Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the suitability of effluents from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) sewage treatment facility for irrigation purposes. The result shows that, from the point of view of ECw, SAR, solids, organic matter content, ion toxicity and nutrients (except Phosphate), the UNN wastewater treatment plant effluent can be safely used for irrigation, especially under short term. Although the fecal coliform load is within the value allowed for irrigation water, it is recommended that irrigation must cease at least two weeks before the crop is harvested to avoid any form of contamination. The effluent quality of the sewage plant also substantially met the effluent quality standards of Nigeria and other countries.
Highlights
Expansion of our urban communities and greater improvement in our domestic water supply and sewerage has given rise to greater quantities of municipal wastewater
3.0 dS m−1 good drainage is required and sensitive plant may have difficulty germinating as high salinity makes it more difficult for the seed to imbibe water needed for germination
Water with ECw values below 0.75 dS m−1 are satisfactory for irrigation purposes in so far as salt content is concerned salt-sensitive crops may be adversely affected by use of irrigation water having conductivity values in the range of 0.25-0.75 dS m−1
Summary
Expansion of our urban communities and greater improvement in our domestic water supply and sewerage has given rise to greater quantities of municipal wastewater. The use of treated wastewater for irrigation and other agricultural purposes has other advantages It provides a renewable and valuable source for release from limited fresh water supplies for municipal and agricultural purposes and so decreases the pressure on water resources. It eliminates discharge of effluent into surface water and the associated water pollution problems. The organic matter content improves physical properties of the soil. It prevents or postpones the need for the high cost advanced treatment facilities which will provide adequate treatment to permit discharge to the wastewater receiving bodies
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