Research Article Open Access

Impact Of Industrial Effluents On Soil Physico-Chemical Characteristics A Case Study Of Ttp Industry In Thiruvananthapuram, South India

Abstract

 The present study was conducted to assess the soil physico-chemical characteristics and effect of industrial pollution on soil quality in the surroundings of the industry, Travancore Titanium Products Ltd (TTP), Thiruvananthapuram, in Kerala State, South India. The soil samples were collected from seven stations in the surroundings of TTP during the months of March-April (pre- monsoon season) of the year 2013 and analyzed to find out the soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study showed that the soil pH was acidic to slightly acidic in the surroundings of the industry. The organic matter and nutrient content in majority of the soil samples from the study area recorded low values and therefore soils in the surroundings of TTP industry are of low fertility. The soil heavy metal analysis showed that the concentration of Cd, Pb and Cr were high in the station near the effluent discharge site compared to that in the other stations of the study area. The Soil Quality Index (SQI) values calculated based on the selected soil parameters also revealed that the quality of soil in the surroundings of TTP industry is deteriorated. Recommendations to prevent further degradation of soil in the study area are also mentioned.

 Meethu Mohan And D.S. Jaya