UNIT I SOIL – WASTE INTERACTION
Role of Geo-environmental Engineering – sources, generation and classification of
wastes – causes and consequences of soil pollution – case studies in soil failure -
factors influencing soil pollutant interaction – modification of index, chemical and
engineering properties – physical and physiochemical mechanisms.
UNIT II CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT AND SITE CHARACTERISATION
Transport of contaminant in subsurface – advection, diffusion, dispersion – chemical
process – biological process, sorption, desorption, precipitation, dissolution,
oxidation, complexation, ion exchange, Volatization, biodegradation –
characterization of contaminated sites – soil and rock data – hydrological and
chemical data – analysis and evaluation.
UNIT III WASTE CONTAINMENT AND REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SITES
In-situ containment – vertical and horizontal barrier – surface cover – ground water
pumping system on subsurface drain – soil remediation – Soil Vapour extraction, soil
waste stabilization, solidification of soils, electrokinetic remediation, soil heating,
vitrification, bio remediation, Phyto-remediation – ground water remediation – pump
and treat , In-situ flushing, permeable reacting barrier, In-situ air sparging.
UNIT IV LANDFILLS AND SURFACE IMPOUNDMENTS
system – Source and characteristics of waste - site selection for landfills –
components of landfills – liner soil, geomembrane, geosynthetic clay, geo-composite
liner system – leachate collection – final cover design – monitoring landfill -
Environmental laws and regulations.
UNIT V STABILISATION OF WASTE
Evaluation of waste materials – flyash, municipal sludge, plastics, scrap tire, blast
furnace slag, construction waste, wood waste and their physical, chemical and
biological characteristics – potential reuse – utilization of waste and soil stabilization.
, UNIT I
SOIL – WASTE INTERACTION
Role of Geo-environmental Engineering – sources, generation and
classification of wastes – causes and consequences of soil pollution – case
studies in soil failure -factors influencing soilpollutant interaction –
modification of index, chemical and engineering properties – physical and
physiochemical mechanisms.
SOURCE GENERATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF WASTE
Waste is a product or substance which is no longer suited for its intended use. Whereas in
natural ecosystems waste (i.e. oxygen, carbon dioxide and dead organic matter) is used as
food or a reactant, waste materials resulting from human activities are often highly
resilient and take a long time to decompose.
Sources of Waste
Sources of waste can be broadly classified into four types: Industrial, Commercial,
Domestic, and Agricultural.
• Industrial Waste
These are the wastes created in factories and industries. Most industries dump their
wastes in rivers and seas which cause a lot of pollution. Example: plastic, glass, etc.
• Commercial Waste
Commercial wastes are produced in schools, colleges, shops, and offices. Example: plastic,
paper, etc.
• Domestic Waste
The different household wastes which are collected during household activities like
cooking, cleaning, etc. are known as domestic wastes. Example: leaves, vegetable peels,
excreta, etc.
• Agricultural Waste
Various wastes produced in the agricultural field are known as agricultural wastes.
Example: cattle waste, weed, husk, etc.
CLASSIFICATION OF WASTE
• Non-Hazardous/soilid waste
,Non-hazardous/solid waste is all waste which has not been classified as hazardous: paper,
plastics, glass, metal and beverage cans, organic waste etc. While not hazardous, solid
waste can have serious environmental and health impact if left uncollected and untreated
(explained further in 1.3.). While a significant proportion of solid waste could theoretically
be reused or recycled, collection by type of waste (selective waste collection) ñ a
prerequisite for reuse and recycling ñ is one of the biggest waste management challenges.
• Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste is waste that has been identified as potentially causing harm to the
environment and human health and therefore needs special, separate treatment and
handling . Chemical and physical characteristics determine the exact collection and
recycling process. Flammability, corrosiveness, toxicity, ecotoxicity and explosiveness are
the main characteristics of hazardous waste. Liquid, gaseous and powder waste need
special treatment by default to avoid the dispersal of the waste. Generally, separate
collection and handling are established to avoid contact with non-hazardous waste.
Chemical treatment, incineration or high-temperature treatment, safe storage, recovery
and recycling are possible modes of treatment for hazardous waste. Most hazardous waste
originates from industrial production. Special kinds of hazardous waste include:
➢ E-waste
E-waste is waste from electric and electronic equipment such as end-of-life computers,
phones and home appliances. E-waste is generally classified as hazardous because it
contains toxic components (e.g. PCB and various metals).
➢ Medical waste
originates from the human and animal healthcare systems and usually consists of
medicines, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, bandages, used medical equipment, bodily fluids
and body parts. Medical waste can be infectious, toxic or radioactive or contain bacteria
and harmful microorganisms (including those that are drug-resistant).
➢ Radioactive waste
contains radioactive materials. The management of radioactive waste differs significantly
from that of other waste. Auditing the management of radioactive waste is not the subject
of this MOOC.
, Soil Pollution: Causes and Consequences
Soil pollution is the contamination of soil with harmful substances, degrading its
quality and fertility. This critical issue has several significant causes and far-
reaching consequences.
Causes:
• Agriculture:
o Excessive use of pesticides and herbicides: These chemicals kill
beneficial organisms and accumulate in the soil, impacting future
crop yields and harming soil biodiversity.
o Improper use of fertilizers: Excessive or imbalanced fertilizer
application can lead to soil salinization, altering its chemical
composition and decreasing its productivity.
• Industrial activities:
o Improper disposal of industrial waste: Toxic waste from factories,
mines, and other industries can leak into the soil, contaminating it
with heavy metals, chemicals, and other harmful substances.
o Leakage from storage facilities: Accidents and leaks from storage
tanks containing oil, fuel, and other hazardous materials can
significantly pollute soil and groundwater supplies.
• Waste management:
o Unsustainable landfills: Leachate from landfills containing household
and industrial waste pollutes the surrounding soil and groundwater
with organic matter, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
o Improper disposal of electronic waste: E-waste often contains
harmful chemicals like lead and mercury, posing a serious threat to
soil health when improperly disposed of.
• Urbanization:
o Deforestation and construction activities: Removal of vegetation and
soil disturbance during construction projects can lead to soil erosion
and loss of fertile topsoil.
o Leakage from sewage systems: Faulty or inadequate sewage
systems can leak untreated wastewater into the soil, contaminating
it with bacteria, pathogens, and other contaminants.
Consequences:
• Decreased soil fertility: Pollution can lead to the loss of essential nutrients
and beneficial organisms, hindering plant growth and reducing crop yields.
• Soil erosion: Contaminated soil is more susceptible to erosion, leading to
the loss of fertile topsoil and desertification.
Role of Geo-environmental Engineering – sources, generation and classification of
wastes – causes and consequences of soil pollution – case studies in soil failure -
factors influencing soil pollutant interaction – modification of index, chemical and
engineering properties – physical and physiochemical mechanisms.
UNIT II CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT AND SITE CHARACTERISATION
Transport of contaminant in subsurface – advection, diffusion, dispersion – chemical
process – biological process, sorption, desorption, precipitation, dissolution,
oxidation, complexation, ion exchange, Volatization, biodegradation –
characterization of contaminated sites – soil and rock data – hydrological and
chemical data – analysis and evaluation.
UNIT III WASTE CONTAINMENT AND REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SITES
In-situ containment – vertical and horizontal barrier – surface cover – ground water
pumping system on subsurface drain – soil remediation – Soil Vapour extraction, soil
waste stabilization, solidification of soils, electrokinetic remediation, soil heating,
vitrification, bio remediation, Phyto-remediation – ground water remediation – pump
and treat , In-situ flushing, permeable reacting barrier, In-situ air sparging.
UNIT IV LANDFILLS AND SURFACE IMPOUNDMENTS
system – Source and characteristics of waste - site selection for landfills –
components of landfills – liner soil, geomembrane, geosynthetic clay, geo-composite
liner system – leachate collection – final cover design – monitoring landfill -
Environmental laws and regulations.
UNIT V STABILISATION OF WASTE
Evaluation of waste materials – flyash, municipal sludge, plastics, scrap tire, blast
furnace slag, construction waste, wood waste and their physical, chemical and
biological characteristics – potential reuse – utilization of waste and soil stabilization.
, UNIT I
SOIL – WASTE INTERACTION
Role of Geo-environmental Engineering – sources, generation and
classification of wastes – causes and consequences of soil pollution – case
studies in soil failure -factors influencing soilpollutant interaction –
modification of index, chemical and engineering properties – physical and
physiochemical mechanisms.
SOURCE GENERATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF WASTE
Waste is a product or substance which is no longer suited for its intended use. Whereas in
natural ecosystems waste (i.e. oxygen, carbon dioxide and dead organic matter) is used as
food or a reactant, waste materials resulting from human activities are often highly
resilient and take a long time to decompose.
Sources of Waste
Sources of waste can be broadly classified into four types: Industrial, Commercial,
Domestic, and Agricultural.
• Industrial Waste
These are the wastes created in factories and industries. Most industries dump their
wastes in rivers and seas which cause a lot of pollution. Example: plastic, glass, etc.
• Commercial Waste
Commercial wastes are produced in schools, colleges, shops, and offices. Example: plastic,
paper, etc.
• Domestic Waste
The different household wastes which are collected during household activities like
cooking, cleaning, etc. are known as domestic wastes. Example: leaves, vegetable peels,
excreta, etc.
• Agricultural Waste
Various wastes produced in the agricultural field are known as agricultural wastes.
Example: cattle waste, weed, husk, etc.
CLASSIFICATION OF WASTE
• Non-Hazardous/soilid waste
,Non-hazardous/solid waste is all waste which has not been classified as hazardous: paper,
plastics, glass, metal and beverage cans, organic waste etc. While not hazardous, solid
waste can have serious environmental and health impact if left uncollected and untreated
(explained further in 1.3.). While a significant proportion of solid waste could theoretically
be reused or recycled, collection by type of waste (selective waste collection) ñ a
prerequisite for reuse and recycling ñ is one of the biggest waste management challenges.
• Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste is waste that has been identified as potentially causing harm to the
environment and human health and therefore needs special, separate treatment and
handling . Chemical and physical characteristics determine the exact collection and
recycling process. Flammability, corrosiveness, toxicity, ecotoxicity and explosiveness are
the main characteristics of hazardous waste. Liquid, gaseous and powder waste need
special treatment by default to avoid the dispersal of the waste. Generally, separate
collection and handling are established to avoid contact with non-hazardous waste.
Chemical treatment, incineration or high-temperature treatment, safe storage, recovery
and recycling are possible modes of treatment for hazardous waste. Most hazardous waste
originates from industrial production. Special kinds of hazardous waste include:
➢ E-waste
E-waste is waste from electric and electronic equipment such as end-of-life computers,
phones and home appliances. E-waste is generally classified as hazardous because it
contains toxic components (e.g. PCB and various metals).
➢ Medical waste
originates from the human and animal healthcare systems and usually consists of
medicines, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, bandages, used medical equipment, bodily fluids
and body parts. Medical waste can be infectious, toxic or radioactive or contain bacteria
and harmful microorganisms (including those that are drug-resistant).
➢ Radioactive waste
contains radioactive materials. The management of radioactive waste differs significantly
from that of other waste. Auditing the management of radioactive waste is not the subject
of this MOOC.
, Soil Pollution: Causes and Consequences
Soil pollution is the contamination of soil with harmful substances, degrading its
quality and fertility. This critical issue has several significant causes and far-
reaching consequences.
Causes:
• Agriculture:
o Excessive use of pesticides and herbicides: These chemicals kill
beneficial organisms and accumulate in the soil, impacting future
crop yields and harming soil biodiversity.
o Improper use of fertilizers: Excessive or imbalanced fertilizer
application can lead to soil salinization, altering its chemical
composition and decreasing its productivity.
• Industrial activities:
o Improper disposal of industrial waste: Toxic waste from factories,
mines, and other industries can leak into the soil, contaminating it
with heavy metals, chemicals, and other harmful substances.
o Leakage from storage facilities: Accidents and leaks from storage
tanks containing oil, fuel, and other hazardous materials can
significantly pollute soil and groundwater supplies.
• Waste management:
o Unsustainable landfills: Leachate from landfills containing household
and industrial waste pollutes the surrounding soil and groundwater
with organic matter, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
o Improper disposal of electronic waste: E-waste often contains
harmful chemicals like lead and mercury, posing a serious threat to
soil health when improperly disposed of.
• Urbanization:
o Deforestation and construction activities: Removal of vegetation and
soil disturbance during construction projects can lead to soil erosion
and loss of fertile topsoil.
o Leakage from sewage systems: Faulty or inadequate sewage
systems can leak untreated wastewater into the soil, contaminating
it with bacteria, pathogens, and other contaminants.
Consequences:
• Decreased soil fertility: Pollution can lead to the loss of essential nutrients
and beneficial organisms, hindering plant growth and reducing crop yields.
• Soil erosion: Contaminated soil is more susceptible to erosion, leading to
the loss of fertile topsoil and desertification.
