Explore the vast range of titles available.

Varanasi, India’s historic cultural capital, struggles with efficient waste management practices. This impacts environment and human well-being in terms of waste generation that is estimated around 550–650 TPD with a generation rate of 0.42 kg capita −1  day −1 ( n  = 117). The present study aims to explore and characterize wastes, current practices, ecological profiling, and phytotoxicity of an abandoned open dumping site, and vermicomposting of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) as sustainable waste management approach. Compositional analysis of waste indicates organic fraction (46.13%) as a major component along with a considerable amount of heavy metals. The calorific value and moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW) was 2351.4 cal g −1 and 34.72%, respectively. Ecological profiling of the dumping site revealed that floral diversity and ecological species/indicators were negatively affected. Likewise, phytotoxicity results displayed a negative impact on germination and physiology of maize ( Zea mays L . ) plants grown on dumping site soil. Vermistabilization of OFMSW showed a significant increase in N (56.10–89.48%), P (33.93–82.87%), and K (25.55–50.42%) and a decrease in total organic carbon (15.15–24.81%). Similarly, C/N and C/P ratios decreased by 1.89–2.51 and 1.72–2.18 folds, respectively. A survey of stakeholders suggested that open dumping was the main practice adopted by Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) during 2013–2015. Recently (2017–2018), VMC adopted different methods, such as door-to-door collection and source segregation for effective waste management. Waste characteristics and nutrient profile of the vermicompost explains that vermicomposting could be used for efficient waste management in Varanasi, further reducing the collection, transportation, and disposal costs of waste, which enables to close the loop and move towards a circular economy. Moreover, implications of existing waste management practices and possible management options need to be addressed scientifically. Therefore, this research outcome will help in designing a successful waste management plan for Varanasi and other cities with similar waste characteristics.

Numerous regions across the globe grapple with the impact of both natural and human-induced soil salinization, posing a significant barrier to agricultural output and presenting a formidable hurdle to food security. The existence of salt in the soil has a profound impact on plants, influencing them from the smallest cellular level to the entire plant structure. The following study was carried out to increase understanding and collect data on wheat produced in naturally salt-affected land using different compost and vermicompost amendments, taking into account the paucity of studies conducted under natural field conditions. Organic matter from the compost/vermicompost aids in slow release of mineral elements and provides soluble nutrients to reduce abiotic stresses. On the application of compost and vermicompost different physiochemical properties of soil showed increase in nutrient content like, organic carbon, nitrogen, avail K, avail P, and avail. Ca, in A2, A3, A4 and A5 amendments when compared to control. Total chlorophyll, carotenoid, thiol and protein showed increase in content with the application of organic amendments. Phenol, proline, ascorbic acid and lipid peroxidation showed reduction with the application of organic amendments. The impact of amendments on the final harvest on 140 days was evaluated, considering various factors such as, the ear length per plant, weight of ears per plant, number of grains per plant, weight of grains per plant, straw weight per plant, husk weight per plant, harvest index, 1000 seeds weight, and yield. FTIR analysis of the soil samples were done to compare the different functional groups and changes in the amendments made.

Application of anaerobic digestates (ADg(s)) from organic wastes as bio-fertilizer in an agricultural field is economically viable and an environmentally sustainable alternative. The study aimed to utilize ADg(s) (25, 50, 75 and 100% w/w) from the organic proportion of flower-waste (FW), sewage-sludge (SS) and municipal solid wastes (OFMSW) as soil amendment to investigate soil nutrient status and growth performances of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum var. Kashi Aman). Organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, exchangeable Na, K and Ca ions, and enzymatic activities were increased with increase in ADg(s) amendment in soil with relatively higher increase under OFMSW amendment. Metal ion contents in the soil amended with ADg(s) were in the order, Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd and their contents increased with increasing OFMSW, SS and FW. Plant biomass and fruit-yield were higher under all ADg(s) amendments compared to the control, with maximum yield under 100% SS. Contents of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr and Pb in the entire plant were positively correlated with the yield under all ADg(s) amendments. Based on translocation and bioconcentration factors, tomato was found to be efficient in accumulation of metal ions except Cd. Contents of metal ions in the fruit were within FAO/WHO limit, but Fe content under T2, T3 and T4 treatments with OFMSW and SS as well as T3 and T4 treatments with FW were above the limit. Hence, the study suggests utilization of 25% of OFMSW, SS and FW as bio-fertilizer to improve the soil fertility and tomato yield without the risk of metal contamination. Highlights Amendment of OFMSW enhanced the nutrient quality of soil more than SS and FW. Zn and Cr contents in all ADg amended soil were above the limits required for plant. Maximum fruit yield per plant was found under 100% SS amendments (w/w) in the soil. Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb contents in plant were positively correlated with the yield. Metal ions (except Fe) in the fruit were within FAO/WHO safe limits for consumption.

Waste management and declining soil fertility are the two main issues experienced by all developing nations, like India. Nowadays, agricultural utilization of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is one of the most promising and cost effective options for managing solid waste. It is helpful in solving two current burning issues viz. soil fertility and MSW management. However, there is always a potential threat because MSW may contain pathogens and toxic pollutants. Therefore, much emphasis has been paid to composting of MSW in recent years. Application of compost from MSW in agricultural land helps in ameliorating the soil’s physico-chemical properties. Apart from that it also assists in improving biological response of cultivated land. Keeping the present situation in mind, this review critially discusses the current scenario, agricultural utilization of MSW compost, role of soil microbes and soil microbial response on municipal solid waste compost application.

There is continuous increase in quantum and variety of waste being generated by anthropogenic activities. Burgeoning amount of waste being generated has potential to harm the environment and human health. Aggravating the problem, ever-increasing energy demand is putting strain on the non-renewable sources of energy and there is huge gap between the demand and supply of energy. This has led the scientific communities to adopt innovative methods to reduce, reuse and recycle them. Therefore, there is an urgent need to minimize the quantity of waste and meet the current demand profile of energy is required; technologies to recover energy from waste can play a vital role in substantial energy recovery and reduction in waste for final disposal; in addition to meet the rising energy requirement. Generating power from waste has greatly reduced the environmental impact and dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation. Economically also it is an optimal solution for recovery of heat and power from waste. This paper gives an overview of energy potential stored in waste, major available waste-to-energy technologies and also strategic action plan for implementation of these technologies.

In emerging economies like India one of the major side effects of urbanization, industrialization, and globalization is the generation of huge amounts of solid waste. Biochemical conversion of organic waste into energy is more environmentally friendly, economical, and sustainable in relation to other techniques. Thermal conversion technologies integrate processes, such as incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis, that create energy in the form of electricity, fuel, or heat from solid waste. Municipal solid waste management is one of the most overlooked techniques in the area of policy and strategy making, societal awareness, and research, and is one of the major environmental crises in urban cities. Management of solid waste is one of the major issues that need to be addressed in Asian countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Pyrolysis is the thermochemical decomposition of the organic fraction of waste in oxygen-free environment.