Biological method of domestic waste disposal
By: Venu Haridas
Now we all are searching for different ways of disposal of domestic solid wastes. Biotechnical methods can be effectively used to attain this goal. Lack of space is another constraint we all face while thinking of a proper waste disposal method. A method which uses minimum space, with minimum investment is the ideal one we all have to look for. Sudarsan Nagar Residents Association, Poojappura has taken a planned footstep in this direction. It is proud to announce the successful implementation of a method, which almost all residents associations can follow and make a model for working towards attaining this goal. The activities of this residents association attract attention as the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri. Oommen Chandy stays in this association.
The basic principle of disposing the degradable wastes at the source itself is followed here. All houses in this association have been provided with concrete pipes and rings for the disposal of degradable solid waste. In these rings and pipes, the solid wastes are converted into compost. To increase the pace of decomposition, biotechnology is used. With the help of 'Effective Micro-organism', the decomposing action is made faster and compost rich of microorganism is obtained. The details:
Sorting of wastes:
The domestic waste is sorted as biodegradable and non degradable viz. plastic etc. The bio-degradable waste is used to produce compost and the non degradable waste is given for recycling.
Collection of waste.
For the collection of degradable waste, concrete pipes and rings are provided in all houses according to the quantity of waste produced. The concrete pipes have 30cm internal diameter and 1.0 m height. The concrete rings have 75cm internal diameter and 90cm high. Lids are also provided to close them after disposing the waste. The compost produced from this is used for organic vegetable cultivation in this nagar itself.
Why concrete pipes and rings?
This method of disposal of domestic waste has not been planned as a temporary solution, but as a permanent one to be followed in the future as well. While we plan any structure for prolonged use, concrete is the apt medium as it has a long life span and hence most suitable. More over, since the pipes and rings are erected in vertical direction, the 'self weight' of the concrete gives more stability too. The initial expenditure for concrete pipes is less than PVC pipes for unit volume of garbage to be converted. Concrete rings works out to be cheaper (23% less) while comparing the cost for unit volume of garbage. More over it has a longer life span.
Casting of concrete pipes and rings:
The concrete rings and pipes are cast in specially fabricated moulds. The provision for proper closing lids for rings and pipes are also provided.
Concrete pipes and rings
The pipes and rings are cast according to the design and dimensions. The cover slabs are also cast with the facility for easily dumping the waste into pipes and rings.
Decomposition of solid degradable waste:
We all know that the degradable solid waste will be decomposed to form compost. During this process, liquid form slurry is produced. This is called lechate. The relevance of effective micro-organisms is to accelerate the process of decomposition of waste to form compost.
What is effective micro-organism?
A mixture of lactic acid bacteria which transform milk to curd, yeast, photo synthetic bacteria which are seen in the waterborne plants form micro-organism.
Action of micro-organisms.
In earth, millions of biological diversity exists. Many are helpful for humans. The bacteria contained in effective micro-organism help humans in many ways.
Invention of EM technology.
The concept of 'friendly micro-organisms' was developed by Prof. Tero Higa. He was born on 28th December 1941 in Okinawa in Japan. In his earlier days he worked as a farmer. He obtained Degree and Doctorate from the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa. He started his career as an instructor in the University of Ryukyus in 1970. He was promoted as Assistant Professor in 1972 and then to Professor in 1982.
Uses of EM technology:
This technology is used in solid waste disposal, reduction of foul odour, purification of contaminated water, and in the growth of poultry population.
Applications of EM technology in waste disposal
Lactic acid bacteria are known for its property of sterilization. It checks the growth of harmful micro-organisms and 'Fusarium' fangi. It also accelerates the process of degradation of biological waste.
Yeast also increase the speed of decomposition of waste and help the growth of useful micro-organisms.
Photosynthetic bacteria are the main component of this mixture. It helps the growth of nitrogen containing bacteria. It reduces the volume of gases CO, NH2, SO2, H2S and CH4 which is released by the degradation of solid waste. As a result, the foul odour is reduced considerably. This also helps to reduce the volume of the compost after decomposition.
The larva of flies and mosquitoes is minimized.
It reduces the decomposition period drastically.
Availability of EM solution
It is produced by Mapple Orgtech (I) Ltd in Kolkata under the trade name of 'Mapple EM.1- Enviorn'. This liquid contains the micro-organisms. It is distributed through various agencies all over India.
How to activate EM solution?
Prepare EM solution in the ratio 1:1:20 ( ie. one litre of Maple EM1 solution and 1kg of jaggery mixed with 20 liters of chlorine free water)
Keep the mixture in a plastic container with lid.
Every day morning remove the lid for a while to release the gases.
Allow 10 days for fermentation.
The EM solution thus activated has a bottle life of 40-50 days.
We have to take care that the water used should be free from chlorine.
How to use activated EM solution?
The activated EM solution can be diluted with water 1:25 to 1:50 ratio depending on the volume of the garbage to be treated and the climatic conditions. The diluted EM solution should be sprayed over the solid waste daily as it is deposited in the pipe or ring. The activated EM solution should be stored in a diluted form. It is advisable to dilute the activated EM solution just before its application.
Effect of application of diluted EM solution.
It accelerates the degradation process of the waste. It reduces the foul odours substantially. The amount of solid waste is reduced. The larva of flies and mosquitoes is minimized.
Other applications of EM solution:
This EM solution can be used in many ways. It can be used in all cleaning activities in our home. Its application into the kitchen sink and wash basin reduces the foul odour. If this is used in septic tank, it increases the degrading action, reduces the quantity of the residue and hence increases its life. If it is applied in the roots of plants, its production can be increased. If applied to the leaves, it helps in protecting the plants from the attacking flies and mosquitoes.
Use of EM in different places.
EM technology is being used at Coimbatore, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata for the solid waste disposal by the local bodies. Video documentation was released by Pune and Coimbatore municipalities.
The cost effectiveness of this technology
It is a cost effective method of disposing solid waste. If this method is adopted, the cost of solid waste disposal for a house is less than One Rupee per day. When we consider the cost of the organic compost obtained, it becomes a zero cost method of solid waste disposal.
Future of EM technology
This technology is based on biotechnology and hence the advantages are many. We can prevent throwing of waste on the road and can have a clean environment. The presence of stray dogs other animals, and birds are avoided. We can avoid the situation where the waste from the city is being taken to the near by villages. The health hazards and other inconvenience caused to the nearby villagers by this action could be avoided. The funds reserved for solid waste disposal by the local bodies could be diverted to other development programs of the local bodies. Since organic compost is obtained, we could promote organic vegetable cultivation. Housewives can cultivate the vegetables in her kitchen garden using the compost obtained by this method. Kerala can be self sufficient in vegetables.
The above described activities are successfully implemented by Sudarsan Nagar Residents Association of Poojappura, Trivandrum. Organic vegetable cultivation is practiced in the terrace of the buildings, front and backyards of almost all houses in this residents association. These activities are maintained by Haritham- the women's wing of this association. The author is the Joint Secretary of Sudarsan Nagar Residents' Association. He is a Chartered Civil Engineer and member in American Society of Civil Engineers and Institution of Engineers (India). For more details regarding installing concrete pipes, rings and for guidance you can contact him.
Venu Haridas
Tel. 94676 38737
From: Venu Haridas <venuharidas@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Subject: Biological method of domestic waste disposal - [2 Attachments]
To: Keralites <Keralites@yahoogroups.com>
Dear Friends
Now we all are searching for different ways of disposal of domestic solid wastes.
Bio technical methods can be effectively used to attain this goal.
Lack of space is another constraint we all face while thinking of a proper waste disposal method.
A method which uses minimum space, with minimum investment is the ideal one we all have to look for.
More details read the attached files .
Font for Malayalam file is MLB-Ambili
Venu Haridas
www.keralites.net          |
To subscribe send a mail to Keralites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Send your posts to Keralites@yahoogroups.com.
Send your suggestions to Keralites-owner@yahoogroups.com.
To unsubscribe send a mail to Keralites-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Homepage: www.keralites.net
No comments:
Post a Comment