Study on variability
of Physico-Chemical properties in Soils and Weeds of waste dumping yards of Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh
Darapuneni Uday Kumar, Nyayapathi Priyanka Priyadarshini, Kolli Suresh Kumar and
Namuduri Srinivas
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(12); 137-144;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2912rjce1370144; (2025)
Abstract
Soil is the predominant source for the existence of life (flora and fauna) on earth
as it consists of rich minerals and nutrients. Over the years, due to globalization,
urbanization, industrialization across the globe, huge quantity of waste is being
generated. Domestic wastes, which serve to be the majority of the composition, are
being dumped in specified areas for further treatment. Various contaminants from
such domestic waste dumping areas are a source of contamination. Hazardous contaminants
possess adverse impacts on environment and public health, of which soil fertility
reduction is the prime. In view of this, the current study proposed to study the
variability of soil fertility in Visakhapatnam, an emerging urban centre. The samples
were collected from Kapuluppada (DY-1) and Bheemunipatnam (DY-2) which serve as
domestic waste dumping areas whereas Yendada (CA) a residential area and control
site of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The samples collected were analysed for the
physico-chemical properties of soil.
Analytical results have shown slight variability in physico-chemical properties
among the study areas. Further, as per the nutrient index, DY-1 and DY-2 waste dumping
yard area soils seems to be ‘medium fertile’ and CA residential area soil seems
to be ‘low fertile’. As per this assessment, irrespective of soil contamination,
the fertile nature of waste dumping yard soil seem to be more when compared to residential
area soil because of continuous waste decomposition activities. However, contamination
of waste dumping yard soil needs to be studied further to ensure whether contaminants
are posing more threat to those soils.
