Abstract
Effect of mass ritualistic bathing was studied on the water quality of Ganges River during Maha Kumbh festival in India. Significantly higher values of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (14 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (67 mg/L), total suspended solids (55 mg/L), and ammonia nitrogen (2.15 mg/L) were observed during mass ritualistic bathing. The BOD values were observed to surpass the standard BOD criteria (≤3 mg/L) of outdoor bathing. Similarly, higher number of total coliforms (792 most probable numbers [MPN]/100 mL) and fecal coliforms (482 MPN/100 mL) were observed in water samples, which show the alarming level of fecal contamination according to Indian and European (100 MPN/100 mL) standards of outdoor bathing. Furthermore, total 5,368 cases of water borne infections were observed during the epidemiological survey. In order to protect the public health and water quality of river, it is recommended to strictly regulate the bathing practices with continuous disinfection at upstream of bathing spot. Moreover, a comprehensive health-based investigation should be performed to facilitate the development of a suitable model.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
