Evaluation of the Impact of Sludge Lagoons on the Quality of Water Environment in Surrounding Area

The main goal of this research was to determine the impact of sludge lagoons collecting sewage sludge from the wastewater treatment plant in Almaty (Kazachstan), on groundwater and surface water quality. After geophysical examination of the study area (including Vertical Electroresistivity Survey and Seismic Survey), there were set three sampling points for examination of groundwater quality, and 2 points for sampling water from the river Almatynka Bol’shaya, winding 250÷500 meters from the borders of lagoons. The results obtained from the analysis of collected samples showed high concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, PO4 ions and other compounds in groundwater in the vicinity of sludge lagoons. It was also found that in the river section downstream sludge lagoons there were higher concentrations of heavy metals and other contaminants, than in the river section upstream.