Control of environmental pollution by using treated solid sludge waste as soil amendment.

Nazir Hussain; Sadia Rashid; Jamil Farooqi; Aimen Ahmed

Author(s)

Nazir Hussain Division of Soil Physics, Irrigation Water Quality and Salt Tolerant Crops, Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan

Sadia Rashid Division of Soil Physics, Irrigation Water Quality and Salt Tolerant Crops, Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan and Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Crescent Bahuman LTD. Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan

Jamil Farooqi Division of Soil Physics, Irrigation Water Quality and Salt Tolerant Crops, Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan and Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Crescent Bahuman LTD. Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan

Aimen Ahmed Division of Soil Physics, Irrigation Water Quality and Salt Tolerant Crops, Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan and Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Crescent Bahuman LTD. Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan

Abstract

The disposal of industrial wastes is very significant problem that appears as an integral part of industrial development. This problem is equally signified in developed and developing countries. Solid waste and effluents are of particular importance and a prominent threat to environment. Crescent Bahuman Limited (CBL) is textile industry operating near Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan and producing 26000 denim/day. Along with other wastes, the industry is facing problem of disposal of 130 T/month of treated solid sludge that is piling up consistently. This material contains organic matter, N, P & K and some micronutrients coming from cotton waste and household. Due to its present constituents it could be useful source for reclamation and subsequent enhancement of fertility of sodic soils. This study was conducted to thrash out such possibilities. Treated solid sludge was used as an amendment alone or in combination with gypsum or sulphuric acid as well as compared with gypsum alone or gypsum + sulphuric acid in addition to control. Data indicted that combination of treated sludge with gypsum or sulphuric acid proved most successful in rehabilitation of sodic soil (EC=2.56 d S/m SAR=38.89 &pH=10.1 Texture=Sandy clay loam) as SAR and pH decreased significantly and brought within permissible limits after the growth of subsequent two crops. The yield of rice and wheat also increased significantly. Treated sludge, alone proved superior to gypsum alone due to plant nutrients contained in it but both were statistically better that control (where no amendment was added). The soil fertility parameters (Organic matter, Phosphorus & potassium) were also improved appreciably as compared to control.

Publication Details

Page(s) 321-325

DOI DOI not available

Published Journal: Science International, Volume: 18, Issue: 4, Year: 2006

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Keywords

reclamation, Rice and wheat, sodic soil, Treated sold sludge