TITLE:
Assessment of Wastewater Quality of Drains for Irrigation
AUTHORS:
Almas Hamid, Mahrukh Zeb, Asim Mehmood, Sana Akhtar, Samia Saif
KEYWORDS:
Industrialization; Wastewater Quality; Drains; Irrigation; Winter and Spring Season; FAO Guidelines
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.4 No.9,
August
29,
2013
ABSTRACT: Rapid
industrialization and overpopulation have stimulated increase in waste water both domestic and industrial. Due to lack of inefficient sewerage
system and absence of treatment plants, the wastewater is discharged into
drainage systems causing environmental and health implications. At various
points, the wastewater of these drains is used for irrigation purposes. This
study characterizes the effluent of major drains of Lahore city and assesses
its suitability for irrigation. Wastewater samples were collected from drains
in winter and spring seasons and analyzed for various parameters of special
concern to irrigation. TSS, oil and grease, BOD, COD, chloride, TDS, sodium,
SAR, bicarbonate ions, EC, iron, Copper and Nickel were found to be varied in concentration in different drains when
compared with NEQS (National Environment Quality Standards) and FAO guidelines
for irrigation in both seasons. Regular monitoring and proper treatment of
wastewater before discharging into the drains can reduce the pollution in these
drains.