Groundwater pollution due to sugar-mill effluent, at Sonai, Maharashtra, India |
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| Authors: | N J Pawar G M Pondhe S F Patil |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Geology and Environmental Science, University of Pune, Pune 411007, India Tel.: 91 212 351195x2121 · Fax: 91 212 350087 · e-mail: njpawar@unipune.ernet.in, IN;(2) Department of Environmental Science, P.V.P. College, Pravaranagan, Dist-Ahmednagar, |
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| Abstract: | Analyses of 126 samples collected from 18 dug wells in the shallow basaltic aquifer over a period of 7 months have revealed
spatial as well as temporal changes in the chemical properties of groundwater. While the temporal changes have been attributed
to dilution and concentration phenomena governed by climatic factors, the spatial variations in the geochemical characteristics
of groundwater appeared to be related to pollution due to effluents from the Mula Sugar Factory. The cause of groundwater
pollution is the effluent carried by a stream flowing through the area. Fluctuations in the groundwater table, influent water
quality character of the stream, less capacity to accommodate large volume of effluent and occurrence of zero base flow (under
natural conditions) in the stream are the factors favoring infiltration of constituents of waste water into the underlying
weathered basaltic aquifer. Pollutants have entered into the shallow aquifer by downward percolation through the zone of aeration
to form a recharge mound at the water table and, further, lateral movement below the water table. The plume of polluted groundwater
has a lateral extent of a few meters in the upstream area and more than 400 m on either side of the stream in the downstream
part. The zone of polluted groundwater has an areal extent of more than 3.5 km2. Groundwater is the only source available for drinking and agricultural purposes. It is recommended that the base of the
lagoons and the stream used for release of plant effluent should be waterproofed for the protection of groundwater in the
Sonai area.
Received: 30 April 1997 · Accepted: 23 September 1997 |
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| Keywords: | Groundwater Sugar mill Basaltic aquifer Pollution |
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