River Pollution Control and Community Development through Land Application of Coke Plant Effluent

Reuse of wastewater for irrigation can be considered as a suitable option for raising useful crops in the region.When wastewater are evenly distributed on the surface of the land, it percolates into the ground leaving the suspended solids on the surface of the ground. The challenge is to utilize the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil as an acceptor of the wastewater, with minimum unwanted effects to the crops to be grown, to the characteristics of the soil, and to the quality of ground water and surface water runoff. This process relates to a novel method of testing of land treatment system of wastewater. The method involves using the wastewater for irrigation without having any adverse effect on soil and ground water quality. It determines the suitability of land treatment of wastewater for the abatement of river water pollution and also the potentiality of nutrient uptake by crops from wastewater, thereby enhancing agricultural production. It also relates to the recharging of ground water through recycling this way. A pilot study has been conducted by designing column lysimeters with soils collected from the nearby irrigable agricultural land. The study reveals that under controlled application rates of wastewater, it is possible to maintain aerobic conditions within the soil. The lysimeter test gives an idea of area that can be irrigated safely without adversely affecting land and ground water quality. It is claimed that the process may be considered as a low cost technology and as a suitable option for the treatment of wastewater for the control of river water pollution and also for developing rural economy and life through innovative and effective application of science and technology.