Studies on Pollution of Soils and Groundwater near Industrial Areas of Baroda in Gujarat, India

摘要

The major part of Gujarat in Western India is arid to semi arid region with an average rainfall about 500mm/yr. Baroda is an important industrial center of India situated in Gujarat. The city has experienced a heavy influx of population with rise in industrialization accompanied by reduced water supply resulting in a increased use of groundwater through bore wells and tube wells. The reduced water supply has led to an increased reliance on groundwater, which has been affected by industrial and urban impacts. The main sources of pollutants are industrial solid waste i.e. fertilisers, petrochemicals, pesticides, pharmaceutical materials, corrosive materials, organic wastes etc. The domestic sector is also producing solid and liquid wastes. In the present work 26 physical-chemical characteristics of the groundwater and heavy metals were studied season wise. The results were within the limits of WHO and ISI guidelines. In the soil also 17 physico-chemicals parameters were studied. Out of which Fluoride did not show any marked changes. The fluorosis is quite wide spread affecting many people living in different parts of Gujarat, and public awareness among the people is a need of the day. Only some seasonal variations were observed in both the cases. The soil of industrial areas showed heavy metals concentration of Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead and Mercury. A common effluent treatment plant and regular surveillance is suggested for all industries.