ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL QUALITY OF WASTEWATER AND ITS REUSE FOR IRRIGATION: CASE OF ASSELA MALT FACTORY, EAST ARSI, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was conducted at Assela Malt Factory to assess the physical quality of wastewater. The sample of wastewater was collected from Assela malt factory (steeping box, germination box and treatment tank). The objective of this study was to assess the physical quality of wastewater and its reusability for irrigation purpose. The studied physical wastewater quality parameters were total dissolved solids (TDS), total Suspended Solids (TSS), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total solids (TS), temperature and turbidity. The study show that the mean values of TDS, TSS, TS, pH, EC and Turbidity ranged from 166.67 to 2133.33mg/l, 1700 to 3933.33mg/l, 441.67 to 2025mg/l, 5.37 to 6.16, 0.1764 to 1.814dS/m and 2.27 to 347.30NTU, respectively. From the result of physical parameters studied the quality of wastewater released from treatment tank, steeping box and germination box were not suitable for irrigation when compared with guidelines due to the value of total suspended solids, total solids and turbidity in the case germination box; total suspended solids, total solids, pH and turbidity value in the case of steeping box and total suspended solids, total solids and pH value in the case of treatment tank. So, it is suggested that further treatment of the wastewater is required to identify its quality and suitability to reuse it for irrigation.