Chapter 3 Research Methodology

This study explores the issue of solid waste and wastewater management. Review
of literature has revealed that the problem of solid waste and wastewater management is a
result of swift industrial development, consumerism, changing lifestyle and ambitions of
different classes of urban and rural communities. Studies have shown that the significant
amount of solid waste generated in metropolitan cities is far more as compared to rural
areas. The solid waste generation is related to the lifestyles and buying capacity of people
across different groups in urban areas. The other side of this issue is the handling and
disposal of solid waste and wastewater. The methodology for solid waste and wastewater
management, analysis of samples for composition, physico-chemical and biological
characteristics of wastewater in and around Shimla city, people’s perceptions on solid waste
management and SWOT analysis are detailed below.

3.1 Research Design and Data Collection

3.1.1 Primary Data Collection

Shimla town was selected for the present study. The research is based on primary as well
as secondary data gathered from the respective sources.

3.1.1.1 Solid Waste Management: In order to understand the status of Solid Waste
Management System, starting from collection to disposal of waste, data were gathered from
Shimla Municipal Corporation by making repeated visits to different solid waste treatment
plants. In addition to this, an effort was made to study the type of solid wastes (both
biodegradable and non-degradable) being treated by Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC).
A pre-designed format (Annexure I and III) was used for collecting data from the Shimla
Municipal Corporation. The information was sought on:

A. Solid Waste Management (Primary and Secondary Generation and

Management)
i) Collection strategies

ii) Treatment

iii) Recycling Mechanism, and

iv) SWOT Analysis (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)

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 Chapter 3 Research Methodology

B. Wastewater Generation and Management

i) Collection strategies

ii) Treatment

iii) Monitoring mechanism, and

iv) SWOT Analysis (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)

C. Biomedical Waste Treatment: The information regarding the biomedical waste

management practices and safety was collected from hospitals by using a semi-structured
questionnaire devised for the purpose. Information derived from the questionnaire was
verified by personal observations of biomedical waste treatment practices, starting from
source, handling, collection, transportation, and final disposal. The questionnaire sought
information on:

i) Generation trends of biomedical waste in hospitals;

ii) collection and processing strategies;

iii) treatment of biomedical waste in hospitals and

iv) the guiding process involved in the treatment of biomedical waste.

D. People’s Perceptions on Solid Waste Management

In order to gather the information on existing household solid waste management

practices and peoples’ perception on the efficacy of present SWM system, household
survey was carried out in twenty-five wards of Shimla city. For evaluating the general
attitude of the respondents regarding the prevailing waste management system and cost
effectiveness, a sample size of 250 respondents was selected from twenty-five wards to
represent the target population. Ten households were selected from each ward through non-
proportional random sampling. In order to get the information on residents’ attitude and
perception the data collection was done by administering the semi-structured questionnaire
(Annexure II), personal interviews and Focused Group Discussion (FGD). The
questionnaire was divided into four parts, which sought information with regard to:

Part I: Socio-economic Particulars of the Respondents

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Chapter 3 Research Methodology

Part II: Attitude of Respondents on Solid Waste Management

Part III: Respondents’ Opinion and Perception on Solid Waste Management System

Part IV: Respondents’ Willingness to Pay for Good Management Practice

In order to evaluate the strength of the respondents’ opinion, the questionnaire was
prepared according to the Likert Scale (Uebersax, 2006). The respondents were given
several statements on which they expressed their options as strongly disagree (0), disagree
(1), neutral (2), agree (3) and strongly agree (4). The collected data was then examined
using statistical tools for simple percentages and frequency analysis. In order to evaluate
the general attitude of the respondents regarding waste collection, disposal and efficacy of
the present SWM system adopted by SMC, questions were grouped as follows:

Group (1): People’s perception regarding the collection and disposal of solid waste

Group (2): Willingness to pay for the services provided by SMC

On the point scale, the ratings given to each group is as follows: - strongly disagree
(0), disagree (1), neutral (2), agree (3) and strongly agree (4). For the ease of elucidation,
each rating was given denotation as: Strongly disagree (SD) Disagree (D) Neutral (N)
Agree (A) Strongly Agree (SA).

E. Analysis of MSW Samples for Composition and Characteristics

In order to characterize the solid waste generated in Shimla city, detailed survey of
area under Municipal Corporation was undertaken for three consecutive years, i.e. 2011 to
2013. Solid waste was collected from different zones, i.e., residential, commercial and
mixed zone. The total quantity of waste so collected, was thoroughly mixed and reduced
by the method of quartering till a sample of reasonable size was obtained, which could be
easily handled in a laboratory. The sample so obtained was subjected to physical and
chemical analysis. Samples collected for physical and chemical analysis were packed in
plastic bags, sealed and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The various physical and
chemical parameters, which were analyzed, are:

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Chapter 3 Research Methodology

I. Physical Characterization: In order to determine the physical characteristic of

Municipal Solid Waste, samples were collected from said zones. The samples were
collected by taking ten grab samples of roughly one kilogram each from different depths
of the dumps. The grab samples were then mixed thoroughly. The mixed sample was then
physically analyzed for its composition such as paper, plastic, glass, and metals and
expressed as % of total sample weight.

II. Chemical Characterization: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated varies in

quality as well as in quantity depending on different parameters like- lifestyles of
community, locality, climatic conditions, etc. The chemical characteristics of solid waste
also show seasonal variation. Characteristics of the MSW were also determined like pH,
moisture content, calorific value, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, total carbon, C/N ratio,
temperature, organic matter, etc. Analysis of MSW was carried out as per following
standard procedures:

(a) Determination of pH: pH of MSW was determined by using pH meter with a glass
electrode. 10 grams of the sample was placed in a flask, to this 500 ml distilled water was
added and stirred for 3 to 5 minutes. The mixture was allowed to settle for 5 minutes and
pH was measured by using pH meter with a glass electrode, previously calibrated and
corrected for temperature.

(b) Determination of Moisture Content: Approximately 20 gram of properly mixed

sample of MSW was taken in the dish and the initial weight of the dish containing the
sample was taken. The dish containing the sample was kept in oven at 105°C for 24 hours.
The final weight of the sample is taken and moisture content is determined by following
equation-

Where,

m = moisture content (%)

w1= initial wt. of sample (in gms)

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Chapter 3 Research Methodology

w2 = final wt. of sample (in gms)

(c) Determination of Calorific Value: Calorific value of MSW was determined by using
the standard procedure (Khan, 2001) using a bomb calorimeter and gram size sample was
adopted. A known amount of MSW was placed in the crucible. The crucible was then
placed over a ring and a fine Magnesium wire touching the fuel sample was stretched across
the electrodes. The lid was tightly screwed and the bomb is filled with oxygen up to 25
atmospheric pressure. The initial temperature was recorded. The electrodes were then
connected to a 6V battery and the circuit was completed. As soon as the circuit was
completed and current was switched on, the fuel in the crucible burns with the evolution of
heat. The heat liberated by burning of the fuel increases the temperature of water and the
maximum temperature attained was recorded and the calorific value is determined by
following a formula:

Where:

HCV= Higher Calorific value in Kcal/Kg

W= mass of water taken in the calorimeter in gms

The m= mass of MSW taken in the calorimeter in gms

w= water equivalent of calorimeter, thermometer and stirrer in gms

t1= initial temperature of water in calorimeter in °C

t2= final temperature of water in calorimeter in °C

(d) Determination of Nitrogen: Determination of Nitrogen was carried by using

standardized methods. The details of the procedure are given in Annexure V.

(e) Determination of Phosphorous: Phosphorus was estimated in MSW by using a

method based on the reduction with Stannus Chloride. A blue color is produced by the

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reduction of phosphomolybdic acid with freshly prepared stannous chloride solution. The
details of the procedure are given in Annexure V.

(f) Determination of Potassium: Solid waste containing organic matter was decomposed
by treatment with sulphuric-nitric acid mixture. Ashing was done to convert to their
respective sulphates and the residue was treated further with acid mixture containing HF to
make it silica free. The sample was then subjected to flame photometric analysis.
Determination of potassium was carried by using standardized methods. The details of the
procedure are given in Annexure V.

(g) Determination of Carbon: Determination of Carbon was carried out by using

Empirical method. The details of the procedure are given in Annexure V.

(h) Determination of Organic Matter: Determination of organic matter was carried by

using standardized methods. The details of the procedure are given in Annexure V.

3.1.1.2 Wastewater Treatment: To study the wastewater disposal system of the municipal
corporation, health institutions and R and D institutions, data were gathered from the
wastewater treatment plants located in Shimla city. A pre-designed format was used for
collecting data (Annexure I) from relevant sources.

I. Physico-chemical and Biological Characteristics of Wastewater: In order to assess

the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of wastewater, following tests were
conducted:

(a) Collection of Wastewater Sample

Sampling is extremely important in accurately characterizing wastewater for its

physical, chemical and biological parameters. Before undertaking sample collection all
sampling equipment were cleaned with a brush using hot water and laboratory detergents
and were rinsed thoroughly first with tap water and water with a 10-15% reagent grade
hydrochloride acid. Sample containers were kept closed until ready to sample. Wastewater
samples were collected in triplicates from wastewater treatment plants using disposable
gloves and containers were closed immediately. All samples were returned to the laboratory
for processing immediately after collection. Once a sample was taken, the continents of the
sample were maintained in the same condition.

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(b) Physical Characteristics of Wastewater

Temperature: Temperature of wastewater was checked at the site of the collection of water
samples.

Color and odor: The color and odor of wastewater samples collected from different
wastewater treatment plants were checked and sensed thrice.

Turbidity: It was measured on the principle on intensity of light scattered by sample

compared with the intensity of light scattered by a standard suspension under the same
condition. Turbidity of wastewater samples was immediately measured to prevent a
temperature change and sedimentation. Turbidity determination was done according to the
method and procedure described by Theroux et al. (2001).

Total solids, Volatile matter, fixed residues, suspended solids and dissolved solids:
Determination of total solids, volatile matter, fixed residues, suspended solids and
dissolved solids was carried by using standardized methods given by Theroux et al. (2001).
The details of the procedure are given in Annexure VI.

(b) Chemical Characteristics of Wastewater

pH: Measurement of pH is one of the most important and frequently used tests in water
chemistry and characterization. Practically every phase of the water supply and wastewater
treatment is dependent on pH. Samples were collected from the wastewater treatment plants
in glass bottles without addition of any preservative and analyzed for pH within 24 hours
using pH meter.

Estimation of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):
Estimation was done by using standardized methods (APHA, 1992). The details of the
procedure are given in Annexure VI.

Estimation of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): Estimation was done by using the
method described by APHA, 1998. The details of the procedure are given in Annexure VI.

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Estimation of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): COD values were estimated as per
association of official analytical chemicals (AOAC) method of analysis. The details of the
procedure are given in Annexure VI.

(c) Biological characteristics of Wastewater

Biological categorization of wastewaters is an essential aspect as it contains a

variety of microorganisms and pathogens. For microbiological examination, samples were
collected in sterilized glass bottles. Microbial examination of collected samples started after
collection within 24 hours of collection. Once the sample testing was completed, all
samples were autoclaved and discarded. Both chemically defined and complex media were
used for microbial and pathological examination of wastewater samples. All media
constituents were of microbiological and analytical grades.

Chemically Defined Medium

Peptone = 5.0 gms

Beef extract = 3.0 gms

Agar = 15 gms

Distilled water to make one liter

Specific medium

1) Brilliant Green Agar Base, Modified medium for selective isolation of Salmonellae
from wastewater samples
2) Hi-Crome Enterococcus faecium Agar Base medium

Coliform Detection in wastewater: Detection of coliform in wastewater by using M7hFc

medium

3.1.2 Secondary Data Collection

The secondary data was collected from relevant published and unpublished
literature by visiting different libraries, Internet, government departments, academic and
research institutions. Other secondary sources include journals, reports, for instance,

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Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report and other reports and documents of
Irrigation and Public Health Department, H.P., Municipal Corporation, Shimla, HP State
Pollution Control Board, Department of Health, H.P., etc.

The 2011 census survey was used for certain indicators, including the demographic
profile. In order to collect the secondary sources visits were made to the institutional
libraries of Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, State Council for Science,
Technology and Environment, etc. The data collected from various sources used in the
study have been duly acknowledged.

3.2 SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis has been carried out to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, threats
and opportunities linked with Solid Waste and Wastewater Management carried out by the
Shimla Municipal Corporation. The assistance of Municipal Corporation staff was sought
for conduction of SWOT analysis.

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