A Synoptic Study on the Preparation of a Liquid Waste Management Plan for Kerala State, India

Abstract

Kerala is one of the smallest States in India (38863 Sq km) covering merely 1.18% of the total area of the country and is situated between 8 0 18' and 12 0 48'N latitude and 74 0 52' and 77 0 22'E longitude. Kerala has 3.44% of India's population; at 819 persons per square km. Because of the inadequate sewage treatment facilities, the natural water bodies of the State are polluted with wastewater discharge. A sectoral study was carried out to understand the existing problems of liquid waste disposal and the management of wastewater. Three Panchayats, two municipalities and a Corporation were selected for the study. A total number of 825 families were surveyed using a questionnaire in the form of social survey to understand the existing liquid waste management problems. From the study it was found that percapita consumption of water in the study area varied from 183 lpcd to 148 lpcd. A total number of 59 wastewater samples were collected and analysed for various physico chemical and bacteriological analysis. Workshops were conducted among elected representatives and other stakeholders for the effective preparation of a liquid waste management plan. A pilot study was conducted for wastewater management using constructed wetland method. The study concluded that constructed wetland can be recommended as one of the cost effective and efficient methods for wastewater treatment. The paper also discusses various steps involved for preparing an effective liquid waste management plan.