Impact of industrial wastes on soil and water

Abstract

Abstract : Soil and water of industrial areas have been contaminated at different levels for a long time. There is increasing demand against the pollution of soil and water but still is going on full swing. The objectives of the study were to assess the impact of industrial wastes on soil and water according to farmers' response and to find out the socio¬economic problems caused by industrial wastes. The study was carried out at Mirzapur union of Gazipur sadar upazila in Gazipur district. Data were collected from a sample size of randomly selected 90 respondent farmers by using a pre-designed interview schedule during November, 2009 to March, 2010. Almost 100% of the respondents reported that untreated industrial wastes deteriorated the quality of low land soil and surface water. The differences of low land soil and surface water quality between pre and post establishment of industry were significant. "Low yield of rice", "deterioration of tin made houses", "bad smell in the air", "dermal disease of human being" and "limited availability of fish" were identified as the major socio-economic problems caused by industrial wastes. The above findings lead to recommend that immediate action should be taken by the concerned authorities to overcome the problems.