IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SEWERAGE DRAINS ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY OF FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN. A PHYSIO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Waste water of the second biggest industrial and the third largest populated city Faisalabad was mostly discharged directly in small drains located within the city. This waste water was always not properly treated and directly approached the main drain flowing away from main city. So the impact of disorganized drainage system on groundwater was understandable. Water samples (n=40) were collected from five drains of city randomly and analyzed to check contamination level ofMg, Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Fe, Zn, Ca, and Cu. Physical parameters including temperature and Electrical Conductivity (Ec) and pH were recorded. The spatial patterns of study area were computed using inverse distance weighted(IDW) technique of visual interpretation. The results were compared with PEPA and WHO drinking water quality standards. Consequences indicated higher trends of pollution for some physiochemical parameters including Electrical Conductivity, Nickle, Magnesium, Lead, Iron, and Cadmium in groundwater of city area under study while Calcium level at some locations reached near alarming point. Values of remaining parameters were found within acceptable limits of given standards. The raising values of metals in drain and groundwater samples empowered the infiltration phenomena in selected area.