Environmental Issues Test 5

Minamata disease is caused due to mercury. Mercury, is changed to water soluble dimethyl, mercury, which undergoes biomagnification. This disease is characterized by diarrhoea, haemolysis, impairment of various senses numbness of lips tongue, limbs etc.

A Landfill is a location where disposable materials are sent. There, the refuse is buried underground to remove it from sight. This is done in a way that prevents it from coming into contact with and potentially contaminating any groundwater.

 Solid waste management is a big problem in urban, industrial and rural areas. Hazardous wastes contaminate the environment in various ways. Improper handling of these waste contaminates the atmosphere and surroundings as well. Therefore, the waste is being collected then segregation occurs (means the same group of waste materials is kept together) after this waste has been transported to the area and lastly dumped into landfills.

Those waste materials which can be broken down to non-poisonous substances in nature by the action of microorganisms (like bacteria) are called biodegradable wastes. They get recycled and therefore do not require dumping sites.They do not cause any pollution to the soil.
Example:- Paper, Wood, etc.

The 3R approach - reduce, reuse and recycle - for effective waste management.

Reduce: One can reduce the amount of solid waste at the source itself. Example: Use of less paper and less plastic carry bags.

Reuse: One can use plastic bottles and jars, aluminium foils and plastic bags over and over again, before recycling or disposing them of.

Recycle: Used and discarded materials like plastic, glass, paper and metal are sent to the respective industries, where they can be converted into other useful products.

Pollution from human excreta and organic wastes from kitchen can be most profitably minimized by using them for producing biogas. These wastes release methane and other gases as a result of action of anaerobic micro-organisms. Biogas contain methane in bulk and other gases like CO₂, H₂, N₂ and O₂.

Exposure to hazardous waste can affect human health, children are being more vulnerable to these pollutants. Direct dumping of untreated waste in rivers, seas, and lakes results in the accumulation of toxic substances in the food chain through the plants and animals that feed on it

The decompositon of sludge by anaerobic bacteria in sewage-treatment processes produces marsh gas (methane).

Allethrin is a type of pyrethroids. Pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives of pyrethrin, a chemical produced by grinding of flowers of the plant Chiysanthemum cinerarifouum. These are broad spectrum insecticides.

Hazardous wastes are very harmful for life if disposed or burnt in the open. They can cause cancer, heart disorders and many other skin problems. So, they should be disposed with proper care only after proper treatment.