definition 112 causes, effects and control measures of

 

are those

 

that burn at relatively

low temperatures (less than 60 C) and are ca-

pable of spontaneous combustion during stor-

age, transport or disposal. For example, gasoline,

paint thinners, and alcohol.

Corrosive wastes

 

are those that destroy materi-

als and living tissue by chemical reaction. For

example, acids and bases.

Steps for Vermi-Compost

•

Dig a pit about half a meter square, one

meter deep.

•

Line it with straw or dried leaves and

grass.

•

Organize the disposal of organic waste

into the pit as and when generated.

•

Introduce a culture of worms that is now

produced commercially.

•

Ensure that the contents are covered

with a sprinkling of dried leaves and soil

everyday.

•

Water the pit once or twice a week to

keep it moist.

•

Turn over the contents of the pit ever

15 days.

•

In about 45 days the waste will be de-

composed by the action of the microor-

ganisms.

•

The soil derived is fertile and rich in nu-

trients.

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148

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149

Pollution

Infectious wastes include human tissue from

surgery, used bandages and hypodermic

needles, microbiological materials, etc.

Radioactive waste is basically an output from

the nuclear power plants and can persist in the

environment for thousands of years before it

decays appreciably.