Inorganic pollution ( nitrate, fluoride, iron,
manganese, calcium ,arsenic, heavy
metals), water pollution due to insecticides
and pesticide
Definition:
Inorganic pollution refers to contamination of the environment, particularly waterbodies,
by non-organic substances such as metals, minerals, and chemical compounds.
Some pollutants are:
1)Nitrate
Comes from agricultural fertilizers, animal manure & human sewage
High level of nitrates in drinking water can be harmful, particularly to
infants, causing Methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome”
Note: Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of
methemoglobin (form of hemoglobin) is produced which affects how red blood cells
deliver oxygen to cells and tissue.
2)Fluoride
fluoride contamination often occurs naturally in Groundwater but can
also result from industrial processes or addition of fluoride to water
supplies for dental health
fluoride in small amounts can be beneficial for dental health , excessive
levels can cause dental fluorosis & skeletal fluorosis
3)Iron & Manganese
Naturally occurings metals found in rocks & soils. They can enter water
Source through dissolution of these minerals
Not typically Harmful to Health, they can cause aesthetic issues such as
staining of Laundry & plumbing fixtures
4)Calcium
naturally occurings minerals & not typically considered as pollutant
High levels of calcium (Base cations)in water can contribute to “hardwater"
which can lead to scaling in pipes & appliances
4)Arsenic
natural Geological sources, particularly in regions with arsenic rich bed rock
(use of deep tube wells for water supply)
Health issuses like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, skin lesions etc
5)Heavy Metals
Such as lead, mercury, cadmium & chromium can contaminate water through
industrial discharges, mining activities & improper disposal of waste.
Highly toxic & can cause serious health problems; Including neurological
damage, organ failure and cancer
Water pollution due to insecticides & pesticides:-
Pesticide = chemicals that Kill undesirable plant or weeds.
Insecticides = chemicals that kill Particular insects.
Pesticides contain many harmful ingredients (organic and
inorganic).
Harmful ingredients of pesticides reach the water bodies as:
surface runoff to water bodies (agricultural field)
leaching to Groundwater
Vapourization to atmosphere & deposition by rainfall
Effects:-
detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems including harming aquatic
organisms & disrupting foodchains
Causes of water pollution in Bagmati River
1)Industrial & Domestic Discharge
Rapid industrialization along the riverbanks leads to the unregulated discharge of
untreated hazardous chemicals , mineral etc. In Kathmandu valley, industrial
wastewater accounts for 7% of total waste water.
2) Untreated Sewage domestic
The discharge of untreated domestic sewage from residental areas, slums and
urban Settlements
Over 95% of wastewater is estimated to have released into river without treatment
3) Solid Waste Mismanagement
Improper solid waste management practices such as open dumping & littering,
results in accumulation of non-biodegradable materials along riverbanks
As per research ,about 70,000 plastic fragments travel through Ktm valley along
Bagmati river each day
4)Religious practices
As Bagmati river holds immense religious significance, attracting pilgrims
who performs rituals & ceremonies
With average of 37 cremations per day , Pashupatinath Temple is largest
cremation site in Nepal . The bodies are burnt along banks of river while
the remaining ashes are thrown into river
Improper disposal of religious offerings such as flowers, garlands and
other items
Preventive Measures:
Setting limits on pollutant levels in water
Implementing best practices in agriculture & industry to reduce runoff and
emissions
Investing in water treatment technologies to remove contaminants from
drinking water resources
Public awareness and education about sources and impacts of pollution are also
crucial in Fostering (promote/encourage) responsible environmental
stewardship(control/supervision)
