Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Arsenic Contamination and Ionic Toxicity for Suitability Assessment of Ground Water and Surface Water for Irrigated Agriculture in Comilla Region

Prodip K. Roy
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh

B. Roy
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh

Bikash C. Sarker
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh

M.N. Uddin
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh

Sona R. Roy
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

An investigation was carried out using 25 water samples of Comilla district in Bangladesh to examine the quality of both ground water (shallow tube well, hand tube well) and surface water (pond, river) in relation to toxicity and suitability for irrigation. All waters were alkaline in nature as their pH values were above 7.0 ranging from 7.01 to 7.81. Na, Cl, Ca, Mg, and HCO₃ dominance were found in the study area, and the average values were 3.94, 5.21, 4.35, and 5.48meL-1, respectively. All hand tube wells and other sources of waters exceeded the standard limit in respect to Na, Cl, Ca, Mg, and HCO₃. The other ions (K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, SO₄ and NO₃ ions) were acceptable range. Seventy six percent water samples were got sever contamination by As. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and soluble sodium percentage (SSP) were used to classify the waters determining suitability prediction. Almost all waters were considered suitable for irrigation purpose. Correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant interrelationship within the pH, EC, TDS, SAR, and SSP. From this investigation, it is inferred that ionic toxicity especially As toxicity of waters should be taken into account for irrigated agriculture with due care.

Keywords: Ionic toxicity, Arsenic contamination, Irrigated agriculture

Location: Comilla district

Start Date: 01-04-2007

End Date: 30-04-2007

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Water quality

Objectives:

1. To investigatevthe chemical properties of ground water and surface water and assesses the ionic toxicity and suitability for irrigation and soil properties.

Methodology:

For this study, 25 water samples were collected from different locations at Homna thana of Comilla district. Water samples were from various sources, viz., shallow tube well, hand tube well, river and pond; and were collected in April, 2007, to cover most of the study area following the instructions. After collection, the samples were immediately brought to the laboratory of Agricultural Chemistry, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology for chemical analysis. The pH and EC of sampled waters were determined electrically by using pH meter (Hanna instrument-211) and Conductivity bridge (Hanna instrument-H18033), respectively. The values of total dissolved solid (TDS) of waters were estimated by evaporating a measured aliquot of filtered samples. Sodium (Na) and K were estimated by frame-photometer. Calcium (Ca) and Mg were determined by complexometric titration method using Na₂EDTA as titrant. The other cations like Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, and anions like Cl, NO₃-N, SO₄-S, HCO₃, and CO₃ were determined as per standard procedure. Qualitative test was done to detect the presence or absence of Arsenic (As). Irrigated water quality parameters viz. SAR, SSP, and HT were used to classify the suitability of waters, along with pH, EC, and TDS. The values of SAR, SSP, and HT were calculated. Correlation coefficient analysis was done for all possible combinations within the quality parameter.

Source of Information: J. Agrofor. Environ. 4 (2): 57-62, 2010; ISSN 1995-6983

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It appeared that some water samples contained undesirable level of EC, TDS, and SSP whereas the SAR and B contents were within safety limit. The quality of such waters exerted a significant impact on the crop production and the soil properties. In the study area, the suitable and moderately suitable waters could be used for irrigation purpose without any detrimental effects. However, permissible water may be harmful for irrigated crops and soil properties. Higher EC value reveals the presence of an adequate high salt concentration results the development of soil salinity. After prolonged irrigation with permissible waters, crop production may be hampered. In the study area, only 24% waters As free and 24% contained low level which were safe and might be used for irrigation purpose without ant harmful effects. Whereas, 52% waters contained undesirable quantity of As which posses toxicity for soil environment and crops. Now a day, Scientists (Dr Lena Ma and colleagues, of the University of Florida, US,) have discovered a fern, Brake fern, is native to Africa, Asia and Australia, that thrives on arsenic. They suggest the plant (Pteris vittata) could be used to clean up land and water that has been contaminated with the toxic element or its compounds. Dr. Ma suggests the water in Bangladesh could flow through reservoirs planted with brake fern to filter out the arsenic. Further studies should be carried out to establishment Dr. Ms’s plant to filter out arsenic for getting As free pure water.

Knowledge Management: Journal