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State of Solid Wastes in Ambo City: Some Observations and Comments
State of Solid Wastes in Ambo City: Some Observations and Comments
State of Solid Wastes in Ambo City: Some Observations and Comments
Ambo University
Done by: M.I. Zuberi, Akhila S. Nair, S. Hossain Environmental Sciences, Ambo University, Ethiopia
Introduction
Ethiopia is known for its natural beauty and wealth of natural resources. The high mountains and green valleys give the cities and villages a picturesque look. The beautiful city of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is known to the tourists all over the world. The historic town of Ambo is located in the Highlands of Ethiopia. When one roams around the streets of Addis or Ambo, often one faces the unwanted presence of solid wastes along the roads or roadside verges. Except in Addis Ababa, there is no record of solid waste collected regularly from any Ethiopian city and town. Like Addis Ababa, solid waste management is a major challenge facing many of the cities in the developing world. The waste management is poor and solid wastes are dumped along roadsides and into open areas, endangering health, reducing the aesthetic quality and attracting menacing animals. There are few studies on the effects of demographic factors, economic and social status, waste and environmental attributes on household solid waste disposal in Ethiopia or other developing countries.
17
190 m
174.5
30.5
18.5
118.5
7.0
Percentage
No. of Transacts/ Length Clean stretch Total weight (Kg)
17.5
Plastic total (Kg)
10.6
Paper total (Kg)
67.9
Organic total (Kg)
4.0
Bone, metal, glass total (Kg)
Right Side
No. of Spots
3 Transacts, 300 m
12
350 m
97.0
25.0
22.5
45.5
4.5
Percentage
25.77
23.2
46.91
4.64
Table 2 Solid waste in Ambo: Side Roads from the main road off: telecom office, Microfinance college, bus station, Ambo University gate
Transect (100m x 5m) Spots within transects Total weight (Kg) Plastic total (Kg) Paper total (Kg) Organic total (Kg) Bone, metal, glass total (Kg)
12
69
901.1
112.0
60.0
613.0
110.0
Percentage
12.4
6.7
68.0
12.3
contributes to emissions of methane, CO2, nitrogen oxides and other poisonous gases. Open burning of organic yard waste also results in emission of complex organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are organic particles, which consist of aromatic molecules and some are carcinogenic. The dumping of organic wastes in drains and open landfills serve as a feeding ground for disease carrying pathogens, as well as attracting disease-carrying vectors and rodents. Of concern is, for example, the anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria. Apart from contamination of air, soil and water, as well as spread of diseases, dumping of organic waste in the streets and other places has an negative impact on the overall landscape picture and results in the place being unattractive rather repulsive. Another important impact of unmanaged solid waste is the emission of Green House Gases. Emissions inventory for all sources recommended by IPCC, emissions from landfills, municipal, and industrial liquid waste is significant especially when left unmanaged like in most developing countries.
when they are discarded in the environment. It has been estimated that since the 1950s, billions of tons of plastic have been discarded and may persist for hundreds or even thousands of years in our environment. In many cases we notice people burning plastics not knowing that burning plastic can release very toxic fumes, like commonly used plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may create dioxin, a deadly poison. Many different dangerous toxins are released through the fumes which can cause damage to the respiratory system.The damage usually occurs in the nasal, throat, and lung lining and can result in dizziness, nausea and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to the fumes can lead to long-term respiratory illnesses, coma, and death. Plastic bags are so common nowadays in Ethiopia, they are given free by every shop owners and we found them in every places scattered, they are the most common item of nature now.These, when in soil stop water percolation and many other natural processes in the soil. Burning the plastic bags is dangerous because they release toxic fumes that lead to impotence, an expert in toxicology has revealed. Dumping that blocks drainage The fumes also lead to birth defects in human beings and wild animals, because toxic agents like dioxins and furans are formed which are very toxic substances, so people around are exposed to dangerous , dioxins and furans are listed among the 12 deadly chemicals, which are referred to as the dirty dozen or POPs, because they have ability to damage and kill living organisms. Other complications that can arise from exposure are cancer, skin and teeth defects. The toxins also affect the endocrine system, which produces hormones that influence biological and chemical reactions in the body.
longer distance to carry increases the probability of waste dumping in open areas and roadsides.Also higher household income decreases the probability of using open areas and roadsides as waste destinations.
group. It is also recommended that waste management practices be given attention in the formal school education as children are more easily influenced and may take their new knowledge home. There are two favored options for dealing with organic solid waste: composting and biogas production. The benefits from these practices are many. They do not only decrease possible contamination of the environment and reduce health hazards; they also save valuable space at landfills, as well as serving as valuable resources. Using compost as a soil improvement may decrease the need for chemical fertilizers, as well as help to reduce soil erosion and improve the soil structure in agricultural. From a household perspective compost could also improve the conditions for private farming in the backyard and urban agriculture.And biogas provides very needed fuel for domestic and commercial use, plus organic manure. For the sustainable management of organic waste to be long-term successful partnerships, including combined financing from governments and the private sector is essential. Since decentralized management of organic waste often reduce the cost of transportation and disposal for municipalities, the local authorities should share their benefits. The response from households regarding composting activities and waste separation at source is generally low initially.This is commonly associated with land availability, confusion about the separation process and socio-cultural behaviors. It is also a common misconception that the compost always attracts flies and rodents, as well as cause nuisance. Household participation is a crucial aspect for decentralized schemes to succeed and therefore needs to be addressed with heart.Another constraint is relation to household and community participation is how waste is regarded.
Just a thought to ensure sustainable development as Ethiopia in general and Ambo in particular is joining the developmental race.
State of solid wastes in Ambo city: some observations and comments Submitted to Ambo University By M.I. Zuberi Akhila S. Nair S. Hossain Environmental Sciences Ambo University, Ethiopia Layout K.P. Sivakumar