Posted on 13th Nov 2021 00:40:19 in

Question 9) Discuss briefly the following:

(a) Radioactive wastes
(b) Defunct ships and e-wastes
(c) Municipal solid wastes

Answer: 

(a) Radioactive waste :

Radioactive waste include materials that are radioactive & for which there is no further practical use. These are generated by nuclear reactor, nuclear fallout, man made (refining and mining of platinum and thorium), natural radioactive waste and release of radiation in radiation therapy. Increased risk of cancer, birth defects & infertility are few harmful effects caused by nuclear waste. So, nuclear waste is an extremely potent pollutant.

(b) Defunct ships & e-wastes :

The dismantling of defunct ship is a technically complex process, which is potentially harmful to the environment & human health. Defunct i ships contain toxicants like asbestos, mercury, etc. The workers breaking the ships are not suitably protected and are exposed to toxic chemicals. The coastal areas in the vicinity of the ship-breaking yard also becomes polluted.

At the international level, it is accepted that there is uncertainty about the relevant controls for the dismantling of such vessels & there is an urgent need to establish a specific enforceable control framework. Electronic waste comprised of irrepairable computer and other electronic goods, generated by developed countries. It is valuable source of secondary raw materials, if treated properly, however if not treated properly it is the major source of toxins. Eventually recycling is the only solution for the treatment of e-wastes provided it is carried out in an environment friendly manner.

(c) Municipal solid wastes :-

These are commonly known as trash or garbage. It consists of everyday items such as product packaging, furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers. appliances, paints, batteries etc. Source reduction, recycling and compositing are several municipal social waste management practices.

Source reduction involves altering the design, manufacture or use of products & materials to reduce die amount and toxicity of what gets thrown away. Recycling diverts items such as paper, glass, plastic & metals into anew products. Composting decomposes organic waste such as food scraps & yard trimmings with micro-organisms, producing a humus-like substance.