Synthetic Detergents (Surfactants) and Organochlorine Pesticide Signatures in Surface Water and Groundwater of Greater Kolkata, India

Abstract

An assessment on the concentration of surfactants and pesticides of chlorinated hydrocarbon group in surface and groundwater, is made from Greater Kolkata located in the Western Ganga Delta, one of the largest urban agglomerate in Asia. Concentration of both anionic synthetic detergents and organochlorine pesticide residues analysed from 54 and 19 sampling stations covering groundwater and surface water sources respectively, are generally found to be within the tolerance limit for human consumption. The concentration of synthetic detergent ranges from 0.084 to 0.425mg/l. Residues of organochlorine pesticides are analysed from different sources like tanks, lakes, rivers and groundwater. Lindane (0.01-0.43µg/l) and DDT (0.03-0.65 µg/l) are the most widely detected pesticide residues. Howerer, the two have not exceeded the limits for drinking anywhere. High value of aldrin and dieldrin (0.9µg/l) is obtained in the river Hugli at Barakpur-Seoraphuli, 20 km north of Kolkata. Likewise high value of Heptachloreis detected in a canal water sample at Palta (0.05 µg/l), a suburban area. Seasonally, the pesticide concentration in surface water is maximum during winter due to their higher application and minimum during monsoon. In groundwater, however, this relationship is reverse due to higher infiltration of surface water during monsoon.

Pesticide residue in water—a challenging task in India

“…Concentration of OCPs in surface water from greater Kolkata, West Bangal located in the western Ganga delta, one of the largest urban agglomerates in Asia, was found out (Ghose et al 2009). Residues of OCPs were analyzed from different sources like tanks, lakes, and rivers.…”

“…The groundwater from greater Kolkata, West Bangal located in the western Ganga delta was analyzed by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) (Ghose et al 2009) to find out the concentration of OCPs. Groundwater samples were collected from two localities, viz., Sonarpur and Palta.…”

Assessment of hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in parts of Hindon–Yamuna interfluve region, Baghpat District, Western Uttar Pradesh

“…Agricultural activities, population growth, rapid industrialization and unplanned urbanization in the Ganga Plain have resulted in various geoenvironmental hazards causing deterioration of groundwater quality in many ways (Ansari et al 2000;Umar 2006). Several studies have been made on the quality and chemical characteristic of groundwater of Ganga basin (Umar and Ahmad 2000;Ravenscraft et al 2005;Umar et al 2006Saha 2009;Saha et al 2009;Joshi et al 2009;Ghose et al 2009;Dhakyanaika and Kumara 2010). The present study was performed to assess the chemistry of the groundwater system and to identify the relative roles of water-sediment interaction and anthropogenic impacts.…”

Simultaneous removal of multiple pesticides from water: Effect of organically modified clays as coagulant aid and adsorbent in coagulation–flocculation process

“…[3,4] Presence of pesticides in various Indian rivers has previously been reported by many researchers. [5][6][7] Various treatment processes such as sorption on chemical, inert or biological material (bio-sorbent), coagulation-flocculation by different chemical agents, * Corresponding author. Email: ajoysahacob@gmail.com photo degradation, bioremediation or biodegradation and active sludge treatment are being investigated for decontamination of water from pollutants.…”