The method of waste disposal in which waste is disposed along with night soil is known as?

NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Composting is a biological process that uses microorganisms to decompose organic waste, including refuse and night soil, into a valuable soil conditioner.
The Bangalore method is a specific type of composting where refuse and night soil are layered together in trenches for anaerobic decomposition.
During this process, the temperature rises significantly (above 60°C), which effectively kills pathogens, eggs, and larvae present in the night soil and refuse.
The end product is a safe, nutrient-rich humus called compost, which can be used in agriculture.

Option A: Dumping is the simple, uncontrolled disposal of waste in open, low-lying areas. It does not involve the systematic layering or treatment of waste with night soil and is considered highly unsanitary.
Option B: Tipping, also known as controlled tipping or sanitary landfill, involves compacting waste and covering it with a layer of earth. It does not involve the co-disposal and mixing with night soil.
Option D: Incineration is a high-temperature thermal process that burns waste. It is unsuitable for materials with high moisture content like night soil and is primarily used for reducing the volume of waste and for destroying hazardous materials.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Methods of solid waste disposal, specifically the co-disposal of refuse and night soil as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A community health nurse plays a vital role in educating communities about safe excreta and waste disposal to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and parasitic infections.
Nurses should advise on the proper location of compost pits—away from water sources and homes—to prevent contamination and control flies and odors.
Promoting waste segregation at the source (biodegradable vs. non-biodegradable) is a key nursing intervention that facilitates effective composting and recycling.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'waste disposal' and 'night soil'.
The question asks for a method that specifically combines these two elements.
Evaluate each option based on this requirement.
Recall or deduce the definition of each disposal method: Dumping (uncontrolled), Tipping/Landfill (controlled burial), Incineration (burning), and Composting (biological decomposition).
Recognize that composting is the only method listed that is designed to biologically process organic refuse and human waste together to create manure.
Therefore, select Composting as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Methods of solid waste disposal, specifically the co-disposal of refuse and night soil.
Stem keywords: waste disposal, night soil
Lead-in keywords: method

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) pp. 71-73, 72-74