Analysis of Contaminants in Sewage and Groundwater: Future Impact on Human and Animal Health

Abstract

Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) is applied based on the linear combination of the five different groups of irrigation water quality parameters: (a) salinity hazard, (b) permeability and infiltration problems, (c) specific ion toxicity, (d) trace element toxicity; and (e) miscellaneous problems that have potential negative impacts on soil quality and crop yield. A single index value is developed, which is then interpreted to determine the suitability of the irrigation water. Furthermore, the values of various quality parameters of sewage were compared with the quality of groundwater of villages in the Gandhinagar district of Gujarat State selected for the study. The comparison revealed that no significant difference had been observed among the values of water quality parameters analyzed for groundwater and sewage. Further, the IWQI calculated for sewage and groundwater was found to be in the moderate and high class of suitability for irrigation purpose. IWQI also considers the levels of trace heavy metals, therefore it serves as an excellent tool for monitoring their levels and assess their impact on human and animal health in future. Moreover, it is recommended to carry out continuous monitoring of sewage, crops, and soil for perpetual applications of sewage for irrigation.