Local Water Sampling and Heavy Metal Analysis – Rushikulya River and Industrial Region, Odisha
Overview
Water is the lifeline of communities, but in regions of rapid industrial expansion, it often becomes the first casualty. To investigate the extent of metal contamination in local water sources, our team conducted a sampling exercise in Chhatrapur, Ganjam district, Odisha. The focus was on the Rushikulya River—a major freshwater body that eventually drains into the Bay of Bengal—and on a pond located near an industrial zone.
The aim was straightforward: to test for the presence and proportion of toxic metal ions in these sites and compare the results against Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) limits. What we found was both shocking and deeply concerning.
Sampling Sites
Three representative sites were chosen for this survey:
- Pond near an industrial region: A stagnant water body located adjacent to a chemical factory, suspected of receiving untreated waste.
- Rushikulya River (midstream): A section of the river that runs through the Chhatrapur region, chosen for its accessibility and proximity to human settlements.
- Rushikulya River (downstream): A downstream location just before the river meets the Bay of Bengal, capturing the cumulative effect of upstream discharges.
Findings
The water samples were analyzed for four key metals: mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and aluminium (Al). CPCB standards were used as benchmarks to classify compliance and highlight exceedances.
Hg: 0.001 ppm | Cr: 0.05 ppm | Fe: 0.3 ppm | Al: 0.03–0.2 ppm
Hg up to 0.895 ppm, Fe up to 7.522 ppm, Al up to 13.529 ppm—hundreds of times above CPCB limits.
Site-wise Reports
| Element | Value (ppm) | CPCB Limit (ppm) | Compliance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hg | 0.543 | 0.001 | Exceeds | 543× above CPCB limit |
| Cr | 0.026 | 0.05 | Within limit | Safe |
| Fe | 0.307 | 0.3 | Slightly exceeds | Slightly above permissible limit |
| Al | 0.110 | 0.03 (acceptable) | Exceeds acceptable | Above acceptable but within maximum permissible |
| Element | Value (ppm) | CPCB Limit (ppm) | Compliance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hg | 0.032 | 0.001 | Exceeds | 32× above CPCB limit |
| Cr | 0.087 | 0.05 | Exceeds | Above safe limit |
| Fe | 7.522 | 0.3 | Exceeds | Very high |
| Al | 9.640 | 0.03 (acceptable) | Exceeds | Well above maximum limit |
| Element | Value (ppm) | CPCB Limit (ppm) | Compliance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hg | 0.895 | 0.001 | Exceeds | 895× above CPCB limit |
| Cr | 0.046 | 0.05 | Within limit | Just below threshold |
| Fe | 2.473 | 0.3 | Exceeds | Severely exceeds limit |
| Al | 13.529 | 0.03 (acceptable) | Exceeds | Far above both acceptable and max limits |
Analysis
The findings are stark: every sample exceeded CPCB safety thresholds for at least two metals. Mercury and aluminium were the most consistent threats, while iron reached particularly high levels in downstream waters. Chromium remained within or near safe limits in most cases, but its rise at the river mouth indicates leaching or industrial contributions further along the course.
These results indicate not isolated pollution but a systemic contamination problem. The scale of exceedance—543, 895, and 32 times above permissible mercury limits—suggests chronic industrial discharge rather than sporadic events.
Implications for Communities
For local residents, the implications are severe. Mercury exposure is linked to neurological disorders, impaired child development, and renal damage. Aluminium in drinking water has been associated with neurotoxicity and possible links to Alzheimer’s disease. Iron, though an essential nutrient, at such high concentrations can damage organs and make water unsuitable for consumption or irrigation.
The Rushikulya River is not just a water source—it sustains fisheries, irrigates farmland, and connects directly to coastal ecosystems. Contamination here thus multiplies risks: from drinking water to food safety and biodiversity.
Looking Forward
This local survey highlights an urgent need for action. Conventional treatment methods are unlikely to address such widespread, multi-metal contamination. What is needed is a decentralized, selective, and scalable system that can operate even in resource-limited settings.
Our project, POSEIDON, provides such a pathway. By using peptide-functionalized alginate beads, the system can selectively capture mercury, iron, and aluminium, offering a safeguard where central interventions fail.
By aligning with implementation and sustainability, this work connects scientific analysis with real-world needs, demonstrating how technology can bridge the gap between industrial negligence and community survival.