Study the Possibility of Using the Treated Industrial Wastewater of North Refineries Company, Baiji-Iraq, for Irrigation Purposes

Abstract

In arid and semi-arid regions like the Middle East, where water scarcity is a significant concern, utilizing treated industrial effluent for irrigation purposes is a common practice. The present study aims to assess the quality and suitability of effluent wastewater from the North Refineries Company (NRC) in Baiji, Iraq, for agricultural use using the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) technique. Bimonthly samples were collected from the treated effluent of NRC between November 2011 and mid-February 2012. These samples underwent testing to calculate an average of 17 physical and chemical parameters, including electrical conductivity (EC), pH, sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, aluminum, arsenic, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc. Selecting these parameters is to comprehensively assess water quality and address environmental and health concerns. A salinity hazard was determined by the water’s electric conductivity (EC), which ranged between 600 and 850 mg/L and is highly suitable for irrigation. An adsorption ratio for sodium was calculated, which ranged from 0.0034-0.12. CL-, HCO3-, and NO3- all had high ratings and suitability except for NO3-, which varied from medium-high in suitability for irrigation at (40-47.5) mg/L, 30–62 mg/Las CaCO3, and 0.2–7.2 mg/L, respectively. In this case, the concentrations of Mn and Cu ions were (0.79-0.04 mg/L and 5.6-0.4 mg/L), respectively, which made the water (moderate in suitability) for irrigation. The values of IWQIs ranged between 39.5 and 40.75, and their classifications fell within the first class (High). As a result, the treated wastewater (NRC) can be used for irrigation. However, it is recommended to implement measures such as establishing a proper drainage system to prevent the accumulation of heavy metals or salinity in the soil.

Keywords

• Heavy metals
• Industrial effluent
• Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI)
• North Refinery Company (NRC)-Iraq
• Salinity