Caribbean studies

CaribbeanStudiesInternal Assessment
Name:
Institution: McGrath High School
Course: Caribbean Studies Unit 1
Centre Number:
Instructor:
Territory: Jamaica
Topic: Environment- Solid and Sewage waste Management

Topic:Environment:Solidand Sewage Waste Management
Table of Content
Acknowledgement 1
Introduction and purpose of study 2
Research Objectives 3
Research Questions 3
Definition of key terms 4
Literature Review 5-6
Data Collection Source 7
Presentations of Findings 8-10
Interpretation of Findings 11-12
Discussions of Findings 13-14
Conclusions 15
Limitation 16
Recommendations 17
Appendices 18-20
Bibliography 21

Acknowledgement
With great pleasure the researcher wishes to acknowledge the help provided by several
individuals which proved to be very valuable in conducting this research.
These individuals include: staff of the school’s lab who went beyond call of duty so that
the necessary resources were available.
The teachers in outlining tasks that the researcher was expected to perform and the
attention was forth coming so that this research was completed efficiently.
An internal assessment of this magnitude was effectively compiled with the assistance
and contribution of the residents of the Linstead Community.
Thanks in advance!

Introduction and Purpose of
Research
Most diseases spread within a community are believed to be connected to
the poor waste management in small towns or cities (Public Health Officer, 2012). This in
itself is an unnecessary and additional problem for people in these communities who often
already struggle with inadequate drinking water and lack of food.
This Internal assessment comprises of the worrying issue “The impacts of improper
disposal of both solid and sewage waste in the community of Linstead” which reflects negatively
on individuals living within that geographical area.
This study is geared towards finding out how the people of the Linstead area would
play an integral part in alleviating the problem alongside the other associates responsible for
garbage disposal.
With great interest the researcher chooses this topic as there is great increase in arguments
among individuals, they protest consistently on a daily basis about improper garbage collection
and garbage disposal as well as sewage waste that flows along pavement of the road, thus giving
the researcher more curiosity in exploring the issue, evaluating and making recommendations.

This study will benefits individuals of the Linstead community as there will be factors to be
considered that will assist in health improvement. These research objectives and research
questions will assist the researcher in effectively garnering and compiling this research.
ResearchObjectives
 To determine the factors contributing to the high level of improper disposal of solid and
sewage waste in the community of Linstead.
 To use findings to evaluate the negative impact of improper disposal of both solid and
sewage waste on the lives of the individuals within the Linstead area.
 To garner information to apply recommendations about the improper disposal of sewage
and solid waste in the community.
ResearchQuestions
 How does improper disposal of solid and sewage waste affect residents and environment
of Linstead?
 What are the factors that contribute to such hazards?

 What can be done to alleviate the problem?
DefinitionofKeyterms
Alleviate- to make easier to endure.
Community- a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality,
share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
Disseminate- to scatter or spread widely.
Disposal- An act of or getting rid of something.
Recommendation- a suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action, especially one put
forward by an authoritative body.
Sewage Waste- waste matter from domestic or industrial establishments
that is carried away in sewers or drains for dumping or conversion into aform that is not toxic

Literature Review
Health plays an integral role in everyone’s life. A person health and wellbeing is affected
by a number of different factors, some of the main factors contribute both positively and
negatively. The improper disposal of solid and sewage waste impacts negatively, (Aslangul,
2002).
Pollution can be defined as 1the introduction of contaminants into the natural
environment that cause adverse change to human health, harm to living resources and ecological
systems (Jones 2014). The poor management of solid and sewage waste is generally a problem
in Jamaica. Knowledge is generally lacking on solid and sewage waste in Linstead and it’s
environ. Linstead by far has little or no sewage waste management, on the other hand solid waste
is managed but not on a regular basis (Henry 2001).

The regulation plan focuses on waste minimization. Despite this regulation plan, different
kinds of waste are still dumped in an uncontrolled manner in Linstead poisoning the environment
which endangers the lives of both humans and animals (NEMA, 2012).
The improvement have demanded arrangements for solid and sewage waste disposal in
Linstead and its environ. Solid waste from the region of Linstead is disposed of at the Riverton
Landfill in St. Andrew. The necessary mechanisms will be installed for accessing the services of
the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) (NEPA, 2003)
News, (2014) stated that the National Solid and Sewage Waste Management Authority is
confronted with challenges. Despite efforts at improvement, the current capacity (institutional,
Financial, Technology, equipment) of the NSWMA is inadequate to efficiently and effectively
manage the increasing generation of solid waste and the changing stream. Additionally, the
Authority is burdened by the dual and conflicting role it has to play as collector and regulator.
One of the main cause of the environmental degradation is pollution; the damaged caused
by harmful substances, which affects the earth and everyone living on it. The environmental
problems caused by solid waste pollution can be on local, regional and global scale. Although it
is generally less harmful to health than air and water pollution, land pollution of solid waste can
affect the economy of the country, that is less persons would want to visit the country, tourist in
particular. (Rae, White, & etal, 2008)
Sewage waste can be treated through physical, chemical and biological processes waste
water which is highly treated can be reused for irrigation of agricultural land. Untreated sewage
has an impact on the quality of the environment which promotes the spread of diseases, example:

Cholera and dengue by flies, mosquitoes and rats. The toxic wastes also poison the soil,
preventing food production or human settlement. (Sandy, 2012)
Goal 7 of the 8 Millennium Development Goals is to ‘ensure environmental sustainability’
(UNESCO, 2011). A very important issue that is crucial in realizing this goal is that of the need
to develop and adopt effective strategies for sewage waste management and more especially in
densely populated urban areas. The main purpose of sewage waste management is to provide
hygienic, efficient and economic collection, transportation, treatment and/or disposal of solid
wastes, without polluting the atmosphere, soil or water resources. The environmental and public
health risks that arise due to inadequate waste disposal have been well documented: surface and
groundwater are contaminated by leachate; the soil by direct waste contact or leachate; the air by
burning of waste; the spread of diseases by different vectors such as birds, insects and rodents; and
the uncontrolled release of methane from anaerobic waste decomposition (Schertenleib & Meyer,
1992).
Threats and Impacts of improper waste management with the increase of population
comes with the increase in consumption, and consequently, in the amount of wastes we
generate. Through time, problems resulting from improper and irresponsible management of our
wastes have aroused and will continue to do so. Human and ecosystem health can be adversely
affected by all forms of waste, from its generation to its disposal. Over the years, wastes and
waste management responses such as policies, legal, financial, and institutional instruments and
socio-cultural practices have impacted on ecosystem health and human well-being. (Dawkins
2010)
Inadequate and inefficient waste management is the cause of many serious types of urban
pollution and health hazards (Stucki and Ludwig, 2003) Waste management is also a serious

problem for industrial countries as they are facing with increasing loads of wastes and struggling
to find best solutions to dispose of these materials. It is obvious that the biggest problem with the
waste now and in the coming decades is to find solutions for the sustainable management of
waste with the overall goal of minimizing its impact on the environment in an economically and
socially acceptable way (Stucki and Ludwig, 2003).
Usually, in developing parts of the world, people are either uneducated on environmental
protection or simply ignorant. Educating people should be one of the main priorities if a better
system of waste management is desired. The only way to solve waste problems in developing
countries is to educate younger generations on protecting environment by school campaigns
(Hogland and Marques, 2000).
Data Collection Sources
In conducting this research,” the impacts of improper disposal of garbage in the
community of Linstead”, the researcher had to formulate strategic measures to carry out this
research. The measures chosen are the tremendous use of both primary and secondary sources of
information.
A total of Twenty (20) questionnaires were distributed randomly to individuals in the
community of Linstead where they were chosen without speculation, hence questionnaires were
disseminated across the little town to obtain opinions of all. The primary sources used were
questionnaires, it was the main source as it was:

 Not time consuming
 Easy to analyse
 Aids in one’s opinion
 Can be administered to many people
 Can get a lot of data
 Easy to distribute
The secondary sources used were textbooks, other printed articles and the internet which
proved to be of great use in helping to conduct this research.
The above sources were used to garner information in relation to the topic of research to
acquire a better knowledge of the problem that is being investigated by the researcher. Sources
were accessed by visits to the school’s Library, internet and textbooks. The sources contributed
to the researcher’s understanding of the problem in that they cited examples and gave an
enormous amount of details to comprehend.
Presentation of Findings

Fig. 1 showing individuals who have been a part of the Linstead Community for more
than a year.
Fig 2. Representing the data from respondents who stated that opinion of improper
disposal of garbage being a severe problem or not.
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%
Agree
Strongly Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Improper Disposalof garbageas a severeproblem

Fig 3. Showing results of respondents who choose corresponding strategic measures to
alleviate the problem of improper disposal.
Fig. 4 showing the results of improper garbage disposal in Linstead and how it affects the
residents and the environment.
Unpleasant Odour
25%
Overflowing of Bins
25%
Pile on the Street
50%
IMPACTS OF IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE
P ES T
I N C R EAS E
U N P L EASANT
O D O U R S
R ED U C TION IN
V I S I TO R S
S I C K N ESS
20%
35%
10%
35%
RESULTS OF IMPROPER GARBAGE
DISPOSAL

Fig. 5 showing the main contributors of garbage within the vicinity of Linstead.
Fig 6. Representing responses from individuals as it relates to the impact of improper disposal of
garbage on the development of Linstead.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
VENDORS STUDENTS RESIDENTS
Contributors of solid waste in Linstead
20%
52%
15%
13%
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
Impact on the development of Linstead

Fig. 7 displaying the responses of individuals who enquiry the collection of garbage in Linstead
by rubbish trucks.
Fig 8 depicting responses on the impact of sewage waste in Linstead.
24%
62%
14%
Yes No Not Sure
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Increase in diseases Increase in pest Affects businesses
Impacts of sewage waste in Linstead
Visit from garbage trucks

Fig 9 depicting the contributors of sewage waste in the Linstead area.
Fig 10 showing the strategic measures that can used to mitigate the level of solid waste disposal.
More garbage trucks should be provided
More bins should be provided
Individuals should be penalized from improper disposal
Strategic Measures
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%
Residents
Domestic Household
Vendors
Facilities
Contributors of sewage waste

Interpretation of Findings
The researcher was able to garner a very significant amount/quantity of information from
the residents of Linstead. It is believed by most residents that Linstead has a severe solid waste
problem and to a lesser extent sewage waste management problem, highlighted in figure 1, the
person who have lived in the community of Linstead for over 25 years and were in agreement
with the notion, 40% said they have been living in Linstead for 25 years and more, 35% stated
15-20 years, 15% said 10-15 years while the remaining 10% said 5-10 years.
In the diagram in fig 2 data is represented as it relates to the improper sewage and solid
waste disposal being a severe problem in the vicinity of Linstead. 45% of the respondents stated
that they strongly agree with this statement while another 25% posit that they agree. On the other
hand some individuals would be a total of 20% postulated that they disagree and the remaining
10% said they strongly disagree.
The researcher was curious about the state of sewage and solid waste management in
Linstead; whether it was left as pile on the street, overflowing of garbage bins or unpleasant
odours. It was revealed by 50% of the respondents stated that garbage was piled upon the streets,
25% of the respondents said that garbage bins over flow and the remainder (25%) stated that the
problem left an unpleasant odour as shown in fig 3.
The researcher was privy to learn that when the question was raised as to the results of
mismanaging sewage and solid waste disposal in the town of Linstead, how it affected the
environment as displayed in fig 4. 20% of the respondents stated there has been an increase in

house pests such as rats and other rodents. 35% stated that there is flare up of unpleasant odours
and the remaining 10% stated that there is reduction in visitors and another 35% stated that the
mismanagement of garbage resulted in sickness such as cholera or dengue.
In analyzing the collected data, it was revealed to the researcher as presented in fig 5, that
the main contributor of improper disposal of sewage and solid waste is based upon the responses
of a total of 45% of individuals gave the reply of vendors being the main contributor of this
disposal while another 20% said students. The remaining 35% also stated that the residents are
the main contributor.
When the researcher sought the details as how the mismanagement of sewage and solid
waste may affect the development of the Linstead district, responses were as follows, 20%
agreed that both sewage and solid waste could prevent the development of the vicinity. 52%
postulated that they strongly agreed and 15% and 13% said they disagreed a d strongly disagree
respectively.
Fig 7 shows a graphical representation of data as it relates to the question “Are there
regular visits from garbage trucks?” a total of 62% said no, 24% said yes and the other 14%
weren’t sure.
Based on the findings of the study as shown in fig 8, it can be deduced that the impacts
sewage waste has on the health of individuals is that it promotes sickness as stated by 45% of the
respondents, sewage waste also increases the population of pest as it is understood by the
researcher as postulated by a total of 42% respondents and finally 13% said that is affects
business within the Linstead vicinity.

When the data was tabulated as to who are the contributors of the improper disposal
sewage waste in Linstead, a total of 20% said residents, another 48% said vendors and 17%
stated that facilities are the contributors while the remaining 15% said domestic household.
When the researcher probed the strategic measure relevant authorizes should do to
alleviate the problem the responses were as follows: 17% stated that more garbage trucks should
be provided, 26% postulated that more bins should be in every district, while another 26% said
individuals should be penalized for improper disposal of garbage and the reminding 31% said
that garbage should be collected on a regular basis based on fig 10.

Discussionof Finding
The information garnered has allowed the researcher to clearly see what deterioration has
been taking place in the community of Linstead. The researcher was also privy to learn that
although the residents in their own way are responsible for the mismanagement of sewage and
solid waste in Linstead, the authorities are to be equally blamed as they neglected the cries of the
residents as it relates to collecting the waste in a timely and orderly manner.
The researcher has also learnt that the mismanagement of sewage and solid waste has
impacted the development process in the community of Linstead. Furthermore due to the
mismanagement of both sewage and solid waste it has impacted negatively on the lives as
individuals have become sick. Moreover the poor collection of garbage has led to the drains
becoming blocked by the solid waste which has caused flooding in the community of Linstead.
Solid and sewage waste have also contributed to the breeding of pests, insects and
parasites which has caused serious health hazards in restaurants and even homes, example rat
urine can cause leptospirosis.
Wastewater is any water that has been adversely affected in quality by anthropogenic
influence and comprises liquid waste discharged by domestic residences living in Linstead,

commercial properties, industry, and/or agriculture and can encompass a wide range of potential
contaminants and concentrations.
Sewage is the part of wastewater that is contaminated with feaces or urine, but is often
used to mean any wastewater. When this is done sewage refers to wastewater from sources
including domestic, municipal, or industrial liquid waste products disposed of. Sanitation is the
hygienic means of preventing human contact from the hazards of wastes to promote
health.
Raw sewage that is not treated and is just left out in the open has an impact on the quality
of the environment as well as individuals. Therefore the untreated sewage creates an unhealthy
environment which promotes the spread of diseases, example cholera and dengue by flies,
mosquitoes and rats. The sewage waste also poisons the soil preventing food production and
human settlements thus having a negative impact on the health factors of humans. Even though
most individuals are aware of the impacts of improper disposal of garbage, it is still dumped in
an uncontrolled manner by individuals.
Examples of waste that can cause health problems are feces, solid wastes, domestic
wastewater and industrial wastes. Hygienic means of prevention can be done by using septic
tanks sewage systems or simply by personal hygiene practices for example hand washing with
soap. Some examples of the acute illnesses caused by sewage are diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery,
typhoid, and hepatitis A.
Sewage can be treated by recycling of waste water, use of bio-solids and to generate renewable
energy for cleaner, safer and greener environment:
In rural areas such as Linstead sewage is created by residences, institutions, hospitals and and
other establishments. Sewage treatment and disposal system is an important function for any city

planner, in order to recycle the used water. It is the ultimate return of used water to the
environment. Discharge to the environment must be accomplished without transmitting diseases,
endangering aquatic organisms, impairing the soil.
Sewage treatment is an artificial process to which sewage is subjected in order to remove
or alter its objectionable constituents and to render it less dangerous from the standpoint of
public health. Wastewater is treated to remove contaminants or pollutants that affect water
quality and the living conditions of humans. The treated wastewater is recycled / reused for
gardening, irrigation, flushing etc.

Conclusion
It can be concluded from the research conducted that there is evidently a solid and sewage
management problem in Linstead. As a result of this problem in the vicinity, individuals living in
and around the surrounding area suffers from some forms of sickness amongst other factors
contributed by this mismanagement of garbage. Garbage has been left to pile upon the streets
whereas bins over flow, even though there is Garbage collection, however it is not done on a
regular basis. Since education is the key to success, the residents and visiting public alike need to
be properly educated as it relates to sewage and solid was management.

Limitations
The researcher during the research encountered problems in carrying out this research.
These problems include limited amount of equipment to get the assessment done on time,
difficulties in gathering information which were key to starting the internal assessment which
includes gathering information for the Literature Review and problems analyzing some of the
data received from some of the respondents due to penmanship.

Recommendation
The researcher recommends that:
1. A regular garbage collection twice per week.
2. More garbage bins should be provided.
3. Relevant authorizes should educate residents by having workshops and seminar of to
dispose of their garbage and the impacts mismanagement of garbage can have on one’s
health. The residents clean up “their act” as it relates to maintaining solid and sewage
waste.
4. The relevant authorities need to be less care free as it relates to collecting the sewage and
solid waste and also enforce laws and regulations to penalize individuals who dispose of
their garbage incorrectly.

Appendices
CoverLetter
Dear Residents,
This is an internal assessment being conducted by the researcher to evaluate the negative
impacts of the improper disposal of solid and sewage waste in the community of the Linstead
environment. All information collected will be kept under strict confidence.
.
Yours Truly,
______________
The Researcher

Questionnaires
1. Gender : Male ( ) Female ( )
2. How long have you been a resident of the Linstead?
5-10 Years ( ) 10-15Years ( ) 15-20 Years ( ) 25 and over ( )
3. Is the improper disposal of garbage in your community a severe problem?
Agree ( ) Strongly Agree ( ) Disagree ( ) Strongly Disagree ( )
4. How long has this problem been in existence in Linstead?
5-10 Years ( ) 10-15 Years ( ) 15-20 Years ( ) 25 Years and over ( )
5. Who or what are the main contributor to the improper disposal of Sewage and Solid
Waste in Linstead?
Students ( ) Vendors ( ) Residents ( )
6. Have the problem been relayed to the relevant authorities?
Yes ( ) No ( )
7. Does the improper disposal of garbage impact on the development of the Linstead
community?

8. Have done to reduce this problem?
Pick up the garbage ( ) Place your garbage in bins ( ) Nothing ( )
Other ( ) Please specify ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Does the pile of Solid and Sewage waste prevent visitors from coming into Linstead?
10. What are the results of improper sewage and solid waste disposal?
Pest increase ( ) Unpleasant odour ( ) Reduction in visitors ( ) Sickness ( )
11. What are the main evidence to indicate that there is progression of improper Sewage and
Solid Waste in Linstead?
Pile upon the street ( ) Overflowing garbage bins ( ) Unpleasant odours ( )
12. Are there recycling facilities in Linstead or neighboring towns, does the residents know
of these facilities and do they utilize them?
13. Are there regular visit from garbage trucks into the community of Linstead?
Yes ( ) No ( ) Not Sure ( )
14. What are the strategic measures relevant authorities can take to alleviate the improper
disposal of garbage in the Linstead Community?
Provide more garbage trucks ( )
Provide more bins in every district ( )
Penalize individuals who dispose of their garbage improperly ( )
Collect Garbage on a regular basis ( )
15. Has sewage waste affected you?
Yes ( ) No ( )
16. What are the impacts of sewage waste has on your health?
Increase in sickness ( ) Increase in pest ( )

17. Who are the contributors of sewage waste in Linstead?
Residents ( ) Vendors ( ) Facilities ( ) Domestic household ( )
18. What can be done to mitigate the level of swage waste in Linstead?
Dispose of waste safely ( ) Join in with the sewage waste treatment authority ( )
Bibliography
Aslangul, T. a. (2002).
Jones,D.K. (2014, November28). Wikipedia.Retrievedfromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution
NEMA. (2012). ImproperSolidandSewage Waste practices. GleanerCompany.
NEPA. (2003). Retrievedfromhttp://www.nswma.gov.jm/:
https://www.google.com.jm/webhp?sourceid=chrome-
instant&rlz=1C1WLXA_enJM600JM600&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=solid+waste+management
News,J.I.(2014, December6).Retrievedfromnswma@nswma.gov.jm:
https://www.google.com.jm/webhp?sourceid=chrome-
instant&rlz=1C1WLXA_enJM600JM600&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=solid+waste+management
Rae,A.,White,A.,& etal.(2008). GeographyforCSEC. In Pollution (p. 317). NelsonThornesLtd.
Sandy,M. (2012). Pollutionandthe Environment.InM.Sandy, Social StudiesEssentialsfor CSEC (p.225).
CarlongPublishersLimited.
Schertenleib,R.,&Meyer,W. (1992). Municipal solidwaste managementinDC’s:Problems and
issues;needforfuture research. IRCWDNews(No.26).
Wikipediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

http://www.wssinfo.org/en/122_definitions.html.
https://saferenvironment.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/sewage-treatment-%E2%80%93-for-recycling-of-
waste-water-use-of-biosolids-and-to-generate-renewable-energy-for-cleaner-safer-and-greener-
environment/

Caribbean studies

Recomendados

Recomendados

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Mais procurados

Mais procurados (20)

Semelhante a Caribbean studies

Semelhante a Caribbean studies (20)

Último

Último (20)

Caribbean studies