Physico-chemical characteristics of solid waste for treatment options: a case study of Kumasi, Ghana

Authors

  • Emmanuel Okoh Agyemang Energy Systems Engineering Department, Koforidua Polytechnic, Ghana.
  • Abel Acquah Mensah Ghana National Gas Company Limited, PMB, Accra, Ghana Ghana.
  • Esi Awuah Civil Engineering Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Ghana.
  • Sampson Oduro Kwarteng Civil Engineering Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Ghana.

Keywords:

Waste; Calorific value; Anaerobic; Composting; Chemical

Abstract

The study aimed at determining the physical and chemical characteristics of solid waste generated in Kumasi for treatment and disposal options. Ninety households were conveniently selected comprising all the three categories of income levels in the metropolis. Solid wastes generated from these households were separated into its components with the weight and volume of each component measured. Subsequently sub-samples from the composite samples were then taken to the laboratory for the chemical analysis. An estimated amount of 1227 tons of domestic solid waste is generated daily based on the city’s current population. The study revealed that about 61% and 15% of the daily waste generated could be treated using composting or anaerobic digestion method and reuse or recycling method respectively, thus diverting a chunk of the waste from going to the landfill and subsequently increasing the lifespan of the only landfill in the city.

References

Abu-Qudais, M., Abu-Qdais, H.A., 2000. Energy content of municipal solid waste in Jordan and its potential utilization.Ener.Convers.Manag.J., 41, pp 983-991.

Anomanyo, D.E., 2004. Integration of municipal solid waste management in Accra (Ghana): bioreactor treatment technology as an integral part of the management process.MSc. thesis report. Lund University.

Cointreau, S.J., 1982.Environmental Management of Urban Solid Wastes in Developing Countries.A project guide.Urban Development Paper no. 5.World Bank.Washington D.C.

Diaz, L.F., Savage, G.M., Eggerth, L.L.,Golueke, C.G., 1993. Composting and Recycling: Municipal Solid Waste, Lewis Publishers.London.,pp 14-16.

Fobil, J.N., Carboo, D., Armah, N.A., 2005. Evaluation of municipal solid wastes (MSW) for utilisation in energy production in developing countries, Int. J. Env. Technol. Manag., Vol. 5, No. 1, pp ,76-86.

Government of Ghana.,2003. Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Second Urban Environmental Sanitation Project (UESP II). Env.Soc. Assess. vol., 1, pp 48-110.

Johannessen, L.M., Boyer, G., 1999. Observations of Solid Waste Landfills in Developing Countries: Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Urban Development Division, Waste Manag. Anchor Team. The World Bank.,pp 1-24.

Ketibuah, E., Asase, M., Yusif, S., Mensah, M.Y., Fischer, K., 2004.Comparative analysis of household waste in the cities of Stuttgart and Kumasi-option for waste recycling and treatment in Kumasi. Proceedings of the 19th international CODATA Conference, Berlin 7-10 November., pp. 1-8.

Kotoka, P., 2001.Physical Analysis of Solid Waste in Selected high-income communities in Kumasi.MSc thesis report, Water Supply and Env.Sanitat.,Dep. Civ. Eng., KNUST-Kumasi, pp. 4, 21- 44.

Kumasi, M.A., 2006-2009. Annual Strategic Sanitation Plan for Kumasi.

Mamo, M., Halbach, T.R., Rosen, C.J., 2002.Utilization of municipal solid waste compost for crop production.Uni. Mich.,pp 18-23.

Rahman, M.,Yousuf, T.B., 2007.Monitoring quantity and characteristics of municipal solid waste in Dhaka City, Spr. Sci., pp.4-10.

World Health Organisation (WHO),1982. Expert Committee Report, Technical Report Series. Geneva Switzerland., No. 484, pp.15.

Published

2013-10-28

How to Cite

Agyemang, E. O. ., Mensah, A. A. ., Awuah, E. ., & Kwarteng, S. O. . (2013). Physico-chemical characteristics of solid waste for treatment options: a case study of Kumasi, Ghana. Health, Safety and Environment , 1(6), 117-126. Retrieved from https://www.sjournals.com/index.php/hse/article/view/427

Issue

Section

Original Article