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An insight to municipal solid waste management of Varanasi city, India, and appraisal of vermicomposting as its efficient management approach

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Abstract

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 dum** 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 dum** 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 dum** 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 dum** 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.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are thankful to the Director, Dean and Head, Institute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, for infrastructural facility. Authors extend their sincere thanks to Prof. N. K. Dubey, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), for identification of plant species and Ms. Talat Afreen, Department of Botany, BHU, for her help in survey. Authors highly appreciate the authorities of Varanasi Municipal Corporation, Varanasi, India, for their cooperation, and Mr. Kamlesh Kumar for his help during waste sampling and survey. VS is grateful to the Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India, for awarding Junior and Senior Research fellowship.

Funding

RPS received project grant (SERB/F/2544/2012-2013) from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environment and Sustainable Development, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India

    Vaibhav Srivastava, Barkha Vaish & Rajeev Pratap Singh

  2. Department of Science, Institute of Computer Science and Technology, SHEPA, Varanasi, India

    Pooja Singh

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  1. Vaibhav Srivastava
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  2. Barkha Vaish
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  3. Rajeev Pratap Singh
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Correspondence to Rajeev Pratap Singh.

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Srivastava, V., Vaish, B., Singh, R.P. et al. An insight to municipal solid waste management of Varanasi city, India, and appraisal of vermicomposting as its efficient management approach. Environ Monit Assess 192, 191 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-8135-3

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