Work

Microbial Quality of Treated Wastewater and Borehole Water Used for Irrigation in a Semi-Arid Area

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: The current study investigated the distribution of microbial populations and diversity in treated wastewater used for irrigation at the University of Limpopo Experimental Farm (ULEF), from different stages of post treatment disposal at Mankweng Wastewater Treatment Plant (MWTP) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was arranged in a 4 × 5 factorial experiment, which studied the interactive effects of four collection points and five months of sampling, with borehole water used as a reference point. Water samples were analyzed for bacteria, helminths, and protozoa. All data were transformed and subjected to factorial analysis of variance. The site–time interactions were significant for Salmonella spp. and Ascaris lumbricoides, whereas collection point was significant for all variables. In conclusion, movement and storage of water post treatment at MWTP were able to improve the microbial quality of the treated wastewater disposed for irrigation at ULEF.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168861

Authors: Pholosho Mmmateko Kgopa, Phatu William Mashela, Alen Manyevere

Institutions: University of Limpopo, University of Fort Hare

Language: English

Topic: Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,484