IIT Mandi, Jammu researchers find cancer-causing pollutants in Himachal Pradesh groundwater
The USEPA model used in the study assessed health risks from groundwater contaminated by industrial zinc, lead, and cobalt, alongside natural uranium.
![IIT Mandi Study [Image - Wikipedia Commons]](https://cache.careers360.mobi/media/article_images/2024/6/12/IIT_Mandi_Study.jpg)
Yutukuri Sai Kiran | June 13, 2024 | 04:25 PM IST
NEW DELHI: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi and IIT Jammu have found significant cancer-causing pollutants in the groundwater of Himachal Pradesh’s Baddi-Barotiwala (BB) industrial area. Their findings highlight the urgent need for improved effluent treatment to reduce health risks. This study provides crucial insights into groundwater pollution in the BB industrial area, urging policymakers to prioritise public health alongside industrial progress.
The study from the two IITs, published in 'Science of the Total Environment', used geospatial maps to show metal contamination and health risks, aiding residents and policymakers. This analysis is crucial, considering that over 80% of health issues in developing countries are linked to waterborne diseases, causing 1.5 million deaths annually.
USEPA model in IIT Mandi study
Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) human health risk assessment model, the study evaluated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks from oral intake of contaminated groundwater for adults and children. Key metals of concern, such as zinc, lead, cobalt, and barium, were traced to industrial sources in the Baddi-Barotiwala area, while uranium and molybdenum were naturally occurring.
The assessment revealed significant non-carcinogenic risks, primarily from natural uranium, and high carcinogenic risks from industrial nickel and chromium. The region's groundwater is rock-dominated, mainly consisting of calcium carbonate. Uniform uranium levels were found in all samples.
Deepak Swami, associate professor at IIT Mandi, highlighted the high health risks from groundwater consumption, stressing the need for urgent remediation and stringent monitoring of industrial effluents.
Nitin Joshi, assistant professor at IIT Jammu, pointed out that their field study aimed to map pollution in the BB industrial area. He warned that the lower Himalayan region could follow the deteriorating trajectory of southwestern Punjab if left unattended.
Both researchers addressed the need to balance industrial development with public health to ensure sustainable growth.
Follow us for the latest education news on colleges and universities, admission, courses, exams, research, education policies, study abroad and more..
To get in touch, write to us at news@careers360.com.
Next Story
]Featured News
]- India-Pakistan Conflict: Delhi University students ‘stranded’ in J&K seek alternatives to semester exams
- NMC drops full-time teachers’ share, student stipend from medical college ranking criteria
- ‘Students kept TISS fight alive': Dalit scholar returns to campus after year-long battle against suspension
- IIT Delhi will file FIR for every suicide on campus; notifies new protocol
- ‘Patience and not backing down’: Kabir Paharia’s SC fight eases MBBS admissions for disabled candidates
- Two-member teams, 5-minute notice, no gifts: New NAAC rules on college, university assessment
- NEP 2020 can help make education inclusive, innovative, sustainable: DEI Agra professors
- College of Agriculture Pune nixes placement forum following 'meddling' charges
- BTech at RV University: ‘We favour internal assessment over exams, make students industry ready’
- AI Engineering Courses: Will ‘new-age’ programmes help BTech graduates in testing times?