Assessment of Hazardous Impacts of Open Dumping on Water Quality of Nullah Lai Stream Rawalpindi
Assessment of Hazardous Impacts of Open Dumping on Water Quality of Nullah Lai Stream Rawalpindi
Hina Imtiaz1*, Salma Khalid2, Kashaf Riaz1, Muhammad Arshad Ullah3 and Zubair Rehman4
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study is to assess the hazardous impact of open waste dumping on water quality and its subsequent effect on people living in the vicinity of Nullah Lai stream. Water samples were collected from different points of the stream and tested for basic parameters like color, odor and turbidity while EC, pH and TDS were checked on-site by portable water quality meter. The assessment of heavy metal concentrations i.e. Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Mercury (Mg) and Cadmium (Cd) were carried by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Significant concentrations of heavy metals were detected except Cu, Ni and Zn. Assessment regarding the types of waste generation, diseases among the residents and their opinions about the recycling and proper waste management were carried out through self-administered questionnaires. In order to observe coagulant effect according to Pakistan National Environmental Quality (Standards (Pak-NEQS), the collected samples were treated in the laboratory for identification and recommending suitable coagulant. Three different treatments were practiced i.e. Alum, Lime and Alum+ Lime. For alum, lime and alum + lime the settling time interval was 40, 35 and 20 minutes respectively. Results revealed that the combine treatment (Alum + Lime) effectively reclaimed Total Suspended Solid (TSS) up to 85%, along with 80% BOD, and 75% COD. Waste management is core issue that affects the health of people residing in surroundings of Nullah Lai stream. During the question survey it was observed that 70% respondent reported that they are facing spread of diseases is become major issue. Therefore, the issue needs a special focus in terms of planning and management to save human health and environment.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
