Articles

Comparison and Evaluation of Physicochemical and Organic Indicators of Pollution in Selected Creeks of Mumbai Western Coastal Region

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The current investigation studies the physiochemical parameters and level of organic contamination of water samples obtained from four main creeks of Western Coastal region of Mumbai – Malad creek, Vasai creek, Mahim creek, and Manori creek. The analysis was carried out for such parameters as hardness, salinity, acidity, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). Based on the analysis results, significant differences were found regarding the location of the sampled water bodies. Vasai creek displayed the maximum salinity level (15940 ppm) and hardness because of strong tidal influence and high content of dissolved ions in water. Mahim creek indicated the highest acidity (229.68 ppm) due to severe human interference into the environment of this creek. All analyzed creeks demonstrated the high COD level that ranged between 512 and 864 mg/l. This means that high level of organic pollution was observed at these water bodies. Strong connection between COD and BOD confirms the high amount of biodegradable organic pollutants.

An Assessment of Water Quality and Identification of Problems: A Case Study of Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat, Northern Province

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The Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat (DS), located in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, is underlain by Miocene limestone, which is considered to have aquifer properties favourable for groundwater storage and discharge. Given that groundwater serves as the primary water resource for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes, maintaining its quality is a significant concern. This paper aims to assess the water quality in the region, identify associated problems, and investigate potential causes and preventive measures. A purposive sampling method was employed to select six sample Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions. In addition, 100 questionnaires were administered, and 36 water samples were collected for the study. These water samples were tested based on eight major water quality parameters: Electrical Conductivity (EC), Salinity, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Fluoride (F-), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Turbidity (Tn). Furthermore, secondary data were gathered from previous literature. Both primary and secondary data were analysed using Minitab and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The measurements were then compared to the desirable limits set by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI). This study revealed that the highest recorded values for EC, Salinity, pH, TDS, F-, N, P, and Tn were 2480 µS/cm, 1254 ppm, 8.6, 632 ppm, 1.1 ppm, 7,9 ppm, 3.8 ppm, and 36.7 NTU, respectively. These values exceed the standard limits set by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI). The pollution in the area can be attributed to various factors, including topographical conditions, improper agricultural practices, inadequate sanitation methods, dumping sites, war activities, and industrial waste. As a result, these issues have led to serious health problems, reduced crop yields, insufficient drinking water, and the degradation of groundwater resources. Therefore, this study recommends the adoption of green agriculture practices, the installation of water treatment plants, the promotion of rainwater harvesting systems, and the enforcement of land and irrigation-related laws. Moreover, hazardous waste material must be disposed of at designated sites to protect water resources.

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Vandiyur Lake: An Ecological and Chemical Analysis

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This study investigates the environmental and ecological health of Vandiyur Lake in Madurai City, Tamil Nadu, India. GIS mapping reveals the lake’s proximity to residential and commercial areas, contributing to pollution from various sources, including domestic, hospital, and industrial sewage. Chemical analysis shows alterations in the lake’s pH, dissolved oxygen, CO2, and phosphate levels. The lake also suffers from the overgrowth of the invasive species Eichhornia crassipes. Despite these challenges, the lake serves as a crucial source of groundwater and supports local fishing activities. The study underscores the urgent need for sustainable management practices to preserve this vital ecosystem.This study investigates the environmental and ecological health of Vandiyur Lake in Madurai City, Tamil Nadu, India. GIS mapping reveals the lake’s proximity to residential and commercial areas, contributing to pollution from various sources, including domestic, hospital, and industrial sewage. Chemical analysis shows alterations in the lake’s pH, dissolved oxygen, CO2, and phosphate levels. The lake also suffers from the overgrowth of the invasive species Eichhornia crassipes. Despite these challenges, the lake serves as a crucial source of groundwater and supports local fishing activities. The study underscores the urgent need for sustainable management practices to preserve this vital ecosystem.