Physico-Chemical Characterisation of Coir Pith Industry Effluent Water in Meenakshipuram, Pollachi, India

Abstract

Background: Coir pith processing generates wastewater containing dissolved salts, suspended particles, and biodegradable organic matter. Untreated discharge may adversely affect soil and water quality; therefore, physicochemical assessment is necessary before disposal or reuse. Aims: This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of untreated coir pith industry effluent prior to discharge into the environment surrounding the Meenakshipuram industrial area, Pollachi. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in May 2025 at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology: A 500 L composite effluent sample was collected from the final discharge point of the Patteshwaran Amman Coir Factory, Meenakshipuram. Samples were transported under dark conditions, and analyses were performed in triplicate. The evaluated parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium. Results: The effluent had a neutral pH of 7.12 and an electrical conductivity of 2.54 dS m⁻¹. Total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, and biological oxygen demand were 4500, 2400, and 284 mg L⁻¹, respectively, whereas dissolved oxygen was 0.64 mg L⁻¹. Chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium remained within the reference ranges used in the study, while carbonate exceeded the corresponding reference limit. Conclusion: The effluent exhibited high salinity, solids loading, and organic pollution, together with depleted dissolved oxygen. Appropriate treatment is therefore required before environmental discharge or agricultural reuse.