IISc develop method to cleanse groundwater contamination

In a breakthrough effort to tackle the pressing issue of arsenic contamination in groundwater, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have devised a pioneering three-step process. This method not only effectively removes heavy metal pollutants like arsenic but also ensures their safe disposal, preventing them from re-entering the environment.

Key-highlights

• Scientists have developed a patent-pending technique aimed at addressing the critical aspect of sustainable waste management in water purification.
• The three-step method effectively eliminates heavy metal contaminants like arsenic from groundwater, ensuring the production of safe drinking water.
• The innovative process not only eliminates arsenic efficiently but also ensures environmentally friendly disposal of the removed pollutants.
• The Problem: Arsenic and fluoride contamination in groundwater is a significant concern across India, with numerous districts exceeding permissible limits set by regulatory bodies like the Bureau of Indian Standards and the World Health Organization.
  • These contaminants pose severe health risks to both humans and animals.
  • Traditional methods of water purification often neglect the crucial step of disposing of removed contaminants safely, leading to potential recontamination.

Factors contributing to contamination:

• Naturally Occurring Contaminants: Fluoride, arsenic, nitrate, iron, and heavy metals naturally exist in certain geological formations, affecting water quality.
• Industrial Activities: Untreated or poorly treated industrial effluents discharged into water bodies contaminate surface and groundwater sources.
• Agricultural Activities: Excessive use of pesticides, fertilizers, and agrochemicals in agriculture leads to water contamination over time.
• Sanitation Practices: Inadequate sanitation facilities and open defecation, especially in rural areas, contribute to water source contamination.
• Geogenic Processes: Geogenic processes, such as those causing uranium contamination, can occur naturally, exacerbated by groundwater overexploitation.
• Improper Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of biowaste contaminates groundwater and surface water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Impact of Groundwater Contamination

• Public Health Risks: Consumption of contaminated groundwater can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders, neurological problems, skeletal deformities, and even cancer.
• Common Contaminants and Health Impacts:
  • Arsenic: Chronic exposure can lead to black foot disease and poses significant health risks.
  • Fluoride: High fluoride intake causes neuromuscular disorders, dental deformities, and skeletal fluorosis.
  • Nitrates: Excessive nitrate levels in water can result in methemoglobinemia and blue baby syndrome.
  • Uranium: Elevated uranium levels in drinking water can cause kidney toxicity.
  • Radon: Presence of radioactive radon in groundwater poses risks of lung cancer.
• Economic Burden: Treating water-related illnesses imposes significant healthcare costs on individuals and communities. Productivity losses due to sickness also impact economic development.
• Environmental Degradation: Contaminated groundwater affects ecosystems, harming aquatic life and disrupting biodiversity. It can also degrade soil quality and impair agricultural productivity.
• Social Inequities: Communities reliant on contaminated groundwater often face socio-economic challenges, including limited access to safe drinking water, reduced educational opportunities, and compromised livelihoods.
• Long-Term Consequences: Groundwater contamination can persist for decades or even centuries, posing ongoing risks to human health and the environment. Remediation efforts may require substantial time, resources, and technological interventions.