LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION WITH PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY WASTE-WATER

Split plot designed field trials were conducted during 1988-1995 to st udy the long term effects of petrochemical industry wastewater on six crops and agricultural soils. It was observed that wastewater irrigati on resulted in increased seed yield of all the crops selected, viz. wh eat, triticale, chickpea, lentil and pigeonpea, except summer moong wh ich showed a decrease in seed yield. Soil receiving the wastewater sho wed no significant changes in pH, total organic carbon, electrical con ductivity, cation exchange capacity, micro- and macro-nutrients and SA R. Thus, it may be concluded that treated refinery wastewater met the irrigational quality requirements as its physico-chemical characterist ics were within the permissible limits. The same could be said for the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil as well as in the grains mak ing the latter safe for human consumption.