‘Tube well water in Jodhpur not fit for drinking’
STUDY REPORT Nine out of 10 samples have been found containing excessive metals
JODHPUR: Experts have found water in tube-wells of Jodhpur unfit for consumption as nine out of 10 samples tested have been found to be containing metals over the permissible limits.
Water samples from tubewells in Shergarh, Kvinda, Osian, Tinwari, Mathania, Basni, Kakani, Dhangeavas, Pipar City and Bilara were collected from different depths and examined, Sudhir Mittal, assistant professor of Physics in Baba Farid College, Bathinda, who was part of the team that conducted the joint research, said.
Results from nine out of ten samples were found to be containing heavy metals more than the prescribed limits set by various agencies, Mittal said, terming the water unfit for consumption.
The joint research was done by experts from Punjab Technical University, Baba Farid College, Deon, Bathinda and Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar.
Mittal said the concentration of iron in all drinking water samples was found to be higher than the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). At least 50% of the samples contained higher amounts of Selenium (Se) whereas lead was found in excess in 60% of the samples.
He pointed out that the concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in samples are higher whereas cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are lower. The value of total dissolved solids (TDS) in 40% water samples were found more than the recommended permissible limit, he added. The high concentration of heavy metals may be due to the geological structure of the district and intensive mining here.
Mittal also highlighted the use of minerals such as jasper, dolomite, limestone, granite, phosphate, in the region.
Experts cited previous studies to stress that the high intake of heavy metals may result in chronic damage. Zinc could cause anaemia whereas Cadmium can injure the renal, pulmonary, skeletal, testicular and nervous system.
Excess of Lead in the human body may cause headache, irritability, abdominal pain and other problems related to the nervous system while Arsenic could lead to gastrointestinal problems, severe disturbances of cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and eventually death and Copper could affect the stomach and cause intestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
A JOINT RESEARCH WAS DONE BY EXPERTS
FROM 3 UNIVERSITIES OF PUNJAB,
INCLUDING PUNJAB TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY