Water Quality Analysis for Agriculture: A Case Study of Nong Khon Saen Community Area, Udon Thani, Thailand

Abstract

This work aims to assess the water quality in the Nong Khon Saen community area in Udon Thani for agriculture purposes and its suitability for direct use in water consumption. The sample was collected annually from January to March during the period 2019–2022. The work was undertaken to investigate two different water resources (Huai Luang River and Nong Khon Saen reservoir) for the parameters of pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The results showed that all parameters of Huai Luang River were within the acceptable limits of Type 3 surface water quality standards from the Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand. The average pH was 6.59±0.18 (Std. pH 5–9), temperature was 27±0.01 ℃ (Std. Natural), EC was 679±12.11 μS/cm (Std. None), DO was 5.39±0.63 mg/l (Std. > 4.0 mg/L), and BOD was 1.71±0.70 mg/L (BOD Std. < 2.0 mg/l). The acceptable water quality parameters were caused by general flushing of rainfall, river water flow, and runoff from agricultural fields. Moreover, the water quality of the Nong Khon Saen reservoir showed a higher BOD concentration (2.61±0.54 mg/L) beyond acceptable limits. The high concentration of BOD was caused by the water plants and the decomposition of animals in the surface water area. For other parameters, the average pH (7.11±0.42), Temperature (28±0.01 ℃), EC (689.58±24.18 μS/cm) and DO (8.39±1.13 mg/L) were shown within acceptable limits. Therefore, the water quality is a requirement concerned with agricultural activities that are dependent on water resources.