Wastewater use in India: The impact of irrigation weirs on water quality and farmer health

J. H.J. Ensink, S. Brooker, S. Cairncross, C. A. Scott

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Water quality in the wastewater polluted Musi River, India was assessed in a 14 month survey, while the impact of exposure to polluted river water was assessed in an epidemiological study. The water quality survey found very high intestinal nematode and BOD concentrations in Musi water in the city of Hyderabad. Water quality improved dramatically downstream of the city as a result of irrigation weirs that were placed on the river and which promoted sedimentation. River water, at two of the selected sample points, was found to be unfit for use in agriculture based on WHO guidelines. Hookworm infection was found to be the main health risk associated with the use of polluted Musi water and a significantly increased risk of infection was found in farmers using untreated wastewater. In the absence of wastewater treatment facilities, regular anthelmintic treatment programs are recommended to protect farmer health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSustainable Development of Water Resources, Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 32nd WEDC International Conference
Pages15-18
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2007
Event2006 32nd WEDC International Conference: Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: Nov 1 2006Nov 1 2006

Publication series

NameSustainable Development of Water Resources, Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation: Proceedings of the 32nd WEDC International Conference

Other

Other2006 32nd WEDC International Conference: Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation
Country/TerritorySri Lanka
CityColombo
Period11/1/0611/1/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Water Science and Technology

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