Municipal Solid Waste Dynamics and Water Quality Deterioration: An Income-Specific Analysis of Landfill-Impacted Areas in Jammu City, India

This study evaluates the characterization of municipal solid waste (MSW) across high, middle, and low-income groups (HIG, MIG, and LIG) in Jammu city and examines its impact on surface and groundwater quality in landfill-influenced areas. A stratified sampling approach was employed to assess MSW composition, bulk density, and moisture content, along with key physicochemical parameters of nearby water sources. The results demonstrate significant socio-economic variation in waste profiles. HIG areas generated the highest proportion of organic waste (88.8%) and polythene (12.0%), reflecting higher consumption and packaging use. MIG zones exhibited a mixed waste pattern with notable plastic content (10.2%), while LIG areas were dominated by organic waste (73.8%), followed by cardboard and plastic fractions. Bulk density increased from 386.7 kg/m 3 in HIG to 586.7 kg/m 3 in LIG, whereas moisture content was highest in MIG (82.13%) and lowest in HIG (55.64%). Water quality analysis revealed leachate-induced effects, including mildly acidic pH (<7.0), turbidity exceeding permissible limits (12–45 NTU), and elevated electrical conductivity (up to 878 μS/cm). BOD 5 reached 5.8 mg/L, surpassing standards, and WQI classified nearly half the samples as poor. ANOVA results confirmed widespread contamination, emphasizing the need for income-specific waste management and continuous leachate monitoring.