Paani.Earth evaluated dry-season pollution samples from seven sites along the Arkavati and its tributary, the Vrishabhavati.
| Photo Credit: BHAGYA PRAKASH
A report on pollution levels in the Arkavati has revealed alarming levels of physicochemical pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, and hazardous organic compounds that exceed both Indian and international standards and guidelines.
According to a report by Paani.Earth on ‘Uncovering the Hidden Pollution in the Arkavathi: Emerging Contaminants Impacting Bengaluru and Beyond’, samples were tested for 65 unique water and 20 unique sediment pollution parameters.
Paani.Earth, which conducted this study in collaboration with the International Centre for Clean Water in February and March 2024, evaluated dry season pollution samples from seven sites along the Arkavati and its tributary, the Vrishabhavati.
This report then compared testing results to national and international standards and guidelines for freshwater and sediment pollution. The findings reveal alarming levels of physicochemical pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, and hazardous organic compounds.
“Every single test site contained multiple pollutants exceeding recommended guidelines, posing major ecosystem and human health risks,” the report stated.
Regarding pesticides, the report found that harmful substances with health impacts, such as heptachlor and DDT, were found at levels as high as 25,022 times the United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
“Heavy Metals: Toxins such as Mercury found in sediment at levels up to 26 times above Canada’s Sediment Quality Guidelines. Industrial Pollutants: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from industrial burning such as Dibenz[a,h]anthracene found at 3,076 times United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.Nutrients: Excessive phosphorus levels causing eutrophic conditions at all sites,” the report stated on the high pollutants.
It further added that with many pollutants exceeding national and international standards, it can cause severe risks to human and aquatic health, including cancer and hormone disruptions.
“Heavy metals also contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing an additional threat to public health and the environment,” it added.
It also blamed inadequate monitoring practices for alarming levels of pollution by stating that water quality monitoring guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board emphasise the importance of classifying sampling sites to identify and address pollutant sources effectively.
“However, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s monitoring programme under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP) falls short. It simplifies the process by assigning sites basic rankings (A, B, C, D, or E) based on limited parameters, failing to account for critical emerging contaminants,” it stated.
Published – January 20, 2025 12:09 am IST