The study of environmental impact from fabric dyeing process in Lahanam area, Songkhone district, Lao PDR

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine water contamination resulting from the fabric dyeing process in the Lahanam area, located in Songkhone district, Lao PDR. Lahanam is a famous village known for its fabric dyeing and weaving activities, utilizing both natural and chemical dyes which result in the discharge of colors into local water resources. Water samples were collected from three different sources: household dyeing water (HD), community wastewater (CW) and the nearby river, Xebanghieng (XR). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on the water samples. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was employed to measure the presence of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). Additionally, tests were conducted to determine the biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia contents and pH in the water of Xebanghieng. The results revealed that HD samples contained significantly higher amounts of all four heavy metals (lead 0.217 mg L–1, cadmium 0.105 mg L–1, arsenic 0.029 mg L–1 and mercury 0.0014 mg L–1), with lead, cadmium and arsenic exceeding standard limits. These data indicate potential environmental impact of chemical dyeing in the village in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the current dyeing process with more sustainable alternatives, such as natural dyes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS The water quality of the river in the dyeing village in Lao PDR Heavy metals in wastewater after dyeing process. The impact of chemical dyeing.