International Journal of Legal and Social Sciences [IJLASS]

http://ijlass.com/index.php/ijlass

SWOT Analysis of Sustainable Use of Wastewater in Pakistan

Sidra Riaz
Governance and Public Policy Department, National University of Modern Languages Islamabad.

Keywords Abstract

Wastewater The present study is concerned about Pakistan and investigates the sustainable
Management
use of wastewater. Case analysis, historical analysis, and data analysis are
SWOT Analysis some of the research approaches used in this paper. In terms of its goal, this is
a qualitative study because it is looking into the wastewater management
technique in Pakistan. SWOT analysis is designed in this study to examine
the Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses and Threats of using wastewater in
agriculture. Its goal is to indicate whether the identified strengths allow you to
take advantage of potential opportunities and overcome risks, and whether the
specific weaknesses increase the threats and prevent you from taking
advantage of those opportunities. Government should make policies on
investments in infrastructure and install water treatments plants in urban
areas.

1. Introduction

The gap between availability and demand for water is widening as the global population
grows, and it is approaching alarming proportions in some parts of the world, posing a threat to
human survival. Scientists from all across the world are attempting to find new ways to
sustain water alive. As a result, it is a good favorable moment to start working on one of the
ways to reuse water: recycling urban wastewater for agriculture and other purposes.
Pakistan used to be a water-surplus country and is now a water-scarce country. Water is one of
Pakistan's most pressing concerns. Water availability per capita has decreased from around 5,000
cubic metres per year to around 1,000 cubic metres per year (World Bank). We are on track to
have less than 1,000 cubic metres of water available per person per year by 2035. According to
recent research by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) on the
provision of safe drinking water, around 84 percent of Pakistan's 200 million people (estimated;
current census is underway) do not have access to it.

In Pakistan, specifically in main cities such as Rawalpindi, Karachi, Quetta, Lahore and
even in Islamabad the water quality as well as its quantity are foremost issues, Speedy population
growth, deforestation, urbanization, pollution and also absence of awareness about the
importance of water are major causes for the emergence of this crisis. Water demand
management is not complete without recycling wastewater, which encourages the preservation of
high-quality fresh water and lowers environmental pollution as well as total supply costs.

Wastewater can be viewed as a resource or a challenge. Numerous ecological services,

including irrigation, can be provided by wastewater and its nutritional content. The farming
community, society, and towns can all gain from its reuse. The negative external consequences
of wastewater reuse on people and natural systems must be discovered and evaluated. In this
regard, a thorough SWOT analysis of this wastewater reuse is required. Pakistan is a good
example of this dilemma. In the proximity of big towns like Rawalpindi, treated and untreated
municipal wastewater are both used for growing vegetables. But how risky is this method? How
does one balance the use's clear advantages with the associated expenses?

Table 1: Sector wise estimated wastewater production in Pakistan

Sr. No. Source Volume Volume
10^6 m^3 y^-1 Percent %
1 Industry 395 6
2 Commercial 266 5
3 Urban residential 1628 25
4 Rural residential 3059 48
5 Agriculture 1036 16
Total 6,414 100
Source: Pakistan’s Wetlands Action Plan, 2000, prepared by NNCW and WWF

(1) Water availability (cubic meters) and population growth (2) Monthly rainfall shift

1.1 Research Problem

One of the most precious resources on earth is water. Worldwide, there is a severe water
shortage that is thought to be caused by population growth, rapid urbanization, and climatic
changes. Despite the fact that every water supply could be abused, it is now more important than
ever to preserve it and use it skillfully (Annual Technical Volume on the theme,
“Environmentally Sustainable Waste Management”, 2016). In most Pakistani cities, untreated
wastewater was directly used for agriculture, notably vegetable production. The main
justifications for direct water use were the reliability of the wastewater supply and the lack of
alternative water sources (Ensink, Mahmood., Hoek., Raschid-Sally., & Amerasinghe, 2004).
Wastewater can be used as a replacement for freshwater resources that are limited and can be
diverted from agriculture to other productive applications. Utilizing wastewater in a planned and
controlled manner can maximize its value while minimizing environmental, agriculture, and
human health concerns. (WHO, 2006).
1.2 Research Objectives
1. To analyze the SWOT analysis of the use of wastewater in agriculture.
2. To study the strengths of using wastewater for irrigation purposes in Pakistan.
3. To study the effect of wastewater on livelihood and food security.
4. To highlight health and environmental risks in using direct wastewater.
5. To highlight the issues due to direct use of wastewater.

1.3 Research Questions

1. What is the SWOT analysis of the use of wastewater in agriculture?
2. What are the strengths of using wastewater for irrigation purposes in Pakistan?
3. What is the effect of wastewater on livelihood and food security?
4. What are the health and environmental risks in using direct wastewater?
5. What are the reasons for direct use of wastewater and the issues caused by untreated
wastewater?

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it provides us with alternative ways to prevent scarcity
of water. Moreover, it also creates awareness about sustainable use of wastewater in farmers
particularly and in the general public as well.

1.5 Delimitations of Study

This study will cover the use of wastewater in a useful way. It is important to treat it
before use. The study especially focuses on the techniques and methods that can be useful for
maintaining the waste water in Pakistan. The data will be collected through secondary sources.

2. Literature Review
With the increase in population density, the use of freshwater increases too, which makes
the resource scarce and it forces people to find new means to get useable water.
 Fig.1: The use of wastewater for different purposes and especially for irrigation is a
common practice in most developing countries around the globe. The wastewater used is valued
very much by the farmers because of its reliability of supply and is frequently available for use.
(Wastewater use in Agriculture-Water & Health).

Fig.2: Urban and Rural water management system

The use of wastewater is preferred by poor landless farmers because of its high nutrient
content. Most of the wastewater is used to grow vegetables because it helps farmers to earn more
money in urban markets. Another reason is that the municipal council auctioned the wastewater
to the highest bidder such as rich landowners who later will give their lands on rents to poor
farmers. It creates a win-win situation for authorities who are responsible for the disposal of
wastewater and farmers who get a supply of water which is high in nutrient content. The results
indicate that in Pakistan 32,500 ha are directly irrigated with wastewater (A L Thebo, 5 july
2017).

The use of wastewater for irrigation can be helpful to overcome the prevailing water
scarcity problem in Pakistan but too much use of this water is also not good as it contains
harmful chemicals because this water is used in fields with any treatment. In Pakistan wastewater
is used to grow crops, especially cauliflower, cotton and fodder. Farmers are willing to use the
wastewater because it contains all the elements like nitrogen and phosphorus that help the crops
to grow in a better way. According to farmer’s wastewater is good for crops and is inexpensive
as they do not have to use fertilizers to give crops these basic nutrients.

Recent research is conducted which shows statistical data of the Indus System and its
tributaries that gives an average 142 MAF amount of water annually. Among them about 96
MAF is utilized for irrigation while 36 MAF flows to sea and nearly 10 MAF is consumed by
various system losses like evaporation, seepage and spill during floods. On the other hand, 40.5
MAF groundwater is being pumped annually and about 36% of the groundwater is highly saline
while 60-80% is saline. This decreased the overall water availability from 1,299 cubic meters
(m³) per capital to 1,100 m³ per capital in 1996-97 and 2006 respectively. Another estimate is
that water availability will be less than 700 m³ per capital by 2025 against the international
standard of 1500 m³ per capital.

Table 2: Sector wise estimated wastewater production in Pakistan

Sr. No. Source Volume Volume

10^6 m^3 y^-1 Percent %
1 Industry 395 6
2 Commercial 266 5
3 Urban residential 1628 25
4 Rural residential 3059 48
5 Agriculture 1036 16
Total 6,414 100
Source: Pakistan’s Wetlands Action Plan, 2000, prepared by NNCW and WWF
 In order to use the wastewater in a useful way, it is important to treat it before use.
Whether it will be at primary, secondary or tertiary level. Treatment of wastewater is necessary
in order to meet specific needs and for public safety. There are various wastewater treatment
processes including physical process (like sedimentation, filtration), chemical process
(oxidation-reduction, disinfection, and ion-exchange) and biological process (photosynthetic
process aerobic and anaerobic treatment) and conventional wastewater treatment. (Hiroyuki)

There are many national and regional organizations working in order to use wastewater.
These organizations include Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Pakistan
Environmental Protection Agency, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, etc. But
regrettably, there isn't a research institute that focuses solely on this problem. (Ghulam Murtaza,
2012). There has been a remarkable increase in the use of wastewater for crop irrigation during
the last two decades mainly due to the increasing scarcity of water and high costs of fertilizers. It
will also be beneficial economically as income generation and by an increase in productivity.
The Mesquital Valley in Mexico gives a good example of economic recovery that is linked with
the availability of wastewater for irrigation where agricultural income has increased at a very
great speed from almost to about 16 million Mexican Pesos per hectare in 1990 (CNA, 1993).
This practice has also proved very beneficial to other countries like India, Bangladesh, Indonesia
and Peru. Along with controlled usage improvements in water efficiency, the development of
alternate sources of water like wastewater reuse could lend a helping hand in resolving the
world's water crisis issue.

Arsenic poisoning from contaminated groundwater poses a threat to 50 million people

nationwide (Podgorski, 2017). The government's limit of 50 micrograms and the WHO's
recommendation of 10 micrograms for arsenic per liter were far lower than the arsenic levels
found in the underground water samples tested. Along with the unrestricted and extensive use of
chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides in agriculture, residential and industrial waste is
continuously dumped into adjacent rivers, drains, streams, and ponds. For instance, almost 90%
of toxic, untreated industrial and municipal waste is poured into open sewers and filtered into
aquifers. The effluent seeps into groundwater aquifers instead of remaining in freshwater bodies.
As a result, this pollution immediately affects the quality of drinking water, which raises health
issues (Daanish Mustafa, 2013). There is no oversight of sufficient wastewater treatment
facilities or waste dumping into water bodies.

The wastewater treatment has different stages. In the first stage of the treatment the solid
particles will be separated from the water. To do this, wastewater is routed via a primary
sedimentation tank, where solid organic material particles are removed by gravity settling at the
tank's bottom. The leftover liquid is then routed to the following section for additional treatment.

In the next step, “the activated sludge process” is used to dissolve organic solids and pollutants
in the aeration tank. At that level the biomass settles at the bottom of the tank and liquid is
passed to the next stage. In the third and final stage, Chlorine is used to remove any kind of
biological pathogens and pollutants which make wastewater useable again (Dakkak, 2015).

2.1 SWOT Matrix

Results are obtained, and the next step is to move towards identifying the Strengths,
Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. Strengths and weakness are internal factors while
opportunities and threats considered as external factors (Fund, 2011).

Table.3 Points of SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESS
● Use of waste water as a resource to produce ● Health risks to farmers and their children
energy due to exposure to wastewater without
● Organic fertilizer taking any necessary precautions.
● Source to produce high yield which gave ● Transfer of pathogens from women field
high income to farmers workers to their family members while
● Environmental friendly process preparing meals.
● It increases the yield of the crops and is less ● Pakistan has no national policy on
expensive for the farmers than the chemical sustainable use of wastewater.
fertilizers. ● No economic spurs are provided to
● The use of waste water in agriculture helps industries to install technologies which are
in ecological conservation in a way that to environment friendly.
use waste water for agricultural purposes is ● Institutions which are working for
 better than the uncontrolled dumping of
municipal and industrial effluents into lakes
and streams.
● It helps to conserve the surface water bodies
and provides farmers effective and cheap
way to grow crops and earn.
● Waste water can also be used to grow “grass
fodder” and the wood that is being used in
construction and other developing purposes
like timber wood and to produce the “cash
crop” of Pakistan that is Cotton.
● This wastewater can also be used during the
process of cloth production in washing,
bleaching, and dying.
● Waste water can be used to produce “Algal
biofuels”. It is one of the species of plant
that have the ability to grow in a nutrient
rich environment.
regulation of water discharges and
maintenance of healthy environment fall to
deliver their goals.
● Authorities do not have complete
knowledge of treatment methods and
policies.
● Governments prefer increasing production
by whatever means but the international
market can refuse the trade of products
grown on untreated wastewater.
● Quality of underground water is disturbed as
certain chemicals and a high percentage of
heavy metals were found in the samples
when compared with standard.
● Presence of chemicals in groundwater
affects the environment and the health of the
inhabitants.
● The harmful chemicals travel in the food
chain throughout the ecosystem in a way
that animals drink water and humans and
other carnivores feed on animals’ meat.
● Nutrients present in wastewater resulted in
over-fertilization which leads to reduction in
crop yield.
● Appearance and taste of crops is changed,
and plants are dying off due to excessive
chemicals and nutrients in wastewater.
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
• Waste reduction ● Wastewater may contain infections and
● Provides significant benefits to the undesired chemical components that are
environment. hazardous to human health and the
● Monitoring of surface water and environment.
groundwater. ● Through depletion or contact with
● Cost recovery of water-related services. pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals,
● The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is and hazardous organic compounds,
linked to best practices for preserving irrigation with treated wastewater offers a
biodiversity, the environment, soil health, range of risks to human health.
and water resources. ● Irrigation with treated wastewater contains
● Increasing irrigation effectiveness. certain contaminants, such are chlorides, to
● Ensure that the Water Framework Directive the groundwater.
is followed. ● Pathogenic bacteria in wastewater are
● Define ways to reduce water use in urban, considered to constitute an acute hazard to
industrial, animal, and particularly human health.
agricultural settings. ● Using treated wastewater for irrigation
● Establish agricultural practices to get rid of results in land salinization, land sealing, and
sources of diffuse pollution and lessen sodium accumulation, all of which may
erosion. Increase treatment of urban and exacerbate runoff and soil erosion.
industrial wastewater.
● Adopt appropriate steps to lessen the risk of
flooding from major floods.
● Increase wastewater reuse, particularly in
the sphere of agriculture.

2.2 Strengths
The use of both treated and untreated wastewater has a number of benefits. The
wastewater that is treated a little even produces a number of by-products. The sludge collected
during the treatment of the wastewater when treated with the bacteria in a controlled
environment produces large amounts of methane which in turn could be used to produce
electricity. This energy can be used to give power to the wastewater treatment plant and can be
added to the national grid. This is used in Jordan “Al samra wastewater treatment plant”
government officials said that plant contributes 40% of the energy it requires through burning
methane. (Dakkak, 2015). This is wastewater used in a “heat recovery system”. The wastewater
is used as a source of organic fertilizer as it contains high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus etc. It
increases the yield of the crops and is less expensive for the farmers than the chemical fertilizers.
Those farmers use wastewater to get high crop yield at lower cost than the farmers use
freshwater. It improves the earnings of the farmers and affects the living standards of whole
household.

The use of wastewater in agriculture helps in ecological conservation in a way that to use
wastewater for agricultural purposes is better than the uncontrolled dumping of municipal and
industrial effluents into lakes and streams. It also helps to conserve the surface water bodies and
provides farmers effective and cheap way to grow crops and earn. (Jimenez, 2006). Wastewater
can be used to produce “Algal biofuels”. It is one of the species of plant that have the ability to
grow in a nutrient rich environment. So as wastewater contains a large amount of nitrogen and
phosphorus it provides excellent medium for its growth. In return, this algal can be used as a
source to produce large amounts of heat to run turbines to generate electricity. On other hand it
produces less pollution which ultimately less to conserve our environment. On the other hand,
this process is very cost effective as the medium for the production of algae is freely and easily
available everywhere.

Fig.3 Wastewater operationalization

 The algae that is produced using waste water can ultimately be used in the waste water
treatment process. As wastewater contains high concentrations of Nitrogen and Phosphorus, the
algae have the ability to absorb both the metals and is more effective than the chemical
treatment. (John, 2010)

Wastewater can also be used to grow “grass fodder” and the wood that is being used in
construction and other developing purposes like Timber wood and to produce the “cash crop” of
Pakistan that is Cotton. It will be very effective in a way that on one hand by using wastewater
we can produce something that can contribute to the development of the economy and on the
other hand it will not affect the health of people. This wastewater can also be used during the
process of cloth production in washing, bleaching, and dying. (Raschid-Sally).

2.3 Opportunities
Efficient use of wastewater will give various opportunities to Pakistan. Sustainable use of
wastewater will help in reducing and gradually removing waste which then provides benefits to
environment. It would eliminate sources of pollution and reduce erosion and ultimately establish
agricultural measures. Surface and ground water would be monitored and protected. Because it is
challenging and expensive to clean up after ground water contamination. Because surface water
and ground water are intertwined, attention should be used when managing both. Because a well
that provides water is at danger of becoming contaminated if it is close to a source of
contamination. If there is a river or stream nearby, the groundwater may potentially contaminate
that body of water.
It would reduce flood risks by removing waste from water that became the cause of
floods in a useful manner and ultimately help in saving lives that would otherwise be wasted
through floods. As it ensures compliance with Water Framework Directive, it would help in
reducing the cost spent on water for the recovery of water-related services and improve the
efficiency of irrigation. It would define measures of saving in consumption of water for
agriculture as well as for urban, industrial and livestock. Increase the treatment of industrial as
well as urban wastewater.

2.4 Weaknesses
Wastewater is composed of sewage waste and industrial waste. It has components like
pathogens, nutrients and harmful industrial chemicals. Wastewater can be used for agriculture in
different forms like planned or unplanned, directly or indirectly and treated or untreated (Mateo-
Sagasta & Prit Salian). In the developing countries untreated wastewater is used mostly. The
reasons for direct use of wastewater are rapid urbanization and lack of financial and technical
resources. In Pakistan only 2% of urban wastewater is treated (Leeuw, 2014). The major reason
to for using untreated wastewater in Pakistan is the shortage of other irrigation sources and
farmers take health risks in order to reduce expenses and enhance their economic gains (Ensink,
Matsuno, Aslam, Munir, & Hoek). It is estimated that in Pakistan 26% of vegetables are grown
with untreated (or direct use of) wastewater (Ensink, Mahmood, & Hoek, 2004) because
wastewater contains nutrients which reduce the expense of fertilizers.

In Pakistan, many cities use wastewater for irrigation without following the WHO
guidelines for the use of wastewater. There are many cases reported in which farmers using
wastewater without taking any necessary precautions like using gloves and footwear suffer from
severe health issues and pathogens (e.g. hookworm) were found in them and their children
(Ensink, Mukhtar, & Hoek, 2005). Many skin diseases are found in farmer community due to
exposure to wastewater. Women labors who work in fields carry pathogens with them and
transfer them to their family members while preparing meals or feeding their children. The main
reason for this carelessness by farmers is lack of awareness, illiteracy and resources (Qadir,
Wichelns, Sally, McCornick, & Drechsel, 2010).

In Pakistan, there is lack of implementation of policies due to ineffective legislation

(Ensink, Mahmood, & Hoek, a nationwide assessment of wastewater uses in Pakistan: an
obscure activity or a vitally important one? 2004) and Pakistan has no national policy on
sustainable use of wastewater (Abbas, 2017). No economic spurs are provided to industries to
install technologies which are environment friendly and institutions which are working for
regulation of water discharges and maintenance of healthy environment fall to deliver their goals
(Murtaza & Zia). Authorities do not have complete knowledge of treatment methods and policies
and governments prefer increasing production by whatever means to increase economy but it is
disadvantageous in long run as the international market can refuse the trade of products grown
on untreated wastewater (Qadir, Wichelns, Sally, McCornick, & Drechsel, 2010).

A study conducted in a district of Punjab showed that by using untreated wastewater for
irrigation we are disturbing the quality of underground water (certain chemicals and high
percentage of heavy metals were found in the samples when compared with standard) which
ultimately affects the environment and the health of the inhabitants. The harmful chemicals
travel in the food chain throughout the ecosystem in a way that animals drink water and humans
and other carnivores feed on animals’meat (Ashraf, Maah, Yusoff, & Mehmood). Drinking
polluted groundwater or eating vegetables grown by wastewater irrigation causes serious health
issues for humans.

Another study shows that in Haroonabad, Pakistan people considered wastewater is not
allowed by their religion to be used for religious purposes. They hire non-Muslim people on their
lands to handle wastewater. They consider wastewater unclean and do not use it for various
purposes like ablution, washing clothes etc. Crops are getting damaged due to wastewater
irrigation. The appearance and taste of these crops is not the same as those grown in fresh water.
Nutrients present in wastewater result in over-fertilization which leads to reduction in crop yield.
Such crops which are salt sensitive are affected due to high levels of salinity in wastewater.
Plants are dying off due to excessive chemicals and nutrients present in wastewater. (Hussain,
Raschid, Hanjra, Marikar, & Hoek)

2.5 Threats

The purpose of this portion of the research is to highlight the risks related to the use of
wastewater (H. Al-Hamaiedeh). Growing direct and indirect uses of untreated wastewater in
irrigation, insufficient and inappropriate wastewater treatment and removal, and increased
fertilizer costs are all effects of the world's increasing water scarcity. Unwanted chemical
components and microorganisms in wastewater can pose risks to human health and the
environment. Additionally, recycling wastewater has been linked to a number of risk issues,
some of which have immediate affects (such as microbiological infections) and others that have
longer-term effects that get worse with continued wastewater use (e.g., salinity effects on soil)
(B. Jimenez, 2008).

2.6 Human Health Threats

There is no doubt that using untreated wastewater for irrigation puts the health of people
of all ages at serious danger. Pathogens and hazardous chemical combinations found in
wastewater cause negative impacts. Through depletion or contact with pathogenic
microorganisms, heavy metals, and hazardous organic compounds, irrigation with treated
wastewater poses a range of risks to human health. Typically, four groups are at risk:

(1) Agricultural workers and their families.

(2) People who handle crops.

(3) People who consume crops, meat, and milk; and

(4) People who live close to places that use wastewater as irrigation, primarily youngsters and
the elderly.

Depending on the context-specific levels of sickness in the population, the types and
concentrations of defecated organisms in wastewater vary. Many diseases can persist in soil or
on crop surfaces for extended periods of time and then spread to people or other animals. The
health of humans is typically viewed as being severely threatened by pathogenic microbes.
Various illnesses, including typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea, vomiting, and malabsorption, are
associated with these infections. Any human interaction with the wastewater after treatment
could be harmful.

2.7 Environmental Threats

Irrigation with treated wastewater introduces chlorides, which are contaminates to
groundwater. The contaminate enters the water supply systems, flows to the treatment plants, and
then returns to the aquifer, creating an acquisitive risk. The threat in this reverence has a long-
term impact that is difficult to predict.

In accordance with health regulations, treated wastewater irrigation is prohibited in the

vicinity of drinking water wells (except for effluent that poses no threat). Irrigation above
freshwater pipes is permitted, but only if the treated wastewater is of acceptable quality, the
water pipe is in good condition, and there is no threat of under pressure in the pipes. When it
comes to microorganisms, household manure contains a lot of salt trappings. Irrigation with
treated wastewater affects land salinity and causes land sealing and sodium accumulation,
resulting in increased runoff and land erosion. One specific environmental concern is the long-
term sustainability issue of increased salinity and sodium content in soil. Due to toxic and
osmotic effects, high soil salinity levels can cause soil structure deterioration, decreased soil
permeability, and decreased crop yields.

2.8 Groundwater Resources Threat

Wastewater application has the potential to improve the quality of groundwater resources
in the long run by releasing surplus nutrients and salts from wastewater leaching beneath the
plant root zone. However, the true impact is determined by a number of factors, including the
penetration of the water table, the quality of groundwater soil drainage, and the scale of
wastewater irrigation. The proximity of wastewater irrigation to sources of potable water, such as
wells and tube wells, will influence how we assess the severity of groundwater toxic waste
effects. In some cases, wastewater irrigation has the potential to introduce pathogenic bacteria
and viruses into groundwater (NRC report 1996).

3. ..Methodologies
Case analysis, historical analysis, and data analysis are among the research
methodologies employed in this paper. In terms of its purpose, this is a qualitative study because
it is investigating wastewater management techniques in Pakistan. The data is collected from
secondary sources. The secondary data comprises research articles, Literature Review Articles,
Reference Books, Scholarly Journals, published reports and government policy documents. The
collected data through case analysis, historical analysis and data analysis is analyzed through
content analysis.

It is assumed that this research method allows for the identification of factors defining a unit
under consideration within the context of a specific purpose, as well as the classification of such
 factors into four groups. Two of these are positive, while the other two are negative.

SWOT analysis is intended to examine relationships "from the inside out." Its goal is to
determine whether the identified strengths will allow you to capitalize on potential opportunities
and overcome threats, and whether specific weaknesses will magnify the threats and make it
difficult to capitalize on opportunities.

4. Findings
4.1 DISCUSSION
Water is the basic necessity of life. It is used in each and every human activity. The
increase in human population and simultaneously enhanced use of water make this resource a
scarce one. It has its effects in all the developed and developing countries of the world. Many
studies show that treatment of wastewater is a major problem in developing countries like
Pakistan and they are using it directly which is the major cause of many problems like health
issues, groundwater pollution, crop destruction and transfer of harmful materials throughout the
food chain. In Pakistan there is no policy on sustainable use of wastewater and no specific
research institute works on the issue of wastewater. In Pakistan there is no implementation of
WHO guidelines on wastewater and it is used to grow edible crops which ultimately affects the
health of users and farmers are also suffering from diseases due to lack of knowledge about
necessary precautions while exposure to wastewater.
 The population of Pakistan is increasing day by day so the problem of water shortage is
increasing too. People try to find alternatives which they can use instead of fresh water. One
alternative is the reuse of wastewater that is eliminated from households, factories, industries and
other sources. The use of wastewater as a source is mainly done by farmers as they can provide
this water to the crops which are already high in nutrients which increase the fertility of soil and
yield of the crops. The use of wastewater as a resource has certain positives and negative effects.
Firstly, it can be used to produce energy which helps the country to overcome its energy
deficiencies. The wastewater has high nutrient content in it which can be used as organic
fertilizers and enhance the yield of the crop and as this wastewater is used for some beneficial
purposes it will not pollute the freshwater like lakes and rivers.

This water can be used to produce plants and grass fodder that will at the end be used for
the construction purposes or as animal feed which increases the livestock production and
contributes to the wellbeing of the country and economy. This process is a cost-effective process
as, on one hand wastewater is used for beneficial purposes. On the other side it also reduces the
cost for the government to control pollution. As coins have two sides, the use of wastewater has
some negative points too. It also produces bad effects on the environment as it accumulates the
nitrates and chlorides in the soil which not only affect the soil but the ground water as well.

5. Conclusion
Water is the most common liquid and essential component of human life. But now many
countries are facing scarcity of water including Pakistan. Pakistan, once considered a country
having rich water resources, now faces scarcity of water. The availability of water has decreased
day by day while its demand has increased with population growth, industrialization,
deforestation and absence of awareness. Using treated wastewater for agriculture can be used for
sustainable use of wastewater as it provides sewage waste to be reused safely. Serious scarcity of
water forced national authorities to provide fresh water to urban areas and for industrial use and
give farmers treated wastewater. This shift could provide positive results not only beneficial for
the environment by reducing the pollution of wastewater that would be discharged into coastal
and groundwater systems and allowing the assimilation of its nutrients into plants. It creates a
win-win situation for authorities who are responsible for the disposal of wastewater and farmers
who get a supply of water which is high in nutrient content. There were three stages given for the
treatment of water. The first stage is about treatment of the solid particles to be separated from
the water while the second and third is about activated sludge process to dissolve organic solids
and pollutants in aeration tank and chlorine used to remove any kind of biological pathogens and
pollutants respectively that make wastewater to be reused again effectively. Another advantage is
the algae that is produced using wastewater that can be used in the wastewater treatment process
as it has the ability to absorb both the metals (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) present in wastewater
and is more effective than chemical treatment. So there is a need for conducting awareness
campaigns and programs in order to educate the farmers on the use of wastewater and to inform
the consumers about the safety of agricultural products irrigated with sewage. Collectively, it has
both positive and negative aspects, that is, having strengths and opportunities, but on the other
hand weakness and threats as well. For instance, if wastewater could be used untreated it would
bring harmful results both towards the atmosphere and human health but if treated, could give
unlimited positive results not only to the environment and health but also in reducing scarcity of
water and in agricultural use that ultimately increase the economy of Pakistan.

5.1 Recommendations
1. WHO guidelines should be strictly followed on wastewater use.
2. Edible crops should not be grown on wastewater irrigation instead we can grow timber
and other fuel woods on that water to fulfill energy requirements.
3. As there is lack of financial and technical resources, we should at least take precautions
to avoid health issues (like farmers can use gloves and footwear)
4. Public agencies should conduct awareness programs and consult with individuals and
organizations while formulating policies in order to facilitate those who are completely
dependent on wastewater for their livelihood.
5. Pakistan should make investments in infrastructure and install water treatment plants in
urban areas.
6. Policy makers, engineers and the health sector should work with collaboration to manage
the risks and diseases associated in the use of wastewater.
7. There should be comprehensive studies on the issues caused by wastewater use and a
proper research institute should be developed to conduct research on wastewater use in
Pakistan.
References
A L Thebo, P. D. (5 july 2017). A global, spatially-explicit assessment of irrigated croplands
influenced by urban wastewater flows. IOP Science.

Abbas, H. (2017, March 23rd). World Water Day: National policy on sustainable use of
wastewater urged. Retrieved from BUSINESS RECORDER.

Alexandra E. V. Clemett and Jeroen H. J. Ensink, S. L. (2006). Farmer driven wastewater

treatment: A case study from Faisalabad, Pakistan. 32nd WEDC International
Conference, (p. 6). Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Annual Technical Volume on the theme, “Environmentally Sustainable Waste Management”

(Vol. 1). (2016). India: Environmental Engineering Division Board.

Ashraf, M. A., Maah, M. J., Yusoff, I., & Mehmood, K. (n.d.). Effects of Polluted Water
Irrigation on Environment and Health of People in Jamber, District Kasur, Pakistan.
International Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences IJBAS-IJENS.

B. Jimenez, T. A. (2008). International Survey on Water Reuse.

Daanish Mustafa, M. A. (2013). Understanding Pakistan's Water Security. United States Institute
of Peace.

Dakkak, A. (2015, oct 17). Eco MENA. Retrieved from Wastewater Treatment Process and its
Benefits: http://www.ecomena.org/wastewater-treatment/

dawn.com. (2006, june 12). risks and opportunities in sewage irrigation. Pakistan.

'Dire need to recycle waste water in Pakistan'. (2017, march 23). Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

Ensink, H., Mukhtar, M., & Hoek, W. v. (2005). High Risk of Hookworm Infection among
wastewater farmers in Pakistan. ELSEVIER.

Ensink, J. H., Mahmood, T., & Hoek, W. v. (2004). A nationwide assessment of wastewater uses
in Pakistan: an obscure activity or a vitally important one? IWA Publishing.
Ensink, J. H., Mahmood., T., Hoek., W. v., Raschid-Sally., L., & Amerasinghe, F. P. (2004). A
nationwide assessment of wastewater uses in Pakistan: an obscure activity or a vitally
important one? Water Policy 6.

Ensink, J. H., Matsuno, Y., Aslam, M. R., Munir, S., & Hoek, W. v. (n.d.). Use of Untreated
Wastewater in Peri-Urban Agriculture in Pakistan: Risks and Opportunities.
International Water Management Institute.

Fund, E. R. (feb, 2011). “Sustainable Water Management through Common Responsibility

enhancement in Mediterranean River basins".

Ghulam Murtaza, M. H. (2012). Wastewater Production, Treatment and Use in Pakistan.

H. Al-Hamaiedeh, M. B. (n.d.). Effect of treated grey water reuse.

Hespanhol, R. H. (n.d.). Wastewater as a Resource. In Water Pollution Control - A Guide to the

Use of Water Quality Management Principles. E. & F. Spon.

Hiroyuki, D. C. (n.d.). WATER AND WASTEWATER REUSE- An Environmentally Sound

Approach for Sustainable Urban Water Management.

Hussain, I., Raschid, L., Hanjra, M. A., Marikar, F., & Hoek, W. v. (n.d.). W WASTEW
ASTEW ASTEW ASTEWA A ATER USE IN AGRICUL TER USE IN AGRICUL TER
USE IN AGRICUL TER USE IN AGRICUL TER USE IN AGRICULTURE: REVIEW
OF TURE: REVIEW OF TURE: REVIEW OF TURE: REVIEW OF TURE: REVIEW
OF IMP IMPACTS AND METHOD. International Water Management Institute.

Jeroen H. J. Ensink, W. v. (n.d.). Use of Untreated Wastewater in Peri-Urban Agriculture in

Pakistan: Risks and Opportunities. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water
Management Institute.

Jimenez, B. (2006). Irrigation IN developing countries using waste water. International Review
for environmental Strategies.

John, A. (2010). The potential of unsustainable algal biofuel production using waste water
resources. ELSEVIER.
Leeuw, J. M. (2014). Multiple perspectives on the use of wastewater in agriculture. Earth System
Sciences Group.

Mateo-Sagasta, J., & Prit Salian. (n.d.). AQUASTAT. UN.

Murtaza, G., & Zia, M. H. (n.d.). Wastewater Production, Treatment and Use in Pakistan.

Podgorski, J. E. (2017). Extensive Arsenic contamination in high-ph. unconfined aquifers in

Indus Valley. Science Advances.

Qadir, M., Wichelns, D., Sally, L. R., McCornick, P. G., & Drechsel, P. (2010). The Challenges
of Wastewater Irrigation in Developing Countries. Water for Food Faculty Publications.

QURESHI, D. A. (n.d.). SITUATION ANALYSIS OF THE WATER RESOURCES OF

LAHORE ESTABLISHING A CASE FOR WATER STEWARDSHIP. Lahore, Punjab,
Pakistan.

Raschid-Sally, C. S. (n.d.). Wastewater Use in Irrigated Agriculture. Retrieved from https://prd-

idrc.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/openebooks/112-4/index.html

Sethi, N. (2016, September 25). when human development is linked to devolution.

Wastewater use in Agriculture-Water & Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from International Water
Management Institute: http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/issues/water-and-health/wastewater-
use-for-agriculture/

WHO. (2006). GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE USE OF WASTEWATER, EXCRETA AND
GREYWATER. Geneva: WHO Press.

Zia, G. M. (2012). Wastewater Production, Treatment and Use in Pakistan.

Zia, G. M. (n.d.). Wastewater Production, Treatment and Use in Pakistan. Retrieved from Fuji
Fertilizer Company Limited:
http://www.ais.unwater.org/ais/pluginfile.php/232/mod_page/content/127/pakistan_murta
za_finalcountryreport2012.pdf