Suitability of urban river water for irrigation: the case of the Houet river in Burkina Faso

• DOI: 10.15406/ijh.2022.06.00332
• Publication Date: 2023-01-12T07:31:10Z
• Authors: Dende Lushima Zac...; Sauret Élie Serge...; Compaore Hillary ...; Kinglo August M. ...; Yabre Sadraki; Sandwidi W Jean P...; Karoui Hela
• Keywords: Sodium adsorption ratio

This study focused on the suitability of using an urban river for irrigation vegetable crops. The relevant is Houet located in city Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) receives wastewater released by a treatment and purification unit (WWTP). To do this, diagnosis functioning WWTP assessment quality effluents were indeed carried out. treats from industries, households percolating water city's sewage sludge. Water has poor physico-chemical high microbiological pollution. was out taking 8 samples sections at upstream downstream parts junction. (pH, EC, STD, Ca2+ , Mg2+ K+ Na+ Cl-, HCO3- PO43- NO2- NO3- NH4+ ), (total coliform, fecal Escherichia coli Streptococci), trace metallic elements (Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu, Al, Fe Mn) indices such as sodium adsorption rate (SAR), percentage soluble (%Na), permeability index (PI), magnesium ratio (RAM) Kelly (RK) analyzed results compared with WHO, FAO USSL guidelines water. show that parameters are line WHO standards irrigation. However, reported to have medium salinity slight moderate degree restriction EC STD. concentrations ammonium (NH4+), manganese (Mn) nickel (Ni) river’s values above standard reference suggests (i) overuse nitrogenous fertilizers, (ii) industrial anthropogenic discharges directly into river, (iii) incomplete process WWTP. presence Total Coliforms, Fecal Streptococci levels around 104 109 CFU/100ml, (2000 CFU/100ml), indicate probably contaminated viruses, parasites other pathogenic bacteria origin. excellent range according Wilcox diagram C2 S1 good Riverside diagram. SAR, %Na, PI, RAM RK showed infiltration problem issue irrigated soils low before its junction after Overall, this suitable irrigation, but bacteria, require regional agricultural authorities pay particular attention human activities vicinity improve efficiency more strictly control fertilizers’ uses market gardeners. will make it possible preserve river’ 175 hectares gardens products (lettuce, parsley, pepper, mint…) commercial outland feed population estimated one million people.