Concerns Rise Over Water Quality in Kerala Following Groundwater Study
Groundwater quality study in Kerala is raising alarms over high nitrate and iron levels. Nationwide survey found worrying results from local water samples, sparking closer scrutiny of drinking water safety.
In this research,699 samples were tested. 32 exceeded safe nitrate limit of 45 mg/litre. Iron levels? Too high in 49 samples. Contamination linked to agricultural practices — fertilizers, organic waste seeping in.
Three samples had fluoride beyond 1.5 mg/litre. No arsenic or uranium detected,though — a relief.
“The implications of higher nitrate concentrations in groundwater are concerning,” remarked Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell of Indian Medical Association in Kerala. He highlighted the potential for health issues,including disruptions in thyroid function and increased theoretical risk of cancer. “Nitrate conversion to nitrosamines by gut bacteria could lead to health hazards, classified as probable carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC),” he elaborated.
After these findings, Prof. V. Sivanandan Achari,Dean of Faculty of Science at Cochin University of Science and Technology, stressed how important it is to routinely check and maintain septic systems to cut nitrate pollution. He also urged for continuous monitoring of heavy metals in groundwater.
Recent assessment underlines need to keep tabs on Kerala's groundwater quality,especially with shifting agricultural trends. How will authorities tackle these contamination issues? Public health and safe drinking water depend on it…
