ISSN-1996-918X

Pak. J. Anal. Environ. Chem. Vol. 12, No. 1 & 2 (2011) 88-94

Physicochemical Properties, Contamination and Suitability

of Canal Water for Irrigation, Lahore Branch Pakistan
Tayyaba Aftab1, Tahira Shafiq2, Bushra Khan*3
and Muhammad Nawaz Chaudhry4
1,2
Centre for Environmental Protection Studies,Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Lahore, Pakistan.
3,4
College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Received 02 February 2011, Revised 09 March 2011, Accepted 02 November 2011
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Abstract
The pollution status of Lahore branch canal was determined by physical, chemical and metal
constituents because the water is used for irrigation of lands in and around the city. The average
result of each physical, chemical and metal parameter at 12 different sites (Location-1 to Location-
12) of Lahore branch canal was compared with Food and Agricultural organization (FAO). All
physical and chemical parameters were within standards limit while metals concentrations were
found in variable quantities in canal water samples. cadmium, copper and chromium concentration
was found much higher than the permissible FAO standards.

Keywords: Water; Contamination; Physico chemical parameters and Lahore branch canal.
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Introduction

Pakistans economy is largely depended on evaluate irrigation water guidelines [2]. In 1978, a
irrigation because of its arid and semi arid climate. study was conducted on the lined Bhambhanwala
The irrigation system is of the largest in world, Ravi Badian Depalpur (BRBD) link canal. The
consists of major reservoirs, barrages, main canals causes of deterioration of water quality and
and water forces over about millions of hectors of remedial measures were discussed in detail [3].
land. The available water does not need the The sediment increase in the canal due to heavy
irrigation requirement, to augment in adequate burden of population growth in turn increases the
supplies of good quality water; poor quality leaching effect to the ground water [4]. The
ground/drainage water is used [1]. Irrigation water impacts of pollution activities become widespread
is consumed by livestock and thus affects its and they affect the public health, the economy and
health. There is possibility of uptake of the environment [5]. The pollution load in Phulali
contaminants for irrigation water by crops thus canal, which passes through the Hyderabad city,
affecting human health. Many studies have been was high [6]. Sewage and industrial effluents are
conducted on the quality of canal water used for continuously flowing into the canal water, which is
irrigation. Extensive work has been done in used for agriculture purposes. The results of the
Pakistan regarding the evaluation of irrigation canal water quality were compared with FAO,
water quality. In this regard, work by irrigation WAPDA and PCRWR and National
department Punjab, Water and Power Development Environmental Quality Standards NEQS.
Authority (WAPDA), Pakistan Council of
Research on Water Resources (PCRWR) is The hazardous effect of metals on
notable. At the International level of FAO, United environment had seen in Faisalabad city, Pakistan.
Nation Guidelines has been extensively used to The chemical composition of soil and vegetation,
*Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]
 Pak. J. Anal. Environ. Chem. Vol. 12, No. 1 & 2 (2011) 89
when irrigated with sewer mix canal water was total of 45 inlets were counted in 50-km stretch
loaded with potassium, phosphorous, iron, copper, during survey and collection of the samples.
zinc, manganese, nickel and lead [7]. The Untreated wastewater reduces the suitability of
evaluation of irrigation water for heavy metals canal water for irrigation, livestock consumption
contamination was studied in Akbarpura District and aesthetics use.
Noshera. Comparative study on irrigation canal
and Bara river water on heavy metals contents The Lahore branch canal receives
revealed that irrigation canal was less polluted as domestic, industrial wastewater through
compared to Bara river water [8]. The heavy overflowing gutters and wastewater drain. Large
metals contents were accumulated and distributed variation in physicochemical characteristics was
in agricultural soil when irrigated by canal water observed at different sampling site from L-1 to
mix with sewer and industrial wastewater [9]. The L-12.
present study was aimed at collection and
physicochemical analysis of water samples from Sampling technique
Lahore branch canal, so as to determine the extent
of pollution, the impact of activities by residents of At all sampling sites, the water depth was
surrounding areas that is a continuous threat to between 3-4 meters. Three samples were collected
canal water resources its ecosystem and suitability each month at each site for one year according to
for required use. standard procedures. Flow proportionate samples
were collected and pooled to obtain one composite
Experimental sample at that site. (Table 1) shows the detail of all
Study area twelve sampling sites. Large non-homogenous
matter as leaves, rags, twigs and other floating
Lahore branch canal is a beautiful material in the sample was avoided. A plastic cup
waterway passing through the second larger city of with long handle was use to collect the samples in
Pakistan, Lahore. The Lahore branch Niaz Baig labeled polyethylene 1 liter screw cap container
distributory serves the districts of Lahore and which were cleaned sequentially with detergent,
Kasur with 4,00,000 acres of fertile agriculture tap water and many distilled water rinses [10].
land with population of about 2.0 million Each container was filled to the brim with the
inhabitants. All the area is being irrigated by sample water to avoid any space. Each collected
gravity flow. The ground water of the area is partly sample was recorded and identified with a unique
sweet and saline with water table at 55 feet. The sample number, date, collection hours, exact
water in the canal is used publicly for swimming, location and description of surroundings. It was
washing, boating, fishing, drinking, recreational brought to the laboratory within two hours of
activities and irrigation. With the passage of time, collection and processed accordingly for the
regular, un- checked and discriminate disposal of analysis of different parameters [11]. All the
domestic, municipal sewage, industrial and chemicals used were of analytical grade and
agriculture wastes accumulated organic and double distill water was used in the study.
inorganic pollutants, heat (weather conditions)
solid and semi solid refuses (human, animal Physical parameters
excretes, fruit and vegetable wastes, plastic
material, wood and glass) into the canal has Irrigation water is the class of water
become very common. Many small and medium applies to surface water that is primarily used for
size workshops and industries located in the areas irrigation and live stock watering and industrial
of Jallo village, Mughalpura, Harbanspura, cooling waters. Irrigation water quality parameters
Baghbanpura, Dharampura, Fateh Garh, Taj pura, are commonly selected considering their
Lalpul, Muslim Town, Mehdi Pur are continuously importance on crop production, Live stock health
throwing domestic wastewater from human and human health. The physical parameters of pH,
settlement, sewer/ laundry effluent, agricultural total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids
waste and wastewater from unauthorized factories TSS, conductivity, temperature, turbidity,
into the canal without any check and balance. A
90 Pak. J. Anal. Environ. Chem. Vol. 12, No. 1 & 2 (2011)

settleable solids and dissolved oxygen DO were (COD) biochemical oxygen demand (BOD),
determined by standard methods [12]. nitrate, nitrite and metal contents, i-e., zinc,
chromium, cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel
Chemical / Inorganic parameters and iron were determined by atomic absorption
spectrophotometer (Varian) according to standard
Inorganic constituents of chloride, methods [12].
sulphate, hardness, chemical oxygen demand

Table 1. Sampling Station Sampling Site Associated Activities.

L-1 BRB and LBC upstream before bridge, near Construction activity in BRB canal, Village side.
canal gate No more population
No polythene bags, no waste, lot of sand

L-2 After bridge 4 kilometer downstream Construction of canal (agriculture activity).

Sandy soil, few polythene bags and wrappers.
Few houses on both side

L-3 Harbanspura A / B before and after bridge Residential area, sewer /wastewater disposal pipe, sludge

L-4 Lal Pul Heavily populated area, industrial waste.

A lot of paper, polythene and fruit vegetable waste

L-5 Dharampura Residential area domestic and solid waste.

Dead animals.

L-6 Shahjamal Residential area, domestic waste

L-7 Punjab University Residential area, vegetable farming, sewer outlet.

L-8 Doctors Hospital Residential / commercial area

L-9 Thokar Niaz Baig Commercial / residential, domestic/ industrial waste

L-10 PRCHS Industrial area (Dressor Masco, Energy Services, Shahkam industries etc)
wastewater /effluent.

L-11 Mehdipur ABLE Pipes Pvt. Ltd, industrial waste

L-12 Green Fort Agriculture activities vegetable farming

Results and Discussion of conductivity remains low, throughout the year.

Physical parameters The pH range in canal water was 7.45 to7.76
indicating weakly alkaline and neutral. Change in
All water samples were turbid (Table 2) DO and pH can be seen in (Fig. 1). The pH is
with earthy smell because surface water is open, specified for aquatic life protection with the
always exposed to air, wind, soil and many other control of undesirable chemical reactions such as
surrounding environmental conditions. The dissolution of metal ions in acidic or basic waters.
maximum turbidity was 582 FTU in sample, L-2. Many substances increase in toxicity with changes
Some construction activity was going on at the in pH, e.g. the ammonium ion is shifted to the
site. The lower value of turbidity was 375 FTU in much more poisonous form of un- ionized
sample, L-7. High value of turbidity and suspended ammonia as the pH of water rises above neutrality
solids leads to the development of sludge deposits [13]. DO in stream water is an indicator for control
at the bottom. Favorable anaerobic conditions exist of pollution because its value helps to maintain the
when industrial or domestic wastewater is desirable conditions for normal growth and
discharged into an aquatic environment. reproduction of aquatic organisms. Fish in surface
Temperature fluctuates in the range of 20.1-33.5 water requires minimum oxygen content of 5.0
C. An increase by 13.4 C was observed over the mg/L although it does not exists in Lahore branch
time period of one year. Electric conductivity is the canal these days. Normally the saturation level of
concentration of soluble solids in water. The value oxygen in natural streams / rivers are temperature
 Pak. J. Anal. Environ. Chem. Vol. 12, No. 1 & 2 (2011) 91
dependent and the expected values at temperature The amount of TDS and TSS at various
26.0, 27.0 and 28.0 C are 7.99, 7.86 and 7.75 sampling sites are given in (Table 2). Upper and
mg/L oxygen respectively [14]. In all samples, the lower value of TDS was 150 mg/L and 278 mg/L.
dissolved oxygen level was quite satisfactory, The concentration of TDS is considerably low
minimum value was 6.0 mg/L in sample, L- 11 and while suspended solids were high 584 mg/L in
maximum 7.1 mg/L in sample, L-1, L-5 and L-7. sample L- 12 and lower 380 mg/L in sample- 7.
The low level of DO indicates the widespread The value increases gradually as the canal passes
sewage pollution (Fig. 1). through the city indicated that the effluent from
residential / small, local, industrial areas contain
insoluble form rather in dissolved form.
Approximately 75% of the municipal suspended
solids are organic in nature and nearly half are
settleable solids [15]. The Environment protection
criterion (EPA) states that solids should not reduce
the depth of compensation point (penetration of
sunlight) for photosynthetic activity by more than
10 % from the seasonally established norm for
aquatic life [16].
Figure-1. Shows the trend of DO of canal water sample.

Table-2. Pollution profile in Lahore Branch canal- The Physical parameters

Lahore Branch Parameters

Canal Turbidity TSS TDS Settable solids Dissolved Oxygen PH
Sampling Sites (FTU) mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L
NEQS (mg/ L) - 150 3500 - - 6.5-8.5
L-1 3871.83 388 1.51 165.01.28 54.0 1.22 7.1 1.46 7.761.08
L-2 5821.39 541 2.30 180.01.26 61 1.48 7.0 1.2 7.741.07
L-3 4181.0 423 1.5 278.02.75 75.0 1.71 6.92 1.09 7.691.11
L-4 3841.6 420 1.25 255.01.56 59.0 2.43 7.01.27 7.451.14
L-5 5131.14 510 1.17 190.01.85 63.0 2.11 7.1 1.36 7.531.41
L-6 4931.07 493 1.52 172.02.82 58.0 2.41 6.9 1.41 7.631.13
L-7 3751.34 380 2.44 168.01.61 52.0 2.35 7.1 1.15 7.541.36
L-8 5061.09 500 1.23 165.0.1.76 59.0 2.23 6.8 1.46 7.591.11
L-9 4151.22 418 2.7 174.02.32 49.0 2.22 7.0 1.17 7.661.36
L-10 4451.70 437 2.41 150.01.71 58.0 1.71 6.7 1.09 7.611.8
L-11 5201.83 511 1.16 168.01.16 54.0 1.9 6.0 1.21 7.671.07
L-12 5391.94 5842..46 164.01.61 63.0 1.84 6.15 1.23 7.621.32

Inorganic parameters It is non-absorbable and was very small in all

water samples in the range of 16.6-29.5 mg/L.
Low cations and anions in canal water are
due to continuous flow and water dilution. In table- Nitrite and nitrate varies from 1-2.1 mg/L
3, chloride content in sample, L-3 was 18.9 mg/L. in samples, L-3 and L-8 respectively. Anaerobic
Total hardness is an index of the geological rotting and microbial decay of plants, animals are
structure of the area from where the surface and responsible for nitrogen content in water. Nitrites
ground water comes. Water hardness was found to and nitrates concentration was lower than the
be same in both samples, L-9 and L-11 contains expected FAO level. Nitrate was in the range of
73.0 mg/L. The sulphate concentration accounts 4.5 to 13.9 mg/L. Ammonia concentration at
for the major part of non-carbonate hardness [17]. different sampling sites in canal was 1.0-4.86 mg/L
in sample L-1 and L-11 under FAO limits.
92 Pak. J. Anal. Environ. Chem. Vol. 12, No. 1 & 2 (2011)

Ammonia is produced by the hydrolysis of urea, range was 16.5 to 42.5 mg/L. The variation of
biological degradation of organic compounds, use BOD at all sampling sites was between 10.3-18.8
of nitrate in agriculture and chemical effluent mg/L indicating the presence of some organic
being discharged by the industries. Variation of pollution. The environmentally acceptable level of
COD at all twelve sites is shown in (Table 3). Its BOD5 prevails in canal i.e. < 50 mg/L.

Table 3. Pollution profile in Lahore Branch Canal-Inorganic constituents.

Lahore Branch Parameters ( mg/L)

Canal sampling
Sites COD BOD5 Sulphate Nitrate Nitrite NH3 N Hardness Chloride

NEQS (mg/L) 150 80 600 - - 40 - 1000

L-1 26.61.93 14.291.4 20.21.12 6.41.60 1.1 1.16 1.0 1.16 60.0 1.46 10.01.14

L-2 30.21.56 16.21.16 22.01.51 8.51.50 1.31.11 1.01 .08 68.0 1.2 10.21.18

L-3 42.51.59 18.81.12 18.81.7 10.01.60 1.0 .13 4.151.05 62.0 1.09 18.91.15

L-4 41.91.36 18.51.17 29.51.19 4.51.7 1.5 .15 3.03 .66 62.01.27 9.801.14

L-5 29.21.50 14.81.26 19.21.11 11.61.08 1.91.11 3.16 .34 70.0 1.36 11.71.41

L-6 22.21.26 10.31.44 23.91.13 13.91.23 1.71.33 3.521.43 72.0 1.41 10.01.88

L-7 17.01.17 10.61.35 21.81.53 5.81.88 2.01.34 3.221.12 74.0 1.15 10.21.36

L-8 16.51.37 11.01.17 16.61.14 9.91.24 2.1 1.12 3.411.40 72.0 1.46 9.91.70

L-9 20.01.58 12.61.08 23.01.26 8.81.46 1.81.42 3.501.13 73.0 1.17 14.71.36

L-10 28.51.97 13.71.45 17.51.35 7.2 1.08 1.6 1.15 4.191.19 65.01.09 11.01.8

L-11 34.21.12 18.51.20 22.01.19 7.8 1.40 1.2 1.21 4.861.20 73.0 1.21 12.21.57

L-12 34.01.16 18.31.07 26.21.12 8.1 1.50 1.5 1.12 4.821.22 70.0 1.23 10 .51.32

Metal contents concentration was less than recommended FAO

value. Zinc is an essential trace metal for plant
Excess quantities of major dissolved ions growth. Zinc was present in all samples. For zinc,
are responsible for salinization of the soil. Sodium no health based guideline value has been proposed
is particularly dangerous when used to irrigate but at lower pH, zinc seems to become mobile in
heavy clay soils since it reduces the stability of the sandy aquifer. The presence of copper in canal
soil particles and causes physical degradation, water was due to percolation of some industrial
which is known as sodicity. Calcium and wastewater. In all canal water samples, copper was
magnesium counteract sodicity in case of water use high in concentration than the recommended FAO
for irrigation [18]. In (Table 4), Sodium and level. Maximum was 10 mg/L in sample L-12 and
potassium concentration were very small in all low in samples L-9, 3.47 mg/L.
canal water samples. The maximum sodium was
29.0 mg/L in sample L- 3. Potassium was found to Iron content of surface water depends upon
be very low in the range of 1.0-3.0 mg/L. Nickel the oxidation level of the ions and the pH of water.
was absent in sample L-1, L-5 and L-12. In sample In aerobic media iron occurs almost exclusively in
L-3, nickel construction was 0.05 mg/L. At the form of insoluble Fe+3. Surface water usually
sampling sites L-8, L-9 and L-10 few industries contains 0.001-10 mg iron per liter. All the
were located so the presence of nickel was samples were low in iron concentration between
conformed as shown in Table-4 but its 0.05-1.0 mg/L. Chromium concentration in Lahore
 Pak. J. Anal. Environ. Chem. Vol. 12, No. 1 & 2 (2011) 93
Table 4. Pollution profile in Lahore branch canal- metal constituents.

Lahore Parameters( mg/L)

Branch Canal
Sampling Zn Cr Cd Cu Na K Mn Ni Fe
Sites
NEQS (mg/L) 5.0 1.0 0.1 1.0 - - 1.5 1.0 2.0
L-1 0.450.14 0.2 0.04 0.910.12 7.050.03 18.00.09 1.90.10 N.D N.D 0.090.26
L-2 0.570.12 0.20.11 1.77 0.11 6.860.1 20.00.1 2.200.21 N.D 0.010.20 0.100.17
L-3 0.380.21 0.40.07 3.020.13 6.130.02 29.00.31 2.700.21 0.050.20 0.050.19 0.200.12
L-4 0.360.23 0.50.12 0.730.1 7.380.07 16.00.23 3.000.14 0.030.31 0.010.30 0.150.11
L-5 0.350.5 0.30.05 3.130.09 8.920.09 21.00.16 2.10.15 0.020.11 N.D 0.100.12
L-6 0.550.56 0.350.07 0.620.08 9.640.1 20.00.15 2.60.12 N.D 0.0050.2 N.D
L-7 0.430.62 0.280.1 0.540.1 9.150.08 15.40.17 2.90.15 N.D 0.030.14 0.050.32
L-8 0.510.60 0.220.06 0.510.09 9.660.08 12.60.14 2.50.09 0.040.25 0.0020.15 0.100.13
L-9 0.380.45 0.390.05 0.470.09 3.470.04 10.70.15 2.20.17 0.030.20 0.050.16 0.500.14
L-10 0.490.58 0.430.08 0.390.1 4.910.03 9.20.11 1.30.16 0.040.12 0.040.12 0.150.11
L-11 0.380.24 0.470.08 0.260.11 5.880.02 7.20.13 1.200.29 N.D 0.0010.11 0.100.16
L-12 0.471.4 0.50.11 0.870.12 10.00.1 8.00.12 1.00.17 N.D N.D 0.050.13

canal water varies between 0.2 -0.5 mg/L level The city district government must consider
throughout the year. Chromium is not generally and prohibited the people living around not to
recognized as an essential growth element but it throw wastes, rubbish, sewer and solid waste
was above the limit. Cadmium is toxic to beans, directly into the canal in order to sustain the
beets and turnips at concentration as low as 0.1 beauty, recreational activity the irrigation water
mg/L in nutrient solutions [2]. In all canal water standards because it is a good source of irrigation
samples, cadmium was above the FAO limit. The and gardening in district of Lahore and Kasur.
maximum level of cadmium was 3.13 mg/L in
sample L-5 while the lower value was 0.26 in Acknowledgement
sample L-11. Manganese was under limit in all
canal water samples. The authors thank Pakistan Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR)
Conclusion laboratories Lahore for providing services for this
research.
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