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ABSTRACT: This paper highlights the use of wastewater for irrigation purposes on groundwater quality and its
ultimate effects on the local community in Pakistan. Field study was conducted in Chakera village, Faisalabad
and quality parameters like pH, EC, SAR, RSC, TDS, heavy metals (Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, Co, Fe, Zn) and
biological parameters like Total Coliform and Faecal Coliform (E-Coli) were observed in groundwater samples.
Results of the study revealed that untreated wastewater application raises the values of EC, TDS, SAR and
RSC compared with the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). This not only degrades the soil
structure but also contaminate the groundwater, causing sewer health hazards to the local community. As far
as heavy metals are concerned, only the concentration Ni, Cr and Pb in the wastewater treated soils found in
permissible range. Use of wastewater by mixing with fresh water to keep the environment healthy was
suggested, if available.
hectares are irrigated by untreated wastewater. In the water is hazardous for irrigation according to
the present study Chakera Village, where only the National Environmental Quality.
mean of irrigation is wastewater, was selected.
Table 2 presents the water quality criteria for
Chakera is a small village with area of around 75
irrigation developed by the US Salinity Laboratory
acres with 120,00 inhabitants. Field plots were
Staff in term of suitable, marginal and unsuitable.
selected and groundwater samples were collected
On comparing the observed values (Table 1) for
randomly, replicated thrice from the study area.
EC, TDS, SAR and RSC, it was again found that
Analysis of samples was done in the CEWRE-
water is unsuitable for irrigation as exceeding the
Laboratory according to the standard methods for
permissible values as explained in Table 2. These
the parameters like pH, SAR (Sodium Adsorption
results are similar as reported by many
Ratio), RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate), TDS
researchers (Downs, et al., 1999; Rashed, et al.,
(Total Dissolved Solids), EC (Electric
1995).
Conductivity) and E-Coli. Heavy metal (Mn, Ni, Cr,
Pb, Cu, Co, Fe, Zn) concentrations in the ground- On the average, groundwater in the entire study
water was also examined in the laboratory. An area was moderately saline. The salinity of irrigation
epidemic survey was made using a questioner water is an important water quality parameter
developed to assess the health effects of affecting plant growth. Continuous use of
wastewater irrigation by interviewing local wastewater irrigation caused the problem of salinity.
community. For further detailed, the interested It is a matter of common observation that the
readers can read Maqbool (2007). wastewater carries undesirable contaminates which
travel into plant tissues and ultimately end up in
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS human veins. This is extremely dangerous as the
humans are drinking groundwater without any
Field experimental results are outlined to quantify
treatment and quality of water being used for
and evaluate the impact of untreated wastewater
irrigation is totally unfit for drinking purpose.
reuse on groundwater and human health of local
community in Pakistan.
Heavy Metals Status in Groundwater
Groundwater quality deterioration Among metals (Table 3), Fe present in maximum
quantity with 45% of the total metal concentration
The results obtained from the analyses of
where as, Cr was minimum. Table further indicates
groundwater for the selected plots (Table 1)
clearly that heavy metals concentration of Mn, Cu,
indicates average values of EC found to be 4.6
Co and Zn accumulation in wastewater irrigation
dS/m, TDS 2542 mg/L, SAR 52.60 mmol/L0.5 and
treatment found higher than the values presented
RSC 9.3 meq/L. These parameters indicate that
by NEQS, however, Ni, Cr and Pb concentration
was minimum.
Table 1: Comparison of Varying Quality Groundwater with and NEQS
EC TDS SAR RSC
Parameters pH 0.5 (meq/L)
(dS/m) (mg/L) (mmol/L )
Field Observed 7.5 4.6 2542 52.60 9.3
NEQS 6-10 1.5 1000 10.00 2.5
Table 3: Comparison of Varying Quality Groundwater Heavy Metal Concentrations (mg/L) with NEQS
Heavy Metal Mn Ni Cr Pb Cu Co Fe Zn
Field Observed 1.06 0.13 0.01 0.12 1.30 0.10 3.70 1.84
250
225
Total sufferings in one year
200
175
150
125 Chakera
100
75
50
25
0
diarrhea diarrhea dysentery skin nail typhoid fever / cold
with fever problem problem
Diseases