Physico-chemical Quality and Efficiency Study of Textile and Garments Effluent

Abstract

The objective of this study was to ascertain textile and garments effluents' quality parameters and suitability for irrigation and aquaculture. Concentration of different parameters i.e. pH, temperature, color, odor, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS) and concentration of ionic constituents viz. Na + , K + , Ca 2+ and PO 4 2-of effluents were investigated in Bhaluka industrial area of Mymensingh, Bangladesh during August to November, 2013. Study revealed that there were distinct variations in values of different parameters. Among the samples, pH values ranged from 7.5 to 9.8 indicating alkalinity of water. o C) was found within permissible expelling limits. Observed color and odor of the effluents indicated poor quality to use for irrigation and aquaculture purposes. EC value (94.87-365.58 µScm -1 ) indicated low salinity level of the effluents. DO was within the range of 0.30 to 1.3 mg/L indicating aquatic life was under stress. Considering TDS (53.68 to 267.05 mg/L), all the samples were rated as fresh water (<1000 mg/L). Ratios of mean concentrations to background values were ranked in this sequence: Na + > K + > PO 4 3-> Ca 2 + . Overall study revealed that due to imbalance in values of different water quality parameters all of the samples were unsuitable for irrigation and aquaculture.