Quality Assessment of Ashugonj Power Plant Disposal Water for Irrigation Application

The study was conducted at Ashuganj-Polash agro-irrigation project (APAIP), Brahmanbaria, aim to determine the chemical properties of power plant disposal water and to assess its suitability for irrigation. Initial soil samples (before irrigating crop field) and final soil samples (after crop harvesting) were collected. During irrigation ten water samples (six from crop field and four from irrigation canals) were collected for analysis. All soil samples were analyzed in Humboldt soil testing laboratory and water samples in bio-chemistry laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University and compared to FAO irrigation standard. Results show that the sodium absorption -1ratio (SAR) (0.53 to 0.88), residual sodium bi-carbonate (0.8 to 1.3meq L), Kelly's ratio (0.31 to 0.6) and total hardness (85 to 150) found in normal range and largely suitable for irrigation. Soluble sodium percentage values found in satisfactory (20.26 to 41.1) level and magnesium absorption (57.1 to 76.4) found unsuitable for irrigation. Statistically similar value of pH, EC, total nitrogen, organic carbon, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in initial and final soil sample were observed. But potassium and sulfur value reduced in final soil sample from initial soil. The water samples fall within the permissible limit and found suitable for crop production.