A case study on varthur lake, assessment of heavy metal contamination on water and comparative water analysis

Author: 
Mithu Debnath, Ashim Upreti, Azhar Ahmed and Dr. Yasrib Qurishi

The Process of urbanization is increasing at an alarming rate, putting more pressure on local water quality. The study was conducted to assess the water quality values of varthur Lake which is a major tank in varthur of Bangalore. The samples were collected to examine the water quality in the month of February-March 2018, and brought to the laboratory for Physico-chemical parameters analysis. The aim of this study is to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination of lake water due to influx of industrial and household wastes. Samples of water have been analyzed heavy metals oxides, viz. Halite, Illite, Feldspar, Indium, Boron, Kaolinite, Phosphorus and Cadmium using uv -vis absorption spectrophotometry and X-ray Diffraction analysis. The sample was evaporated off and the residue was subjected for x ray diffraction studies to identify the oxides of metals present looking at the peaks. The results show the presence of some of the heavy metals in the water sample beyond the limits of Indian standards. Subsequently the water samples of lake were collected and it was compared with the regular tap water of the campus. The toxicity level of such heavy metals has proven to be a major threat and there is several health risks associated with it. Even though they do not have any biological role in human body, but the toxicity of such metals remain present in some or the other harmful form for the human body and its proper functioning. They sometimes act as a pseudo element of the body while at certain times they may even interfere with metabolic processes. Despite of some conservation efforts made by the authorities the major lakes are threatening immeasurably. This project aims in bringing out the hazardous effect of such polluted lakes on environment and human health as whole.

Paper No: 
2241