High faecal contamination detected in Periyar

The analysis reveals that faecal contamination in water samples collected from the nine monitoring stations along the mainstream of the river is significant, indicating pollution from urban/domestic sources.

KOCHI High faecal contamination has been detected in water samples collected from the nine monitoring stations along the mainstream of the Periyar in Ernakulam and Idukki districts, according to an analysis of results from January 2022 to August 2024.

The research was done as part of the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme of the Central Pollution Control Board. The analysis revealed that faecal contamination was significant in the river, indicating its pollution from urban/domestic sources. A trend of low dissolved oxygen was found in the river water, especially on the lower stretches during summer, according to data from January to August in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

In 2024 (January to August), the faecal coliform value ranged from 2,800 MPN/100 ml and exceeded the desirable value of 500 MPN/100 ml at the sampling stations at Kalady, Kerala Water Authority, Aluva, and the sewage discharge points at Aluva, Muppathadam, Eloor, Pathalam, Purappalikadavu, Kalamassery, Panampkutty bridge. It had exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 2,500 MPN/100 ml at the sewage discharge points at Aluva and Eloor, according to the primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing, according to the NWMP data.

The situation was no different in 2023. The faecal coliform count exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 2,500 MPN/100 ml at Kalady, Kerala Water Authority at Aluva, and the sewage discharge points at Aluva, Muppathadam, Eloor, Pathalam, Purappalikkadavu, Kalamassery and Panamkutty bridge.

Published - November 27, 2024 08:39 pm IST