Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

S. B. Basavaraddi ¹, Hina Kousar ¹, E. T. Puttaiah ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Science, Kuvempu University, Shankargatta-577 451, Karnataka, IN
2 Gulbarga University, Gulbarga-585 106, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the boon provided by nature but indiscriminate urbanization, industrialization and overexploitation have led to its deterioration both in its quality and quantity. Fluorides are mainly found in groundwater derived by the solvent action of water on the rocks and the soil of the earth's crust. It is the most electro-negative of all chemical elements and is never encountered in nature in the element form. Imbalance of fluoride concentration causes effect on human life. A total of 50 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters as well as fluoride content. The groundwater samples were collected in sterilized polyethylene plastic bottles and then immediately analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, chloride and alkalinity. The fluoride concentration in some sample locations like S8, S10, S21, S32 and S48 were nearing the maximum permissible value of 1.5mg/L and in all other samples it ranged between 0.37 mg/L to 1.48mg/L. It was found that out of 50 samples, about 90% were within permissible limit while 10% had fluoride approaching maximal permissible limit (1.5mg/L). Fluoride is an essential mineral for human life and for animals within permissible limit. The present study becomes essential for the people of Tiptur town and its surrounding areas to lead a healthy life, as they depend on groundwater resources to a great extent.

Keywords

Tiptur Town, Groundwater, Fluoride Toxicity, Fluorosis.

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Mohammed Naji Taresh Ali ¹, Hina Kousar ¹, Adamsab M. Patel ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Science, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta-577 451, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Fluoride is often referred to as a two edged sword, with 0.6 to 1.5 ppm regarded as an essential constituent of drinking water mainly because of its role in prevention of dental caries, and its concentration more than 1.5 mg/L leading to dental and skeletal fluorosis. When the concentration of fluoride in water exceeds 10 mg/L, crippling fluorosis can ensue. Apart from fluorosis, it may also cause gastrointestinal complaints, namely loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain in stomach, constipation and intermittent diarrhoea and flatulence in expectant and lactating mothers. Fluorosis has been considered as one of the incurable diseases and prevention is the only solution. In this paper an attempt has been made to determine the fluoride concentration in the groundwater of Arsikere taluk and the investigation revealed that its concentration varied between 1.1mg/L and 2.3 mg/L.

Keywords

Fluoride, Groundwater, Arsikere Taluk, Fluorosis.

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C. K. Mookappa Naik ¹, Hina Kousar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Science, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta-577 401, District Shimoga, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

The stagnant waters such as ponds or tanks and lakes are usually called lentic waters. The pollutants concentrate themselves differently in these zones based on prevailing physical and chemical conditions. These zones are usually inhabited by specialized organisms adopted to environment. The large number of chemical compounds are brought to the waters by discharge of sewage, industrial wastewater and agriculture runoff, and several of them are poisonous to life in varied concentrations and may affect the fish culture. The present study deals with physico-chemical characteristics like temperature, pH, EC, TDS, Cl, TH, total alkalinity, acidity, turbidity, NO₃, PO₄, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, free CO₂, calcium, magnesium, sulphates, dissolved organic matters in the Padavagodu tank water studied from December 2009 to November 2010. Data were collected from one sampling station to evaluate the water quality for human consumption and irrigation. The study revealed that physico-chemical data were within WHO and BIS standards. Hence, it was concluded that water is suitable for drinking, irrigation and fisheries.

Keywords

Padavagodu Tank, Water Quality, Pollutants, Drinking Water Standards, Fish Culture.

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Adamsab M. Patel ¹, Hina Kousar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Science, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta-577 451, Shivamogga District, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Contribution of automobiles is in the range of 40 to 80% of the total air pollution. The challenge facing cities is how to reduce the adverse environmental impacts and other negative effects of transportation without giving up the benefits of mobility. The dilemma becomes most pressing under conditions of rapid urban growth, which is likely to increase travel demand significantly. The growing number of automobiles in urban Shivamogga poses a serious threat to its air environment. Ambient air quality in the city was monitored for concentration of SPM, SO₂ and NO_x at different traffic areas namely MRS, Gandhi Bazar, Aamer Ahemad circle, Bus stand and Mandli.

Keywords

Urban Air Pollution, Vehicle Emissions, Traffic Congestion.

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