Chemical and Physical Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste in the City of Mahshahr

One of the most important issues in environmental surveys is the recycling of municipal solid waste (MSW). Accordingly, the aim of this research is the quantitative and qualitative study of MSW in Mahshahr city, from July 2016 to September 2017. The major components of municipal waste include food waste, glass, metals, can, debris, bricks, boards, leaves, paper, dirt, and ashes [1]. According to the prior researches and chemical composition of solid waste, it was cleared that the solid wastes had high moisture content, high ash, and inorganic contents and comparatively low nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium [2]. Mahshahr city was divided into four regions namely: high, middle, low income and trading area. In this research 50 samples were collected and analyzed seasonally and 3 days per week. In the next step, the percentage of MSW composition, density, moisture content, waste per capita generation and chemical characteristics such as carbon to nitrogen ratio, phosphorus, and heavy metals content were measured according to the standard methods. The highest percentage of MSW s components is its organic matter with an average of 72.17%, 68.34%, 75.82 % for winter, spring, and summer, respectively. These components have a high potential for recycling and good economic return. The best and most economical method for disposal of municipal waste is suggested as composting of organic matter and recycling of plastic, paper, and cardboard.