Question 11
(a)
(i) What do you mean by segregation of waste?
(i) Why is segregation of waste essential before its disposal?
(b)
Why should sewage be treated before disposal?
Briefly answer each of the following:
(i) What is the effect of Waste accumulation on terrestrial life?
(ii) What are the consequences of Water pollution?
(iii) What is the benefit of Composting?
(d)
(i) How can recycling of Waste help in reducing waste?
Explain with suitable examples.
(ii) Mention one initiative taken by the Government to manage waste.
(iii) How can you as an individual contribute towards waste management?
Answers
What do you mean by segregation of waste ?
"Waste segregation" means dividing waste into dry and wet. Dry waste includes wood and related products, metals and glass. Wet waste typically refers to organic waste usually generated by eating establishments and are heavy in weight due to dampness. Segregation of waste ensures pure, quality material.
Why is segregation of waste essential before its disposal ?
Waste segregation is included in law because it is much easier to recycle. Effective segregation of wastes means that less waste goes to landfill which makes it cheaper and better for people and the environment. It is also important to segregate for public health.
Why should sewage be treated before disposal ?
Sewage water contains harmful substances. So, when sewage is discharged untreated into rivers or seas, it becomes dangerous for aquatic plants and animals. Therefore, it is necessary totreat sewage before disposing it off in a water body as it can cause harm to human and aquatic life.
What is the effect of Waste accumulation on terrestrial life ?
The terrestrial organisms plants and animals are always exposed to risks of health and life due to pollution related to waste accumulation.
- Animals such as cows, buffaloes and goats die of eating plastic wastes.
- Pesticides and weedicides are widely used in agricultural practices, but they affect other organisms in addition to their targets. The inorganic fertilizer and pesticide residues are responsible for killing several types of soil organisms, worms, etc.
- Sulphur dioxide can destroy leaf tissues. It can cause a disease in which the green portion of leaves become yellow.
- Many species of hunting birds with high level of DDT in their bodies are threatened with extinction. There is some disruptions in animal reproduction due to DDT.
- Improperly managed and designed landfills attract all kinds of insects and rodents, which spread diseases.
- Recycling of wastes also carries health risks if proper precautions are not taken.
- The animals which feed on plants growing in polluted areas take in fluorides through them. This decreases their capacity to produce milk and also affects their teeth and bones.
- The terrestrial animals which are dependent upon the aquatic ecosystem get affected as a result of increase in acid concentrations. It decreases their population.
What are the consequences of Water pollution ?
Firstly, the disappearance of biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. Also, humans are harmed by the alteration in the food chain and by contracting illnesses when drinking or using contaminated water. As you can see, water pollution has a great impact in the environment.
What is the benefits of Composting ?
Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material. Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.
How can recycling of Waste help in reducing waste ?
Recycling prevents the emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants, and saves energy. Using recovered material generates less solid waste. Also, when products are made using recovered rather than virgin materials, less energy is used during manufacturing, and fewer pollutants are emitted.
Mention one initiative taken by the Government to manage waste.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) or Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Accordingly, on behalf of thegovernment of India, the "Swachh Bharat Mission" was initiated on 2 October 2014 with the aim of making our country clean and free from defecation on its 150th birthday by 2 October 2019 as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
How can you as an individual contribute towards waste management ?
- Take reusable bags to the store when shopping.
- Reduce or eliminate the use of paper plates and cups.
- Store leftover foods in reusable containers instead of single use plastic bags or Polystyrene foam containers.
- Reduce or minimize use of plastic bags and Polystyrene foam.