V. SARITHA, Y. AVASN MARUTHI, K. MUKKANTI AND M. UMA MAHESWARI
Abstract
Impact of paper and pulp mill effluents on soil was assessed for physico-chemical and biological properties in the present study. Discharge of paper and pulp effluents onto the soil caused change in physico chemical and biological properties of soil. The analysis of water samples revealed that continuous use of the effluent has increased the pH, EC and sodium content of the soil. The soil pH ranged from 6.5 to 9.0 and sodium 36.6 to 427.5 mg/kg. Thus, it may be concluded that the continuous use of effluents from paper and pulp without monitoring will deteriorate the soil health. Water samples were analyzed for Color, pH, EC, dissolved solids, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, BOD and COD. The results indicate that the effluents were highly polluted and not fit for any use. The untreated effluent was not suitable for irrigation purposes as it is characterized by high values of pH (7.32), EC (2.44mMhos/cm), BOD (1650mg/L), COD (2140mg/L) and sodium (1234 mg/L). High content of sodium in the infiltration rate of soil and create the problem of soil sicknedd.