Assessment of the Suitability of Wastewater from a Soap Factory in Cape Coast-Ghana for Crop Production

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the suitability of wastewater from a Soap Manufacturing Industry for crop production. The study showed that seven (7) out of twenty (22) effluent properties were within acceptable limits. These are nitrate-nitrogen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chlorine, iron, copper and zinc. Nine (9) effluent properties exceeded quality guidelines. These include pH, temperature, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, oil and grease, total suspended solids, phosphorus and ammonium nitrogen. Effluent potential was relatively high for improving soil CEC. On the basis of   nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus concentrations which were adequate and the low micro nutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn) concentrations, the effluent has the potential for use as irrigation water. Effluent ESP and EC however may pose the challenge of soil sodicity and salinity which could erode the economic benefits of any gain a farmer may make from applying this effluent to farmland. There is therefore the need to fashion out an effluent treatment system which could adequately reduce effluent ESP and EC.