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Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Science
- Time of India
NU researchers develop policy proposals to revive Dhansiri
1 2 3 Dimapur: Researchers from Nagaland University have developed policy proposals to revive Dhansiri, a river in the northeast, after studying its pollution status across all four seasons of the year. According to a university release on Monday, this study concentrated on a neglected river system in the region and addresses a research gap by emphasising a lesser-known, yet ecologically and culturally significant river. It observed that the river is facing escalating pollution, resulting from anthropogenic activities, including urbanisation, discharges from towns, agricultural runoff and inadequate domestic waste management. The researchers attempted to evaluate the seasonal fluctuations in the physicochemical parameters of the river at three distinct locations — upstream, middle and downstream stations — and thereby estimate the seasonal water quality index (WQI) rating. The research, led by M Romeo Singh, associate professor, department of botany, Nagaland University, focused on assessing the water quality of the Dhansiri river using the WQI technique. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo The researchers recommended relocation of dumping sites, prohibition of direct trash discharge, adoption of advanced wastewater treatment techniques, improving drainage systems and establishment of robust regional water management policies. They stressed that regular monitoring and community education and awareness are crucial for rehabilitating the river's ecosystem and guaranteeing safe water. Elaborating on this research, Singh said, "This study serves as an essential basis for the sustainable restoration of the Dhansiri river and comparable neglected water bodies in India. If its recommendations are executed, it can initiate a paradigm of river restoration that integrates scientific knowledge, community engagement, and policy reform, thereby benefiting society and enhancing the nation's resilience to environmental stresses. "
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hit by rapid depletion, Mansa groundwater now faces nitrate, fluoride contamination: Study
Chandigarh: With groundwater depletion worsening in Punjab, a study has raised serious concern over groundwater quality in Punjab's Mansa district. It has highlighted a growing threat from nitrate and fluoride contamination posing significant public health risks in one of the state's most water-stressed regions. As groundwater depletion and contamination worsen in southwestern Punjab, primarily due to heavy reliance on underground water in the absence of adequate surface water, the study was undertaken to assess the extent of nitrate and fluoride pollution in Mansa. Researchers collected 246 randomly selected, grid-based groundwater samples and conducted a comprehensive analysis of key physicochemical parameters, including cations, anions, nitrate, and fluoride concentrations. The findings were concerning: 23.2% of the samples showed nitrate levels exceeding the recommended limits, while 12.6% had fluoride concentrations above permissible levels. According to the Water Quality Index (WQI), 24.6% of groundwater samples were classified as unsuitable for drinking, 36.6% as very poor, 27.2% as poor, and only 11.8% were considered good. The southern blocks of Budhlada, Jhunir, and Sardoolgarh emerged as the most severely affected, while Bhikhi block in the north was the least impacted. Although fluoride presented a relatively lower health risk across most areas—except Sardoolgarh, where children were particularly vulnerable—nitrate pollution was found to be a district-wide concern. Drinking water with nitrate levels above 45 mg/L is known to cause methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome", in infants. Hydrogeochemical analysis identified sodium-chloride as the dominant groundwater type, followed by mixed and sodium-sulfate-bicarbonate compositions. Elevated electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids indicated high concentrations of total salts, suggesting intensified geochemical activity. The study, titled 'Hydrogeochemical Characterisation and Geospatial Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Alluvial Aquifer of Southwestern Punjab in Association with Health Risk Assessment Due to Nitrate and Fluoride Pollution', was conducted by Jashandeep Singh Sidhu, Sumita Chandel, Sashikant Sahoo, Dhanwinder Singh, Kuldip Singh, Mohit Arora, and Harsimran Kaur. It was published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Researchers strongly advocate for immediate and sustained intervention. Key recommendations include promoting integrated nutrient and water management to limit fertiliser overuse, encouraging a shift from high nitrogen-demanding crops to legumes, adopting more efficient irrigation techniques such as micro and furrow irrigation, and prioritising drought-tolerant, short-duration crop varieties to reduce nitrate leaching. The study also calls for regular groundwater quality monitoring to guide targeted management strategies. Highlighting elevated health risks, especially for children, researchers stressed the need for investigation into sustainable, cost-effective solutions to mitigate groundwater pollution. The findings serve as a timely warning for policymakers, environmental authorities, and the agricultural community to prioritise water safety and public health before the situation worsened.
