Water quality for irrigation and discharges from tanneries

Purpose - Water protection is one of the primary objectives of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. The paper aims to identify suitable indices for water quality and specifically for water used for irrigation in the Fratta-Gorzone river basin (Northern Italy) affected by discharges from the largest tannery district in Italy. Design/methodology/approach - The DPSIR framework is proposed here for the development of a water quality monitoring and control system. A set of indices is applied as a comprehensive environmental management system in order to: assess the degree of achievement of water quality objectives; identify measures to be applied to pressure sources; verify the extent of application of local measures. Findings - The highest values measured in the river Fratta-Gorzone refer to the following parameters: chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorides, sulphates, chromium, E. coli and, in some cases, other parameters. At basin level, the objectives set by the WFD and by local regulations must be achieved by applying appropriate discharge limit values. Water quality for irrigation use and the impact of the tannery district is critically presented and discussed according to available data, and refers to the monitoring project which was developed as a result. Practical implications - The inflow from an irrigation channel, which conducts freshwater from the Adige river to the Fratta-Gorzone river and empties just beyond the discharge point for effluent from the tannery district, favoured a general improvement in river water quality, as a result of dilution, particularly for irrigation purposes. Originality/value - An environmental management system is outlined, with a proposal for a specific set of indices to be used as part of the monitoring and control activities for the integrated management of river basins, especially those affected by industrial tannery discharges.