Ask The Expert: Effect of Sewage Water Disposal on Groundwater

Ask the Expert Question:
In studying the effect of sewage water disposal on groundwater by soil infiltration (when sewage water is discharged to soil), what parameters can I use to measure the groundwater contamination by sewage? What are the compounds formed from mixing between native groundwater and sewage?

TestAmerica Expert: Mark Bruce


Expert's Response:
There are a variety of sewage components that could potentially contaminate groundwater. This issue has been studied by those working on the issue of leaking sewage pipes and those addressing sewage overflows in addition the fertilizer issue you have been studying.

An internet search will find discussions about bacterial contamination and the varieties of bacteria that might be relevant. Other sewage components to consider would be organic compounds such as detergents, pesticides, cleaning solvents and pharmaceutical drugs. You should also consider common metals such as copper, tin and zinc. Other toxic metals should also be considered based on what is present in the sewage as determined by the industries that contribute to the sewage system.

Here are few websites that have information on this topic. A more comprehensive search will turn up even more details.

Virginia Tech (Department of Agronomy): Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge: A Literature Review

University of Arizona: Pharmaceuticals In Our Water Supplies

Google ebooks: Potential Groundwater Contamination from Intentional and Nonintentional Stormwater Infiltration

ScienceDirect: Identification of persistent anionic surfactant-derived chemicals in sewage effluent and groundwater

British Columbia's Ministry of Environment (Water Stewardship Division): Sodium in Groundwater

View Mark Bruce's expert profile