Title: Study on accumulation of non-biodegradable solid wastes along Ulhas River of Thane, Mumbai

Authors: Pravin U. Singare

Addresses: Department of Chemistry, Bhavan's College, Munshi Nagar, Andheri (West), 400058, Mumbai, India

Abstract: With the spread of technology, industrialisation and increasing standards of living, the accumulation of non-biodegradable solid waste (NBDSW) is an unwelcome and often unnoticed side effect of 'development' in India. Therefore in the present investigation, attempts are made to quantify major non-biodegradable solid wastes viz. plastics, synthetic rubber and glasses which are accumulated at three different sampling stations of Ulhas River namely Ambivli, Kalyan and Dombivli. The results of the study indicate that the major contribution to non-biodegradable solid waste pollution was mainly due to plastic followed by synthetic rubber materials. Among plastic NBDSW materials, plastic carry bags, milk and oil bags contribute to larger extent, while among the synthetic rubber, foot wares were the most prominent material responsible for NBDSW pollution. The results point out the need to make serious changes in our approach to waste management and disposal.

Keywords: non-biodegradable solid waste; NBDSW; municipal solid waste; MSW; plastics; synthetic rubber; glass; India; environmental pollution; waste disposal; waste management.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2012.046143

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2012 Vol.13 No.1, pp.1 - 9

Published online: 16 Aug 2014 *

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