Attenuation of constituents from paper-pulp mill wastewater ponded on clay soil under natural environmental conditions

Abstract

The general purpose of this research was to determine the effects of paper-pulp mill wastewater disposal on the quality of the soil, . vegetation, groundwater, and environment in north central Arizona. Analytical laboratory procedures were used to determine the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, vegetation, and water samples. Analysis of Variance was computed on soil, water, and plant analytical data to determine the significance of; downward distribution of wastewater constituents in clay soils under natural environment and ponded conditions; the heavy metal contents of natural and ponded vegetation in the area; and any changes in the environments surrounding and water sources due to disposals for the past 23 years. There was very slight movement of paper-pulp mill wastewater constituents into the clay soil below the disposal basin. Vegetation was not altered by irrigation with SWFI paper-pulp mill wastewater, either with respect to heavy, trace, or common ions or growth responses.