Environmental Impact Assessment of Ayurveda Waste Disposal: A Systematic Study of Soil Quality at Dump Site

IJEP 46(3): 272-279 : Vol. 46 Issue. 3 (March 2026)

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Prasanna R. Kovath1,2, Aswathi Sreenivasan C.V.1 and T. Angayarkanni1*

1. Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Coimbatore – 641 043, Tamil Nadu, India
2. St. Mary’s College (Autonomous), Department of Biotechnology, Thrissur – 680 020, Kerala, India

Abstract

The disposal of waste produced by ayurveda facilities creates serious environmental challenges, especially regarding soil quality. This study focuses on systematically assessing soil profile quality near ayurveda waste dump sites to evaluate their environmental impact. A comprehensive soil profiling was carried out to analyze soil characteristics, such as pH, nutrient levels, heavy metal concentrations and organic matter content. Soil analysis showed elevated potassium levels across different horizons (954.8-1184.96 kg/ha), mainly due to breakdown of plant-based ayurvedic materials, which enhances nutrient levels. This buildup poses long-term risks to soil health, potentially reducing vegetation diversity and requiring costly remediation. High phosphorus levels in horizon A (40.32 kg/ha) indicate a risk of eutrophication, particularly if runoff reaches nearby waterbodies. The study also notes considerable variation in cation exchange capacity (CEC), with horizon C showing higher retention (9.2 Cmol/kg) and excessive soil moisture content (197.76%), suggesting waterlogging issues that could hinder plant growth and microbial activity. These results highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and sustainable waste management practices at ayurvedic waste disposal sites to prevent long-term environmental damage and protect surrounding ecosystems.

Keywords

Ayurveda, Environmental risks, Soil profiling, Sustainability, Waste disposal, Waste management

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