Some Impacts of Septic Effluent On Hydromorphic Soils

Abstract

<p> Measurements of soil atmosphere, soil physical parameters, coliform levels and ionic levels were made at 15 soil sites along Ancaster and Grindstone Creeks in winter, 1972-73 and July, 1973. Multivariate analysis of the data indicated large fluxes of septic effluent resulted in soil fabric alterations, anaerobosis, and elevated coliform, nitrate, chloride and sodium levels. According to ecological and health criteria, these hydromorphic soils have very serious limitations as processors and absorbers of septic effluent. </p>