Cancer-Causing Pollutants Found in Groundwater of Himachal Pradesh’s Industrial Area
In a startling discovery, researchers from Indian Institute of Technology Mandi and IIT Jammu have unearthed the presence of cancer-causing pollutants in the groundwater of Himachal Pradesh’s Baddi-Barotiwala (BB) industrial area. The comprehensive study examined groundwater samples from the industrialized region, revealing significant contamination due to toxic metals.
The study identified industrial pollutants such as zinc, lead, cobalt, nickel, and chromium exceeding permissible levels, along with geogenic uranium. The heavy reliance on untreated groundwater has resulted in a surge of health issues, including a high incidence of cancer and renal diseases reported between 2013 and 2018.
Globally, over 80% of health problems in developing countries are attributed to waterborne diseases, claiming an alarming 1.5 million lives annually. The research found that the region’s groundwater, dominated by rock and calcium carbonate, is fraught with uniform uranium levels and metal contamination from industrial sources.
The human health risk assessment disclosed high non-carcinogenic risks for both adults and children, primarily stemming from natural uranium and industrial sources like zinc, lead, cobalt, and barium. Carcinogenic risks were also elevated for adults, notably due to industrial nickel and chromium.
The study underscores the urgent need for improved effluent treatment and enhanced monitoring of industrial discharges to safeguard public health. Geo-spatial maps were developed to showcase metal contamination and health risks, enabling residents to grasp the gravity of the situation and pinpoint pollution sources. These maps can serve as a road map for future policies and remediation efforts to ensure sustainable growth in the face of escalating industrialization and population expansion in India.
