SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, June 16: The researchers at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of BIT Mesra recently released a report on the water in Ranchi. As per the report, the amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water is continuously increasing in the capital, which can cause many diseases.
TDS are minute particles found in unfiltered water. These may include sodium, fluoride, iron, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and nitrates, among others. Consumption of these may end up seriously harming the human body.
The experts at BIT Mesra have already submitted their report to government officials, but the government is yet to start work on it. It is noteworthy, that if the capital city is facing such conditions currently, then one can only guess, what the condition in rural areas would be.
Along with the surface water of Ranchi, even the quality of groundwater is also deteriorating rigorously. It has been found from the study that the total dissolved solids in Ranchi water are increasing continuously. Also, the salinity in the water here is much more than the acceptable limit.
Experts say that if this is not taken care of now, then health problems faced by the citizens here will increase tenfold in coming times.
Researchers from BIT Mesra have examined the water quality of Ranchi and its surrounding areas. Tanushree Bhattacharya, assistant professor at the department, who headed the team, said that the water of three seasons, summer, winter and rain has been tested. In this, samples of tubewell and well water were collected from 42 locations of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation and tested.
“Even the arsenic levels have also increased in some places along with Fluoride content and Selenium. However, TDS levels have increased everywhere. Its full report has been given to Ground Water Recharge Department, but any step is yet to be taken,” Bhattacharya said.
Researchers from BIT Mesra further said that groundwater and surface water is also polluted. Irregular monsoons and over-exploitation of water resources are the main causes of this condition.
When asked to explain issues faced by particular areas, a researcher said, “The amount of fluoride is high in Dhruva and Edalhatu. More fluoride may be found in the water in rocky areas. Sources of fluoride may be naturally breaking down or weathering rocks and clay minerals. The maximum amount of arsenic was found in Koker’s Tonkitola. This may be because of the foundry, forge industry and automobile servicing centres situated here.”
Notably, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, 0.1 milligrams per litre of arsenic is acceptable in water. Meanwhile, the permissible amount of fluoride is 1.5 milligrams per litre. However, Ranchi has two to three times the amount. Large amounts of arsenic in water may even result in several types of cancer, however, the arsenic quantities in city water are yet to reach the levels that cause cancer. However, researchers believe that if not taken care of, the situation may worsen soon.
Regarding the presence of fluorides, researchers have claimed that large quantities may lead to ailments related to teeth and even fluorosis. Fluorides also weaken bones and their density.
When questioned about the reasons for increasing TDS, Prof Bhattacharya said, “Rapidly falling water levels are one of the main causes. Along with this, the presence of alkaline stones underground amid water may also lead to it.”
Explaining ways to save oneself from the TDS, researchers said that RO water purifiers work against TDS. People should set up RO systems as well.
