Foreword

According to the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000. 'composting', of bio-degradable waste has been suggested as one of the waste processing options. The rules provide guidance for setting up compost plants and steps to be taken for prevention of pollution problems. In order to ensure safe application of compost, specifications for compost quality are also prescribed.

To assess the quality of compost produced at some of the compost plants, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur had carried out detailed studies. Also, to see the impact of application of compost on agricultural crops, field studies were carried out by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at Delhi.

In the present report, findings of the study carried out by NEERI and IARI are highlighted. It will be useful that the concerned State Pollution Control Boards and municipal authorities periodically check the quality of compost produced. Further, SPGBs may also interact with State Agricultural Departments and other concerned institutions to ensure that compost made available for agricultural use is suitable for the crops.

The study has been co-ordinated by Dr. B. Sengupta, Member Secretary, Dr. A.B. Akolkar, Additional Director, Sh. S.K. Singh, EE and Sh. A.K. Vidyarathi, AEE. The samples for heavy metal analysis were analysed in the laboratory of CPCB and analysis was done under the supervision of Dr. C.S. Sharma, Sr. Scientist assisted by Dr. Somender Singh, Scientist 'B'.