Utilization of Petrochemical Industry Waste Water for Agriculture

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of petrochemical industry waste water on certain physico-chemical properties of soil and on growth, yield and quality of corn (Zea mays L.) and mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss). The pH of the waste water was near about neutral but it contained a higher amount of nitrogen, potassium, phosphate, sodium, chloride, calcium, carbonates, bicarbonates and suspended and dissolved solids when compared with fresh water. Soil receiving the waste water showed no significant changes in water soluble salts, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, pH, total organic carbon etc. Moreover, waste water irrigation resulted in increased growth and yield of both the crops. Thus, it may be concluded that the petrochemical industry waste water may be used profitably for the cultivation of corn and mustard.