Impact of Onsite Sanitation System on Groundwater in Different Geological Settings of Peri Urban Areas

Abstract

Pit Latrines and Septic tanks are common modes of onsite sanitation commonly used in India. These modes of onsite sanitation are becoming source of Groundwater contamination. The chemical contaminants and pathogenic bacteria released from these onsite sanitation systems are in filtered into the surrounding groundwater sources through soil media and causing the threat. This threat is more severe in dense habitation where both onsite sanitation and drinking water resources are spaced very close. In the present study Field investigations are carried out in peri urban areas having different geological settings in Bangalore Rural district and Ramanagara district. Water and soil samples are collected during all seasons of a year near onsite sanitation system and analyzed for critical pollution parameters. The analysis of results reveals that concentrations of critical parameters exceeding the permissible limits of drinking water quality.