ºC. Highest value for temperature (33ºC) was recorded in the
Kureepuzha site during the month of February and April. The
value of conductivity was found to be in higher side with ranging
from 242 μs/cm -256μs/cm in station 1, 248 μs/cm -269 μs/cm
in station 2 and 240 μs/cm -243.5 μs/cm in station 3.
Turbidity and pH: Turbidity and pH at three sites were
represented in the Fig. (1a-1c). Site Kureepuzha was found to
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Temp Cond Tur pH
dec jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov
Figure 1(b): Temp, conductivity, turbidity and pH at station 2
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Temp Cond Tur pH
dec jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov
Figure 1(c): Temp, conductivity, turbidity and pH at station 3
be more turbid than other two sites. Highest value of turbidity
was noticed in the Kureepuzha during the month of March
and April (2.4NTU), where as the lowest value was noticed in
the Site Venkekkara (0.5NTU) in the month of May. pH was
found to be more or less in the neutral side in all the stations,
but in some months the Site Kurrepuzha showed acidic values.
Dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand: DO and
BOD in three sites were shown in the Fig (2a-2c).
Comparatively higher values for dissolved oxygen and lower
values for BOD was found in the Venkkakara site while other
two sites showed lower values for DO and higher values for
BOD. Lowest value of DO (1.2mgL -1 ) and highest value of
BOD (9.65mgL -1 ) was shown during the month of June by site
Kureepuzha.
TS, TDS, TSS: The value of TSS in the three sites was shown in
Fig. (3a-3c). Total Solid,Total Dissolved Solids and Total
Suspended Solids in three sites of the surface water showed
300
250
200
Temp Cond Tur pH
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
DO
BOD
150
100
50
0
dec jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov
Figure 1(a): Temp., conductivity, turbidity and pH at station 1
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
dec jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov
Figure 2(a): DO and BOD at station 1
107

L. RAZEENA KARIM et al.,
DO
BOD
TSS Alkalinity Calcium Magnesium Hardness
12
8000
10
7000
6000
8
5000
4000
`
6
3000
4
2000
1000
2
0
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
DO
dec jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov
Figure 2(c): DO and BOD at station III
higher values.
Alkalinity and Calcium: The values of Alkalinity and Calcium
in three sites were shown in Fig. (3a-3c). Alkalinity was in the
range of 950 mgL -1 to 2800mgL -1 in station 1, in station 2 it
was found to be in the range of 1000mgL -1 to 2650 mgL -1 . In
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
12000
10000
8000
dec jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov
Figure 2(b): DO and BOD at station II
BOD
TSS Alkalinity Calcium Magnesium Hardness
dec
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Figure 3(a): TSS, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Hardness in station I
TSS Alkalinity Calcium Magnesium Hardness
`
0
station 3 alkalinity ranges between b 1100 mgL -1 to 2600 mgL -
1
. In station 1 the value of calcium ranges between 300 mgL -1
to 450 mgL -1 , where as in station 2 it was 327mgL -1 - 440mgL -
1
. A value ranges between 290 mgl -1 to 328mgL -1 was seen in
station 3.
Magnesium and Hardness: The values of Magnesium and
hardness in three sites were shown in Fig. (3a-3c).Value of
magnesium ranges between 318 mgL -1 to 344 mgL -1 in sation
1, 310 mgL -1 -322 mgL -1 in station 2 and 222 mgL -1 -327 mgL -1
in station 3. Station 1, Station 2 and Station 3 showed the
values ranges from 4300 mgL -1 -4750 mgL -1 ,3200 mgL -1 -9400
mgL -1 and 3800 mgL -1 -7250 mgL -1 respectively.
Sodium and potassium: Value of sodium ranges between 350
mgL -1 -500 mgL -1 in station 1, 650 mgL -1 -1300 mgL -1 in station
2 and 525 mgL -1 -645 mgL -1 in station 3. In station 1 the value
of Potassium ranges between 210 mgL -1 -400 mgL -1 where as
in station 2 and station 3 it was between 350 mgL -1 -525 mgL -
1
and 515 mgL -1 -540 mgL -1 respectively. Results are shown in
Fig (4a- 4c).
7000
6000
5000
dec
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Figure 3(c): TSS, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Hardness in station 3
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Sodium Potassium chloride Fluoride
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Figure 4(a): Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Fluoride in station I
Sodium Potassium chloride Fluoride
6000
`
4000
4000
3000
2000
2000
0
dec
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
1000
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Figure 3(b): TSS, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Hardness in station II
Figure 4(b): Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Fluoride in station II
108

MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE DUMPING ON ASHTAMUDI LAKE
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Sodium Potassium chloride Fluoride
Nutrients: The value of Nitrate ranged between 1.2 mgL -1 -
2.4mgL -1 in station1, 3.1mgL -1 -3.8mgL -1 in station 2 and
3.0mgL -1 -6.9mgL -1 . In value of nitrite was found to be 0.02mgL -
1
in station 1, 0.03mgL -1 -0.09mgL -1 in station 2 and 0.02mgL -1 -
0.08mgL -1 in station 3. The value of Sulphate was found to be
70mgL -1 -98mgL -1 in case of station 1, 80mgL -1 -160mgL -1 in
station 2 and 80mgL -1 -120mgL -1 in station 3.The station 1
showed a value of 0.10mgL -1 -0.17mgL -1 in station 1, whereas
station 2 and station 3 were in the range of 0.12mgL -1 -0.16mgL -
1
and 0.11mgL -1 -0.13mgL -1 respectively. Results are shown in
Fig. (5a- 5c).
0
Chloride and fluoride: Chloride showed a value of 2200mgL -
1
-4532mgL -1 in station 1,4332mgL -1 -5625mgL -1 in station 2 and
4200mgL -1 -6100mgL -1 in station 3. The value of fluoride was
found to be 0.97mgL -1 -189mgL -1 in station 1, 1.7-2.8 in station
2 and 1.3mgL -1 to 1.6mgL -1 in station 3. Results are shown in
Fig. (4a - 4b).
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Nitrate Nitrite Sulphate Phosphate
dec
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Figure 5(a): Nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, phosphate in station I
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Figure 4 (c): Sodium, potassium, chloride and fluoride in station III
Nitrate Nitrite Sulphate Phosphate
dec
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Figure 5(b): Nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, phosphate in station II
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Nitrate Nitrite Sulphate Phosphate
dec
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Figure 5(c): Nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, phosphate in station III
DISCUSSION
The temperature of the three sites in the present study was
found to be highest in pre monsoon followed by monsoon
and post monsoon. This result was in accorfance to many
earlier works (George Thomas, 2006). The high temperature
in backwater is due to the heating effect of sunlight. Conductivity
was found to be higher in the site 2 and site 3 and it may
be due to the influence of waste dumping and other pollutants.
In case of pH Site 1 showed somewhat neutral values
where as site 2, the pH value was in the acidic side. The
changes in the pH were enhanced by the Solid waste influence
due to the leaching property. Similar findings were reported
by Sreebha (2000) in her studies in municipal solid
waste of Thiruvananthapuram district. In the estuarine water
turbidity values showed variation among seasons. Dissolved
oxygen was essential for the metabolism of all aquatic organisms
with aerobic respiratory chemistry. Site 2, which was the
sampling station near the waste disposal site shows low value
of DO throughout the year. Sunil (2000) observed a similar
result in the Kureepuzha region. Pulharya et al. (1993) reported
a high value of BOD due to the presence of sewage
outfall and higher activities of human beings. Similar findings
were obtained at site 2. The higher value of TDS indicated the
presence of cations and anions in the water (Harter, 2003). In
all the sites variable values for sodium were reported. This
was in agreement with Goel et al. (1986).The higher values of
potassium was due to the influence of various types of pollutants
from different sources. The higher concentration of chloride
was reported at Paravoor canal by Santhosh (2002). The
leaching of rock particle was also the reason for high concentration
of chloride in aquatic water (Khan and Siddique, 1974).
Nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, sulphate and phosphate) were found
to be present in all the three sites, but the higher values were
shown by site 2 followed by site 3. Pollution from various
sources in the Ashtamudi lake may be the reason for the presence
of nutrients in the surface water. Nutrient enrichment
and consequent eutrophications was one of the major threats
to Indian rivers (Gopal, 2003).
CONCLUSIONS
The present study shows that the Ashtamudi lake is polluted
by several anthropogenic influx, particularly that of solid waste
dumping in its banks. A healthy ecosystem makes no waste as
the discards of one species become food for the next, in an
endless cycle. The modern society interupts these cycles
which leads to harmful effects. The socio economic develop-
109

L. RAZEENA KARIM et al.,
ment of the state in recent years focuses more towards sectors
of health, education, tourism and agriculture. Most of our
health care institutions lack good sanitations practices and
were devoid of any environmental policy and hence prone to
high risks. The continued upgradation of environmental conditions
at par with development interventions was particularly
essential at tourist destinations and tourist related activities to
achieve a win win situation. The biodegradable part of the
municipal solid waste is the prime raw material for production
of organic manure. Considering the escalating hidden cost
and environmental constraints for management of increasing
quantity of waste, it is imperative that a consumer state like
Kerala think beyond mere management of waste.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thanks to Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi
for proving the financial support for procuring the software’s
and other equipments in the project.
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