SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad July 2016 Page 1 of 40 Asso. Prof. of Env. Engg. 1.0. INTRODUCTION Forest and Environment Department of Government of Gujarat issued directions under Section 5 of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 vide No. ENV-10-2010-1004-E dated on 23 rd January 2012, indicating the use of traditional clay for idol making and banning the use of baked clay and Plaster of Paris (PoP) along with other recommendations related to painting of idols, managing the work ship materials, identifying idol immersion points, as well as formation of coordination committees etc. The directions also include provision for removal of left over material at idol immersion points on the Bank of Rivers, Lakes, Beaches etc, within 48 hours of the immersion of idols by the local bodies for suitable disposal. Subsequent to this Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad city issued a Notification dated 22 nd May 2012 under section 144(4) of Criminal Procedure Code. Ganapati Murti Sarjak Yuwa Bavari Samaj Sewa Samiti approached Honorable Gujarat High Court for setting aside the Notification issued by Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad city where the State of Gujarat through Secretary and Commissioner of Police were made respondent. The petition was admitted as Special Civil Application Number 11600 of 2012. Subsequent to the hearing an oral order was issued by Honorable Chief Justice Mr. Bhaskar Bhattacharya on 14 th September 2012. The Honorable National Green Tribunal issued directions to Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) through its order dated 9 th May 2013 to undertake scientific study about the impact of Plaster of Paris made idols. The Para 46 have been reproduced as below: “We direct the GPCB and all the other Pollution Control Boards which are covered by the Water Act to undertake the scientific study of the impact of PoP made idols on immersion thereof, in relation to water quality of rivers, ponds, sea or other sources and examine whether it is an environment pollutant” Under these directions, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) constituted an expert committee to address the issue. The expert committee decided to get a detailed scientific study carried out by an established reputed institute to satisfy the requirement of National Green Tribunal. For this purpose GPCB invited Environmental Engineering Department of L. D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad to carry out the detailed scientific study to establish the extent of water quality changes due to the immersion of idols made up of Plaster of Paris.
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SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
Page 1 of 40
Asso. Prof. of Env. Engg.
1.0. INTRODUCTION
Forest and Environment Department of Government of Gujarat issued directions under Section 5 of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 vide No. ENV-10-2010-1004-E dated on 23rd January 2012, indicating the use of traditional clay for idol making and banning the use of baked clay and Plaster of Paris (PoP) along with other recommendations related to painting of idols, managing the work ship materials, identifying idol immersion points, as well as formation of coordination committees etc. The directions also include provision for removal of left over material at idol immersion points on the Bank of Rivers, Lakes, Beaches etc, within 48 hours of the immersion of idols by the local bodies for suitable disposal.
Subsequent to this Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad city issued a Notification dated 22nd May 2012 under section 144(4) of Criminal Procedure Code.
Ganapati Murti Sarjak Yuwa Bavari Samaj Sewa Samiti approached Honorable Gujarat High Court for setting aside the Notification issued by Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad city where the State of Gujarat through Secretary and Commissioner of Police were made respondent. The petition was admitted as Special Civil Application Number 11600 of 2012.
Subsequent to the hearing an oral order was issued by Honorable Chief Justice Mr. Bhaskar Bhattacharya on 14th September 2012.
The Honorable National Green Tribunal issued directions to Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) through its order dated 9th May 2013 to undertake scientific study about the impact of Plaster of Paris made idols. The Para 46 have been reproduced as below:
“We direct the GPCB and all the other Pollution Control Boards which are covered by the Water Act to undertake the scientific study of the impact of PoP made idols on immersion thereof, in relation to water quality of rivers, ponds, sea or other sources and examine whether it is an environment pollutant”
Under these directions, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) constituted an expert committee to address the issue. The expert committee decided to get a detailed scientific study carried out by an established reputed institute to satisfy the requirement of National Green Tribunal. For this purpose GPCB invited Environmental Engineering Department of L. D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad to carry out the detailed scientific study to establish the extent of water quality changes due to the immersion of idols made up of Plaster of Paris.
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
Page 2 of 40
Asso. Prof. of Env. Engg.
2.0. AIM OF THE PROJECT
The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the impacts on quality of receiving water bodies mainly Ponds, Rivers and Sea due to the immersion of idols made up of PoP. 2.1 Terms of Reference of the present study:
The Terms of Reference, as proposed by Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) ,has been reproduced here under:
1. A study to be carried out to quantify the amount of pollutants affecting the water quality of different water bodies due to immersion of idols made of Plaster of Paris using colors for the painting.
2. The Idols, on which the scientific study is to be carried out, shall be purchased from different local markets.
3. Study should be carried out in such a manner that result indicates the factual picture about solubility, reaction and other Physico-chemical phenomenon occurring in natural environment due to Plaster of Paris made Idols and Paint used idol mainly.
4. Sampling of the water body shall be done at regular interval of time as decided by Institute.
5. The physical and chemical analysis of the water used for the experiment purpose shall be carried out regular interval so as to capture the actual picture of immediate impacts, Short term Impacts and Long term Impacts due to Plaster of Paris made Idol Immersion on water Bodies and Natural Environment.
6. The parameters to be sampled & analyzed will be pH, CaSO4 , BOD, COD, DO, TDS, SS, O & G, and heavy metals. Institute can add other parameters as may be required during the course of study.
7. Expenses for this whole scientific study will be borne by Gujarat Pollution Control Board.
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
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3.0. APPROACH TOWARDS THE STUDY Attempt has been made to study the effects of idol immersion on water quality of receiving water bodies, by simulating conditions of Rivers, Lakes and Sea in the laboratory as given hereunder: 1. Lake: The Lake is a stagnant water body where quiescent conditions prevail without
considerable mixing. In order to simulate the conditions in a lake, the study has been carried out by immersing idols purchased from the local market in tanks of suitable size. The arrangement has been shown at Plate no. 1.
2. River: The river simulating model has been developed considering the flow velocity of 0.3-0.4 m/s and the size of the idol to be immersed in it. The arrangement has been shown at Plate no. 2.
3. Sea: The Sea is a dynamic water body subjected to mixing due to waves caused by ebb and tides depending upon the size of incoming and outgoing waves. The intensity of mixing is different at different locations. It was not possible to create the intensity of mixing in the tank to simulate the actual conditions. Therefore the study has been carried out by immersing idols purchased from the local market in tanks of suitable size. The sea water was collected from sea coast of Jamnagar. The arrangement has been shown at Plate no. 3.
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
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Plate no 3 Sea Immersion Model
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
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3.1. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
The study has been carried out in a systematic manner as shown in the Figure no. 1.
Figure no.1: Flow chart of Methodology
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
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3.2. IDOL MAKING PROCESS:
3.2.1. PROCESS TO MAKE AN ECO (GANESHA) IDOL:
The basic raw materials required to make Eco Idol are listed here under:
a) Natural Clay b) Mould for the Idol (Front and Back) c) Talcum Powder d) Natural Paints
The Process:
Natural Clay is mixed with water to form Dough, such that water is in adequate proportion to form a homogeneous mixture. Now take the required mould of POP, and sprinkle its inner surface with Talcum powder, for lubrication purpose. Fill the front mould with the Clay Dough, simultaneously applying uniform pressure at all points. This ensures precision in the features of the idol. Repeat the above step for the Back mould as well. Now put the two moulds together and fill the visible voids with Clay, if any. Press the two moulds against each for a small amount of time. Be gentle in doing so, as excess pressure can weaken the strength of the idol. Now, remove the top mould carefully and any excess Clay visible using a knife. Thus, an Eco-friendly Ganesha is ready.
Then after, paints made of natural materials like China Clay (diluted-can be used as a primer coat), Natural Blue (extracted from Indigo Plant), Natural Yellow (extracted from Turmeric), Orange (extracted from Marigold), Natural Gum (used as a Binder), Brown (extracted from Katha), Black (extracted from Charcoal), Violet (extracted from Jamoon), etc. The Idol takes at least a day or two to dry, depending on its size.
3.2.2. PROCESS TO MAKE A PLASTER OF PARIS (PoP)(GANESHA) IDOL :
The basic raw materials required to make POP Idol are listed here under:
a) Clay b) Kaatho c) Plaster of Paris d) Water e) Bamboos f) Rubber dye g) Natural and Synthetic Paints
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
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July 2016
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The Process:
(Ganesha) Idols are made using above listed raw materials. Plaster Of Paris plays a vital role and is one of the major components of Idol. Bamboos are used as a means of support.
First of all, moulds of Idols are made of Clay. These moulds are perfectly shaped, taking into consideration the posture of the Idol, gesture of hands and feet, features and expression of the face, etc. Then after Rubber-dye is poured on the Clay Idol to form a Rubber mould. This Rubber-dye sets at a faster rate and can be easily separated from the Clay Idol. After separation Clay idols are demolished and the Rubber mould is used for constructing the POP Idols. The Plaster of Paris powder is mixed along with adequate proportion of water to form a uniform paste.
Now, the Rubber mould, POP-water paste, Kaatho and Bamboos altogether contribute to the formation of Idols. The paste made up of POP and water is mixed with Kaatha. The Kaatha thereby absorbs the paste as per its absorption capacity. This Kaatha is applied on to the Rubber mould to form a thick layer on it. The amount/ quantity of Kaatha depends upon the size of the Idols. Workers with their experience easily judge the proportion of kaatha. When required thickness is achieved, the Idol is kept for drying. Bamboos are used to support the Rubber mould when Idols with large heights are to be constructed. After this, Rubber-dye is removed and the Idols are polished using screen. The polishing process gives beautiful effect to the Idols. Later the Idols are painted using Water-colors or Oil-paints as per the customer’s requirement. In this way Idols are made.
The Idol making process has been depicted pictorially at Annexure 1.
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
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4.0. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP FOR LAKE, RIVER AND SEA
The study has been carried out to analyze the changes in the water quality which are likely to occur due to immersion of idols purchased from local market in three identified water bodies. As discussed at section 3, the study has been carried out with idol immersion in lake water, river water and sea water. Attempt has been made to create the conditions in the tanks to simulate the actual conditions as far as possible. For this purpose the tanks of suitable size have been used to study the water quality changes in lake and sea water while a model has been developed to simulate the river conditions.
The idols of different sizes were immersed in case of sea and lake water while in case of river model considering the size constraint of model , the idol of one size only was used.
4.1. EXPERIMENTAL SET UP FOR LAKE
The lake conditions have been simulated using five tanks in which the idols of different sizes have been immersed. The details regarding the size of idols and tanks are given at Table no.1 while the figures are given at Plate no. 4.
Table no. 1: Size of Idols and Tanks for Lake Model
Tank no.
I II III IV V
Dimensions of Tank (mm)
900 x 430 x 450
900 x 430 x 450
900 x 430 x 450
900 x 430 x 450
900 x 430 x 450
Volume of Tank (L)
116 116 116 116 116
Size of Idol (m) 0.6 0.3960 0.3048 0.3048 0.3048
Weight of Idol (kg)
4.5 2.02 1.7 1.52 1.75
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July 2016
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Plate No. 4: Idols Immersed in Models of Lake
Tank 1 Tank 2 Tank 3
Tank 4 Tank 5
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Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
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4.1.1 Sampling Program For Lake Model:
The water samples have been collected at regular intervals as per the sampling program, developed to monitor the changes in the water quality after the immersion of idols. The sampling program has been presented in Table no. 2
Table no 2: The Water Sampling Program for Lake Model
Routine Parameters Routine Parameters & Heavy Metals
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July 2016
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4.1.2 Water Quality Parameters Analysed For Lake Model
Considering the raw materials used in making of idols (both, with paint and without paint) and with reference to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines for idol immersions, the samples have been analyzed for the identified water quality parameters are presented in Table no. 3.
Table no 3: Water Quality Parameters Analyzed for Lake Model
Sr. No. Parameters 1 pH 2 Turbidity (NTU) 3 Color (CU) 4 COD (mg/L) 5 DO (mg/L) 6 Chloride (mg/L) 7 Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3) 8 Calcium Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3) 9 Magnesium Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3)
10 Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3) 11 Sulphate (mg/L) 12 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 13 Total Solids (mg/L) 14 Total Suspended Solids(mg/L) 15 Copper (µg/L) 16 Zinc (µg/L) 17 Chromium (µg/L)
4.1.3 Results of Lake Model
The samples have been analyzed by adopting the procedures prescribed by Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater published by APHA, AWWA and WER. The results obtained are presented in Table no. 4 through 8.
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Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
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Table no. 4: Results of analysis of Water Samples for Tank No.1 for Lake Model.
Date Of Sampling
Values
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
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July 2016
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Table no. 5: Results of analysis of Water Samples for Tank No.2 for Lake Model
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
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July 2016
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4.2 EXPERIMENTAL SET UP FOR RIVER MODEL
The study has been carried out to analyze the changes in the water quality which are likely to occur due to immersion of idols purchased from local market in three identified water bodies. This part of the study focuses on the variations in the water quality due to idol immersion in river. The river conditions have been simulated using specially fabricated river model as shown in Plate no 2. The dimensions of the model are given in the Table No. 9 which also provides information about the immersed idols.
Table no. 9: Size of Idols and Dimensions of River Model
Idol no. I II III Size of Idol (m) 0.145x0.095x0.
26 0.155x0.073x0
.29 0.125x0.07x0.
285 Weight of Idol (kg) 0.91 0.92 0.64
Dimensions of river model
2.2m (L) x 0.21m (W) x 0.3m (H)
In order to simulate the conditions in the river the water in the model was maintained in motion at a constant velocity of 0.3 m/sec by adjusting the flow rate. A head of 10 cm, which was sufficient to keep the idols submerged, was maintained in the river model.
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4.2.1 Sampling Program For River Model
The water samples have been collected at regular intervals as per the sampling program, developed to monitor the changes in the water quality after the immersion of idols. On the daily basis, the water was allowed to flow in the river model submerging the idols as shown in Plate No 4 at 11 A.M.. Two water samples were collected at regular interval of 3 hours each i.e. at 2 P.M. and 5 P.M. starting from 25/06/2014 to 17/07/2014.
Plate no.5: Idols Immersed in Models of River
4.2.2 Water Quality Parameters Analysed For River Model
Considering the raw materials used in making of idols (both, with paint and without paint) and with reference to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines for idol immersions, the samples have been analyzed for the identified water quality parameters are presented at Table no.10.
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Table no. 10 : Water Quality Parameters Analyzed for River Model
Sr. No. Parameters 1 pH 2 Turbidity (NTU) 3 Color (CU) 4 COD (mg/L) 5 DO (mg/L) 6 Chloride (mg/L) 7 Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3) 8 Calcium Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3) 9 Magnesium Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3)
10 Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3) 11 Sulphate (mg/L) 12 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 13 Total Solids (mg/L) 14 Total Suspended Solids(mg/L) 15 Copper (µg/L) 16 Zinc (µg/L) 17 Chromium (µg/L)
4.2.3 Results of River Model
The samples have been analyzed by adopting the procedures prescribed by Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater published by APHA, AWWA and WER. The results obtained are presented in Table no. 11.
Heavy metal concentration in the samples has been determined by subjecting the samples to Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer – Perkin Elmer Model No. Analyst 400 at Gujarat Energy Research & Management Institute, Gandhinagar as the concentration of the same was expected to remain very low due to extremely small contact time between flowing water and immersed idol.
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Table no 11: Results of analysis of Water Samples for River Model.
DATE 25/06/2014 26/06/2014 27/06/2014 30/06/2014 01-07-2014 02-07-2014
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
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4.3 EXPERIMENTAL SETUP FOR SEA MODEL
As discussed in Section 3, the study has been carried out with idol immersion in sea water collected from sea coast of city Jamnagar, Gujarat. The sea water was collected near sea shore where the idols are likely to be immersed/dumped. The other conditions namely to and fro movement of the water and the intensity of mixing could not be created although different options like using static mixers, creating waves using compressed air etc were evaluated but were found to be infeasible.
Idols of different sizes were immersed in sea water. Details of idols and tanks are shown at Plate no: 6.The water level in the tank was maintained by adding the sea water (collected from the same source) as it was observed that with passage of time, the water level was falling due to evaporation. This was done to determine the quality changes because of idol dissolution and not because of evaporation which would otherwise have increased the concentration
Plate no. 6: Idols Immersed in Models of Sea
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4.3.1 Sampling Program For Sea Model
The water samples have been collected at regular intervals as per the sampling program, developed to monitor the changes in the water quality after the immersion of idols. The sampling program has been presented in Table no. 12.
Table no. 12 : The Water Sampling Program for Sea Model
Routine Parameters Routine Parameters & Heavy Metals
4.3.2 Water Quality Parameters Analyzed For Sea Model
Considering the raw materials used in making of idols (both, with paint and without paint) and with reference to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines for idol immersions, the samples have been analyzed for the identified water quality parameters are presented in Table no.13.
SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY DUE TO IMMERSION OF PoP MADE IDOLS
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Table no. 13: Water Quality Parameters Analyzed for Sea Model
Sr. No. Parameters 1 pH 2 COD (mg/L) 3 DO (mg/L) 4 BOD (mg/L) 5 Oil and grease (mg/L) 6 Chloride (mg/L) 7 Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3) 8 Calcium Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3) 9 Magnesium Hardness (mg/L as CaCO3)
10 Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3) 11 Sulphate (mg/L) 12 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 13 Total Solids (mg/L) 14 Total Suspended Solids(mg/L) 15 Copper (µg/L) 16 Zinc (µg/L) 17 Chromium (µg/L) 18 Strontium (mg/L) 19 Sodium (mg/L) 20 Potassium (mg/L)
4.3.3 Results Of Sea Model:
The samples have been analyzed by adopting the procedures prescribed by Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater published by APHA, AWWA and WER. The results obtained are presented in Table no.14 through 17 .
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Table no. 14: Results of Water Analysis for Tank-1 (2.8 Kg) of Sea Model Sr. No.
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5.0 OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Based on the results presented at Section 4 and personal observations during the experimental period following observations and conclusions are drawn.
5.1 OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS FOR LAKE:
I. The idols made up of POP are painted with different types of synthetic paints. The general
information collected from the idol makers indicate that most of the paints used are water
based. Except, in certain cases oil and acrylic paints are used.
II. The gradual change in apparent appearances of water was observed during the study period
primarily due to peeling of paints.
III. Apparently no change in the idol shape was observed during initial period of 30 days.
However perforations were observed in the idol, indicating disintegration.
IV. The results presented at Table no: 4 to 8 indicate that:
a) There is continuous increase in concentration of calcium and sulphate as anticipated
indicating the leaching of calcium and sulphate.
b) Calcium increased from 567 mg/L to 2325 mg/L in tank no:1, from 300 mg/L to 2249 mg/L
in tank no:2, from 280 mg/L to 2217 mg/L in tank no:3, from 268 mg/L to 2196 mg/L in
tank no:4,from 205 mg/L to 2234 mg/L in tank no:5 in 37 days.
c) Sulfate increased from 545 mg/L to 1712 mg/L tank no:1, from 228 mg/L to 1568 mg/L in
tank no:2,from 284 mg/L to 1444 mg/L in tank no:4, from 251 mg/L to 1536 mg/L in tank
no:5 in 30 days after which it decreased and then again increased up to 37 days.
d) Alkalinity varies slightly.
e) An increase in TDS was observed from 1582 mg/L to 3868 mg/L in tank no:1, 1022 mg/L to
3668 mg/L in tank no: 2, 1056 mg/L to 3814 mg/L in tank no:3, 1036 mg/L to 3779 mg/L in
tank no:4, 1178 mg/L to 3576 mg/L in tank no:5.
f) COD increased from;
i. 33 mg/L to 80 mg/L in 10 days then reduced to 0 to 30th day and again increased to 64.
mg/L till on 48th days in tank no: 1.
ii. Increased from 30 to 86.4 mg/L in 10 days reduced to 0 on 22nd day and again increased to
73.6 mg/L on 28th day in tank no:2.
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iii. Increased from 28 mg/L to 72 mg/L in 5 days, reduced to 0 in 22nd day and again increased
to 82.8 mg/L on 48th day in tank no:3.
iv. Increased from 32 mg/L to 90 mg/L in 10days, reduced to 0 in 22nd day and again increased
to 50 mg/L on 37th day in tank no:4.
v. Increased from 28 mg/L to 86 mg/L in 10days, reduced to 0 in 25th day and again increased
to 36.8 mg/L on 48th day in tank no:5.
g) The increase in COD up to 10th day seems to release solvents from paints however the increase later on is due to the growth of algae.
h) Chloride concentration in the POP Powder analyzed was negligible. Hence the parameter has not been analyzed.
i) Heavy metals could be detected in water from 15th day onwards in all tanks. j) The concentration of zinc and lead indicated increase with passage of time however copper
and chromium were not observed.
5.2 OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS FOR RIVER :
I. The idols made up of POP are painted with different types of synthetic paints. The general
information collected from the idol makers indicate that most of the paints used are water based.
Except, in certain cases oil and acrylic paints are used.
II. The gradual change in apparent appearances of water was observed during the study period
primarily due to peeling of paints.
III. The colour of the idol started to peeling off on the 3rd day after immersion while considerable
amount of color was observed to be removed on 6th day. Most of the colour from all the idols
was peeled off after 11 days of immersion.
IV. A portion of idol was chipped off on 5th day of observation while break down of idol was
observed within 10 days.
V. The results presented at Table no: 11 indicate that:
Although the water quality parameter values increase in concentration with the passage of time,
however there is no consistency in the increase as is observed in case of Lake. This is expectedly
so as the contact time of water with idol is very very small and therefore the change in water
quality is dependent on the degree of the deterioration of the idol which is different on different
days.
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a) Although the Sulfate concentration increases with the passage of time, however there is no
consistency in the increase which is expectedly true considering that the
leaching/deterioration of the idol is erratic. Maximum contribution to Sulfate concentration by
the immersed idols works out to be 144 – 48 = 96 mg/L. the maximum sulfate concentration
occurring on 13th day onwards.
b) There is no significant increase in Alkalinity.
c) The TDS value shows fluctuating trend increasing slightly up to 13th day then after it increases
by 10 mg/L.
d) Like other parameters COD also fluctuates on different days depending on the degree of
deterioration of the idol leading to removal of the color (peeling off of the paint) with
maximum value reaching 180 mg/L on 11th day. In between it also touches 80 mg/L and
100 mg/L on 4th and 6th day respectively.
e) Chloride concentration in the POP Powder analyzed was negligible. Hence the parameter has
not been analyzed.
f) Heavy metals could be detected in small concentrations. The Copper (from 0.112 to 0.301
mg/L) and Chromium (0.016 mg/L) were detected in small concentrations while the Zinc was
not observed.
5.3 OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS FOR SEA:
I. The idols made up of POP are painted with different types of synthetic paints. The general
information collected from the idol makers indicate that most of the paints used are water based.
Except, in certain cases oil and acrylic paints are used.
II. The gradual change in apparent appearances of water was observed during the study period.
However an oily layer was observed on water surface on 25th day onwards.
III. On the 5th day the colour was observed to be slightly peeling off.
IV.The results presented at Table no:14 to 17 indicate that:
a) There is continuous increase in concentration of calcium and sulphate as anticipated
indicating the leaching of calcium and sulphate.
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Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
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Asso. Prof. of Env. Engg.
b) Calcium increased from 488 mg/L to536 mg/L in tank no:1, from 481 mg/L to 550 mg/L in
tank no:2, from 488 mg/L to 540 mg/L in tank no:3, from 488 mg/L to 530 mg/L in tank no:4
in 56 days.
c) Sulfate increased from 2800 mg/L to 3020 mg/L tank no:1, from 2800 mg/L to 3020 mg/L in
tank no:2,from 2800 mg/L to 3030 mg/L in tank no:3, from 2800 mg/L to 3021 mg/L in tank
no:4 in 56 days.
d) Alkalinity varied slightly.
e) An increase in TDS was observed from 35320 mg/L to 38470 mg/L in tank no:1, 35320 to
38120 mg/L in tank no: 2, 35320 mg/L to 38160 mg/L in tank no:3, 35320 mg/L to 38120
mg/L in tank no:4 in 56 days.
f) COD increased from;
i. 1190 mg/L to 1490 mg/L in 56 days in tank no: 1.
ii. 1190 mg/L to 1460 mg/L in 56 days in tank no:2.
iii. 1190 mg/L to 1460 mg/L in 56 days in tank no:3.
iv. 1190 mg/L to 1480 mg/L in 56 days in tank no:4.
g) No significant change in COD was observed during the study period.
h) The presence of heavy metals has been observed in sea water itself. Heavy metals namely
copper, zinc and chromium have been analysed during the study period . The results indicate
that:
i. Zinc increased from 6.42 to 6.8 µg/L in tank 1, from 6.7 to 7.1 µg/L in tank 2 , from 6.42 to
6.7 µg/L in tank 3 and from 5.8 to 6.3 µg/L in tank 4 upto 50th day.
ii. Chromium increased from 5.45 µg/L to 5.68 µg/L in tank 1, from on 30th day and then after it
remained constant up to 56th day.
iii. Copper increased from 0.05 µg/L to 0.69 µg/L on 15th day and then after remained practically
constant.
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Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
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Asso. Prof. of Env. Engg.
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Based on observations presented at Section 5, following suggestions/recommendations have been arrived at:
[A] Observations: 1.It has been observed that water quality changes vary with the type of water body where idols
are immersed depending on the receiving water body quality as well as hydraulic conditions.
2.The disintegrations of the POP idols is faster in fresh water as compared to the sea water.
3.Significant changes as discussed at Section 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 , were observed in the simulated studies for lake and river for parameters Calcium, Sulphates, TDS and COD during initial period of immersion . However the changes in sea water quality for corresponding period were comparatively insignificant . For example, COD was observed to be four times than the original in case of lake water.
The river model behaved differently as sudden increase inCOD is observed on the 10th day. This may be attributed to the abrasion of the idols caused by the peeling off and sudden release of the paint in particular. However in case of sea water , COD increases gradually due to slow or retarded disintegration of the idols.This may be attributed to lower abrasion as well as due to chemical saturation.(High TDS).
[B] Recommendations: 1.If the immersed idols are removed within 24 hours of immersion , the water quality changes
can be prevented.
2.It is suggested to replace the use of paints and other chemicals with decorative cloth , removable and washable for beautification of idols.
3.In metropolitan cities where number of idols is more , it shall be the responsibility of local authority to construct artificial, temporary ponds with liner system for immersion of idols. The directions shall be given to local authority to remove all the idols within 3 days of immersion and disposed off suitably. The collected water in the ponds shall be discharged in to the public sewers leading to the Sewage Treatment Plant.
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Environmental Engineering Department, L D College of Engineering , Ahmedabad
July 2016
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Asso. Prof. of Env. Engg.
4.For rural areas , it is recommended that only idols with cloth shall be permitted for immersion with a condition that the clothes are removed prior to immersion. The local body shall be directed to remove idols within three days of immersion.
5.Steps shall be taken to develop market system whereby manufacturers themselves can buy back the idols maybe through auction(s) organized by local body.