Abstract:
The study is about the examination and testing of multitudinous physical and chemical parameters in the effluent
waters and comparing the results and outcomes to National Environmental Quality Standards. The area selected for
the study is Pakistan Ordinance Factory (POF) in Wah Cantonment. Basically factory is divided into many sections
and various sub- factories each having its own specifications in terms of services, products and quality certifications.
Main area of the study is the Explosive Factory and its effluent waters, collected from different selected sample
points. All the testing were carried out in instrumental and water analysis lab of POF. Effluents were tested using
conventional methods including volumetric analysis, iodometric analysis, gravimetric analysis, and also using
instrumental techniques. Three sample sites were selected (Sample point 1: Surface drain; Sample Point 2: Effluent
Water Treated; Sample point 3: Sewage Disposal) with in the Explosive Factory of POF. The samples were
collected in three different bottles and temperature was measured at the same time. Numerous experiments and tests
were carried out to find and calculate different parameters such as PH, TDS, TSS, sulphides, chlorides, BOD, COD,
heavy metals and sulphates. The findings and results of the tests exhibited that most of the parameters were detected
in the samples but their values were within the permissible limits and required no further treatment. Effluent water
constitutes different chemicals a slightest change in their values, especially heavy metals, can have detrimental
effects on different environmental sectors. The effluent samples for May, June and July 2011 shows that all the
parameters are lying with in the permissible limits of NEQS. Since all the parameters of effluents are within the
limits, therefore; the variations in the result are not of much concerned. Some parameters like sulphide, chlorine,
ammonia, chromium, and cadmium didn’t show any of their signs in the effluent samples, while oil and grease (3.6
ppm – 7.7 ppm), lead (0.1 ppm – 0.14 ppm) and temperature 31.1C – 33.9C) are somewhat near to their permissible
limits of NEQS i.e. 10ppm, 0.5ppm and 40C respectively. TSS (1 ppm – 42 ppm) showed large variation at the site
3 but still it is far below its permissible limit of NEQS i.e. 200ppm. Thus, it is recommended that proper testing and
treatment of the effluents is required before the final disposal, to check if the values of all the parameters are within
the threshold limits of the international standards. Dilution of the effluents should be done at every possible step,
alternate testing methods with improved technology and higher accuracy should be introduced. Testing should be
done in controlled laboratory environment with proper exhaust and ventilation system and optimum room
temperature and pressure should be maintained. Even after the treatment, care must be taken that it might not get
mixed with the drinking water or other fresh water resources. Testing of effluents is recommended prior to dilution
