DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY

SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

UNIT – 3 WATER AND SOIL POLLUTION

Let's explore the sources of water pollution and the types of water pollutants.

Sources of Water Pollution:

1. Industrial Discharges:
o Factories and industrial plants often release pollutants directly into
water bodies.
o Common pollutants include heavy metals, chemicals, and toxic
substances.
2. Agricultural Runoff:
o Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agriculture can wash
into rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
o Animal waste from livestock can also contaminate water sources.
3. Domestic Sewage:
o Wastewater from households, including sewage and gray water
(from sinks, showers, and washing machines).
o Can contain pathogens, nutrients, and organic matter.
4. Urban Runoff:
o Rainwater or melting snow that runs off streets, rooftops, and other
urban surfaces.
o Can carry oils, heavy metals, litter, and other contaminants.
5. Mining Activities:
o The extraction of minerals can result in the release of harmful
substances into water bodies.
o Acid mine drainage, heavy metals, and sediments are common
pollutants from mining operations.
6. Marine Dumping:
o Disposal of waste materials, including plastics, chemicals, and
sewage, into oceans and seas.
o Can harm marine life and disrupt ecosystems.
7. Oil Spills:
o Accidental releases of oil into oceans or waterways.
o Can have devastating effects on marine life and coastal
environments.
8. Thermal Pollution:
o Discharge of heated water from industrial processes into water
bodies.
o Can alter the temperature of water bodies, affecting aquatic life.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Types of Water Pollutants:

1. Pathogens:
o Disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and
protozoa.
o Sources include domestic sewage and animal waste.
2. Nutrients:
o Excessive nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers
and sewage.
o Can lead to eutrophication, causing algal blooms and depleting
oxygen in water bodies.
3. Organic Pollutants:
o Includes biodegradable substances like food waste and plant debris.
o Can cause oxygen depletion as they decompose.
4. Chemical Pollutants:
o Pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, and detergents.
o Can be toxic to aquatic life and humans.
5. Heavy Metals:
o Metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
o Can accumulate in the food chain and pose serious health risks.
6. Suspended Solids:
o Particles like silt, clay, and organic matter.
o Can reduce water clarity and harm aquatic habitats.
7. Plastics and Microplastics:
o Large pieces of plastic waste and tiny plastic particles.
o Harm marine life and ecosystems.
8. Radioactive Pollutants:
o Radioactive substances from nuclear power plants and medical
facilities.
o Pose long-term health risks to humans and wildlife.

Summary

Water pollution originates from various sources, including industrial discharges,

agricultural runoff, domestic sewage, urban runoff, mining activities, marine
dumping, oil spills, and thermal pollution. The types of water pollutants
encompass pathogens, nutrients, organic and chemical pollutants, heavy metals,
suspended solids, plastics, microplastics, and radioactive substances. Effective
management and regulation are crucial to mitigate these pollutants and protect
water quality for ecosystems and human health.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Let's explore the characteristics of water pollutants, including their definitions

and calculations.

1. Turbidity:

Definition: Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness or haziness of water caused

by the presence of suspended particles such as silt, clay, organic matter, and
microorganisms. It is an indicator of water quality.

Measurement:

 Units: Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) or Jackson Turbidity Units

(JTU).
 Method: Measured using a turbidimeter, which passes a light beam
through the water sample and measures the intensity of light scattered by
the suspended particles.

2. pH:

Definition: pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in water,

indicating its acidity or alkalinity.

Calculation:

 Formula: pH=−log⁡[H+]\text{pH} = -\log[\text{H}^+]

 Scale: Ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Values below 7 indicate
acidic water, and values above 7 indicate alkaline water.

3. Total Suspended Solids (TSS):

Definition: TSS refers to the total amount of solid particles that are suspended
in water. These particles can include silt, clay, organic matter, and
microorganisms.

Calculation:

 Units: Milligrams per liter (mg/L).

 Method: A water sample is filtered through a pre-weighed filter. The
filter is then dried and reweighed. The increase in weight represents the
amount of TSS in the sample.
 Formula:
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
TSS=Weight of dried residue (mg)Volume of water sample (L)\text{TSS} = \
frac{\text{Weight of dried residue (mg)}}{\text{Volume of water sample (L)}}

4. Total Solids (TS):

Definition: TS is the sum of all solids present in water, including both

suspended (TSS) and dissolved solids (TDS).

Calculation:

 Units: Milligrams per liter (mg/L).

 Method: A water sample is evaporated to dryness, and the residue is
weighed. The total solids include both suspended and dissolved
components.
 Formula:

TS=Weight of dried residue (mg)Volume of water sample (L)\text{TS} = \

frac{\text{Weight of dried residue (mg)}}{\text{Volume of water sample (L)}}

5. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD):

Definition: BOD is a measure of the amount of oxygen required by

microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water over a specified period,
typically 5 days at 20°C.

Calculation:

 Units: Milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of water (mg/L).

 Method: A water sample is incubated at 20°C for 5 days in the dark. The
dissolved oxygen (DO) levels are measured before and after incubation.
The difference in DO levels indicates the BOD.
 Formula:

\[ \text{BOD} = \text{DO}{\text{initial}} - \text{DO}{\text{final}} \]

6. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD):

Definition: COD measures the total amount of oxygen required to oxidize both
biodegradable and non-biodegradable organic matter in water.

Calculation:

 Units: Milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of water (mg/L).

 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
 Method: A water sample is treated with a strong oxidizing agent, such as
potassium dichromate, under acidic conditions. The amount of oxidant
consumed is proportional to the COD.
 Formula:

COD=(Volume of titrant×Normality of titrant×8000)Volume of sample (mL)\

text{COD} = \frac{(\text{Volume of titrant} \times \text{Normality of titrant} \
times 8000)}{\text{Volume of sample (mL)}}

Summary

These parameters—turbidity, pH, TSS, TS, BOD, and COD—are crucial for
assessing water quality. Turbidity measures the clarity of water, pH indicates its
acidity or alkalinity, TSS and TS quantify solid particles, BOD gauges the
oxygen demand by organic matter, and COD determines the total oxygen
demand for organic and inorganic matter oxidation.

Wastewater treatment is essential to remove contaminants from water before it

is released back into the environment. Here are two primary methods used in
wastewater treatment: sedimentation and froth flotation.

Sedimentation:

Sedimentation, also known as settling, is a process that removes suspended

solids from water by allowing them to settle naturally to the bottom of a
sedimentation tank under the influence of gravity.

How It Works:

1. Inflow: Wastewater enters the sedimentation tank.

2. Settling: Suspended particles, such as silt, clay, and organic matter, settle
at the bottom of the tank due to gravity.
3. Sludge Removal: The settled solids, known as sludge, are collected from
the bottom of the tank.
4. Effluent: The clearer water, known as effluent, flows out of the tank for
further treatment or discharge.

Benefits:

 Simple and cost-effective.

 Efficient in removing large and heavy particles.
 Reduces the load on subsequent treatment processes.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Limitations:

 Less effective for fine and colloidal particles.

 Requires regular removal and disposal of sludge.

Froth Flotation:

Froth flotation is a process used to separate and remove suspended particles

from wastewater by introducing air bubbles that cause the particles to rise to the
surface.

How It Works:

1. Inflow: Wastewater is introduced into the flotation tank.

2. Aeration: Air is injected into the tank, creating bubbles.
3. Attachment: Suspended particles attach to the air bubbles.
4. Flotation: The bubbles, along with the attached particles, rise to the
surface, forming a froth layer.
5. Skimming: The froth layer is skimmed off the surface, removing the
particles from the water.
6. Effluent: The clarified water is collected from the bottom of the tank.

Benefits:

 Effective for removing fine and colloidal particles.

 Can remove oils, greases, and certain organic pollutants.
 Produces a relatively dry sludge, reducing disposal costs.

Limitations:

 More complex and costly compared to sedimentation.

 Requires precise control of air flow and chemical dosing.

Summary

Sedimentation and froth flotation are two primary methods used in wastewater
treatment to remove suspended solids and contaminants. Sedimentation relies
on gravity to settle particles, while froth flotation uses air bubbles to lift
particles to the surface for removal. Both methods have their advantages and
limitations, and they are often used in combination with other treatment
processes to achieve optimal water quality.

Secondary Wastewater Treatment Methods

 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
1. Activated Sludge Treatment:

Activated sludge treatment is a biological process where microorganisms break

down organic matter in wastewater.

How It Works:

1. Aeration Tank: Wastewater is mixed with microorganisms (activated

sludge) and aerated to supply oxygen.
2. Biological Degradation: Microorganisms consume organic pollutants,
converting them into carbon dioxide, water, and more biomass.
3. Settling Tank: The mixture flows into a secondary clarifier where the
activated sludge settles. Some of this sludge is recycled back to the
aeration tank, while the rest is removed as waste.

Benefits:

 Highly effective at reducing organic pollutants.

 Flexible and adaptable to varying loads.

Limitations:

 Requires careful control of operating conditions.

 High energy consumption for aeration.

2. Trickling Filter:

Trickling filters use a bed of media (such as stones or plastic) over which
wastewater is distributed and microorganisms grow.

How It Works:

1. Distribution: Wastewater is sprayed or trickled over the media bed.

2. Biological Film: Microorganisms form a biofilm on the media surfaces
and degrade organic matter as the wastewater passes over them.
3. Effluent Collection: Treated water is collected at the bottom of the filter.

Benefits:

 Simple and robust design.

 Low operating and maintenance costs.

Limitations:
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
 Less effective at removing nutrients compared to activated sludge
systems.
 Potential for clogging if not properly maintained.

3. Bioreactor:

Bioreactors are enclosed vessels where biological treatment processes occur,

often combining elements of activated sludge and other treatments.

How It Works:

1. Reactor Vessel: Wastewater is treated within a controlled environment

where microorganisms break down organic pollutants.
2. Aeration and Mixing: Aeration and mixing are used to optimize
conditions for microbial activity.
3. Effluent Treatment: Treated water is collected, and excess biomass is
removed.

Benefits:

 High efficiency and control over treatment conditions.

 Can be designed for specific pollutant removal.

Limitations:

 Requires sophisticated equipment and monitoring.

 Higher initial investment and operational costs.

Tertiary Wastewater Treatment Method

Membrane Separation Technology:

Membrane separation technology is used as a tertiary treatment to further purify

wastewater by removing remaining contaminants.

Types of Membrane Processes:

1. Microfiltration (MF): Removes suspended solids and larger particles.

2. Ultrafiltration (UF): Removes smaller particles and some dissolved
molecules.
3. Nanofiltration (NF): Removes divalent ions and larger organic
molecules.
4. Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes most dissolved substances, including
salts and small organic molecules.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
How It Works:

1. Filtration: Wastewater is passed through a semi-permeable membrane

that selectively allows certain particles or molecules to pass while
retaining others.
2. Concentration: The retained particles or molecules are concentrated on
one side of the membrane, while purified water passes through to the
other side.

Benefits:

 Produces high-quality effluent suitable for reuse or discharge.

 Effective at removing a wide range of contaminants.

Limitations:

 Membrane fouling can reduce efficiency and increase maintenance costs.

 High energy consumption, especially for processes like reverse osmosis.

Summary

Secondary wastewater treatment methods such as activated sludge treatment,

trickling filters, and bioreactors are essential for reducing organic pollutants and
improving water quality. Tertiary treatment methods, like membrane separation
technology, further purify wastewater, making it suitable for reuse or safe
discharge into the environment. Each method has its benefits and limitations,
and the choice of treatment depends on the specific requirements and conditions
of the wastewater.

Causes of Soil Pollution:

1. Industrial Activities:
o Release of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants from
factories and industrial plants.
o Improper disposal of industrial waste.
2. Agricultural Practices:
o Overuse of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
o Runoff from fields carrying chemicals into the soil.
3. Waste Disposal:
o Dumping of household and commercial waste, including plastics,
electronics, and hazardous materials.
o Landfills and open dumping sites.
4. Mining Activities:
o Extraction processes that expose and disperse toxic substances.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
o Acid mine drainage contaminating soil and water.
5. Urbanization:
o Construction activities leading to soil compaction and erosion.
o Release of pollutants from vehicles and urban runoff.
6. Accidental Spills:
o Leakage of petroleum products, chemicals, and hazardous
substances.

Effects of Soil Pollution:

1. Health Risks:
o Exposure to contaminated soil can lead to respiratory problems,
skin diseases, and other health issues.
o Accumulation of heavy metals in food crops can cause serious
health problems when consumed.
2. Environmental Impact:
o Loss of soil fertility, affecting crop yields and agricultural
productivity.
o Disruption of soil ecosystems, harming beneficial microorganisms
and insects.
3. Water Contamination:
o Pollutants in soil can leach into groundwater, contaminating
drinking water sources.
o Runoff carrying soil pollutants can contaminate rivers, lakes, and
oceans.
4. Loss of Biodiversity:
o Soil pollution can lead to the death of plants and animals, reducing
biodiversity.
o Harmful effects on the food chain and ecosystems.

Preventive Measures for Soil Pollution:

1. Sustainable Agricultural Practices:

o Using organic fertilizers and pest control methods.
o Implementing crop rotation and conservation tillage to maintain
soil health.
2. Proper Waste Management:
o Recycling and reusing materials to reduce waste.
o Safe disposal of hazardous waste and e-waste.
3. Industrial Regulations:
o Enforcing strict regulations on industrial waste disposal.
o Monitoring and controlling emissions and discharges from
factories.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
4. Soil Remediation:
o Using techniques like phytoremediation, bioremediation, and soil
washing to clean contaminated soil.
o Regular monitoring of soil quality to detect and address pollution
early.
5. Public Awareness and Education:
o Raising awareness about the causes and effects of soil pollution.
o Encouraging community involvement in pollution prevention
efforts.
6. Legislation and Policy:
o Implementing and enforcing laws to control pollution and protect
soil health.
o Promoting sustainable land use and development practices.

Summary

Soil pollution is caused by industrial activities, agricultural practices, waste

disposal, mining, urbanization, and accidental spills. Its effects include health
risks, environmental degradation, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity.
Preventive measures involve sustainable agriculture, proper waste management,
industrial regulations, soil remediation, public awareness, and strong legislation.
By adopting these practices, we can mitigate soil pollution and protect our
environment for future generations.

Let's delve into the causes and impacts of soil pollution due to the excessive use
of fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides, irrigation practices, and electronic
waste (e-waste).

Excessive Use of Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Insecticides:

1. Fertilizers:
o Nutrient Imbalance: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers can
lead to an imbalance of nutrients in the soil, reducing soil fertility
over time.
o Leaching and Runoff: Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and
phosphorus, can leach into groundwater or run off into nearby
water bodies, causing water pollution and eutrophication.
2. Pesticides and Insecticides:
o Toxicity: Many pesticides and insecticides are toxic and can harm
non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, soil
microorganisms, and even humans.
o Persistence: Some chemicals have long persistence in the
environment, leading to the accumulation of harmful residues in
the soil.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
o Resistance: Overuse of these chemicals can lead to the
development of resistant pests and insects, requiring the use of
even more potent substances.

Irrigation:

1. Salinization:
o Salt Accumulation: Irrigation with poor-quality water or excessive
irrigation can cause the accumulation of salts in the soil, leading to
soil salinization, which reduces soil fertility and crop yields.
2. Waterlogging:
o Saturation of Soil: Over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging,
where the soil becomes saturated with water, reducing the
availability of oxygen to plant roots and harming plant growth.
3. Contaminant Spread:
o Chemicals and Pathogens: Irrigation water can carry
contaminants such as agricultural chemicals, pathogens, and heavy
metals, spreading them through the soil and potentially into
groundwater.

Electronic Waste (E-Waste):

1. Heavy Metals:
o Toxic Elements: E-waste contains heavy metals like lead,
mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which can leach into the soil and
contaminate it, posing risks to human health and the environment.
o Bioaccumulation: These heavy metals can accumulate in plants
and enter the food chain, leading to long-term health effects.
2. Hazardous Chemicals:
o Persistent Organic Pollutants: E-waste contains hazardous
chemicals such as brominated flame retardants, which are
persistent and can accumulate in the environment, causing soil and
water pollution.
o Acids and Solvents: Improper recycling and disposal of e-waste
often involve the use of acids and solvents, which can further
contaminate the soil.

Summary

Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides, irrigation practices, and

improper disposal of e-waste all contribute to soil pollution. These activities
introduce harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and salts into the soil, affecting soil
health, plant growth, and human health. To mitigate these impacts, it is crucial
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN UNIVERSITY
SAMAYAPURAM, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, improve waste management, and
ensure proper recycling and disposal of electronic waste.