Paper Mill Effluent is an Alternate for Irrigation and Nutrient Sources in Improving Soil Health and Agricultural Productivity

Abstract

Consumption of huge fresh water and the generation of a huge volume of toxic wastewater are two most important environmental concerns associated with paper industries. Hence, it is necessary to study the impact of these effluents on soil and crop before they  recommended for agricultural purpose. Paper mill effluent is rich in dissolved solids as well as varying amounts of suspended organic materials. Besides, it contain some trace metals like Hg, Pb, and Cr. Discharge from effluents through paper mill, which contain bleach and black liquor, directly reached water bodies, thus causing serious environmental related issues. It contains recalcitrant dissolved organic matter and further it induces a high biochemical oxygen demand. On the other hand, treated paper mill effluent is considered a resource in agriculture and that can be applied for productive uses since it contains nutrients that have the potential for use in agriculture and other activities.   So, use of this wastewater efficiently for agricultural crops can be an alternated source for fertilizer as well as irrigation water.