Idol Immersion Research Articles

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL MONITORING OF LAKE WATER DURING IDOL IMMERSION

The present study concerns on physicochemical monitoring of the water quality nature and the extent of pollution in lake due to idol immersion. Pre-immersion and post immersion samples were collected from lake and analyzed for various water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolve solid (TDS), total solid (TS) total suspended solid (TSS), conductivity phosphate, dissolved oxygen (DO), BOD, COD and oil & grease.
 The results were compared with standards prescribed by WHO and ISI. From the study, it has been found that the values of these parameters significantly increased during the immersion period and the declined in post immersion period. However the general trend observed was: immersion> Post immersion> pre immersion.The article focused on the main pollution which is caused by plaster of Paris idols and chemical paints by idol immersion during Ganesh festival.

Multivariate statistical and GIS-based approaches for toxic metals in tropical mangrove ecosystem, southeast coast of India.

The heavy metal concentrations in water and sediment samples were investigated in the tropical Muthupet mangrove ecosystem, southeast coast of India. The results demonstrated that, ranges of metals in water comprise of Cd-0.05 to 3.72; Cu-0.5 to 4.43; Pb-6.31 to 17.87; Zn-0.0 to12.91ppm and sediment comprises of Cd-0.06 to 0.57; Cu-4.46 to 20.59; Pb-2.90 to 21.35; Zn-4.41 to 39.18ppm. In all the three sites, heavy metals in sediment exhibited significant higher concentrations compared to water, except Cd. The spatial distribution of metals in water and sediment samples followed a similar pattern except Cd with the preponderance of Zn (75% of total metals) followed by Cu and Pb. Muller's Geoaccumulation indexes (Igeo) showed Cd is a potent pollutant in the ecosystem and moderately contaminated the study area. The aquaculture and agricultural culture practices follow improper disposal of municipal wastages, and idol immersion activities are the potent metallic sources for heavy metal pollution were identified by performing principle component analysis. In order to protect the ecosystem from further contamination, regular monitoring is needed to in order to control the anthropogenic discharges. Graphical abstract.

Physico-chemical and bacteriological screening of Hussain Sagar lake: An urban wetland

Hussain Sagar is a man-made lake originally designed for drinking water purpose that receives domestic sewage and industrial effluents through drainage canals due to rapid residential and industrial growth. Also, every year thousands of idols are immersed into the lake during festivals. In this context, a comprehensive study was initiated for monitoring the lake water quality. Various physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, EC, TDS, COD and chlorophyll a were analyzed using APHA standard methods Water was also monitored for heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, Escherichia coli and antibiotic resistant bacteria. The average values for heterotrophs were found to be 8.6 × 104 and 2.8 × 104 CFU/mL before and after idol immersion, respectively. While the average values for total coliforms and E. coli were 5 × 104 and 5 × 102; 1.2 × 104 and 7.2 × 101 CFU/mL, for the respective sampling periods. The mean values for ampicillin and gentamicin resistant bacteria were 5.9 × 103 and 6.9 × 102; and 2.2 × 103 and 5.4 × 102 CFU/mL, respectively. It was found that TDS, COD and chlorophyll a values were decreased after idol immersion due to extensive cleaning. The statistical results showed no correlation between faecal bacteria and physico-chemical parameters and one way-ANOVA indicated statistically significant differences between the mean values of different sampling locations, with respect to COD and E. coli at 95% confidence. However, enormous load of coliforms and E. coli indicated severe contamination of the lake with domestic sewage and human excreta. Thus, the water is not suitable for human consumption/drinking purpose. Notably, incidence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in lake water is a potential threat to both public health and the environment. Thus, regular monitoring and applying appropriate corrective actions are needed to improve the water quality.

Water Pollution and Its Impact on Environment of Society

The present seminar paper mainly highlight the concept of water pollution, causes of water pollution, Its Effects, Elements of pollutants, Methods used to prevent the water pollution in environment and the mandatory initiatives taken by the concerned authorities for prevention of water pollution. Water is essential for survival of all living organisms on the earth. Thus for human beings and plants to survive on land, water should be easily accessible. The term “Pollution” is generally refers to addition of any foreign body either living or non – living or deletion of anything that naturally exists. The basic Sources of Water pollution causes due to Culmination into lakes, rivers, ponds, seas, oceans etc. Domestic drainage and sanitary waste, Industrial drainage and sewage, Industrial waste from factories, Dumping of domestic garbage, Immersion of Idols made of plaster of Paris, Excess use of Insecticides , pesticides, fungicides, Chemical fertilizers, Soil erosion during heavy rains and floods, Natural disasters, tsunami etc. General pollutants which are also caused for water pollution which include Organic, Inorganic, and Biological entities, Insecticides, Pesticides, Disinfectants ,Detergents, Industrial solvents, Acids, Ammonia fertilizers, heavy metals, Harmful bacteria, Virus, Micro –Organisms and worms, Toxic chemicals. Agricultural lands become infertile and thereby production also drops, Spread of epidemic diseases like Cholera, Dysentery, Typhoid, Diarrhea, Hepatitis, Jaundice etc. The basic responsibility of the Government, NGOs, National Pioneer scientific Research Institutions may conduct research oriented programs on control of water pollution by create awareness among the public through mass media and Environmental Education on recycling units, and water treatment plants must be established both at domestic levels and Industry levels, Every citizen must feel responsible to control water pollution. There have been many water pollution prevention acts that have been set up by the governments of the world. But these are not enough for permanent water pollution solutions. Each of us needs to take up the responsibility and do something at an everyday at individual level. Otherwise we can’t survive in a society forever in a future.

Impact Assessment of Gomti River Water Quality after Immersion of Idols During Durga Utsav

In present study, an attempt has been made to assess the deterioration of water quality of river Gomti after the immersion of idols in Lucknow city. Water samples were collected (pre, during and post-idol immersion) from 4 selected locations (1 upstream and 3 downstream) during the festival month. All samples were analyzed for physico-chemical and metallic characteristics. The mean concentrations of TSS, TDS, alkalinity, hardness, DO and BOD5 were 29 ± 7, 183 ± 9, 159 ± 20, 130 ± 5, 6.40 ± 0.18, 20.50 ± 2.38 mg/L and EC was 0.35 ± 0.02 μS/cm (before idol immersion); 61 ± 13, 260 ± 47, 202 ± 11, 162 ± 14, 5.90 ± 0.41, 29 ± 7 mg/L and EC was 0.41 ± 0.02 μS/cm (after 6 hr of idol immersion) and 25 ± 4, 205 ± 17, 206 ± 14, 137 ± 8, 6.00 ± 0.26, 22.0 ± 3.6 mg/L and EC was 0.40 ± 0.02 μS/cm (postidol immersion) respectively. The mean concentration of metals like Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn were 0.007 ± 0.013, 0.021 ± 0.023, 0.001 ± 0.000 and 0.021 ± 0.013 mg/L (before idol immersion), 0.070 ± 0.013, 0.127 ± 0.035, 0.013 ± 0.014 and 0.038 ± 0.028 mg/L (after 6 hr of idol immersion) and 0.008 ± 0.004, 0.267 ± 0.304, 0.013 ± 0.014 and 0.031 ± 0.009 mg/L (post-idol immersion) respectively. All physico-chemical and metallic parameters of water samples drawn after idol immersion was found increased to measurable levels as compared to the samples collected before idol immersion. The analysis results confirmed the presumed hypothesis that water quality of river Gomti is adversely affected due to the immersion of idols during festival season.

Environmental impact of idol immersion on Kakerpura Lake, Mhow

This paper intends to prepare the environmental impact of "Ganesh Idol" and "Durga Pratima" immersion on water quality of Kakerpura Lake, Mhow. For this purpose site of Kakerpura lake was selected where idols are actually immersed. Water samples were collected in morning at different intervals i.e. pre-immersion (August) immersion (September, October) Post immersion period (November). The "Ganesh Idols" & "Durga Pratima" are made up of degradable and non degradable components and paints containing heavy metals due to that immersion activity deteriorates water quality. The physico-chemical parameters were analysed to study the environmental impact of idol immersion on Kakerpura Lake and these parameters shows the significant variation due to immersion of idols

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF IDOL IMMERSION ON KAKERPURA LAKE MHOW

This paper intends to prepare the environmental impact of "Ganesh Idol" & "DurgaPratima" immersion on water quality of Kakerpura Lake, Mhow. For this purpose site of Kakerpura lake was selected where idols are actually immersed. Water samples were collected in morning at different intervals i.e. pre-immersion (August) immersion (September, October) Post immersion period (November). The "Ganesh Idols" & "DurgaPratima" are made up of degradable and non-degradable components and paints containing heavy metals due to that immersion activity deteriorates water quality. The physico-chemical parameters were analysed to study the environmental impact of idol immersion on Kakerpura Lake and these parameters shows the significant variation due to immersion of idols.

Planning Interventions for Lake Conservation: A Case of Shahpura Lake, Bhopal, India

With due increment in the development process of India, the problems related to environment are under constant increment and its contamination has now became a great threat for the rich ecology of the country. Particularly, the problems regarding the water quality are now becoming more acute and complicated due to increasing urbanization, industrialization, siltation, agricultural run-off and discharge of untreated sewage water. The city Bhopal in India having named as the city of lakes, is also experiencing similar issues. The famous characteristic lakes of Bhopal are under great environmental stress due to pollution from various sources. The Shahpura lake is one such lake, situated well within the city. A number of wards and colonies surrounding the lake boundary discharge their sewage and silage into the existing drainage network of the area, which ultimately finds its way into the lake through open drains. The main source of contamination in the lake is sewage fed drains, which are dumped into the lake during the summers. Besides this, other activities like bathing, cloth washing, cattle bathing and religious activities like idol immersion etc. also paves the way for high concentration of harmful chemicals in the lake. This work mainly discusses the existing situation and causes of water pollution in the Shahpura lake of Bhopal. It also brings into light the constitutional safeguards related to Lake Conservation in India and reviews their practical implications. In the end, it focuses on recommending the lake conservation strategies for the case of Shahpura lake; and suggests measures that could be adopted elsewhere to prevent the issue of lake pollution from various sources, emphasizing the importance of lakes.

Effect of idol immersion on water quality and Tilapia fish in Futala, Gandhisagar and Ambazari lakes of Nagpur, India.

IntroductionIdol immersion activity is one of the sources of heavy metal pollution in the lakes of India. Futala, Gandhisagar and Ambazari lakes of Nagpur city are highly involved with idol immersion activity.Case descriptionIn this study, water and Tilapia fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) of Futala, Gandhisagar and Ambazari lakes were analyzed for heavy metals by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).Discussion and evaluationThe results were high compared with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for water quality and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) for fish. The results showed appreciable high levels of heavy metal as lead, cadmium, copper, iron and manganese in water and fish in study lakes. It was observed that Gandhi Sagar lake was more contaminated after the idol immersion activity. Concentrations of Pb and Cd in fish of Gandhisagar lake were found high levels, ranged 0.83 and 0.47 μg/g respectively.ConclusionThe results of the present investigation indicate the unsafe condition for human consumption and environmental health.

Effects of Idol Immersion on the Water Quality Parameters of Indian Water Bodies: Environmental Health Perspectives

India is a rich cultural country in which diverse cultural and religious festivals are organized. Idol is an image of a god which is used as an object of worship. After worshipped, these idols are immersed into water bodies. Idols are constructed by plaster of paris, clay, cloths, small iron rods, bamboo and decorated with different paints such as varnish, water colors etc. which can lead to significant alteration in the water quality after immersion. Paints which are used to colour these idols contains various heavy metals such as Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Zinc, Chromium and Lead. Particularly, red, blue, orange and green colours contain mercury, zinc oxide, chromium and lead, which are potent carcinogens. Two heavy metals such as Lead and Chromium also add in the water bodies through Sindoor (a traditional red colored cosmetic powder, usually worn by married women and often used in the festivals). The floating materials released through idol in the river and lake after decomposition result in eutrophication, increase in acidity and heavy metal concentration. Heavy metal pollution caused by idol immersion can damage the ecosystem as it kills fishes, damages plants, blocks the natural flow of the water, causing stagnation. The effects of idol immersion on various water bodies of India like Bhoj wetland, Budhabalanga river, Ganges river, Hussainsagar lake, Kolar river, Sarayu river, Tapi river, Chhatri lake, north and west lakes of Bangalore and Yamuna river have been observed so far. Investigations were carried out to find out the effects of immersion of idols on water quality by collecting and analyzing the water samples from the immersion sites of the rivers. The samplings were done before the immersion, on the day of immersion and after the event and several parameters like Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, BOD, Dissolved CO2, Conductivity, Salinity, Alkalinity, TDS, Total Hardness, Chlorides etc. are estimated. Most of the studies found significant changes in the water quality parameters during and after immersions. Central Pollution Control Board has formulated guidelines on the practice of idol immersion in water bodies, which should be followed for controlling pollution

Dispatches

Dispatches

Effects of Idol Immersion on the Water Quality Parameters of Indian Water Bodies: Environmental Health Perspectives

India is a rich cultural country in which diverse cultural and religious festivals are organized. Idol is an image of a god which is used as an object of worship. After worshipped, these idols are immersed into water bodies. Idols are constructed by plaster of paris, clay, cloths, small iron rods, bamboo and decorated with different paints such as varnish, water colors etc. which can lead to significant alteration in the water quality after immersion. Paints which are used to colour these idols contains various heavy metals such as Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Zinc, Chromium and Lead. Particularly, red, blue, orange and green colours contain mercury, zinc oxide, chromium and lead, which are potent carcinogens. Two heavy metals such as Lead and Chromium also add in the water bodies through Sindoor (a traditional red colored cosmetic powder, usually worn by married women and often used in the festivals). The floating materials released through idol in the river and lake after decomposition result in eutrophication, increase in acidity and heavy metal concentration. Heavy metal pollution caused by idol immersion can damage the ecosystem as it kills fishes, damages plants, blocks the natural flow of the water, causing stagnation. The effects of idol immersion on various water bodies of India like Bhoj wetland, Budhabalanga river, Ganges river, Hussainsagar lake, Kolar river, Sarayu river, Tapi river, Chhatri lake, north and west lakes of Bangalore and Yamuna river have been observed so far. Investigations were carried out to find out the effects of immersion of idols on water quality by collecting and analyzing the water samples from the immersion sites of the rivers. The samplings were done before the immersion, on the day of immersion and after the event and several parameters like Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, BOD, Dissolved CO2, Conductivity, Salinity, Alkalinity, TDS, Total Hardness, Chlorides etc. are estimated. Most of the studies found significant changes in the water quality parameters during and after immersions. Central Pollution Control Board has formulated guidelines on the practice of idol immersion in water bodies, which should be followed for controlling pollution

Assessment of water quality of urban lakes for recreational purpose in thane district

Manmade lakes are potential tourism site as well as a source of livelihood, urban lakes in Badlapur & Kalva viz.Lotus pond & Kalwa lake in thane district lakes were being used by the local communities residing nearby for various purposes such as farming/Irrigation purposes, fishing purposes, ecotourism, ash disposal, ganesh idol immersion purposes. Thus urban lakes in Badlapur & Kalwa viz.Lotus pond & Kalva lake in thane district were assessed for physical, chemical and bacteriological characteristics of the lake to assess quality of lake water for recreational purpose. A total of nine samples of water from the lakes were collected for one year during the monsoon, pre - monsoon & post monsoon seasons from a period of April 2012 to March 2013 and were subjected to physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis. The measured water quality parameters included pH, color, turbidity, alkalinity, temperature, hardness, Specific conductivity, Dissolved oxygen, COD, BOD ,Chloride content TDS, Total load of bacteria, coliform count & presence of human pathogens. The biodiversity of the microorganisms was evaluated in the lake waters & studied for the presence of nitrosifiers & nitrifiers, sulfate reducers, cellulose degraders, phosphate solubilizers and sulfur oxidizers. The baseline physico-chemical parameters were within the permissible limits. Both these lakes showed high BOD & COD than the accepted limit. Thus Lake water is not potable, but can be used for general purpose as well as recreational purpose. Though the above lakes contain non-potable water ,but it benefits ecology.

Water Pollution in the State of Maharashtra: An Action Plan

Water is the most essential necessity of life. It surpasses any other single commodity in general use by the mankind. It is considered that human life cannot be sustained longer than a fortnight without water. Water is strength of the plant and a source of energy for living organism. One of the ancient description of water is 'Jeevan' It means life. Due to rapid urbanization, municipal bodies face many problems like collection treatment and disposal of water waste, solid wastes, biomedical waste, plastic waste etc. Most of the waste water generated by local bodies is disposed of either on land or into surface water. Land Disposal causes ground water pollution whereas the disposal into surface water affects aquatic life. The article focused on the main pollution which is caused by the Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols & chemicals paint by Ganesh idol Immersion during Ganesh festival in Maharshtra rivers & make alternative arrangement & river pollution. About 42% of the state’s pollution (9.69 crores) lives in urban areas. There are now 22 Municipal corporations, 221 Municipal Councils and seven Cantonment Boards in the State of Maharashtra. The volume of water effluent generated from Municipal Corporations is approximately 45, 62,680 m/ day. To critically analyse the Legislative provision on water pollution in India. To study the Judicial Decisions relating to water pollution. To study the problem of Ganesh idol Immersion during Ganesh Festival in Maharashtra rivers & make alternative recommendations.

Water pollution study of the Shirvane and Nerul lakes situated at Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India

The areas of study selected in the present investigation are Shirvane and Nerul lakes situated at Nerul which is considered as the queen of Navi Mumbai, the city on the west coast of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The lake areas receive domestic raw sewage from surrounding habitation; so also the activities like cattle and cloth washing, bathing, religious activities like idol immersion etc. paves the way of harmful chemicals in the lake water. The study was performed to understand physico-chemical parameters and the concentration of heavy metals in lake water. It was found that the concentration of the heavy metals in the lake water substantially increased after the religious activities like idol immersion around September–October. These heavy metals have a marked effect on the aquatic flora and fauna which through bio-magnification enter the food chain and ultimately affect the human beings as well.

Study on water pollution along the Kukshet Lakes of Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India with special reference to pollution due to heavy metals

Monitoring and assessment of fresh water has become an environmental concern due to the contamination by human kind, thereby decreasing the suitability of the fresh water. The Kukshet Lake, which is the study area of the present investigation receives domestic raw sewage from surrounding habitation; so also the activities like cattle washing, cloth washing, bathing, religious activities like idol immersion, etc., paves the way for high concentration of harmful chemicals in the lake water. The study was carried out to understand the various physico-chemical parameters as well as to estimate the concentration of heavy metals in lake water. It was found that the concentration of the heavy metals in the lake water substantially increased after the religious activities around September to October. These heavy metals have a marked effect on the aquatic flora and fauna which through bio-magnification enter the food chain and ultimately affect human beings as well.

Idol immersion and physico-chemical properties of South Gujarat rivers

Ganesh chaturthi is one of the main festivals celebrated in India, it is the most celebrated in western India. After predetermined time idol is immersed in water bodies every year. As the extent of idol immersion increases with increasing population with limited water bodies hence water pollution increases, which is alarming situation. In present study total five sampling stations were identified during current year (2009) with respect to idol immersion sites from different cities of South Gujarat i.e. Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Autl-Pardi and Vapi. All the samples collected by means of composite sampling to know the physico-chemical quality of all river water. The analysis was carried out for pH, temperature, color, DO, COD, chloride, hardness, SS, TDS, conductivity, and phosphate parameters. The results obtained reveals that almost all river water becomes acidic after idol immersion except Par river. Parameters like hardness, chloride, color, SS, TDS increases after idol immersion in all rivers except Par river for TDS. DO is decreasing drastically after the next day of idol immersion at all the rivers which is indication of pollution. The trend of increasing such parameters indicates that idol immersion affect the water quality to the extent with respect to self purification of water and flow of stream of the river.

Slow poisoning of Indian reservoirs due to idol immersion: A case study of Laharpur reservoir, Bhopal

Today the developmental activities and the occupancy in the area is exerting pressure on the water body. Surface water contains some degree of contamination and in country like India this increases due to some religious activities. The present study was conducted on Laharpur reservoir, Bhopal to access the pollution load due to such religious activities. During the course of study various parameters like DO, BOD COD, pH, turbidity, alkalinity, Nickel, Manganese, Chromium and Lead were observed during pre-immersion and post immersion of idols. It was found that there is little variation in physico-chemical parameters but the increasing load of heavy metals due to idol immersion is a serious problem for the reservoir.

Assesment of heavy metal pollution in Upper and Lower lakes of Bhopal (India)

In order to assess the water quality of Upper Lake and Lower Lake of Bhopal. With reference to toxic metal contamination, water samples were collected and studied by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry from above ten sampling stations. The results were compared with the tolerance limits as laid down by ISI and USPH. It was concluded that the metals (Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu) are present in water. The cause of this contamination is supposed to be the Immersion of Taziyas and Idols, which are painted with cheap quality dyes. Water in the present form is unpotable.

Water quality improvement after shifting of idol immersion site: A case study of Upper Lake, Bhopal, India

Most of freshwater bodies all over the world are becoming polluted, thus decreasing the portability of the water. In India religious practices have deep relationship with water bodies. They also patronized religious practices and constructed numerous relatively small water bodies along with temples throughout the country. Today, with the rapid pace of urban development, most of these water bodies have become sinks for waste discharge, resulting in deterioration of their water quality. Upper Lake of Bhopal, constructed in the eleventh century, is typical example of urban water bodies and a major source of potable water for the people of Bhopal. Till the middle of the last century, the water of Upper Lake did not require any treatment before supply for drinking purposes. Idol worship is common in India. Idols are usually made up of wood, bamboo, straw, jute ropes, clay, and plaster of Paris and are painted with bright synthetic colors, which often contain heavy metals. Other materials, such as straw, jute ropes, flowers, leaves and germinated grains cause short-term deterioration of water quality on their decay, while heavy metals in the paints pose health hazards in the long-run. Religious issues are extremely sensitive and hence it was felt necessary to use the regard that the citizens had for the lake to build a consensus in support of change. The Bhoj Wetland Project was implemented with the aid of Japanese Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) to take action for preserving the Upper Lake of Bhopal (called Bhoj Wetlands). Our study is highlighted to water quality parameters like turbidity, total hardness, DO (Dissolved oxygen), BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and heavy metals in the year 1999 and 2005 i.e. before implementation of project and completion of project.