Lecture Notes

UNIT III: WATER AND SOIL POLLUTION

Water Pollution
Water is extremely essential for life, this common fact is known to all. It is required to meet our basic needs
in day to day life viz., cooking, drinking, bathing, disposal of sewage, irrigation, generating electricity in
power plants, cooling and manufacturing different products in industries and the disposal of industrial
wastes. During all these processes the undesirable substances are added to the water resources to a great
extent. This alters the basic chemistry of water in rivers and streams.

Sources of Water Pollution

(i) Domestic sewage
This includes household’s wastes like food wastes, synthetic detergents used for washing clothes and
cleaning bathrooms and latrines and water based paints.

(ii) Industrial effluents

The industrial wastes are discharged in the adjoining rivers and streams through flush lines of factories. The
textiles, sugar and fertilizers factories, oil refineries, drugs manufacture, rubber, and rayon fibers, the paper
industries and the chemical factories all produce Chemical pollution.

(iii) Agricultural source

Increased use of fertilizers has become essential for high yielding crop plants. Excess of nitrates used as
fertilizers seep into ground water is carried into lakes and pond. On entering the drinking water supply
system these create several health problems.

(iv) Pesticides
These include insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, rodenticides, herbicides and soil fumigants. These
contain chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, metallic salts, carbonates, acetic acid derivatives etc.
many pesticides are non-degradable. They pass through the food chains and accumulate in fatty tissues thus
causing several health hazards.

(v) Thermal pollution

Power plants and nuclear power stations are the main sources of thermal pollution of water where water is
used for cooling and becomes hot. The hot water on entering the main water body raises its temperature,
which kills fishes and other aquatic animals and increases the rate of respiration in aquatic plants.

(vi) Marine water pollution

River and stream network sources of water ultimately end up ocean and seas. Thus, these acts as the sink of
all natural and man-made water based pollutants. The main sources of oceanic pollution are discharges of
oil, greases, petroleum products, detergents, sewage and garbage including radioactive wastes.

Effect of Water Pollutants

The main effects of water pollutants are:
1. Compounds of mercury, arsenic and lead are poisonous and chemically harmful as they even affect water
treatment plants e.g. organic sulphur compounds interfere with nitrification.
2. Mercury when dissolved in water is absorbed by aquatic plants and enters the food chain. Lead impairs
metabolism and brings about congenital deformities, anaemia etc.
3. Cadmium damages kidneys and liver.
4. Inorganic nitrates and phosphates promote growth of oxygen-consuming algae, which result in the death
of fishes and other aquatic animals.
5. Presence of dyes and compounds in the discharged water changes the colour of water.
6. Industrial effluents containing iron, phenol, manganese, oils, hydrocarbons, ammonia and
microorganisms impair the taste and odours of water.
7. The nitrates and phosphates dissolved in water accelerate the growth of microorganisms, which consume
much of the dissolved oxygen depriving fish and other aquatic life (Eutrophication).
8. Biomagnifications is the increase of toxic materials at each tropic level of a food chain.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Water is one of the most important elements on earth. Every living being needs water for its survival.
Wastewater, basically, is the flow of used water from a community. The nature of wastewater includes
physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. It is 99.94 percent water by weight. The remaining 0.06
percent is material dissolved or suspended in the water. The dissolved and suspended solids in wastewater
contain organic and inorganic material. Organic matter may include carbohydrates, fats, oils, grease,
surfactants, proteins, pesticides and agricultural chemicals, volatile organic compounds, and other toxic
chemicals. Inorganic matter may cover heavy metals, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), pH, alkalinity,
chlorides, sulfur, and other inorganic pollutants.

Wastewater treatment is a series of steps. Each of the steps can be accomplished using one or more treatment
processes or types of equipment. The major categories of treatment steps are:

1. PRELIMINARY TREATMENT
The initial stage in the wastewater treatment process is preliminary treatment. The purpose of preliminary
treatment is to protect plant equipment by removing these materials that could cause clogs, or excessive
wear to plant machinery. Preliminary treatment include: wastewater collections (influent pumping,
screening, shredding, grit removal, flow measurement, preaeration, chemical addition, and flow
equalization).

1.1 Screening The purpose of screening is to remove large solids, such as rags, cans, rocks, branches,
leaves, roots, etc., from the flow using bar screens. A bar screen traps debris as wastewater influent
passes through. It consists of a series of parallel, evenly spaced bars or a perforated screen placed in a
channel.

1.2 Shredding As an alternative to screening, shredding can be used to reduce solids to a size that can
enter the plant without causing mechanical problems or clogging. Shredding processes are carried out
through comminutors.
1.3 Grit Removal The purpose of grit removal is to remove the heavy inorganic solids that could cause
excessive mechanical wear. Grit is heavier than inorganic solids and includes, sand, gravel, clay, metal
filings and other similar materials. It is based on the fact that grit is heavier than the organic solids. Grit
removal is done in grit chambers using gravity and velocity to separate the solids from the wastewater.

1.4 Neutralization Chemical addition is made to the wastestream to neutralize acids or bases, etc.
Chemicals typically used in wastewater treatment include chlorine, peroxide, acids and bases, miner
salts (ferric chloride, alum, etc.)

2. PRIMARY TREATMENT
The purpose of primary treatment (primary sedimentation or primary clarification) is to remove settleable
organic and flotable solids. Normally, it remove 90 to 95% settleable solids, 40 to 60% TSS, and 25 to 35%
BOD. Primary treatment removes large amount of suspended, and floatable materials. Primary settling
tanks/ clarifiers remove floated grease and scum, remove the settled sludge solids, and collect them to
disposal or further treatment. Settled sludge is pushed to a hopper in the middle of the tank bottom, and a
surface skimmer removes floating material.

Primary clarifiers

3. SECONDARY TREATMENT
It is also konown as biological treatment beacuase it use biological processes to convert organic wastes to
more stable solids that can either be removed by settling or discharged to the environment without causing
harm. The main purpose of secondary treatment is to provide BOD removal not achieved in primary
treatment. It takes advantage of the ability of microorganisms to convert organic wastes (via biological
treatment) into stabilized compounds.
Examples:
1. Trickling filter and
2. Activated sludge process

3.1 Trickling filters

A trickling filter consists of a bed of coarse media, usually rocks or plastic, covered with microorganisms.
The trickling filter process involves spraying wastewater over a solid media. As the wastewater trickles over
the surface of the media, a growth of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) develops. As the wastewater passes
over this slime, the slime adsorbs the organic (food) matter. This organic matter is used for food by the
microorganisms. At the same time, air moving through the open spaces keep the outer slime layer aerobic.
As the microorganisms use the food and oxygen, they produce more organisms, carbon dioxide, and other
stable by-products.
Organics + Organisms More Organisms + CO2 + Solid Wastes
 Trickling filters

5.2 Rotating Biological contactors (RBC)

In this the basic biological process is similar to that occurring in the trickling filter. An RBC consists of a
series of closely spaced, circular, plastic disks that are typically about 3.5 m in diameter and attached to a
rotating horizontal shaft. Approximately 40% of each disk is submersed in a tank containing the wastewater
to be treated. As the RBC rotates, the disk moves into and out of the wastewater. While submerged in the
wastewater, the microorganisms absorb organics; while they are rotated out of the wastewater, they are
supplied with needed oxygen for aerobic decomposition.

Rotating Biological contactors (RBC)

5.4 Activated Sludge Process

The activated sludge process is a treatment technique in which wastewater and reused biological sludge full
of living microorganisms are mixed and aerated. The microorganisms are mixed thoroughly with the
incoming organic material and air, the individual organisms cling together and thus settle in the secondary
clarifiers. Aeration can be supplied by injection through air diffusers in the bottom of tank. The mixture of
activated sludge and wastewater in the aeration tank is called the mixed liquor. The mixed liquor flows to a
secondary clarifier where the activated sludge is allowed to settle.

Disinfection
To prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and also to minimize public health problems, regulatory
agencies may require the destruction of pathogenic organisms in wastewaters. Besides chlorination,
increased use of ozone (ozonation) or ultraviolet light as a disinfectant is also being practiced wastewater
disinfection. Both ozone and ultraviolet light, as well as being an effective disinfecting agent, leave no toxic
residual.
 THE WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974

An Act to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution and the maintaining or restoring of
wholesomeness of water, for the establishment, with a view to carrying out the purposes aforesaid, of
Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution, for conferring on and assigning to such Board
powers and functions relating thereto and for matters connected therewith. Whereas it is expedient to
provide for the prevention and control of water pollution and the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness
of water, for the establishment, with a view to carrying out the purposes aforesaid, of Boards for the
prevention and control of water pollution and for conferring on and assigning to such Boards powers and
functions relating thereto.

Short title, application and commencement

1. This Act may be called the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

2. It applies in the first instance to the whole of the States of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal
Pradesh, Jammu and. Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura and West
Bengal and the Union Territories; and it shall apply to such other State which adopts this Act by
resolution passed in that behalf under clause (1) of the article 252 of the Constitution.

3. It shall come into force, at once in the States of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,
Jammu and Kashmir, Kamataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura and West Bengal and
in the Union Territories; and in any other State which adopted this Act under clause (1) of article 252
of the Constitution on the date of such adoption and any reference in this Act to the commencement
of this Act shall, in relation to any State or Union Territory, mean the date on which this Act comes
into force in such State of Union territory.

The Act clearly states and explain each and every term very precisely like board, central board, member,
outlet, pollution, prescribed, sewage effluent, sewer, state board, state government, trade effluent etc.

SOIL
Soil is the unconsolidated naturally occurring material at the earth’s surface. It is important to note that the
solid components of soil are mineral and/or organic in composition.
Soil Formation
 SOIL PROFILE HORIZONS

A soil profile is a physical and chemical description

of the layers (called horizons) that make up the soil,
from the surface to the depth where pedogenic (soil
forming) processes are no longer evident.

A typical profile of a mature soil in South Carolina

includes the following horizons:

1. O horizon (O stands for organic) is composed

of partly decomposed organic matter, includes
twigs, leaves etc. This horizon is often
missing in cultivated soils. The colour of this
layer is dark brown.

2. A horizon contains a mixture of organic and mineral components. This layer most closely resembles
the ideal soil; commonly referred to as topsoil. Leaching i.e. washing of soil by percolation of
ground water occur in this A layer and it moves calcium and other material down into B layer. Colur
is light brown.
3. E horizon (zone of elluviation) is stripped of much of its clay, Ca, Mg and Fe to lower region, and is
thus often lighter in color than the others. E layer constitutes zone of leaching.
4. B horizon is a zone of illuviation (accumulated substances—clays, silica, organic matter, iron and
aluminum compounds) that have been leached from overlying horizons.
5. C horizon is partially weathered parent material.

TYPES OF SOILS IN INDIA

The soils of India are broadly divided into following six types:
1. Alluvial Soils
Alluvial soil is the most important soil type of India. It covers the vast valley areas of the Sutlej, Ganga and
Brahmaputra. The soils vary from sandy loam to clay in texture and are rich in potash but deficient in
nitrogen and organic matter. Generally, the colour varies from grey to reddish brown.

2. Black Soils (Regur)

The black soils are found mainly on the Deccan lava region covering large parts of Maharashtra, some parts
of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and small parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The soils
are formed by disintegration of volcanic basaltic lava. The colour of the soil is generally black due to
presence of compounds of aluminium and iron.

3. Red Soils
Red soils cover large part of the Peninsular upland in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa.
They encircle the black cotton soil zone. They have developed on the crystalline rocks like granite. Iron
compounds are abundant making the soil reddish in colour but they are deficient in organic matter. The red
soils are generally less fertile.
4. Laterite Soils
The laterite soils are commonly found in area of high altitude and heavy rainfall in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa. Loss of nutrients by accelerated leaching is the most common feature
which renders the soil infertile.

5. Desert Soils
The desert soils occur in western Rajasthan, western Haryana and southern Punjab. The occurrence of these
soils is related to desert and semi-desertic conditions and is defined by the absence of water availability for
six months. The soil is sandy to gravelly with poor organic matter, low humus contents, infrequent rainfall,
low moisture and long drought season.

SOIL POLLUTION
Like water and air, soil is also equally important for living organisms. It supports plants on which all other
living organisms depend. The process of soil formation is so slow that the soil may be regarded as a non-
renewable source. Therefore, the study and control of soil pollution is important. Any substance that reduces
soil productivity is called soil pollutant.

Sources of Soil Pollution

There are several materials, which adversely affect physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil
and thus reduce its productivity. These are
1. Chemicals present in industrial waste.
2. Pesticides and insecticides that are sprayed on crops. .
3. Fertilizers and manures that are added to the soil to increase the crop yield.

Effect of Soil Pollutants

Chemicals and pesticides affect the structure and fertility of soil by killing the soil microorganisms.
Pesticides are absorbed by the plants and then transferred to other organism. Hence, they affected food
chains and food webs. Excretory products of livestock and human beings used as manure pollute the soil
besides giving high yield. The faulty sanitation and unhygienic practices of the people add to the soil
pollution. Pathogens present in the wastes and excreta contaminate the soil and vegetable crops causing
diseases in man and domesticated animals.

Control/Abatement of Soil Pollution

Various measure to control soil pollution are-
1. Transfer stations for bulk shifting of refuse should be constructed in cities and big towns.
2. Pneumatic pipes should be laid for collecting and disposing wastes.
3. Materials like paper, glass and plastics can be recycled.
4. Metals should be recovered from scrap and disposed materials.
5. Use of chemical fertilizers should be reduced by the use of bio fertilizers and manures.
6. Use of pesticides can be reduced by adopting biological control of pests.
7. Use of cattle dung and agricultural wastes in biogas plants should be encouraged.
8. Deforestation can check soil erosion to a great extent.