Effect of Soap Industry Effluents on Soil And Groundwater in Albageir Area

Abstract

This study investigates the effect on soil and groundwater produced by the effluent from soap industry discharged from Alsheikh Mustafa Alamin (SMA) factory, in Albageir industrial area, located 45 Km south of Khartoum. Soil samples were taken from the periphery of the effluent pond and from 25&50 cm depths from pits at different distances from the pond. The samples were analyzed for the following chemical and physical characteristics pH, EC,sodium, chloride ions and their grain size, in order to investigate any possible soil degradation. The results showed that there is an increase in soil salinity and sodicity resulting from the improper discharge of the liquid waste, and from lack of treatment before the discharge.Hence, there are definitive signs for soil degradation in the study area, which could reach a high magnitude in the long run. This situation could be rectified by adopting updated techniques for treatment and disposal of effluent, and by regular inspection, by the authorities in order to make sure that the regulations are not violated. Chemical and physical analyses of groundwater samples showed no signs of pollution. However, if the disposal practices are not revised, the possibility of pollution in the near future is likely to occur. A package of measurements is proposed in order to curb the impact of the industry on the environment.