Department of Soils, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
The effect of addition of effluents from the tannery complex of Jalandhar (Punjab) on the Composition of raw sewage water, being used by the farmers for irrigation of crops, was studied. Samples of sewage water were collected from the 4 sites of the sewage drain before as well as after the addition of effluents into the sewage drain. Addition of tannery effluents decreased the pH and increased the E. C. of the sewage drain water. Concentration of K, Ca, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, B, Al, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb were increased after the addition of effluents from the tannery complex. There was a spectacular increase in the concentration of Cr in the sewage water. Similar information was provided by the analysis of material settled at the base of the sewage drain and mixed with soil. Effluent treatment plant was effective in lowering down the content of Cr. Sewage water can be used as source of nutrients provided it is effectively pre-treated before its disposal into the sewage drain.
Effluents, Irrigation, Sewage water
