IIT Mandi, Jammu researchers find cancer-causing pollutants in Himachal Pradesh groundwater

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.