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Essay / Solid Waste Management in the United States: The Mississippi River Region
Table of ContentsIntroductionStudy ObjectivesLocation RelevanceMovement RelevanceAbstractReferencesIntroductionWaste management is a global challenge that must be addressed significantly for sustainable development and protection of biodiversity. It refers to the process that involves the creation, processing activities, transportation and final disposal of waste generated by daily human activities. Solid waste management poses a significant challenge compared to most types of waste. Millions of tons of solid waste are generated daily. It is therefore essential to be very careful when disposing of them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In the United States, solid waste is associated with many geographic, health, and moral hazards. This can destroy the geography of an area due to pollution. If poorly managed, solid waste can lead to contamination of surface and ground water. Toxic chemicals in solid waste leach into the soil and cause land pollution through seepage and eventually reach water sources. Additionally, significant quantities of dry solid waste pose risks of accidental fires, which in turn pose a higher risk to the environment. Decaying organic matter attracts many disease vectors, such as houseflies. If not properly managed, solid waste can play a role in the transmission of diseases, thereby leading to health problems. When people live in unsanitary places, they become socially demoralized. Studies indicate that slum dwellers have esteem issues compared to their counterparts. The amount of solid waste produced in the state of Mississippi is rapidly increasing. Currently, it is estimated that 1.5 million tons of solid waste are generated each year, and this value is expected to double by 2035. However, the increase in the volume of solid waste generated has not been accompanied by an increase equivalent of waste management capacity. and resources. As a result, some areas of the state have been heavily affected by significant waste pollution. According to the study conducted by Mississippi State University, the deficits are mainly due to poor waste management strategies and insufficient resources to implement existing policies. The federal government, state governments, and residents need alternative methods to improve solid waste management strategies. This will help improve environmental quality, ensure clean water sources throughout the state, and protect the biodiversity of Mississippi and its surrounding areas. Besides, proper solid waste management will also ensure higher public health standards in the state. Study Objectives Identify gaps in Mississippi's existing waste management policies and improve them. Explore strategies that can be used by local community leaders to educate citizens on ways to effectively manage waste generated in their households. Identify the different methods of sorting and recycling waste. The Mississippi region has many physical features that need to be protected. For example, the Mississippi River has been polluted in the past due to poor solid waste management. State government can work with local people to come up with modelsappropriate collection, treatment and disposal of solid waste in Mississippi. The region also has national parks that need to be protected. For example, Natchez Trace Parkway has a wide range of ecosystems and rich biodiversity that attracts tourists from different parts of the world. To adequately protect the biodiversity and physical features of the Mississippi region, robust waste management strategies are essential. Location Relevance Mississippi is located in the tropical region, where the amount of precipitation is very high. During the rainy season, the city experiences occasional flooding that washes away toxic waste that contaminates the Mississippi River. Floodwaters containing toxic waste create unsanitary conditions, which can affect the health of residents, especially those living in the Sugar Ditch slums in Tunica County. The dumping of solid waste in Sugar Ditch worsens the living conditions of residents. A report released by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) states that poor waste management in the state of Mississippi affects adjacent states, for example, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas. . Mississippi is therefore of great importance when considering waste management strategies. Proper solid waste management in the county will have positive impacts on neighboring states. Additionally, the interaction of water sources within counties means that contaminated surface and groundwater sources within the Mississippi can drain water to state water systems surrounding the Mississippi. Mississippi is a place that is home to millions of people. Solid waste management is therefore in the hands of these people. However, lack of proper policies and plans can lead to harmful solid waste pollution from landfills and landfills. As a US state, solid waste must be collected, disposed of, and treated as necessary. It must also comply with federal waste management laws. This will ensure a pollution-free state, a high standard of living among residents and generally stable public health. Additionally, it will help protect the state of Mississippi's natural ecosystems. Proper waste management is necessary to protect critical infrastructure in the State of Mississippi. Critical infrastructure refers to all public and private assets, systems, and networks that are essential to the successful functioning of the U.S. economy. Examples of critical infrastructure in Mississippi are dams, the food and agriculture sector, manufacturing, transportation systems, water and wastewater systems, and the energy sector. Poor solid waste management in this location could lead to the destruction of this critical infrastructure, which could eventually lead to the collapse of the state's economy and spread to other parts of the country. For example, if solid waste is allowed on agricultural land, soil quality could deteriorate, affecting the food and agriculture sector that employs millions of farmers and retailers in the state. Therefore, critical infrastructure must be protected through proper solid waste management in Mississippi. Relevance of Movement Movement involves the change in location of people, animals and goods. Solid waste can interfere with movement and transportation if dumped into transportation systems. For example, if solid waste is dumped on transportation systems such as roads, railways,., &