In the heart of Tamil Nadu, a silent crisis is brewing beneath the surface, threatening the lifeblood of industries and communities alike. The Palar River basin, a critical water source for Vellore District, is grappling with non-point source (NPS) pollution, a stealthy and pervasive threat to groundwater quality. New research led by Sakshi Dange from the School of Advanced Sciences at Vellore Institute of Technology sheds light on the extent of this problem and offers a roadmap for sustainable management.
Groundwater, the unseen reservoir that fuels agriculture, industry, and daily life, is under siege from a multitude of sources. Agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and urban waste are seeping into the aquifers, degrading water quality and posing significant risks to public health and economic stability. Dange’s study, published in ‘Results in Engineering’ (Results in Engineering is translated to ‘Results in Engineering’ from English), provides a stark assessment of the situation, revealing that over 70% of post-monsoon groundwater samples exceed safe drinking limits.
The research team collected and analyzed 485 groundwater samples, employing spatial analysis, multivariate statistics, and Water Quality Index (WQI) assessments to map the pollution gradients and identify hotspots. The findings paint a troubling picture of spatial variability, with elevated contaminant levels concentrated near the river. “The complex interactions among key pollutants highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions,” Dange emphasizes.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. Groundwater is a vital resource for cooling processes in thermal power plants, and contamination can lead to increased operational costs, equipment damage, and even forced shutdowns. Moreover, the energy industry’s reliance on water-intensive processes makes it a significant contributor to NPS pollution, creating a vicious cycle that demands immediate attention.
The study’s spatial analysis and GIS mapping have pinpointed contamination hotspots, enabling stakeholders to prioritize areas for remediation and prevention. Dange recommends incorporating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), such as wetland restoration and riparian buffers, to enhance natural filtration and aquifer recharge. These eco-friendly approaches not only mitigate pollution but also support biodiversity and climate resilience, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The research underscores the need for a holistic and integrated approach to water resource management. By understanding the pollution patterns and their drivers, policymakers and industry leaders can develop targeted strategies to protect groundwater quality and ensure sustainable development. As Dange puts it, “Informed regional water resource management is crucial for mitigating NPS pollution and promoting sustainable groundwater quality.”
The findings from this study could revolutionize how industries, particularly the energy sector, approach water management. By adopting the recommended strategies and technologies, companies can reduce their environmental footprint, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The path forward is clear: embrace innovation, prioritize sustainability, and safeguard our most precious resource—water.