Asmita B. Daspute and Girish S. Gaikwad
Abstract
Dealing with municipal solid waste poses a significant challenge for both urban and rural areas worldwide, with financial constraints and a lack of public awareness being the primary issues in its management. The practice of open dumping sites leads to severe environmental problems, affecting water, soil, air, surface water, and groundwater. The municipal solid waste (MSW) Naregaon dumping site, Chh. Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), poses a significant threat to groundwater quality, with implications for human health, particularly during the post-monsoon season. This study investigates the impact of the dumping site on physical and chemical parameters, heavy metal contamination, and associated health effects on the nearby population. Field surveys and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess groundwater samples for pollutants. Results indicated elevated levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), hardness, and specific heavy metals (Iron, Nickel, Lead, Arsenic) compared to permissible limits. Potential health effects linked to the observed water quality deterioration are also discussed.The post-monsoon period exacerbates contamination through leachate infiltration and increased runoff. This contamination poses health risks to nearby communities, including respiratory illnesses, skin disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. Urgent interventions are imperative, including improved waste management strategies and remediation efforts, to mitigate these impacts and safeguard the areaâs human health and environmental integrity.