International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

Rajesh Bhagwat Jadhao

Abstract

This paper illustrates the source and significance of nitrogen for groundwater and presents a general study and discussion of nitrogen contamination with reference to its causes and prevention Nitrogen is a major constituent of the earth's atmosphere and occurs in many different gaseous forms such as elemental nitrogen, nitrate and ammonia. Natural reactions of atmospheric forms of nitrogen with rainwater result in the formation of nitrate and ammonium ions. While nitrate is a common nitrogenous compound due to natural processes of the nitrogen cycle, anthropogenic sources have greatly increased the nitrate concentration, particularly in groundwater. The largest anthropogenic sources are septic tanks, application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers to turfgrass, and agricultural processes. Levels of nitrates in groundwater in some instances are above the safe levels proposed by the EPA and thus pose a threat to human health. Particularly in rural, private wells, incidence of methemoglobinemia appears to be the result of high nitrate levels. Methemoglobinemia, or blue baby syndrome, robs the blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Due to the detrimental biological effects, treatment and prevention methods must be considered to protect groundwater aquifers from nitrate leaching and high concentrations. Treatment through ion-exchange and other processes can rehabilitate already contaminated water, while prevention, such as reduced dependence on nitrogen-rich fertilizers can lower the influx of nitrates.Major sources of nitrogen in rural aquifers are related to wastewater disposal (onsite systems and leaky sewers), solid waste disposal (landfills and waste tips). The most significant health effect associated with nitrate ingestion is Methemoglobinaemia (Blue baby Syndrome) in infants under six months of age. Another concern about nitrate ingestion is the possibility that nitrites in the stomach and intestines may contribute to the development of some cancers. The major source of nitrogen in the many districts of India  are due to unplanned septic tanks.

Keywords

Nitrogen Contamination, Groundwater Contamination,Diseases associated,Problems due to nitrate contamination

Full Text

   

Rajesh Bhagwat Jadhao

Abstract

The HRSEZ is proposing to occupy an area of 25000 acres of land partly in Gurgaon district and mostly in Jhajjar district. The Groundwater moves from all the directions towards the area. Hence water logging is very common feature in this region. According to agricultural qualities, the study area can be divided into several small areas namely Brick kiln, Ravines, High Salinity, Ravine Based agricultural land, Water logged and Deep Water Table Lands. The major portion of the study area is barren and not suitable for agriculture. Agriculture is associated with only Water Logged areas. Thus only 15% of the land is suitable for agriculture. Sub surface water logging could be identified as the major constraint to crop production. The water logging reduced the ear number and hence is the major contributor towards the yield difference. The ear numbers accounted for 66.6% of yield differences in cereals.
The Introduction of the canal system in Jhajjar District is mainly responsible for the existing water logging condition and soil salinization in 16% of the area. This is due to rising water table of saline water in major parts. Though this problem has assumed a serious proportion yet it is still possible to tackle it with careful planning. The Water Level Fluctuation in the area free from water logging is about 5m and in the water logged area the Water Level Fluctuation is very small amounting to 10-15cm. After establishment of HR-SEZ, there would be a requirement of 400-500 MLD of water. This would create a ground water trough in the region. Water logging can be removed due to this. The water level fluctuation in these areas would increase. For every 1m increase in Water Level Fluctuation, there would be about 33% increase in crop yield. Therefore for 5m increase in Water Level Fluctuation, there would be further increase in crop production. Apart from this after development of HR-SEZ, the amount of recycled water would be 480 MLD, which can irrigate much greater area than is possible presently. The quality of this water would be high in nitrogen and phosphorous which would increase the fertility of the soil which ultimately increase the crop production and types. In this way the creation of HR SEZ will not only beneficial to the Industrialist but also good to the farmers in the surrounding areas..

Full Text

   

Rajesh Bhagwat Jadhao

Abstract

The hydrogeology of the southwest district of National Capital Territory (NCT) Delhi is challenging on the account of the fact that the quality of groundwater in the district shows horizontal and vertical variation with respect to salinity.  The present paper tries to study the variation in the depth to fresh (electrical conductivity equal to or below 1500-2000 micro siemens per cm)/saline (electrical conductivity above 1500-2000 micro siemens per cm) water interface of the district and locate the factors controlling  the variation in the depth to fresh/saline interface in the groundwater of the district. The map showing variation in the depth to fresh/saline interface in the groundwater of the district was studied vis-à-vis geology and cultural practices in the district, in order to identify the factors controlling the variation in the depth to fresh/saline water interface in the groundwater of the district.

In the irrigated areas of semi-arid regions, especially in northwest India, a considerable recharge to the groundwater leads to water logging and secondary salinization. In several sub-areas groundwater is mined, water tables fall, and salts are added to the ischolar_main zone because a high proportion of irrigation water is derived from pumped groundwater of poor quality. Out of 1 million hectares of irrigation induced waterlogged saline area in northwest India, approximately half a million hectares are in the state of Haryana. Taking a homogenous physical environment as a starting point, the way and the extent to which farmers’ activities will affect the salinity and sodicity situation depend on farming and irrigation practices. In the past, soil salinity was mainly associated with high groundwater tables, which bring salts into the ischolar_main zone through capillary rise when water is pumped.

But nowadays, increasing exploitation of groundwater for irrigation purposes has led to declining groundwater tables and a threat of sodification and salinization due to use of poor quality groundwater. Farmers in northwest India are facing a situation in which they have to deal with salt volumes that are harmful for water uptake of crops. They are also facing the problem of sodicity, which has an adverse effect on the physical structure of the soil, causing problems of water intake, transfer and aeration. To mitigate the adverse effect of soil salinity on crop yield, the farmers irrigate frequently, either mixing canal water and groundwater, or alternately using canal water and groundwater. Due to differences in environmental parameters in the farming systems, such as groundwater quality, soil types and uneven distribution of irrigation water, income losses to the farming community are not uniform. This paper highlights the economic loss due to environmental degradation through the twin problems of water logging and soil salinity, which threaten the sustainability of agricultural production in Haryana state. Our analysis shows that the net present value of the damage due to water logging and salinity in Haryana is about Rs. 23,900/ha (in 1998–1999 constant prices). The estimated potential annual loss is about Rs. 1669 million (about US$ 37 million) from the waterlogged saline area. The major finding of the paper is that intensification per se is not the ischolar_main cause of land degradation, but rather the policy environment that encouraged inappropriate land use and injudicious input use, especially excessive irrigation. Trade policies, output price policies and input subsidies all have contributed to the degradation of agricultural land.

Impacts of Urban Growth on Surface Water and Groundwater Quality (Proceedings of IUGG 99In recent years, water supply and groundwater resources in India have become threatened following uncontrolled disposal of urban waste into water bodies, open waste dumping and poorly designed landfills. Within the urban fringe zones of Delhi, the contamination of groundwater by industrial and domestic effluents now presents serious challenges. Subsoil waters in the area through which effluents from major industries infiltrate, are already polluted more or less permanently. Wells in many residential areas are contaminated with nitrate, detergents and high salinity levels with the high content of fluoride also posing severe health hazards in surrounding regions.

Full Text