An Overview of Karachi Solid Waste Disposal Sites and Environs

Abstract

Impact assessment is a powerful tool that has been remarkably successful in allowing the consideration of social, economic and environmental effects. The development in Pakistan is supported with the growth of the gross domestic product, the steady increase of the population and the change of lifestyle; resulting waste amounts have also increased considerably. Karachi is the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan with 10% of total population of country and generating more than 10,000 ton/ day solid waste. The main purpose of this study to assess the environmental impact of landfill sites activities in the study area. The impact of the solid waste activities in the area was consider on the area’s geomorphology, geology, air and water quality, biological resources and socio-cultural environment is considered. Potential impacts identified through review of literature, professional judgment, SWM process understanding and field observations at different landfill sites. Sampling was carried out of air, soil and groundwater samples and analysis them physical and chemical parameters. The finding of soil analyses reveals that soil is sandy with brown to yellowish brown color. pH range from 7.25 to 8.08, sulphates concentration is high. CO2 and CO level in air is higher according to national environmental quality standards. Analysis of groundwater samples showed that groundwater from most of the sites was within acceptable range. The major environmental impacts are land uptake, quality of resources, disturbance of small mammals and wild life.