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Solid Waste Management-A Case Study For

Hosur-Krishnagiri District,Tamil Nadu
Yeshodha1, Karibasappa2, Karthiheyan3
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur, India1, 2
P.G. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur, India3

ABSTRACT: Solidwastes are the wastes arising from human and animal activities, that are normally solid and that are
discarded as useless or unwanted. One of the most important environmental problem faced by towns and cities are
solidwaste management. Increasing population, unplanned urbanization and limited alternative solutions make the
problem more threatening. The amount of solid waste generated is higher than the handling capacity of the local
municipal authorities and as a result, wastes are disposed off unscientifically leading to serious catastrophic
environmental consequences. The present study deals with physical and chemical analysis of solidwaste samples
collected from residential and commercial areas of town. The generation rate was found to be 0.316 kg/capita/day. The
physical characterization study has revealed that the municipal solidwaste contains composting material in larger
quantities (48%) when compared with the other segregants. The quantity of recyclable materials viz plastics, paper,
metals and glass obtained was about 12% of the total weight. The average density of solid waste was 383.12kg/m. The
average moisture content of solid waste in residential area and commercial area were 37.70% and 38.02%, it is slightly
higher than the standard values.

KEYWORDS: Solidwaste, Composting, Environment, Urbanization, Population

I. INTRODUCTION

Solid wastes are the wastes arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid and that are discarded as
useless or unwanted (CPHEEO, 2000). Both technical processes and consumptive processes results in the formation of
solidwastes. Towns and cities have become the centres of population growth which accelerates the amount of
municipal solidwaste generation. Urbanization and industrialization envisage the production of large quantity of
solidwaste (Talashikar, 1985). In urban areas volume and composition of residential waste may vary considerably from
different communities and in general per capita waste production increases with per capita income. On the other hand
ecological impacts such as water, air and land pollution are attributed due to improper solidwaste
management(Hilary,1977). Municipal solidwaste management(MSWM) involves management of various activities
related in collection, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of solidwaste in an environmentally compatible
manner. As such, it comprises an extremely complex set of operations, which has to take place on an enormous scale
(Kinman, 1987). Hence, the solid waste management is one of the essential municipal services, to protect the
environment, safeguard public health and improve productivity. To plan effective solid waste management system,
information and data on the expected composition of the solid waste are most essential.Information on the composition
of solid waste is important in evaluating alternative equipment needs, operation of equipment and facilities, in assessing
recovery and in the analysis and design of disposal facilities.

II. STUDY AREA

Hosur is an industrial town in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu located on the Krishnagiri-Bangalore
National Highway about 45 km from Bangalore. It lies between 12 o44‟N latitude and 77o50‟ E longitude extending
over an area of 76.2 sq.km. It is having a good connectivity by road and rail. It receives annual rainfall of 644 mm. The
current population of the town is about 2.44 lakhs (As per 2011 census). It is also an important educational,

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International Journal of Innovative Research in Science,

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Vol. 4, Issue 8, August 2015

administrative and trade centre, market, commercial activities and floriculture activities are there in the study due to
favourable climatic conditions. The entire town is divided into six sanitary zones covering 45 wards. Figure 1.0 shows
the study area map.

Figure 1.0 Study Area Map

III. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

To study the characteristics of solid waste, a net quantity of 10 kg of sample was collected from 6
sampling points considering three samples from residential areas of Hosur and three samples from commercial areas.
The samples were collected during pre-monsoon and monsoon season for a period of three years during (2009-2011).
The collected samples were segregated into various physical constituents like papers, plastics, wood, leather/rubber,
rags, organic wastes, glass, metals, debris, bones, etc. The segregated components were then weighed using a rough

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International Journal of Innovative Research in Science,

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Vol. 4, Issue 8, August 2015

balance. Cone and quadrant method was adopted for obtaining a homogeneous waste mixture for determination of
moisture content. 10 kg of sample was first manually shredded well, thoroughly mixed and formedinto a conical heap.
The apex was flattened and divided into four quarters. One set of opposite quarters was discarded and the other set was
mixed thoroughly. This was again divided into four quarters and the procedure was repeated, till sample of
approximately 500 grams was obtained.

Determination of Bulk Density

Solid waste was taken in the small box of 0.028 m3volume to get a composite sample, from different parts
of the heap of waste, and then weighed with the help of a rough balance.. This procedure was repeated for three times
and the average weight was taken. Thus the weight per cubic meter is obtained.
Determination of Moisture Content
Moisture content of solid waste sample was measured immediately after the collection of sample. The net
weight of mass of the solid waste was recorded as „w1‟ grams. The content was dried in an oven at 70 oC to 75oC until
to get constant weight. The dried crude sample was then cooled to the room temperature and net dried mass of the
solid waste sample was recorded as „w2‟grams. The moisture content of the crude sample in percentage is given by
𝑊1 − 𝑊2
𝑀= 𝑊1
* 100
Where, W1 = Wet weight of sample
W2 = Dry weight of sample
Generation Rate
Municipal solid waste generation rate was determined by load count analysis and was calculated using the
following expression.
Generation rate (kg/capita/day) = No of trips/day X volume (m3) X density (kg/m3)
Population

Physical Characteristic of Municipal Solid Waste

The samples collected from various sampling points are analysed for various physical parameters during pre-monsoon
and monsoon as per the standard procedure.

Chemical Characteristic of Municipal Solid Waste

The samples collected from various sampling station during the pre-monsoon and monsoon season are
analysed for pH, Potassium, Phosphorus, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Calorific value, fusing point and C: N
ratio.

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

From the above analysis it was observed that the municipal solid waste generation rate in the town was
0.316 kg/capita/day and the quantity of solidwastegenerated was 77.2 t/day.

Variations of Density and Moisture Content

The density and moisture content of solid waste were determined as per the standard procedure. The
variation of density and moisture content of solid waste from various sampling station are shown in Table 1.0. From
the result, it was observed that the density varies from a minimum value of 351.60 kg/m 3 to a maximum of406.25
kg/m3, the average density of solid waste was 383.12 kg/m3. Their value is within the standard range for Indian town‟s
as per IS 9622-1980.It was observed that the average moisture content in residential area and commercial area were
37.70% and 38.02% respectively. This value is slightly higher than the standard values of 25.81% as per manual of
municipal solid waste management, the expert committee (2000)

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TABLE 1.0 DENSITY AND MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOLID WASTE

Samples Density (kg/m3 ) Moisture content (%)
Residential – I 392.46 37.15
Commercial – I 357.28 37.84
Residential – II 385.35 39.40
Commercial – II 351.60 37.70
Residential – III 395.81 36.60
Commercial – III 406.25 38.54
Average of residential areas 394.54 37.70
Average of commercial areas 371.71 38.02
Average 383.12 37.86

Physical Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste

The average percentage of physical composition of solid waste during pre-monsoon and monsoon season
during 2009 - 2011 are shown in Table 2.0, 3.0. From the results it is noted that the physical segregation of the sample
shows that, major constituent obtained was the organic matter, which was about 48% of the total weight and hence this
material can be converted into composting material like manure.The remaining portion comprised of paper, plastic,
clothes, metal, glasses, inert metals etc. The quantity of recyclable materials like plastic, paper, glass and metals
available were about 12% of the total weight.

Chemical Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste during Pre-Monsoon

The resultsshown in Table 4a,b,c represents the percentage summary of chemical composition of solid
waste during pre-monsoon for a period of 3 years from 2009 – 2011.The pH value ranged between 6.4 to 6.7 during
pre-monsoon and was within the standard values. Potassium, Phosphorus, Carbon, Nitrogen varied between 2.7 to

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Vol. 4, Issue 8, August 2015

3.1%, 1.5 to 2.3%, 0.9 to 1.3%, and 1.57 to 1.85% during pre-monsoon. The C:N ratio varied between 20.33 to 36.1
with an average of 27.88 during pre-monsoon which indicates it is suitable for composting.

Table 4(a) Percentage summary of Chemical composition of solid waste pre-monsoon Season during 2009

Percentage by Weight
Average % age Average % age Average
Parameters
RI RII RIII CI CII CIII residential sample commercial sample % age

pH 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.6 6.43 6.63 6.53

Potassium (%) 2.8 2.7 2.7 3.2 3 3 2.73 3.07 2.90

Phosphorous %) 1.8 1.7 1.6 2.3 2.3 2.2 1.70 2.27 1.98

Carbon (%) 1.18 1.18 1.3 0.9 1.03 1.05 1.22 0.99 1.11
Nitrogen (%) 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.37 1.57 1.85 1.85 1.60 1.72
Oxygen (%) 3.6 3.85 3.7 3 2.85 2.7 3.72 2.85 3.28
Hydrogen (%) 14.75 15 15.6 14.55 14.5 14.5 15.12 14.52 14.82
Calorificvalue MJ/Kg 2.3 2.3 2.4 2.8 2.8 2.6 2.33 2.73 2.53
Fusing Point (°c) 1350 1380 1350 1600 1650 1650 1360.00 1633.33 1496.67
C:N ratio 28.98 24.65 20.33 26.51 36.32 27.53 24.65 30.12 27.39

Table 4(b) Percentage summary of Chemical composition of solid waste pre-monsoon Season during 2010

Average % age Average % age Average

Percentage by weight
Parameters Residential sample Commercial % age
sample
RI RII RIII CI CII CIII
pH 6.5 6.2 6.4 6.7 6.6 6.5 6.37 6.60 6.48
Potassium (%) 2.6 2.8 2.9 2.9 3.1 3.1 2.77 3.03 2.90
Phosphorous (%) 1.7 1.5 1.4 2.1 2.2 2.1 1.53 2.13 1.83
Carbon (%) 1.2 1.2 1.4 0.85 1 1.1 1.27 0.98 1.13
Nitrogen (%) 1.9 1.95 1.95 1.26 1.62 0.9 1.93 1.26 1.60
Oxygen (%) 3.4 3.62 3.5 2.9 2.9 2.6 3.51 2.80 3.15
Hydrogen (%) 14.65 15.2 15.8 14.83 14.8 14.8 15.22 14.81 15.01
Calorific value m J/Kg 2.4 2.2 2.6 2.7 2.9 2.7 2.40 2.77 2.58
FusingPoint (°c) 1365 1360 1375 1590 1670 1665 1366.67 1641.67 1504.17
C:N ratio 29.63 25.26 20.43 27.62 35.9 28.43 25.11 30.65 27.88

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Table 4(c)Percentage summary of Chemical composition of solid waste pre-monsoon Season during 2011

Average % age Average % age

Percentage by weight Average
Parameters Residential sample Commercial
% age
sample
RI RII RIII CI CII CIII
pH 6.1 6.5 6.4 5.99 6.9 6.2 6.33 6.36 6.35
Potassium (%) 3.1 3 3.01 3.1 3.5 3.2 3.04 3.27 3.15
Phosphorous (%) 1.9 1.2 1.51 2.3 2.1 1.92 1.54 2.11 1.82
Carbon (%) 0.9 1.5 1.51 1.2 1.2 1.51 1.30 1.30 1.30
Nitrogen (%) 2.1 2.01 2.01 1.41 1.5 1.01 2.04 1.31 1.67
Oxygen (%) 3.1 3.21 3.6 2.1 3.1 2.5 3.30 2.57 2.94
Hydrogen (%) 15.1 16.01 16.5 15.9 15.01 15.1 15.87 15.34 15.60
Calorific value MJ/Kg 2.1 2.5 2.01 2.1 3.1 2.1 2.20 2.43 2.32
Fusing Point (°c) 1321 1410 1410 1610 1651 1651 1380.33 1637.33 1508.83
C:N ratio 30.42 26.21 19.92 28.72 36.01 29.6 25.52 31.44 28.48
Chemical Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste during Monsoon
The resultsshown in Table 5a,b,c represents the percentage summary of chemical composition of solid
waste during monsoon for a period of 3 years from 2009 – 2011.The pH value ranged between 5.9 to 6.5 during
monsoon and was within the standard values. Potassium, Phosphorus, Carbon, Nitrogen varied between2.3 to 3.2%, 1.5
to 2.6%, 1.0 to 1.14% and 1.1 to 2.3% during the monsoon season. The C:N ratio varied between 20.22 to 36.11 with
an average value of 27.23 during monsoon season which indicates it is suitable for composting.

Table 5(a) Percentage summary of Chemical composition of solid waste Monsoon Season during 2009

Percentage by weight Average % age Average % age

Average
Parameters residential commercial
% age
RI RII RIII CI CII CIII sample sample
pH 6.2 6.4 6.2 6.5 6.7 6.1 6.27 6.43 6.35
Potassium (%) 3.1 2.5 2.3 3.1 3.2 3.2 2.63 3.17 2.90
Phosphorous (%) 1.6 1.5 1.8 2.5 2.6 2.5 1.63 2.53 2.08
Carbon (%) 1.21 1.91 1.5 1 1.08 1.14 1.54 1.07 1.31
Nitrogen (%) 2.1 1.75 1.95 1.5 1.81 1.67 1.93 1.66 1.80
Oxygen (%) 2.9 3.95 3.4 2.9 2.95 2.5 3.42 2.78 3.10
Hydrogen (%) 15.1 14.9 15.3 15.1 14.3 14.7 15.10 14.70 14.90
Calorific value MJ/Kg 2.5 2.4 2.8 2.7 3 2.9 2.57 2.87 2.72
Fusing Point (°c) 1350 1380 1350 1600 1650 1650 1360.00 1633.33 1496.67
C:N ratio 29.1 24.85 20.22 25.9 36.52 27.61 24.72 30.01 27.37

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Table 5(b) Percentage summary of Chemical composition of solid waste Monsoon Season during 2010

Percentage by weight Average % age Average % age

Average
Parameters residential commercial
% age
RI RII RIII CI CII CIII sample sample
pH 5.9 6.12 5.9 6.1 6.2 6.4 5.97 6.23 6.10
Potassium (%) 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.1 2.9 2.9 3.03 2.97 3.00
Phosphorous (%) 2.1 2 1.5 2.3 2.1 1.9 1.87 2.10 1.98
Carbon (%) 1.1 1.1 1.5 1.01 0.9 1.01 1.23 0.97 1.10
Nitrogen (%) 1.91 2.1 2.1 1.5 1.5 1.1 2.04 1.37 1.70
Oxygen (%) 3.1 3.4 3.5 3.01 3.1 2.5 3.33 2.87 3.10
Hydrogen (%) 15.1 14.9 16.1 15.01 15.1 15.1 15.37 15.07 15.22
Calorific value MJ/Kg 2.1 2.4 2.5 2.1 3.1 2.1 2.33 2.43 2.38
Fusing Point (°c) 1310 1385 1430 1580 1640 1635 1375.00 1618.33 1496.67
C:N ratio 30.1 24.6 20.1 28.01 36.01 29.1 24.93 31.04 27.99

Table 5(c) Percentage summary of Chemical composition of solid waste Monsoon Season during 2011

Percentage by weight
Average % age Average % age
Average
Parameters residential commercial
% age
sample sample
RI RII RIII CI CII CIII

PH 6.5 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.5 6.5 6.23 6.37 6.30

Potassium (%) 3.01 2.5 2.5 3.2 2.9 2.9 2.67 3.00 2.84
Phosphorous (%) 2.1 1.6 1.5 2.1 2.41 2.3 1.73 2.27 2.00
Carbon (%) 1.01 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.9 0.9 1.10 1.30 1.20
Nitrogen (%) 2.1 2.1 2.3 1.5 1.5 1.1 2.17 1.37 1.77
Oxygen (%) 3.01 3.1 3.5 2.9 3.1 2.6 3.20 2.87 3.04
Hydrogen (%) 15.1 14.9 15.1 15.9 15.1 15.2 15.03 15.40 15.22
Calorific value MJ/Kg 2.1 2.2 2.5 3.1 3.1 2.5 2.27 2.90 2.58
Fusing Point (°c) 1413 1290 1415 1594 1645 1608 1372.67 1615.67 1494.17
C:N ratio 30.1 25.1 21.1 25.1 36.1 26.5 25.43 29.23 27.33

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V. CONCLUSIONS

From the present study the following conclusions were drawn

 Average Municipal solid waste generation rate in the town was found to be 0.316 Kg/capita/day.
 The total quantity of waste generated was 77.42 t / day.
 The average density of solid waste was 383.12 kg/m3and their value is within the standard range.
 The average moisture content in residential area and commercial area were 37.70% and 38.02% and is slightly
higher than the standard values.
 The quantity of recyclable materials obtained was about 12% of the total weight.
 Major constituent obtained was organic matter which was about 48% of the total weight and hence the
material can be converted into composting material like manure.
 The pH valueswere within the permissible limit.
 The C/N ratio, Potassium, Phosphorus, Carbon, and Nitrogen content of refuse were 3%, 2% 1.3%, 1.6% and
27.5 shows higher values and the refuse is most suitable for composting than energy recovery.
 Well planned allocation of available resources, the application of proper technology and better sanitation
standards,need to be enforced in order to provide environmental protection to the citizens of the growing town.

REFERENCES

1. Ahsan.N“Solid Waste Management plan for Indian Megacities”, Indian Journal of Environmental Protection, Vol 19 No 2,
2. pp. 90-95(Feb 1999).
3. APHA, “Standard Methods for the examination of water and wastewater”American Public Health Association Wasington.D.C1992.
4. Flinttoff.Frank,“Management of Solid Waste in Developing Countries”WHO Regional Publication, pp. 4-5, 1976.
5. George Tchobanoglous, Hillary Theisen and Rolf Elisan, “Solid Waste Engineering-Principles and Management Issues”
6. McGraw Hill International Students Edition, (1997).
7. GopalDayal, “Solid Waste Sources,Implication and Management” Indian Journal of Environmental Protection, Vol 14, No.2, (1999).
8. Khan.R.R “Environmental Management of Municipal Solidwaste” Indian Journal of Environmental Protection,Vol149(1),
9. pp. 26-30, (1994).
10. Kinman“ Sanitary landfill disposal of urban SW” Workshop on SWM, New Delhi, Jan 16-17, (1987).
11. Talashikar.S.L“Recycling of urban wastes in agriculture soil pollution and soil organism”;pp. 177-178, (1985).
12. The Expert Committee, “Manual on municipal solid waste management”. Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering
Organisation (CPHEEO) Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India New Delhi, 2000.

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