Household Solid Waste Management Practices Surrounding the Sainthamaruthu Lagoon, Sri Lanka and an Assessment of Its Water Quality

Fathima Rusla Jaufar¹, Rajendram Thivayadarshan²

¹ Research Student, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.

² Senior Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 

Abstract

This study aimed to assess household solid waste management (SWM) practices and evaluate the water quality condition of Sainthamaruthu Lagoon, Sri Lanka. The research addresses the environmental degradation caused by improper waste disposal, wastewater discharge, and inadequate sanitation, which threaten lagoon biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and community livelihoods. Primary data were collected from 100 households across six GN divisions surrounding the lagoon using stratified random sampling. Water samples were collected from four selected locations during March and April 2026. Household survey data and water quality parameters were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Two-Factor ANOVA to identify SWM patterns and spatial-temporal variations. The findings showed that most households generated 1–2 kg of waste daily, mainly consisting of organic waste, plastic, and polythene. Low waste segregation, irregular collection services, and limited awareness contributed to open burning, dumping, and improper disposal. Water quality assessment indicated environmental stress, with low pH and dissolved oxygen levels and increased electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. Significant spatial variations were observed in EC and TDS. The study highlights that poor SWM practices and limited community participation have contributed to lagoon pollution. Strengthening waste collection, promoting segregation, composting, awareness programs, and integrated restoration strategies are essential for sustainable lagoon management.     

Keywords: Community participation, Environmental management, Environmental pollution, Lagoon water quality, Solid waste management

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