Asian Basic and Applied Research Journal

Treated wastewater for irrigation is becoming increasingly popular especially in regions of scarce water resources. Three wastewater samples (Domestic-W₁, Abattoir -W₂ and Industrial-W₃) were filtered through a three-spout rapid sand filter earlier designed and constructed with three depths; d₁ = 0.20 m, d₂ = 0.40 m and d₃ = 0.60 m. Standardized Moringa oleifera seed solution concentrations(MSSC) of 0.00 (control), 0.10, 0.20, 0.30 and 0.04g/L were prepared and used as disinfectant to the filtered wastewater. Each of the treated wastewater sample was passed to the field to irrigate Amaranthus hybridus through drip irrigation system. Field evaluation using the combined effect of rapid sand filter and Moringa oleifera seed solution for growing Amaranthus hybridus showed that 0.20, 0.30 and 0.40 g/L treated wastewaters were good for irrigation at 1.20 L/h emitter discharge and maximum operating pressure of 6.01x10⁷ N/m². However, the untreated (control) and 0.10 g/L Moringa oleifera seed solution-treated wastewaters were not fit for irrigating the crops based on Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended irrigation guidelines due to their high coliform levels of atleast 1,400 cells/100 mL. This requires continuous monitoring from time to time if it is to be used for irrigation.