Solid waste, a well-known term has caused a serious threat to human society as well as the surrounding environment in recent times.
Nearly every activity on this planet leaves behind some sort of waste. Thus, waste management is an important aspect of the environmental and public health of any society. Irrespective of type, when there is a rapid accumulation of wastes, there is harmful consent to the environment. Believe it or not, solid waste management will become crucial in the coming days. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, you must be aware of important facts about solid waste. Go through this article to know more.
What is solid waste?
With growing concern about solid waste, various environmental protection agencies have provided a proper definition of solid waste. Scientifically, solid waste is any type of garbage or sludge, discarded material from commercial, agricultural, industrial, mining, or community activities. Do not think that, only solid particles can be classified as solid waste. They can be semi-solid, liquid, or even gaseous materials.
How can you identify solid wastes?
Based on various scientific researches, solid wastes show several characteristics. They are corrosive in nature. Several acids and bases can corrode containers. The solid wastes are ignitable. Some solvents and waste oils show this criterion. Some solid wastes are extremely toxic too.
What are the health impacts?
Solid wastes possess severe environmental and health impacts. From any physical impact to neurological abnormalities, solid waste can cause literally everything. They can cause cancer. The initial symptoms are always nausea and vomiting. Another threatening side effect of solid waste exposure is the onset of congenital disease. These waste compounds after interacting with biochemical pathways promote genetic problems. When there is excess toxicity is due to solid waste, it can be dangerous for wildlife and aquatic species. There are various instances where metal toxicity has caused havoc to aquatic species like fish and corals.
How can it be managed?
The only option to reduce solid waste is to manage the waste efficiently. For this, identifying the source is crucial, which is followed by collection, transport, processing and proper disposal of solid waste. The entire procedure must consider public health, environment, aesthetic, and engineering aspects. The major aim of managing solid waste is reducing or removing adverse consequences of waste materials on the environment as well as human health. Thus, scientists are focusing on Integrated approaches for managing solid wastes. Along with a reduction in sources and landfills, scientists are trying to recycle those wastes. Solid waste management needs the unification of different subjects like engineering, biotechnology, sociology, and economics. Thus, a combined effect is highly solicited.
Therefore, solid waste management is crucial for getting the superior quality of life.
