WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND LOW COST PURIFICATION STRATEGIES FOR INLAND WATERWAYS OF LOW-LYING AREAS

Ajith Joseph, K., N.Nandini Menon and Shadananan Nair, K.S.

JULY, 2011

TECHNICAL REPORT ON

WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND LOW COST PURIFICATION STRATEGIES FOR INLAND

WATERWAYS OF LOW-LYING AREAS

NERCI Technical Report No.7, July, 2011

DOI: 10.13140/2.1.3206.5920

Ajith J.K. et al., 2011. NERCI Technical Report No.7, 90pp. 2011

Project # (Office use)

Project title: Water quality monitoring and low cost purification strategies for inland waterways of low-lying areas

Country India/Kerala/Kottayam

Selected year August, 2007 – December 2009 Implementing organisation:

Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India)

Partner organisations:

Centre for Earth Research and Environment Management

NetRes The Energy Resources Institute (TERI)

Project duration: August/2007- December/2009 - (28 months)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE……………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

LOCATION MAP………………………………………………………………………………………………...4

ACRONYMS………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5

REFERENCE (Apndx.1) ……………………………………………………………………………….……. 81

PICTURES (Apndx.2)…………………………………………………………………………………….…….85

1. Outline of the evaluation study

1.1 Project background ...................................................................................5

1.2 Project Overview ........................................................................................9

1.3. Study Objectives ......................................................................................10

1.4. Scope of Work...........................................................................................10

1.5. Study Period..............................................................................................10

2. Methodology

2.1 Evaluation questions..................................................................................11

2.2 Methodology .............................................................................................11

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2.3. Schedule of the Study ..............................................................................12

3. Results

3.1. Project Implementation..............................................................................13

3.1.1. Planned and Actual Input ......................................................................13

3.1.2. Planned and Actual Activities ............................................................... .13

3.2. Relevance .................................................................................................14

3.2.1 Priority of the targeted issues ………………………………………………..14

3.2.2 Needs of target groups ...…………………………………………………….14

3.2.3. Relevance of Project scope, expected outcome …………………………..15

3.3. Effectiveness ...............................................................................................15

Attribution of outputs on the project objective

3.4. Self-reliance of the Project .........................................................................16

3.5. Participation............................................................................................. ..16

Analysis of Factors Attributable to Project Results............................................16

3.6. Conclusions............................................................................................. ..17

Recommendations……………………………………………………………………19

Lessons learned................................................................................................20

4. Recommendations To The Implementing Organisation (By Netres) .....21

Annex 1.Baseline information of the study region.............................................24

Annex 2.Identification and selection of low cost water purification material......59

Annex 3 Biowall construction to control bank erosion.......................................60

Annex 4. Phytoremediation……………………………........................................63

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Annex 5. Awareness campaign…………………………………………………… 66

Annex 6. Geospatial analysis………………………………………………………..71

Annex 7 Biodiversity Studies…………………………………………………………79

Preface

The Asia-Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED) Showcase Facility is a joint activity

of the UNEP, acting as the Showcase Facility Secretariat and the Institute for Global Environmental

Strategies (IGES). The Showcase facility aims to demonstrate, through the implementation of

showcase projects, innovative practices for sustainable development in the Asia and Pacific region.

Following a call for proposals by APFED secretariat in 2007, Nansen Environmental Research Centre

(India), a non-profit research centre based in Cochin (Kochi) in partnership with Centre for Earth

Research and Environment Management, Cochin submitted this project proposal entitled “Water

quality monitoring and low cost purification strategies for inland waterways of low-lying areas” and

was approved for funding. This project is aimed at improving the water quality of canals connected

to the Meenachil River in Arpookara Panchayat, Kottaym District, one of the major rivers in the low

lying areas of upper Kuttanad in Kerala State, southwest coast of India, through the implementation

of low cost purification strategies suitable to the region. The showcase panel of APFED selected this

proposal for implementation through APFED NetRes, TERI - New Delhi, India providing strategic

advice and recommendations in facilitating the development and implementation of policies,

programs and activities in pursuit of environmental management and sustainable development.

Through adoption and implementation of low cost purification strategies of phytoremediation and

bio-wall construction and installation of wind induced aerator system in the study region, the project

was successful in improving the water quality of canals, in conserving the biodiversity in the rivers,

canals and wetlands of the study region, in controlling the growth of weeds, mosses and shrubs in

the water body, in bringing about better waste management and reducing bacterial pollution, in

protecting the river banks by natural water weeds and herbs and in increasing the living standard of

poor fishermen by increased catch and utilisable water from clean environment.

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Location map

Fig.1.

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Acronyms:

APFED: Asia Pacific Forum for Environmental Development

BOD: biological oxygen demand

CEREM: Centre for Earth Research and Environment Management

COD: chemical oxygen demand

CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board

CSC: Coconut shell charcoal

DO: Dissolved oxygen

IGES: Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

K: Potassium

Na: Sodium

NERCI: Nansen Environmental Research Center India

NERSC: Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre

NGO: Non-Governmental Organization

SHG: Self Help Groups

TERI: The Energy Resources Institute

VS: Vetiver system

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1. OUTLINE OF THE EVALUATION STUDY

1.1. Project Background

Kuttanad is a fertile tract of land replenished by silt brought by the river systems, spread over

Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts. It is a low-lying area with backwaters, canals and

stream networks extending over 874 sq. km.The area was found to be highly suited for rice

cultivation from early days. However, reclaiming land from floodwaters was a hazardous task.

Reclamation of land for cultivation and flood control used to be undertaken by private farmers, with

assistance from the State (Pillai and Panikar, 1965). Over a period Kuttanad became the rice bowl of

the State with a predominantly rice-centric economy.

Almost all the modern State interventions in Kuttanad were oriented towards achieving a single

objective - to boost rice production. The earlier ones were aimed at intensifying cultivation by

conversion from single crop to double crop rice. Studies identified two preconditions for achieving

this goal in the region.

(i) Speedy drainage of the flood waters during the north-east monsoon, and

(ii) Prevention of saline water incursion into the Vembanad Lake during summer.

Two engineering structures were suggested for these purposes:

(i) A spillway at Thottappally meant to drain off flood waters, and

(ii) A regulator of Thanneermukkom to check the incursion of saline water.

The spillway, reported to have been designed after detailed hydrographic and hydrological studies, is

draining only less than one-third of the desired capacity (Kannan, 1979). The Thanneermukkom

Regulator, 1402m-long, located at about 22.5 km north of Alappuzha has also proved itself to be a

disaster. However, these developmental activities have reduced the risks of natural hazards like

flood and saline water intrusion for Punja crop and helped extension of area under cultivation. Now

the entire Kuttanad area is under high-yielding varieties (HYV) of rice. Owing to the elimination of the

risks from natural hazards, the discipline observed in earlier times in respect of agricultural practices

during seasons of rice cultivation has disappeared. With the use of HYV seeds having only low

resistance to pests and diseases, high seed rate, non-judicious fertiliser application and plant

protection measures, the incidence of pests and diseases and consequent crop losses have become

quite common (Aravindakshan, 1990)

Series of submersible bunds and roads constructed by the State government as part of the

developmental programmes fragmented the wetland ecosystem into tiny units and disrupted the

natural hydrological balance. Effective draining of the toxicity developed by the fertiliser-pesticide

residue became impossible and the system deteriorated (Kannan, 1979). Physiographically, the major

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portion of the area that forms a basin remains water-logged for most of the year. Achencoil, Pamba,

Manimala and Meenachil rivers discharge their water and sediments into the basin lake. In Kuttanad,

the relatively elevated formations, which are essentially depressions skirted by dry lands, are found

mostly in Upper Kuttanad and amount to 11,000 ha.

Monitoring of Indian water resources done by CPCB (2007) indicates that organic pollution, as

indicated by BOD and Coliform counts, continue to be the major water quality issues in our country.

According to Scheffer et al. (2001), the quality of water required to maintain ecosystem health is

largely a function of natural background conditions. Some aquatic ecosystems are able to resist large

changes in water quality without any detectable effects on ecosystem composition and function,

whereas other ecosystems are sensitive to small changes in the physical and chemical make up of the

water body and this can lead to degradation of ecosystem services and loss of biological diversity.

They have demonstrated that in many shallow European lakes, the gradual enrichment of the surface

water with plant nutrients has resulted in shifts from systems that once were dominated by rooted

aquatic plants to systems that are now dominated by algae suspended in the water column.

Guidelines for the protection of aquatic life are difficult to set than the drinking water quality

standards, largely because aquatic ecosystems vary enormously in their composition both spatially

and temporally, and because ecosystem boundaries rarely coincide with territorial ones. Therefore,

there is a movement among the scientific and regulatory research community to identify natural

background conditions for chemicals that are not toxic to humans or animals and to use these as

guidelines for the protection of aquatic life (Robertson et al., 2006; Dodds and Oakes, 2004; Wickham

et al., 2005).

Organic matter is important in the cycling of nutrients, carbon and energy between producers and

consumers and back again in aquatic ecosystems. The decomposition of organic matter by bacteria

and fungi in aquatic ecosystems, inefficient grazing by zooplankton, and waste excretion by aquatic

animals, release stored energy, carbon, and nutrients, thereby making these newly available to

primary producers and bacteria for metabolism. External subsidies of organic matter that enter

aquatic ecosystems from a drainage basin through point sources such as effluent outfalls, or non-

point sources such as runoff from agricultural areas, can enhance microbial respiration and

invertebrate production of aquatic ecosystems (Carr and Neary,2006).

Climate change, the evolution of new waterborne pathogens, and the development and use of new

chemicals for industrial, agricultural, household, medical, and personal use have raised concern as

they have the potential to alter both the availability and the quality of water (IPCC, 1995; WHO, 7


2003; Kolpin et al., 2002). All of these activities have costs in terms of water quality and the health

and integrity of aquatic ecosystems (Meybeck, 2004).

In the case of the Periyar River, alkalinity downstream of a rare earth metals processing plant

declined significantly in the early 1980s; this decline was accompanied by an increase in the overall

variability of pH. Water quality at that monitoring station also tended to have much higher hardness,

conductivity, chloride, sulphate and nitrate concentrations than a baseline, upstream monitoring

station (Carr and Neary, 2006).

E. coli indicates the presence of only faecal contaminants, while total or faecal coliform tests may

give positive results for non-faecal, naturally occurring bacterial species (Hill, 2003). Although many

cities have advanced wastewater treatment facilities that effectively reduce microbial contaminant

loads to near zero values, there remains a very large proportion of the world’s population, primarily

in developing countries, without access to improved sanitation facilities, where wastewaters are

discharged directly to the environment without treatment. In fact, an estimated 2.6 billion people

lacked access to improved sanitation facilities in 2002 (WHO/Unicef, 2005). A study of the physico-

chemical parameters of the minor water bodies around Kottayam by Abraham and Madanakumar

(2001) revealed that only 6.94% of them were fairly clear enough to be used for domestic purpose.

The rest were polluted in one form or the other.

Minor water bodies are characterised by relatively quiet waters and abundant vegetation. Large numbers of micro and macro organisms dwell in these water bodies. The richness of the fauna is dependent mainly on the presence of respiratory gases, the amount of sunlight penetration and turbidity.

The proposed project was aimed at improving the water quality of the study region, (Fig.1),

canals of Meenachil river in the upper Kuttanad (connecting Karippel to Maniaparambu, which

lies between 9°37'23” and 9°38'42” N latitude and 76° 28'33” and 76° 30'6” E longitude),

Arpookara Panchayat, Kottayam District, connected to the river Meenachil in central Kerala,

southwest coast of India through implementation of low cost purification strategies. The

drainage areas of this river basin is about 1250 sq.km with a length of 78km, has a steep

gradient, is fast flowing and is normally fed by the Indian monsoon rains. This river finally

debouches into the Arabian Sea through one of the largest backwater systems in the west coast

of India, called Vembanad lake, after traversing through quite a number of small canals and

distributaries. The annual average discharge is about 1190 million m3. But the percentage of

annual discharge during the lean season is only 13%. This chain of canals support inland

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navigation and other activities of the rural people in this region whose major occupation is

agriculture and fishing. In the late 1970s, a barrage was constructed across the Vembanad lake

to obstruct salt water intrusion into the paddy fields so as to augment rice cultivation. There

started many associated environmental and water quality problems as well in the downstream

reach of this river canals (Aravindakshan, 1990; Bijoy, 2008, Gregory, 2003, Padmakumar, 2007).

The environmental condition of the region deteriorated further due to the development of new

roads across the distributor channels clogging the water bodies, increased severity of floods

during peak monsoon rainy seasons and water logging in the areas. But in dry seasons, the

water level of the entire canal lowered, resulting in no water movements and obstructing canal

navigations. This further accelerated the incidence of water borne diseases and its occurrence in

the region and is many fold in recent years. Bacteriological pollution and anaerobic conditions

are the major problems of its kind in the region caused by uncontrolled solid waste dumping and

open space human lavatories directly into the canals at certain under developed areas within

the region. Similarly, spreading of freshwater weeds like Salvinia which hinders inland navigation

and affecting water transport in the region is also another problem to be tackled. Lack of civic

sense, poor living standards and unawareness of ecosystem conservation practises are some of

the reasons for this decrease in water quality in the region. So an improved control and

maintenance of the water quality of this region which is envisaged in this project would be a

model for implementing similar controlling measures in other water environments of the coastal

regions of India thereby reducing pollution in water bodies.

1.2. Project Overview

The project is being carried out around the canals of Arpookara Panchayat, Kottayam District,

connected to the river Meenachil in central Kerala, southwest coast of India.

Bacteriological pollution and anaerobic conditions in the region due to uncontrolled solid waste

dumping affect the availability of reliable water and the life of hundreds of people who are

depending on the canal for their livelihood. The project is aimed at improving the water quality

through implementation of low cost purification strategies for the best practices that are to be

adopted in the study region.

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The project tenure was from August, 2007 to December 2009 and a Project Kick off meeting was

organised at Cochin in mid August, 2007. The first workshop and awareness campaign was organised

on the next day with the participation of stakeholders (Women Group, SHG, Grama Panchayat

authorities, Scientists, Grama Vikas Kendra and Policy makers, etc.) in October 2007.

A review on the water quality and the current activities in the project site and the surrounding areas

were made for the initial phase period (August and September 2007). Simultaneously baseline

studies on water quality of the study region was conducted from October 2007 – September 2008,

for the physico-chemical analysis covering three seasons viz., Post monsoon (Oct-Jan), Pre monsoon

(Feb-May) and monsoon (June- Sept)) by fixing sixteen different stations in the study region to decide

baseline indicators and to identify hotspots in the region.

For the conduct of awareness campaign and workshop, a database of contact points was prepared

covering representatives from academic/government bodies & policy makers and local communities,

after identifying stake-holders. From November 2007 – May 2008, proper identification and selection

of low cost water purification materials for the study region was done.

A second workshop was organized in the study region on various aspects of maintaining water

quality and different measures to manage solid waste like vermicompost preparation, utilisation of

Salvinia as substratum for mushroom cultivation and other usable products thereby reducing its

menace in the water body. The selection of pilot plot to implement the water purification methods

was done based on the initial baseline study on water quality and other environmental conditions

and from lab scale basis to pilot scale for future upscaling work.

Fabrication of bags for storing water purification materials was done during the period August 2008 -

January, 2009. Proper herbs and plants for planting along selected river banks to control bank

erosion was carried out during this period.

Proper measures to control aquatic pollution and water weeds were also suggested. Measures were

taken to clear water logging by desilting in selected identified regions in the canal to provide smooth

flow of water in lean season.

A wind induced aerator system at low cost was fabricated and tested in one of the project sites and

steps have been taken to permanently install this system at project site.

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1.3. Study Objectives

The overall objective of the project is:

To improve the water quality of the selected canals of the study region through monitoring and

adoption of low cost water purification strategies in general but not limited to the following sub

objectives like:

• Identification and selection of low cost water purification materials like coconut shells and

herbs from natural resources available in the region.

• To identify natural herbs that have the sediment holding capacity to control bank erosion

during flooding which would limit the transport of suspended sediments into the canals

which in turn would impair light transparency and clogging of fish gills.

• To make a feasibility study on the effectiveness of these natural materials to improve the

water quality and erosion control measures.

• To make a demonstration of the identified low cost practises for water quality and

navigational improvement

1.4. Scope of Work

The pollution control measures implemented through this project has helped in improving the

water quality of the canals of the Meenachil river in the study region in general and the

downstream reaches in particular where the rural communities depend on this water source for

their daily requirements. This type of eco-friendly approach has not been implemented

anywhere to the best of our knowledge as the resources like coconut shells, natural herbs and

riparian flora tested during the project period for water purification and canal bank erosion

control are readily available in the tropical environments. It is not only economically viable but

also suitable for adoption in similar conditions.

1.5. Study Period

August,2007- December,2009

2. METHODOLOGY 11


2.1. Evaluation Questions

An agreement between the participating institutes including their obligations with respect to the

project were laid down before the start of the project. Accordingly, the components of study were

addressed in the form of questions. Periodical in house monitoring assessed how far each question

has been answered. This in fact helped in the smooth conduct of the project and attending to all the

major issues.

1) How many representative stations have to be fixed to have a proper coverage of the study area?

2) What is the present status of the water quality of the study area?

3) What are the criteria to be analysed to develop a database regarding the water quality of the area?

4) What are the low cost water purification methods that can be adopted in the present case?

5) Is there any improvement in the water quality after implementation of the water purification method?

6) Is there any improvement in the biodiversity status of the area after implementation of the purification measures?

7) What are the herbs that are locally available that can be used to control bank erosion?

8) How can the local people be educated about the need to conserve the water quality and make them aware of the need for clean, flowing water?

2.2. Methodology

Baseline studies were conducted on water quality of the study region, Meenachil river canals

and adjoining water bodies to prepare a review on the present water quality and current practises.-

low cost water purification materials were identified by selecting coconut shells and herbs from

natural resources available from the region to control deterioration in water quality. A pilot plot to

implement the water purification methods and to control river bank erosion was identified.

Awareness campaigns and workshops were organised for local people by educating them on

how to maintain environment, sustainable utilization of local resources, improved water quality etc.

Measures were initiated to clear water logging by desilting in selected regions of the canal thereby

reducing mosquito breeding ground and improving navigation in the canals. Routine water sampling

was conducted for physico-chemical analysis. For that water samples were collected from the 16

locations from the river canal in pre monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon seasons. The parameters

estimated were COD, BOD, DO, pH, salinity, hardness, suspended sediments, Na, K, nutrients –

12


nitrite, nitrate and phosphate, chl. a, b, c; and total coliforms. All these physical, chemical and

biological parameters were analysed using standard techniques and the results are discussed (Annex.

1). The drainage and base map of the area was digitized and geo-referenced using ArcGIS 9.1. The

locations and the data were then input into the drainage map. Using 3D analysis tool, a grid map was

prepared which gave the spatial distribution of the chemical and biochemical data. From the grid, the

polygons were evolved specifying the range of international water quality standards. The suitability

zone maps for life existence during all the 3 seasons were prepared (Annex.1.1) for the following

parameters such as DO, BOD, COD, Total Coliform, and pH. Fish stock and other faunal composition

were assessed after the project implementation to study the effectiveness of the project.

2.3. Schedule of the Study

Months Sl.no Activity 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 1 Project kick-off meeting

and assignments to project staff –

⇒

2 review on the present water quality, current practises.-

3 baseline studies on water quality of the study region,

4 identification and selection of low cost water purification materials

5 Selection of pilot plot to implement the water purification methods

6 Fabrication of jute bags for storing coconut shells to dump in pollution spots in the canals.

7 Identification of proper herbs and plants for planting along the river banks to control bank erosion

8 Implementing Measures to

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control Aquatic pollution 9 Implementing Measures to

control water weeds

10 Organise awareness campaigns and workshops

11 Initiation of measures to clear water logging by desilting in selected regions of the canal.

12 Conduct of routine water sampling for physico-chemical analysis

13 Project Evaluation and report submission

3. RESULTS

3.1 Project Implementation

3.1.1 Planned and Actual Input –

TERI contribution- By consultation for identifying and implementing proper project plan and

dissemination of results through routine evaluation of the projects. The project work

implementation and monitoring and evaluation through field visits and periodic review

meetings.

3.1.2 Planned and actual activities

• Conduct of baseline studies on water quality of the study region, Meenachil river canals and

adjoining water bodies and preparation of a review on the present water quality, current

practises (Annexure 1).

• Identification and selection of low cost water purification materials like coconut shells and

herbs from natural resources available from the region (Annexure 2)

• Selection of pilot plot to implement the water purification methods

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• Fabrication of jute bags for storing coconut charcoals to dump in pollution spots in the

canals. A controlled mechanism for storing coconut charcoals from shells to treat the

pollutants in the water medium

• Identification of proper herbs and plants- “Neerkoova” for planting along the river banks to

control bank erosion (Annexure 3).

• Measures to control pollution,- improved use of biofertilizers, riparian vegetation and

phytoremediation (Annexure 4)

• Measures to control water weeds like Salvinia which are hindrance to inland navigation

• Organise awareness campaigns and workshops through implementation of display boards,

policy guidelines (Annexure 5)

• Initiation of measures to clear water logging by desilting in selected regions of the canal.

• Conduct of routine water sampling for physico-chemical analysis (Annexure 6) and

• Assessment of fish stock and other freshwater organisms after the project implementation

to study the effectiveness of the project (Annexure 7)

3.2 Relevance

3.2.1 Priority of the Targeted Issues

The priority of the targeted issues in connection with the water quality of the study region are water

logging, decreasing water quality and bank erosion. Stagnation of water was given top priority as it

led to reduced DO, increased BOD and COD, increase in bacterial pollution etc. Dumping of solid

wastes plus the proliferation of Salvinia were also issues related to stagnation.

3.2.2 Needs of Target Group / Target Area

The local community in the vicinity of the study area depends on the water in the canal for most of

their daily activities like water transportation, irrigation, washing, bathing etc. Due to pollution

problems and water stagnation, the water quality deteriorated and was unfit for use. The need of

the local population was to decrease the pollution and stagnation so that the water could be made

usable and the fish catch of the region be retained to the earlier level. People also wanted the canals

to be made navigable.

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3.2.3 Relevance of Project Scope, Expected Outcome and Approach

The key activities implemented in this project could improve the present water quality of the

canals of the Meenachil river in the study region and also in the downstream reaches which

would be more sustainable to use for the rural communities in the region. The proposed project

approach has not been implemented anywhere to best of our knowledge as the resources like

coconut shells, natural herbs and products mentioned in the proposal for water purification are

available in the Asia-Pacific region (Srilanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia to name few

countries) untapped which is ecofriendly and hence this techno-feasibility study can be

transferred to these regions of interest.

3.3 Effectiveness

Achievement of the Project Objective

A physical model (wind induced aerator system) for water purification was implemented which

would be transferred to other sites which are remote and have no access to electricity supply

but can utilise wind energy. The water quality improvement through adoption of

phytoremediation techniques using Vetiver system from post and pre analyses of the samples

have showcased the effectiveness of this project.

The river bank erosion at selected sites of the canal banks could be controlled by riparian

vegetation and bio-wall construction and reduce the availability of suspended sediment load in

the waterbody.

Education of local people on how to maintain environment, sustainable utilization of local

resources, improved water quality etc.

Improvement in biodiversity of the region.

Attribution of Outputs on the Project Objective

Information on the gravity of the water quality problem and identification of hotspots in the study

region which require more attention in terms of planning and implementation.

Ecofriendly natural resources to avoid deterioration in water quality. 16


Alternate use of waterweeds and its menace will be controlled, reducing water logging and mosquito

control, improved navigation in canals.

3.4 Self-reliance of the Project

Through adoption and implementation of low cost purification strategies like phytoremediation,

riparian vegetation planting, bio-wall construction, self help groups and Family units which are

very active in this rural area in connection with various rural development and self employment

programmes can promote these techniques in the region as a whole. NGOs can also be involved

in educating people living in the region on different aspects of human behaviour and the need

for adopting better practises envisaged in the project.

The women’s group can reach out into the rural communities to create awareness among the

housewifes and maids on how to manage solidwastes without impairing the water

environments. They can collect the natural products like coconut shells and other forms of herbs

from the region and make available the material for the project pilot plan.

3.5 Participation

The major stakeholders participating in this project are Self Help Groups (SHG), NGOs, family

units in the rural areas, Women’s group and fishermen and local communities, volunteers and

student groups.

SHGs and family units have been active in these rural areas in connection with various rural

development and self employment programmes under the national development council of

Govt. of India in association with State departments. So the best practices identified and

developed through this project can be easily implemented in this region with their active

participation. NGOs can also be involved in educating people living in the region on different

aspects of human behaviour and the need for adopting better practises envisaged in the project.

Fishermen and local communities are the direct beneficiaries and stakeholders of this project as

they can provide the positive and negative impact of this project implementation.

The student groups and volunteers can conduct awareness campaigns on water quality

improvements and distribute small pamphlets on the do’s and don’ts for the public at large in

this region in order to have a sustainable development of the region.

Analysis of Factors Attributable to Project Results

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1. Post analysis of water quality of canals after the project implementation

2. Check for the increased biodiversity in the rivers, canals and wetlands of the study region.

3. Identification of Controlled growth of weeds, mosses and shrubs in the water body and its

area coverage.

4. Self assessment of the waste management in the study region and analysis of reduction in

bacterial pollution

5. A field investigation of river banks for natural water weeds and herbs to see the reduction in

suspended material increasing primary productivity through improved photosynthesis at

selected plots in the study region.

3.6 CONCLUSIONS

The loss of drainage facilities and water logging had led to the increased run off, soil erosion, and

frequent floods and droughts in the study area. This also increased concentration of pollutants in the

water, like the pesticide and nutrient residues, proliferation of aquatic weeds, siltation etc. which in

turn had resulted in the loss of biodiversity and frequent occurrence of water borne diseases in the

area before the project implementation.

Water quality analyses of the area have been extremely informative. The water quality results have

shown that

1. 7 out of 16 stations of the study area have high COD values. This high COD can be attributed

to the untreated heavy organic load entering in to the waters from the nearby regions.

2. Hardness was found to be a problem only during post monsoon season. During monsoon,

the entire study area became filled with soft water.

3. BOD analysis shows that the study area is moderately polluted even during monsoon season,

with the peak values obtained during post-monsoon season.

4. The pH for all stations during the post monsoon, premonsoon and monsoon seasons was

found to be around 6.00, which indicates that the water was slightly acidic. The location of

the stations and its vicinity to the anthropogenic activity like rubber treatment, farming etc

play an important role in this. 18


5. DO levels reach a minimum during post monsoon season. The low DO may be the

consequence of the obstruction in water flow due to closure of bund in that season. During

monsoon and pre-monsoon, the oxygen levels rise above 2 mg/l, which is the minimum

amount of oxygen required for sustenance of life. However, the DO levels seldom go above

4 mg/l, the recommended DO value for inland surface waters by CPCB, in non-monsoon

months.

6. Suspended solids were within the permissible limits for inland streams.

7. Total coliform was found to be within the acceptable standards during the post monsoon and

premonsoon seasons. But during the monsoon season, stations 3, 12 and 16 showed an

increase in the total coliform compared to the advisable safe limits. Station 3 and 12 are sites

of pronounced human activities like bathing, washing, cleaning etc. Further, many houses

have their drainage outlets opening into the stream at these stations. Station 16 is

considered as the waste dumping area of the local residents.

8. Salinity of the study area always remained fresh water itself.

9. During all the seasons, the sodium level of water was low compared to the desirable range of

100 mg/l. During pre-monsoon season, the Na+ level of water in stations 11 and 13 was high

compared to the maximum tolerance limit of 60% for irrigation purposes. A high

concentration of Na+ in irrigation water also reduces the soil permeability, thus affecting the

growth and yield of crops.

10. The major nutrients, nitrate, phosphate and nitrite was high during monsoon as the showers

bring nutrients from allochthonous sources elevating the nutrient concentrations in the

water. Among the various nutrient components, nitrate concentration was the highest.

Through adoption and implementation of low cost purification strategies and conduct of series of

awareness programmes and other sub objectives of the proposed project, we were able to achieve:

1. Improved water quality of canals, surface and groundwater

2. Preservation of biodiversity in the rivers, canals and wetlands of the study region.

4. Controlled growth of weeds, mosses and shrubs in the water body 19


5. A better waste management and reduction in bacterial pollution

6. Protection of selected river banks by natural water weeds and herbs as a model for

implementing to other locations in the study region.

7. Increase the living standard of poor fishermen by increased catch and utilisable water for

clean environment.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the almost flat nature of the river basin it is very much difficult to manage the river. The

following steps has to be taken to rejuvenate the river

1. Restrict the waste disposal including plastic waste. Waste management at the localized

level has to be continued with bio-fertilizer generation.

2. Restrict the use of chemical fertilizers and raise awareness among the people on the

importance of bio fertilizer to retain the healthy soil.

3. Make water harvesting pits on the side of the river especially near to unsuitable areas of

life existence

4. The pumping of river water to the pits through local self government’s support is to be

encouraged and this helps not only to remove the waste water but also inject pure water

to underground water and river canals to augment flow conditions.

5. Steps have to be taken for the construction of a new bypass canal from the distribution

point of the Meenachil river to the study region at Station no. 1 by installing “Petti-Para”

water suction and distribution system during lean season to augment water flow in the

canals. This can be supported with periodic maintenance dredging or desilting of the

canal mouth leading to the main river upstream of Stn.1.

20


6. Awareness programs has to be continued to bring people’s attention about the ill effects

of polluting river.

7. Restricting the reclamation and built up area generation only on the eroded banks of the

canals.

8. Planting of economically viable trees on lateritic terrain to promote lateritization and

clay generation and it reduces the ill effects of pollutants mainly on the sides of

unsuitable zone

9. Slope stabilization measures to be taken especially by contour bunding wherever there

are sloping terrains on the side of the river.

10. Planting of riparian vegetation and promotion of bio-wall construction using available

local resources.

LESSONS LEARNED

Phytoremediation using Vetiver system- One of the main advantages of Phytoremediation is

that of its relatively low cost compared to other remedial methods. Phytoremediation also offers a

permanent in situ remediation rather than simply translocation of the problem. The best example of

phytoremediation is using Vetiver system. The Vetiver System (VS) is a new phyto -technology based

on the use of Vetiver grass for a wide range of applications. VS were, first developed by the World

Bank for soil and water conservation and now being used in over 100 countries. Vetiver grass belongs

to the family ‘Poaceae’ and the genus Vetiver contains more that 16 species, among that Vetiver

zizanoides L. is best suited for phytoremediation. This grass grows up to 2m above the ground with

erect and stiff leaves. It has very extensive root system which grows more than 2m. Root system of

Vetiver is used for bio remediation or cleaning up of contaminated soils and cleaning up of water,

with high capacity of removing N and P in polluted water. Vetiver also cleans up blue green algae

within 4days. This grass shows unique physiological characteristics by having wide range of tolerance 21


to drought and flood, acidity-alkalinity and salinity, heavy metals and various ecological types and

conditions. Its pH tolerance varies from 2.5 to 11. Vetiver grows incredibly fast, so it can be used to

absorb pollutants in the soil & water. Vetiver ability to sequester deadly chemicals from our

environment and transform them safely into plants makes it truly remarkable.

Biowall construction to control bank erosion

It is learned that natural plants like “Neerkoova” which belongs to the family of Aroidae (Araceae)

angiosperm family , rhizone so highly poisonous having potential anti-venom properties, tolerant to

high acidic soils., have the sediment holding capacity to control bank erosion during flooding which

can limit the transport of suspended sediments into the canals that impair light transparency and

clogging of fish gills. So planting of these natural shrubs which was a traditional methods in this

region is a viable alternative and appropriate practice of protecting bank erosion which is eco friendly

in nature as it promote the sustainable utilization of local resources.

Aerators that work on wind power:

Such aerators are environment-friendly and efficient in enhancing oxygen content, there by

maintaining a healthy environment for aquatic organisms.

4 RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE IMPLEMENTING ORGANISATION (by NetRes)

Observations of NetRes Institute (TERI)

The overall objective of the project was:

To improve the water quality of the selected canals of the study region through

monitoring and adoption of low cost water purification strategies in general but not

limited to the following sub objectives like:

Identification and selection of low cost water purification materials like coconut shells and herbs from natural resources available in the region.

22


To identify natural herbs that have the sediment holding capacity to control bank erosion during flooding which would limit the transport of suspended sediments into the canals which in turn would impair light transparency and clogging of fish gills.

To make a feasibility study on the effectiveness of these natural materials to improve the water quality and erosion control measures.

To make a demonstration of the identified low cost practices for water quality and navigational improvement

Initially during the project, to set up baseline environmental conditions, seasonal

water quality monitoring of the river system in the study area was planned and

implemented. The results of this monitoring establish the extent of pollution and also

the need to control/remediate the pollution in identified stretches of the water body.

From the evaluation of report findings of observations obtained from the GIS spatial

analysis and field investigations it was clear that 10.01% of the total area of the

selected river portion is falling in the unsuitable zone and rest is in moderately suitable

zone.

From the field observation it was established that waste disposal is/was the main

cause of pollution. The plastic waste disposal and almost flat nature of the terrain will

decelerate the self purifying capacity of the river.

A buffer zone of 500 m is generated around the unsuitable zone and overlaid on the

landuse map. From the overlay analysis it was is shown that the buffer zone falls

mainly on the settlement with mixed crop, rubber and mixed crop. This shows that

the source of pollutants is mainly concentrated in this region. The absence of

unsuitable zone near to paddy region indicates the power of clay in paddy fields to

reduce the adverse effect of pollutants. So it is very much understood that the

clayey and clayey lateritic terrains are important to purify the river and point towards

the importance of rejuvenation of clayey and lateritic terrains. This can only be

achieved by planting trees especially on the tropical lateritic terrains.

23


Use of low cost, submerged coconut charcoal system for removing pollutants have

been demonstrated effectively in selected location of river water system. This

provides clean solution for long-term maintenance of the water quality.

Another notable feature of the project was development of wind induced aerator

system for use in the water body in the areas where power supply either is not there

or is erratic. These aerators would soon be implemented at other sites which are

remote and have no access to electricity supply but can utilise wind energy. The

water quality improvement through adoption of phytoremediation techniques using

Vetiver system from post and pre analyses of the samples has also showcased the

effectiveness of this project.

For controlling the erosion of river bank, use of riparian vegetation and bio-wall

construction has been successfully demonstrated in the project. This also reduced

silting of the water body.

Education of local people on how to maintain environment, sustainable utilization of

local resources, improved water quality etc. Improvement in biodiversity of the

region was also observed.

NetRes Institute’s (TERI’s) Recommendations

The project “Water Quality Monitoring and Low Cost Purification Strategies for Inland

Waterways of Low Lying Areas” during its implementation has been able to meet

and achieve all its objectives set out at the proposal stage. The project also led to

development of wind based aerator system which certainly would be useful for use

in areas where power supply is either not there or is erratic.

TERI recommends successful closure of the project.

ANNEX

Annex 1: Baseline information on water quality of the study region

24


Annex 2: Identification and selection of low cost water purification materials

Annex3: Bio-wall construction to control bank erosion

Annex 4: Phytoremediation techniques

Annex 5: Awareness campaigns

Annex 6: Geospatial analysis of water quality of the study region

Annex 7: Biodiversity improvement

Appendix 4:Summary

Appendix 5:Bibliography

Annexure 1- Baseline information on water quality of the study region

3.1.2.1 Physico – chemical characteristics of the water body

Water quality analyses helped to identify the hot spots within the study region that requires

attention in the context of water quality improvement. The region closer to downstream

stretches of the canal is environmentally critical in terms of BOD, COD and hardness. The

presence of salt water during January in almost all the stations have been noticed but it is

within the prescribed limits of WHO standards for irrigation and life support for freshwater

organisms (WHO, 2004). But all the stations are deprived of sufficient amount of dissolved

oxygen.

CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD)

COD is a measure of the oxygen equivalent of the organic matter in a water sample that is

susceptible to oxidation by a strong chemical oxidant, such as dichromate (Chapman, 1996).

It was found that during post monsoon season the COD was high in stations 1,2,5,6,7,13,15

with the peak found in stations 2 and 7with COD of 213mg O2 / l and 190 mg O2 / l

respectively. This high COD can be attributed to the untreated heavy organic load entering in

to the waters from the nearby areas.

PARAMETER : COD (mgO2/l)

25

Station Post Monsoon Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 116.67 30.00 38.40

Station 2 213.33 40.00 48.00

Station 3 53.33 20.00 28.80

Station 4 90.00 10.00 57.60

Station 5 160.00 30.00 38.40

Station 6 123.33 20.00 28.80

Station 7 190.00 50.00 57.60

Station 8 63.33 20.00 28.80

Station 9 56.67 30.00 28.80

Station 10 35.00 30.00 86.40

Station 11 40.00 10.00 19.20

Station 12 66.67 20.00 28.80

Station 13 123.33 30.00 38.40

Station 14 45.00 20.00 28.80

Station 15 116.67 70.00 76.80

Station 16 46.67 50.00 86.40

26

In minor water bodies, household and industrial wastes may cause high concentrations of

BOD, COD, nitrates, organic chemicals and bacteria (Todd et al., 1976). The tolerance limit of

COD set for inland surface waters subject to pollution is 250 mg /l (US EPA, 1997). As per

this value, the COD values of all the stations during all seasons were within the acceptable

range. The highest COD was noted during the post monsoon season. The closure of the

bund with subsequent accumulation of organic wastes in the water body along with lack of

circulation of the water could be the reasons for high COD. During monsoon and pre-

monsoon seasons, the bund remains open and there is exchange of water and wastes

between the backwater and the inland water bodies, leading to a reduction in COD.

Monsoon season is the time of maximum flushing and cleansing in the water body. But the

anomaly in the COD value could be explained in terms of the time of sampling. During peak

monsoon, the entire study area was flooded with water and the flow rate was high making it

difficult for sampling. So sampling was done after the rains subsided and the flow rate

normalized. Station 10 and 16 which recorded high COD during monsoon season are located

in such a position that the wastes washed out along the river gets accumulated in these

pockets.

4.2 HARDNESS

Hardness is a water quality parameter that is most influenced by the geology of the surrounding

drainage basin, in lake and river monitoring stations worldwide. It is a water-quality indication of 27

the concentration of alkaline salts in water, mainly calcium and magnesium. According to

International standards, the scale of water hardness, measured by weight of dissolved salts (in

milligrams) per unit (in litres) of water is as follows:

Soft — 0–60 mg/l

Moderately Hard — 61–120 mg/l

Hard — 121–180 mg/l

Very Hard — over 180 mg/l

PARAMETER : HARDNESS (Ca2+, Mg2+) (mg CaCo3/l)


Station 1 63.31 59.42 6.40

Station 2 63.31 52.68 15.00

Station 3 64.90 55.28 26.00

Station 4 109.33 52.79 33.20

Station 5 119.88 48.11 44.00

Station 6 115.41 53.63 52.20

Station 7 127.86 60.17 64.00

Station 8 149.64 54.59 71.20

Station 9 165.49 108.25 80.00

Station 10 162.25 102.73 87.20

Station 11 211.43 146.05 8.20

Station 12 189.29 122.90 16.60

Station 13 194.84 124.08 26.40

Station 14 210.95 144.67 33.80

28

Station 15 185.55 60.82 41.80

Station 16 240.55 49.68 53.80

During post monsoon season, hard water is found in all stations. Todd et al. (1976) are of

the opinion that solid waste influx during non-monsoon months increases the hardness,

alkalinity and total dissolved salts of underground water. Here also, the closure of bund

during post monsoon season results in accumulation of wastes in the study area increasing

hardness of the surface water. Stations 1, 2 and 3 which are the riverine stations recorded

only moderate hardness.

Contrary to this, during pre monsoon season, typical hard water was seen only in stations

11-14 and during monsoon, due to efficient flushing, water was not hard in any part of the

study area. The hardness of water has a direct effect on aquatic life affecting their

osmoregulation .With increased hardness, the water become more concentrated thus

stressing the aquatic life as they have to spend more energy to regulate their body fluid

concentration, i.e., to prevent the efflux of their body fluids.

BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)

BOD is a measure of the amount of oxygen removed from aquatic environments by aerobic

micro-organisms for their metabolic requirements during the breakdown of organic matter,

and systems with high BOD tend to have low dissolved oxygen concentrations. 29

Microbial consumption of oxygen, measured as BOD, tends to increase with water temperature.

Higher water temperatures affect plant life by increasing growth rates, resulting in a shorter

lifespan and species overabundance (i.e., algal blooms). Increases in algae and macrophyte

abundance further reduce oxygen saturation in the water column. The loss of oxygen-sensitive

but highly valued trophy species like trout and the aesthetic degradation caused by ‘weedy’

receiving waters can impact the use of the system as a recreational resource (Taylor and Helwig,

1995).

PARAMETER : BOD (mg O2 / l)


Station 1 49.53 2.53 3.80

Station 2 57.50 2.74 7.49

Station 3 29.09 2.53 9.30

Station 4 14.64 5.61 8.70

Station 5 38.97 6.17 12.91

Station 6 44.58 1.93 11.65

Station 7 26.97 3.51 7.68

Station 8 24.24 2.29 14.71

Station 9 30.64 14.31 14.85

Station 10 5.61 17.04

Station 11 19.97 3.83 10.47

Station 12 32.30 2.46 10.89

Station 13 74.40 38.68 8.79

Station 14 31.21 2.20 13.07

Station 15 27.73 6.12 8.35

30

Station 16 26.01 6.02 14.01

During the post monsoon season, BOD was found to be high in all the stations , with the

highest value of 74.4 mg O2 / l in station13.The high BOD represents increased biological

activity, wherein all the dissolved oxygen are used to degrade the organic matter. This may

be attributed to fertilizer runoff from the fields to the waters thus promoting the growth of

algae. When algae die, plenty of dissolved oxygen is used up to decompose the organic

matter leading to anoxic conditions and consequent fish kills.

During the premonsoon season, BOD at all stations, except 9 and 13, was found to be

between 2-8 mg/l, which is considered as the indication of moderate water pollution.

During monsoon season also, according to the BOD values, water appears to be polluted.

Study by Abraham and Madanakumar (2001) on the minor water bodies around Kottayam

has also recorded high BOD values ranging between 40.13 and 68.24. They have attributed it

to the discharge of sewage, waste and the subsequent increase in the microbial population.

As part of the National Programme of Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic Resources

(MINARS), CPCB found that the numbers of water bodies (river stretches and lentic water

bodies) exceeding the level of 6 mg/l BOD are 86 and among them 71 are river stretches and

15 are lentic water bodies (lakes/tanks and ponds) (Bharadwaj, 2005).

pH

31

The pH of an aquatic ecosystem is important because it is closely linked to biological

productivity. Although the tolerance of individual species varies, pH values between 6.5 and

8.5 usually indicate good water quality and this range is typical of most major drainage

basins of the world. Variation in pH is related to the fluctuations in temperature. A

decrease in pH would occur if temperature increases, since there would be a greater

decrease of CO2 level due to the high rate of decomposition of organic matter

(Dineshkumar, 1997).

PARAMETER : pH


Station 1 6.46 6.23 6.07

Station 2 6.41 6.27 6.23

Station 3 6.38 6.23 5.99

Station 4 6.38 6.29 5.97

Station 5 6.77 6.07 6.33

Station 6 6.36 6.13 6.05

Station 7 6.43 6.20 5.98

Station 8 6.71 6.15 5.90

Station 9 6.16 6.02 5.72

Station 10 6.15 6.17 6.05

Station 11 5.82 6.20 5.88

Station 12 6.09 6.06 5.88

Station 13 5.77 6.15 5.92

Station 14 5.88 6.00 5.93

Station 15 6.19 6.19 5.92

Station 16 5.99 6.23 5.70

32

The pH for all stations during the post monsoon, premonsoon and monsoon seasons was

found to be around 6.00.This is found to be in acceptable pH range of 6-8 for lakes, ponds

and streams. In the upper basins of the Meenachil river, land use varies from evergreen

forests and plantation crops like rubber and tea in the highland regions to crops like rice and

coconut in the midland (Gopakumar and Takara, 2008, ICMAM, 2002).

DISSOLVED OXYGEN

PARAMETER: DISSOLVED OXYGEN, DO

(mg O2 / l)

Station Post Monsoon

Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 2.67 5.93 6.12

Station 2 2.51 4.63 4.85

Station 3 2.40 3.41 4.39

Station 4 1.85 2.35 4.52

Station 5 1.91 3.14 5.01

33

Station 6 2.18 3.17 5.17

Station 7 1.58 3.04 5.03

Station 8 1.85 3.46 5.01

Station 9 2.34 2.68 4.69

Station 10 2.07 2.92 4.37

Station 11 1.69 3.11 4.70

Station 12 2.12 4.12 4.71

Station 13 1.90 3.53 4.37

Station 14 2.18 3.04 4.10

Station 15 2.02 2.55 4.52

Station 16 2.07 4.05 1.88

During the post monsoon season, the DO is found to be almost constant in all the stations

(around 2.00). This DO level is much below the recommended level of DO of 4.0 – 5.0 mg/L

to support aquatic life. The decrease in DO may be indicative of bacteria coming from

untreated sewage or organic discharges; thereby resulting in increased BOD.

34

During the premonsoon season, the DO level is highly variable among the stations studied.

Except for stations 4, 9, 10, 15 all other stations have a minimal DO level to support aquatic

life.

During the monsoon season, the DO level is found to be within acceptable standards to

support life for all stations except for station16.

PARAMETER : SUSPENDED SEDIMENTS (TSS) (mg/l)


Station 1 2.18

Station 2 5.41

Station 3 1.60

Station 4 1.66

Station 5 6.51

Station 6 1.51

Station 7 3.52

Station 8 3.19

Station 9 8.35

Station 10 6.18

Station 11 6.70

Station 12 3.70

Station 13 5.84

Station 14 3.58

Station 15 7.06

Station 16 3.97

35

During the pre monsoon season, suspended sediments were measured for all stations in

terms of total suspended solid concentration (mg per litre of water).It was found that

suspended sediments was very low for all stations , compared to 25-80 mg/L which is the

average TSS concentration for moderate water quality.

PARAMETER : TOTAL Coliforms

(MPN index / 100 ml)


Station 1 747.67 780.00 28.00

Station 2 181.00 413.25 240.00

Station 3 337.67 803.33 1100.00

Station 4 191.00 177.75 240.00

Station 5 106.00 155.10 240.00

Station 6 254.33 379.00 93.00

Station 7 69.67 174.50 210.00

Station 8 350.00 521.33 43.00

Station 9 571.50 564.00

Station 10 141.50 93.00 93.00

Station 11 237.00 587.50 210.00

Station 12 211.00 240.00 1100.00

Station 13 188.00 600.00 150.00

Station 14 253.33 116.50 460.00

Station 15 84.00 225.00 240.00

Station 16 39.50 82.50 1100.00

36

During the post monsoon and premonsoon seasons, total coliform was found to be within

the acceptable standards. But during the monsoon season, stations 3, 12 and 16 showed an

increase in the total coliform compared to the advisable safe limits. The increase in total

coliform is indicative of the pathogenic organisms present in water. This may be attributed

to indiscriminate discharge of untreated sewage and human, animal faecal matter in to the

water (Tang, 2009).

PARAMETER : SALINITY (Chlorosity mg / l x0.0018)


Station 1 0.008 0.002 0.11

Station 2 0.007 0.004 0.019

Station 3 0.009 0.01 0.031

Station 4 0.011 0.011 0.025

Station 5 0.011 0.006 0.032

Station 6 0.011 0.006 0.024

37

Station 7 0.017 0.012 0.031

Station 8 0.008 0.006 0.021

Station 9 0.010 0.008 0.024

Station 10 0.010 0.009 0.025

Station 11 0.038 0.052 0.042

Station 12 0.007 0.008 0.023

Station 13 0.009 0.013 0.025

Station 14 0.01 0.008 0.018

Station 15 0.01 0.013 0.025

Station 16 0.03 0.019 0.039

PARAMETER : Na (mg / l)


38

Station 1 16.27 64.50 3.85

Station 2 59.57 42.81 5.90

Station 3 18.37 43.75 7.20

Station 4 22.37 39.68 8.40

Station 5 22.27 34.58 5.10

Station 6 16.77 34.75 5.80

Station 7 21.07 37.96 8.20

Station 8 23.50 42.75 4.90

Station 9 34.53 98.21 5.65

Station 10 47.97 89.60 5.50

Station 11 47.80 155.89 10.05

Station 12 40.87 98.54 5.45

Station 13 42.33 113.73 4.65

Station 14 52.53 88.49 4.35

Station 15 27.87 45.60 6.90

Station 16 38.87 43.53 9.85

39

During all the seasons, the sodium level of water was low compared to the desirable range

of 200 mg/l for drinking purposes. Since the percentage of sodium in water also determines

the suitability of water for irrigation, it was found that the Na+ level of water in stations 11

and 13 was high compared to the maximum tolerance limit of 60% for irrigation purposes.

The high Na % may be due to the sewage contribution from the neighbouring industries.

PARAMETER : K (mg / l)


Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 2.20 5.00 1.05

Station 2 2.13 3.60 1.25

Station 3 2.23 3.70 1.70

Station 4 2.40 3.45 1.55

Station 5 2.97 3.23 1.15

Station 6 2.20 3.28 0.75

40

Station 7 2.37 3.60 1.70

Station 8 2.53 3.70 1.20

Station 9 3.23 6.03 1.45

Station 10 3.63 5.90 1.20

Station 11 4.70 8.70 2.00

Station 12 3.73 6.15 1.35

Station 13 3.27 5.28 1.15

Station 14 3.60 8.05 1.10

Station 15 2.70 4.08 1.90

Station 16 4.10 4.15 1.65

During all the seasons, potassium level of water was found to be low in all stations making it

unsuitable for irrigation, K+ being the essential nutrient element for plants (Dodds and

Oakes, 2004).

POST MONSOON PLOT FOR THE PHYSICAL PARAMETERS [SALINITY, HARDNESS , Na (mg/l), K

(mg/l)] OF ALL THE STATIONS

Stations Salinity Hardness Na K

41

Station1 0.008 63.307 16.267 2.200

Station2 0.007 63.307 59.567 2.133

Station3 0.009 64.900 18.367 2.233

Station4 0.011 109.333 22.367 2.400

Station5 0.011 119.880 22.267 2.967

Station6 0.011 115.407 16.767 2.200

Station7 0.017 127.860 21.067 2.367

Station8 0.008 149.640 23.500 2.533

Station9 0.010 165.487 34.533 3.233

Station10 0.010 162.253 47.967 3.633

Station11 0.038 211.427 47.800 4.700

Station12 0.007 189.293 40.867 3.733

Station13 0.009 194.840 42.333 3.267

Station14 0.010 210.953 52.533 3.600

Station15 0.010 185.547 27.867 2.700

Station16 0.030 240.553 38.867 4.100

42

PREMONSOON PLOT FOR THE PHYSICAL PARAMETERS [SALINITY, HARDNESS, Na (mg/l), K

(mg/l), Suspended sediments (mg/l)] OF ALL THE STATIONS

Station Salinity Hardness Na K

Station1 0.002 59.42 64.50 5.00

Station2 0.004 52.68 42.81 3.60

Station3 0.010 55.28 43.75 3.70

Station4 0.011 52.79 39.68 3.45

Station5 0.006 48.11 34.58 3.23

Station6 0.006 53.63 34.75 3.28

Station7 0.012 60.17 37.96 3.60

Station8 0.006 54.59 42.75 3.70

Station9 0.008 108.25 98.21 6.03

Station10 0.009 102.73 89.60 5.90

Station11 0.052 146.05 155.89 8.70

43

Station12 0.008 122.90 98.54 6.15

Station13 0.013 124.08 113.73 5.28

Station14 0.008 144.67 88.49 8.05

Station15 0.013 60.82 45.60 4.08

Station16 0.019 49.68 43.53 4.15

MONSOON PLOT FOR THE PHYSICAL PARAMETERS [SALINITY, HARDNESS, Na (mg/l), K (mg/l),] OF ALL THE STATIONS

Stations Salinity Hardness Na K

Station1 0.110 6.40 3.85 1.05

Station2 0.019 15.00 5.90 1.25

Station3 0.031 26.00 7.20 1.70

Station4 0.025 33.20 8.40 1.55

Station5 0.032 44.00 5.10 1.15

44

Station6 0.024 52.20 5.80 0.75

Station7 0.031 64.00 8.20 1.70

Station8 0.021 71.20 4.90 1.20

Station9 0.024 80.00 5.65 1.45

Station10 0.025 87.20 5.50 1.20

Station11 0.042 8.20 10.05 2.00

Station12 0.023 16.60 5.45 1.35

Station13 0.025 26.40 4.65 1.15

Station14 0.018 33.80 4.35 1.10

Station15 0.025 41.80 6.90 1.90

Station16 0.039 53.80 9.85 1.65

POSTMONSOON PLOT FOR THE CHEMICAL PARAMETERS (pH, COD) FOR ALL THE STATIONS

STATIONS pH COD

45

Station1 6.46 116.67

Station2 6.41 213.33

Station3 6.38 53.33

Station4 6.38 90.00

Station5 6.77 160.00

Station6 6.36 123.33

Station7 6.43 190.00

Station8 6.71 63.33

Station9 6.16 56.67

Station10 6.15 35.00

Station11 5.82 40.00

Station12 6.09 66.67

Station13 5.77 123.33

Station14 5.88 45.00

Station15 6.19 116.67

Station16 5.99 46.67

46

During the post monsoon season,

• pH is found to be in the acceptable range for all stations for a desirable water quality. • COD is found to be very high in stations 2, 5, 7 and 13 that can be accounted to the

untreated organic load entering the water from nearby places.

PREMONSOON PLOT FOR THE CHEMICAL PARAMETERS (pH, COD) FOR ALL THE STATIONS

STATIONS pH COD

Station1 6.23 30.00

Station2 6.27 40.00

Station3 6.23 20.00

Station4 6.29 10.00

Station5 6.07 30.00

Station6 6.13 20.00

Station7 6.20 50.00

Station8 6.15 20.00

Station9 6.02 30.00

Station10 6.17 30.00

47

Station11 6.20 10.00

Station12 6.06 20.00

Station13 6.15 30.00

Station14 6.00 20.00

Station15 6.19 70.00

Station16 6.23 50.00

During premonsoon season,

• pH is found to be in the neutral range for all stations indicating neither acidic or alkaline water.

• COD is in a desirable range in all stations indicating the availability of water dissolved oxygen in these stations.

MONSOON PLOT FOR THE CHEMICAL PARAMETERS (pH, COD) FOR ALL THE STATIONS

STATIONS pH COD

Station1 6.07 38.40

Station2 6.23 48.00

Station3 5.99 28.80

Station4 5.97 57.60

48

Station5 6.33 38.40

Station6 6.05 28.80

Station7 5.98 57.60

Station8 5.90 28.80

Station9 5.72 28.80

Station10 6.05 86.40

Station11 5.88 19.20

Station12 5.88 28.80

Station13 5.92 38.40

Station14 5.93 28.80

Station15 5.92 76.80

Station16 5.70 86.40

During the monsoon season,

49

• pH is found to be in the neutral range maintaining the water quality standards. • COD is more or less the same in all stations compared to the premonsoon season

except for station 10 where there is a sudden rise in the COD level from 30 mg O2 / l to 86.40 mg O2 /l. This may be either due to discharge of untreated sewage or fertilizer runoff from the fields adding to the organic load of the water.

POSTMONSOON PLOT FOR THE BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS [DO (mg O2/l), BOD (mgO2/l),T.

Coliform(MPN index/100ml)] FOR ALL THE STATIONS

STATION DO BOD T. Coliform

Station1 2.67 49.53 747.67

Station2 2.51 57.50 181.00

Station3 2.40 29.09 337.67

Station4 1.85 14.64 191.00

Station5 1.91 38.97 106.00

Station6 2.18 44.58 254.33

Station7 1.58 26.97 69.67

Station8 1.85 24.24 350.00

Station9 2.34 30.64 571.50

Station10 2.07 1375.88 141.50

Station11 1.69 19.97 237.00

Station12 2.12 32.30 211.00

Station13 1.90 74.40 188.00

Station14 2.18 31.21 253.33

Station15 2.02 27.73 84.00

Station16 2.07 26.01 39.50

50

During the post monsoon season,

• DO is found to be very low than the acceptable DO in all stations indicating highly polluted water.

• In relation to the low DO, BOD is high with the peak BOD found in station10 indicating severely polluted water.

• Total Coli form for all stations was well within the acceptable standards.

PREMONSOON PLOT FOR THE BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS [DO (mg O2/l), BOD (mgO2/l),T.

Coliform (MPN index/100ml)] FOR ALL THE STATIONS


Station1 5.93 2.53 780.00

Station2 4.63 2.74 413.25

Station3 3.41 2.53 803.33

Station4 2.35 5.61 177.75

Station5 3.14 6.17 155.10

Station6 3.17 1.93 379.00

Station7 3.04 3.51 174.50

Station8 3.46 2.29 521.33

51

Station9 2.68 14.31 564.00

Station10 2.92 5.61 93.00

Station11 3.11 3.83 587.50

Station12 4.12 2.46 240.00

Station13 3.53 38.68 600.00

Station14 3.04 2.20 116.50

Station15 2.55 6.12 225.00

Station16 4.05 6.02 82.50

During the premonsoon season,

• DO level have increased in all stations compared to the post monsoon season. • BOD is accordingly low during this season indicating the availability of dissolved

oxygen to oxidize the organic matter present. • Total coliform fall within the safe limits for all stations.

MONSOON PLOT FOR THE BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS [DO (mg O2/l), BOD (mgO2/l), T. Coliform (MPN index/100ml)] FOR ALL THE STATIONS


Station1 6.12 3.80 28.00

52

Station2 4.85 7.49 240.00

Station3 4.39 9.30 1100.00

Station4 4.52 8.70 240.00

Station5 5.01 12.91 240.00

Station6 5.17 11.65 93.00

Station7 5.03 7.68 210.00

Station8 5.01 14.71 43.00

Station9 4.69 14.85

Station10 4.37 17.04 93.00

Station11 4.70 10.47 210.00

Station12 4.71 10.89 1100.00

Station13 4.37 8.79 150.00

Station14 4.10 13.07 460.00

Station15 4.52 8.35 240.00

Station16 1.88 14.01 1100.00

53

During the monsoon season • DO was found to be low in all stations. • Owing to the low DO level of the water, there was a corresponding rise in the BOD. • Total coliform was found to be high in stations 3, 12 and 16 making the water unfit for

drinking or any other domestic purposes.

NUTRIENTS

Nitrite (umol/l)


Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 0.41 0.15 0.10

Station 2 0.52 0.16 0.15

Station 3 0.25 0.21 0.30

Station 4 0.15 0.29 0.19

Station 5 0.24 0.22 0.20

Station 6 0.08 0.28 0.14

Station 7 0.15 0.35 0.18

Station 8 0.14 0.26 0.21

Station 9 0.23 0.25 0.40

Station 10 0.16 0.32 0.22

Station 11 0.27 0.36 0.23

Station 12 0.11 0.22 0.14

Station 13 0.19 0.21 0.15

Station 14 0.23 0.16 0.16

Station 15 0.61 0.29 0.18

54

Station 16 0.26 0.27 0.31

Phosphate(umol/l)


Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 0.54 0.28

Station 2 0.44 0.45 0.23

Station 3 0.18 0.32 0.10

Station 4 0.09 0.33 0.16

Station 5 0.22 0.67 0.43

Station 6 0.07 0.43 0.10

Station 7 0.26 0.39 0.16

Station 8 0.13 0.53 0.15

Station 9 0.15 0.74 0.31

55

Station 10 0.09 1.40 0.29

Station 11 0.22 0.73 0.17

Station 12 1.00 0.29 0.20

Station 13 0.09 0.40 0.10

Station 14 0.20 0.36 1.37

Station 15 0.77 0.72 0.24

Station 16 0.41 0.59 0.23

Nitrate(umol/l)


Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 30.17 6.67 23.86

Station 2 20.55 16.93 17.82

Station 3 7.50 7.37 47.55

56

Station 4 9.36 9.25 28.21

Station 5 18.76 7.00 18.43

Station 6 12.93 7.67 24.58

Station 7 11.88 2.59 17.20

Station 8 7.94 5.26 28.70

Station 9 22.67 6.78 19.51

Station 10 10.80 5.68 25.22

Station 11 1.36 1.27 20.79

Station 12 15.86 8.40 24.86

Station 13 12.04 4.44 34.26

Station 14 10.40 6.24 6.50

Station 15 13.62 4.20 33.72

Station 16 2.12 4.06 16.08

57

Chlorophyll pigments

Chl a - ug/l


Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 2.74 2.60 2.07

Station 2 3.14 1.96 1.84

Station 3 3.42 2.53 1.12

Station 4 1.12 3.53 1.58

Station 5 2.81 2.95 1.36

Station 6 0.80 1.80 1.34

Station 7 2.07 2.68 1.21

Station 8 4.80 1.69 1.34

Station 9 1.87 8.47 1.12

Station 10 3.47 1.38 1.02

Station 11 1.89 7.61 3.31

Station 12 1.71 2.86 2.48

Station 13 1.08 5.13 1.25

Station 14 3.61 3.03 1.14

Station 15 1.95 3.54 1.15

Station 16 1.32 4.42 0.66

58

Chl b - ug/l


Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 0.49 1.19 0.91

Station 2 1.18 1.60 1.12

Station 3 0.15 1.06 0.41

Station 4 1.69 0.16

Station 5 0.66 1.86 0.14

Station 6 0.01 1.20 0.60

Station 7 0.22 1.12 0.53

Station 8 0.88 0.24

Station 9 2.52 0.66 0.17

Station 10 0.48 0.46 0.06

Station 11 0.41 2.39 0.33

Station 12 0.55 0.78 0.89

Station 13 0.64 1.83 0.07

59

Station 14 0.30 1.55 0.34

Station 15 0.63 0.80

Station 16 0.02 2.02 0.25

Chl C - ug/l


Pre Monsoon Monsoon

Station 1 1.03 1.49 2.28

Station 2 0.89 1.19 1.33

Station 3 0.12 1.58 0.51

Station 4 0.18 2.44 0.61

Station 5 0.78 2.21 0.72

Station 6 3.64 1.61 0.65

Station 7 1.31 0.59

Station 8 0.32 0.40 0.89

60

Station 9 5.67 1.86 0.76

Station 10 0.21 0.12 0.97

Station 11 0.35 3.14 0.87

Station 12 1.21 1.46 1.23

Station 13 1.06 1.62 1.21

Station 14 1.29 0.56 0.78

Station 15 0.46 1.47 0.87

Station 16 0.47 1.47 0.54

61

Annexure 2

Identification and selection of low cost water purification materials

Other water purification methods

Coconut shell charcoal packed in gunny bags were immersed in polluted waters of the study

area. Coconut shell charcoal is the product obtained after carbonizing coconut shell with a

limited supply of air. (This is the raw material for the manufacture of activated carbon).The

yield varies from 25-33% of the mass of raw shell. The activated carbon is the key raw

material used for the purification of water sources and removal of organic substances.

Recently coconut shell charcoal (CSC) has been developed into one of the promising

options for heavy metal removal from contaminated wastewater (kurniawan and Sillanpaa,

2009). They have shown that the exchange/sorption properties of coconut shell are due to

the presence of some functional groups, such as carboxylic, hydroxyl, and lactone, which

have a high affinity for metal ions (Babel et al., 2004). Coconut shell, a hard and thick bony

endocarp material, which presents serious disposal problems for local environment, is an

abundantly available agricultural waste from households and local coconut industry. In

their studies, Babel et al. (2004) reported the technical applicability of coconut shell

charcoal to remove toxic chromium from contaminated wastewater. After pretreatment

with oxidizing agents, their performances are comparable to that of commercial activated

carbon.

62

Coconut shell charcoal. Coconut shell charcoal packed in gunny bags

Annexure-3

Erosion control measures- Biowall construction

The natural plant species “Neerkoova” in local dialect with botanical name Lagenandra toxicaria

was identified for the canal embankment protection work. Lagenandra thrives well in stagnant,

shallow water bodies like ponds, tanks, channels and temporary water sources like marshes, where

they dominate the submerged vegetation. Among many plants which forms the natural vegetation

along the banks of the stream, L. toxicaria was found to hold the soil tightly and prevent erosion.

Thus it was used for bank protection studies and we had obtained fruitful results.

Embank erosion Embank protection work with “Neerkoova”

63

Erosional features of the water way and bank protection works

Desilting of canals

64

Desilting work in progress in the inland waterways

Siltation of water bodies poses dangers of flash flood to the community, especially during the

monsoon seasons (Kumar, 2007). In addition, the obstructed waterways and the continuous fallow

of rice fields have created breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents

respectively (MSSRF 2007). Therefore desilting was a necessity as part of the cleaning up of the

canals. Desilting was done by manually removing the silt from the canals. This was done along the

entire stretch of the study area. Desilting improved the water movement through the canals,

prevented floods and made them fit for inland transportation. The idea has been implemented in

the present study based on the reports that Rs. 36 crores have been earmarked for desilting the

canals, rivers, tanks and other water resources under the Kuttanad package designed by the famous

agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan (MSSRF Annual report, 2009).

Control of water weeds

Organic wastes accumulating in the water bodies give rise to eutrophication that leads to

proliferation of water weeds like Salvinea and Eichornia. The Thanneermukkom barrage can be cited

as the major reason for the explosive growth of alien aquatic weeds, due to a shift in the salinity

gradient towards north of the bund. Other than saline water pumping, there has been no effective

method for removal of these water weeds. Therefore, water weeds were also removed manually

and the collected weeds were dumped under coconut trees in plantations. It is believed that these

water weeds retain moisture in the surface soil for longer duration saving efforts of frequent

watering. The women self-help groups were educated about using water weeds as a supplementary

65

substrate in addition to hay for the cultivation of mushrooms, but the study remained at the

experimental level itself.

Annexure 4 Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation was tried as a low cost method for water purification. Phytoremediation is the use

of living green plants for in situ risk reduction and/or removal of contaminants from contaminated

soil, water, sediments, and air. One of the main advantages of Phytoremediation is that of its

relatively low cost compared to other remedial methods. Vetiver System was first developed by the

World Bank for soil and water conservation and now being used in over 100 countries. In this study

also, Vetiver grass was cultivated and transplanted into the polluted canals. This was selected on the

basis of the review on Vetiver system ecotechnology for water quality improvement and

66

environmental enhancement by Lavania et al. (2004). The Vetiver System (VS) is a system of soil and

water conservation whose main component is the vetiver plant Chrysopogon zizanioides - formerly

Vetiveria zizanioides. This plant, commonly known as vetiver grass, is a clump grass originating in

south India. There are many cultivars of vetiver grass but those originating in south India are sterile

and non invasive. The Vetiver grass will tolerate high levels of nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals,

and agricultural chemicals. The Vetiver Grass System is low cost and efficient system for erosion

control and water conservation, soil stabilization, pollution control, waste water treatment,

mitigation and prevention of storm damage and many other applications. Vetiver grass was

transplanted into vetiver grass pots. After letting them harden for a while, the potted grass were

replanted onto cut bamboo floats. Being hydrophytic, the plants do not require a separate medium

to grow in water. The only arrangement required to make vetiver plants survive in water properly is a

float to maintain the balance between roots and shoot and to make the plant stand erect. In the

present study, coir ropes were wound criss-cross in the bamboo frames and the seedlings were

transplanted onto this float. These floats were put in the polluted canals and it was found that the

water quality improved within 40 days period (table V1 and V2)

Vetiver grass cultivation Bamboo floats with vetiver plants introduced in canals

Water purification studies were conducted in selected stations of the study area i.e., stn. 3 and 7.

Station 7 was selected as a representative station to conduct embankment protection studies along

with the water purification studies, as it was in the centre of the study area. Station 3 was selected

based on the convenience of transplanting the floats from nurseries to the site.

TABLE V1. Effect of phytoremediation using Vetiver on water sample from stn.3 for 40days

treatment 67

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_conservation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_conservation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetiver

http://www.hydromulch.co.za/turnkey-projects.htm



http://www.hydromulch.co.za/finn-products.htm

Parameter Pre-treated

(20/2/09)

Vetiver (Post treated) (31/3/09)

COD(mg/l) 200 168

BOD(mg/l) 0.816327 0.489796

DO(mg/l) 0.816327 1.142857

Phosphate (umol/l) 0.291 0.286

nitrite umol/l 0.136 0.141

Ammonia umol/l 28.36 26.11

Potassium mg/l 4 3.8

Sodium mg/l 60 53

TABLE V2. Effect of phytoremediation using Vetiver on water sample from stn.7 for 40days

treatment

Parameter Pre-treated

(20/2/09)

Vetiver (Post treated) (31/3/09)

COD(mg/l) 112 96

BOD(mg/l)

0.326531

0.326531

DO(mg/l) 0.979592 ---

Phosphate (umol/l) 0.374 0.374

nitrite umol/l 0.09 0.085

Ammonia umol/l 48.45 43.22

Potassium mg/l 2.3 2.3

Sodium mg/l 102.5 98

68

Annexure 5

Awareness campaigns

Total of 4 awareness campaigns were conducted in the study area against the indiscriminate

dumping of wastes and highlighting the need to protect the water.

69

Date Details of programme conducted

Location where the programme was held

Local organisations involved in the programme

27-10-2007 Seminars, poster exhibition, video show, quiz contest and slogan contest for school and college students.

Cherupushpam Parish Hall (Stn. 5)

Arpookara Grama Vikas Kendra

Yuva Deepthi Christian community organisation

18-5-2008 Clean-up campaign Entire study area (Stn. 1-16)

22-5-2008 Solid waste management by ‘Vermicomposting’.

Between stn. 2 and 3 Rajagiri ‘Outreach’ Service Society, Ernakulam

22-4-2009 ‘Jala sandesa yatra’ Entire study area (Stn. 1-16)

Local administration

Self-help groups

1) A one-day awareness campaign on the protection of waterways and wetlands was held on Saturday, 27 October 2007, at Cherupushpam Parish Hall in the project area, with the cooperation of the local administration and the Arpookara Grama Vikas Kendra, Yuva Deepthi and other community organisations in and around this region. Programme comprised of seminars, poster exhibition, video show, quiz contest and slogan contest for school and college students. Prominent personalities from different disciplines of life in the region and Dr. P. S. Joseph, Executive Director of the Centre for Earth Research and Environment Management (CEREM) made felicitatory talks on the occasion. Prof. N.R. Menon, eminent Marine Biologist (former Director, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Issues and solutions in the Vembanad backwater and connected

70

water bodies’. The programme was well attended by the public and students from the nearby schools and colleges.

Inauguration Inaugural talk

Lecture by Prof. N. R. Menon Quiz programme

71

Prize distribution – slogan contest Prize distribution – slogan contest

2) A waterway cleanup campaign was also organised in May 2008 to educate the people of the dangers in dumping wastes into the adjacent waterbody and to create an awareness in them about the need to conserve the water body. During this period, the participants of this cruise collected and removed large quantity of solid wastes, especially plastic carry bags and bottles weighing approximately 75kgs along the stretch of the canal.

Waterway clean up campaign Journey of “clean water “message

3) In the same month, on 22nd May 2008, another public awareness programme was conducted on solid waste management, with emphasis on vermicomposting. Ms. Treesa, a consultant of Rajagiri OUTREACH Service Society, Ernakulam conducted class on vermicomposting. She demonstrated how the bio-wastes like vegetable waste, paper, cattle feed waste etc are fed into the terracotta bio-compost tanks, how they are pre-treated to make the environment conducive for the growth of earthworms and how the tanks are maintained without any damage to the worms. The compost would be ready after 40 days of treatment in the tanks.

72

Ms. Treesa taking class Audience attending waste management class

Vermicompost class in progress Terracotta vermicompost tank with lid. 4) An awareness campaign entitled ‘Jala sandesa yatra’ (journey with a message for

water conservation) was conducted, with the cooperation of local administration, self help groups and student communities in the area. The procession was flagged off by Mr.Thomas Chazhikadan, the Hon. Member of Legislative Assembly of Kerala Government. The procession in country canoes through the inland waterway spread the message on the importance of water protection in a changing environment to improve health conditions. Handouts and pamphlets were distributed to communities in the region on different steps needed to taken for curtailing the spread of communicable diseases in the region.

73

Awareness campaigns helped in educating the locals the need for conservation of the

waterbodies. Adoption of solid waste management measures and phytoremediation in

selected areas of the study region has helped in bringing down the rate of aquatic

pollution. There has been considerable improvement in the water quality after the

implementation of these conservative measures. (Section 3.1.2.3).

74

Annexure 6: Geospatial analysis

Suitability area assessment of water quality parameters, its causes and remedies-

BOD

As far as BOD is concerned <10 mg/l is considered to be suitable for life existence according

to the International standards. So it can be observed that 56.83% of area of river in pre-monsoon,

24.45% in monsoon and all the areas in post monsoon is showing the BOD values above 10 mg/l. It

shows that the Biological Oxygen Demand is very high in post monsoon and is very low in monsoon

season. To prepare suitability areas of BOD the pre-monsoon, Monsoon and Post monsoon maps are

spatially overlaid.

75

From the overlaid map it is understood that nowhere in the river we are getting suitability zones in

all the three seasons and it can also be noticed that the moderately suitable areas having 88.55% of

total area of the river.

COD

COD values in all the seasons are all above advisable limit (>5mgo2/l) which shows the worse

scenario of the basin.

76

DO

90.45% of total area of the river in pre-monsoon, 37.23% of monsoon and all the areas in post

monsoon have less than 4 mg/l Dissolved Oxygen. This shows that DO is higher in Monsoon and very

low in post monsoon.

77

E. coli

The E. coli status shows that in pre-monsoon season 55.34% of total area is in suffer side

(<1000MPN index/100ml) and the rest in the unsafe. All the other seasons the E. coli distribution is

within the permissible limit.

Results and discussion

From the observations obtained from the GIS spatial analysis and field investigations it is very much

clear that the canals of Meenachil river even though looks clear for the naked eye facing high threat

for its life existence.

78

The spatial distribution of all the parameters is overlaid. From the overlaid map it is understood that

10.01% of the total area of the selected river portion is falling in the unsuitable zone and rest is in

moderately suitable zone.

It can be noticed that in the majority of unsuitable area the Ecoli status is moderately suitable and

some area it is suitable shows that the cause of pollution is not mainly by ecoli but by some other

reasons. From the field observation it’s very much clear that waste disposal is the main cause of

pollution. The plastic waste disposal and almost flat nature of the terrain will decelerate the self

purifying capacity of the river.

A buffer zone of 500m is generated around the unsuitable zone and overlaid on the landuse map.

From the overlay analysis it is understood that the buffer zone falls mainly on the settlement with

mixed crop, rubber and mixed crop. This shows that the source of pollutants is mainly concentrated

in this region. The absence of unsuitable zone near to paddy region indicates the power of clay in

paddy fields to reduce the adverse effect of pollutants. So it is very much understood that the clayey

and clayey lateritic terrains are important to purify the river and point towards the importance of

rejuvenation of clayey and lateritic terrains. This can only be achieved by planting trees especially on

the tropical lateritic terrains.

79

80

81

82

Annexure 7- BIODIVERSITY STUDIES

An assessment of the biodiversity of the study area was conducted based on the catch obtained by

local community. It was found that the improvement in water quality has resulted in

reviving the population of certain species of fishes whose numbers were steadily decreasing

with the deterioration of water quality.

Listed below are the fauna of the study region.

Scientific name Vernacular name (Malayalam)

Remarks

Labeo dussumieri Pullen Catch improved after water purification expts.

Danio malabaricus Paral Most dominant

Channa striatus Varaal Most dominant

Anabas testudineus Chempalli Less in numbers

Channa orientalis Vatton Available

Channa marulius Cherumeen Most dominant

Xenentodon cancila Kolan Catch improved after water purification expts.

Aplocheilus lineatus Poonjan Most dominant and distributed throughout the study area

Wallago attu Vaala Less but available at certain locations

Etroplus maculates Pallathi Dominant

Etroplus suratensis Karimeen Improved availability

Stolephorus indicus Kozhuva Less

83

Puntius sarana Kuruvaparal Catch improved after water purification expts. Especially in polluted spots.

Penaeus indicus Thelli Less, but improved availability

Xenochrophis piscator Neerkoli Increased

Macrobrachium Konchu Less, but availability increased.

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Appendix-2 -Pictures

The following pictures depict the environmental issues described above.

Ground water level during and after southwest monsoon (flood) 2007

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The region during and after the floods in 2007

Country canoes-cheap way of inland transportation, fishing activity

Duck farming Agriculture

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Abstraction of contaminated water for domestic use

Water contamination due to waste dumping and waste water outflow

Acknowledgement

NERCI and CEREM gratefully acknowledge UNEP-APFED programme, 2010 for the financial support received for the conduct of this study.

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