Comparative values of various wastewater streams as a soil nutrient source
Sonia Shilpi1, Balaji Seshadri1, Binoy Sarkar2
1Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Co-operative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), PO Box 18, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
Chemosphere
|November 7, 2017
Summary
Wastewater irrigation can boost crop yields. Abattoir wastewater is effective undiluted, while winery and dairy effluents show benefits when diluted, enhancing sunflower and maize productivity safely.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Industrial and municipal wastewaters are potential irrigation sources.
- Assessing wastewater safety and efficacy for agriculture is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safe and effective use of winery, abattoir, dairy, and municipal wastewaters for irrigating agricultural crops.
- To determine optimal dilution rates for wastewater irrigation.
Main Methods:
- Pot experiment using sandy clay loam soil in South Australia.
- Irrigation with varying concentrations (0-100%) of different wastewaters diluted in tap water.
- Evaluation of biomass yields, plant mineral content, and soil properties for sunflower and maize.
Main Results:
- Winery effluent inhibited growth undiluted but increased yields by 25% dilution.
- Abattoir wastewater at 100% concentration yielded the highest crop biomass.
- Municipal effluent showed no inhibitory effects; metal uptake remained below toxic levels.
Conclusions:
- Abattoir wastewater can be used undiluted for irrigation.
- Winery and dairy wastewaters require appropriate dilution for safe and productive agricultural irrigation.
- Wastewater irrigation can enhance crop productivity when managed correctly.
