Impacts of coal mine water and Damodar River water irrigation on soil and maize (Zea mays L.) in a coalfield area of Damodar Valley, India

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to assess the environmental and biochemical impacts due to irrigation of coal mine water and Damodar River water on Kharif crop, maize (Zea mays L.) in a coalfield area of Damodar Valley, India. Coal mine water and Damodar River water samples were collected for the monitoring of its quality from a coalfield area of Damodar Valley. The samples were analyzed for various parameters and compared with prescribed standard, which revealed that the total suspended solids of coal mine water were higher as Damodar River water. A pot experiment with Z. mays was conducted to study the suitability of this coal mine water for irrigation. The plants of Z. mays in the pots were irrigated with coal mine water and Damodar River water in two concentrations (100% and 50% dilution with double distilled water) and pure double distilled water was used for control. There was 100% germination of Z. mays in all the treatments. The plant growth, chlorophyll content of Z. mays and soil quality parameters were significantly better in coal mine water and Damodar River water treated pots. However, the Damodar River water and coal mine water could be successfully used for irrigation. In general, coal mine water and Damodar River water can be used after mixing with good quality of water has shown better growth of Z. mays.