Environmental implications of an open dumpsite at Gobichettipalayam in Erode district

Abstract

Population growth is a global issue that must be addressed with extreme caution in order to ensure long-term sustainability. India is a developing country experiencing tremendous population growth and urbanization. Small towns and cities contribute less than half of Municipal Solid Waste Generation (MSW) whereas metropolitan cities contribute 70 to 90%. The improper handling of MSW dumping in open land pollutes the ecosystem. It also poses a serious threat to human health. This study aims to comprehend the environmental implications of an open dumpsite in Gobichettipalayam of Erode district. The principal goal of this research is to identify the environmental effects of the chosen dumping site on the surrounding environment. Thus, groundwater and soil samples were collected around the open dumpsite and analyzed for vital physico-chemical characteristics. The soil sample was analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, chloride, acidity and alkalinity and the water samples were analyzed for pH, EC, TDS, COD, BOD, acidity, chlorides, alkalinity, hardness and toxic heavy metals. The elevated chloride ranges of soil samples near the dumpsite and the vital water quality parameters COD and BOD (Maximum 3200 and 500ppm) enforces the immediate necessity of converting open dumpsite into a sanitary landfill. The assessment of the open dump and its effects on the ecosystem found possible contamination issues, raising worries about the environment’s long-term viability. Hence the present study provides the way to go for remedial measures and sustainable technology to be implemented near the dumpsite.