Rohtak District Research Articles

The abundance and analytical characterization of microplastics in the surface water of Haryana, India.

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a serious environmental concern that affects terrestrial environments, aquatic ecosystems, and human health. The current study assesses the presence, abundance, and morphology of MPs present in the surface water of Rohtak district, Haryana, India, which is rapidly undergoing industrialization. While the morphological studies of MPs were conducted through stereo microscopy and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), the elemental composition of polymers was analyzed through attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The results revealed that the surface water was significantly contaminated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Moreover, the abundance of MPs was found to be 16-28 particles/L with an average value of 23 particles/L. Most of the MPs had fibrous morphology with the specifics being, fibers (43.9%), fragments (23.7%), films (17%), and pellets (15.4%). The MPs exhibited a size range of 0.61-4.87 mm, with an average size measured at 2.03 ± 0.04 mm. Also, the MP pollution load index values for the surface water bodies were found to be below 10, indicating a low risk category. Though currently designated as "low risk," it is important that mitigation strategies be brought over at this juncture to further prevent the deterioration of quality of water. Thus, this study not only intends to bring forth the impact of human activities, industrial waste, open waste dumping, and inadequate municipal waste management practices on increasing MP concentration but also highlights the sustainable alternatives and strategies to address this emerging pollutant in urban water systems. For further prevention, the implementation of stringent regulations and on-site plastic waste segregation is a critical component in preventing the disposal of plastic waste in surface water bodies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The abundance of MPs was found to be 16-28 particles/L, with an average value of 23 particles/L. The surface water bodies in Rohtak district fall into the hazard categories of low risk with values less than 10. The overall MP concentration in water, across all five areas, based on color was in order: white/transparent (39.1%), black (15%), gray (9.1%), green (8.7%), blue (7.8%), red (7.8%), orange (6.3%), and yellow (6.1%). The dominant polymers were polyethylene (PE) (42%) and polypropylene (41%) as determined by FTIR spectroscopy.

Evaluation of contaminated groundwater for excessive heavy metal presence and its further assessment of the potential risk to public health.

Water plays a significant role in human life. However, the contamination of groundwater by heavy metals (HMs) has profound implications for public health. Industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural activities are turning out to be major causes for the increasing concentration of HMs in rapidly industrializing areas like Rohtak district, Haryana, India. The current study aimed at evaluating and predicting the health hazards associated with the radical rise of HMs in the groundwater of Rohtak district. For this purpose, 45 seasonal-based groundwater samples were collected from five blocks in Rohtak district, namely Kalanaur, Meham, Lakhan Majra, Rohtak City, and Sampla, both during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Besides physicochemical analysis, these groundwater samples were analyzed for the contamination of HMs. The findings revealed that groundwater samples were relatively more contaminated during the post-monsoon period rather than pre-monsoon. The water quality index (WQI), devised to classify water quality into specific classes, depicted the Kalanaur region as "very poor." Another index named the HM pollution index (HPI) denoted the levels of HMs and categorized Kalanaur as most deteriorated, followed by Meham, Lakhan Majra, Sampla, and Rohtak City. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed that showed a significant variation in the distribution pattern of HMs, with the major load being attributed to PC1 and PC2 for both seasons. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a significant association of pH (R2 = 0.917) with HMs (specifically for Cd and Cr). In terms of health risk assessment, carcinogenic human health risk due to Pb and Cr was found to be higher in children than adults. Non-carcinogenic risk, indicative of harmful human health effects, apart from cancer, was calculated in terms of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Results of the same, designated "children" as a vulnerable category compared with "adults," especially in the Kalanaur, Sampla, and Rohtak City blocks of the study area. The results thus reiterated that Kalanaur is the most contaminated block among the five blocks chosen and should be given urgent attention. The study holds importance as it provides a framework regarding the methodology that should be adapted for the evaluation, management, and protection of groundwater at a regional level, which could further be replicated by environmentalists and hydrogeologists across the world. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Water logging is one of the most common problems in Kalanaur block of Rohtak district, responsible for causing groundwater pollution. Cadmium and lead pollution was prevalent in Rohtak due to electroplating industries, paint industry, automobile sector, and industrial discharge. Bioremediation is one of the suitable techniques that can be used for the treatment of groundwater that involves the use of microorganisms. Efficient use of groundwater resources is necessary for sustainable development.

Prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment among an urban geriatric population of Haryana

ABSTRACT Background: Severe Cognitive Impairment (CI) is a major cause of disability and dependency among the elderly worldwide, and it has a significant impact not only on individuals but also on families, communities, and societies. Early identification and management of CI are critical in geriatric medicine. Prevalence data is often scarce, and this hinders the ground-level implementation of preventive health programs. Objectives: The objective was to find the prevalence of CI and its covariates among the urban geriatric population of Haryana. Materials and Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 300 geriatric participants residing in an urban area of Rohtak district, Haryana. Hindi Mental State Examination (HMSE) tool was used to assess CI. Data were analyzed using IBM Corp, released 2020, IBM SPSS statistics for windows Ver 20, Armonk, NY. Results: The prevalence of geriatric CI was found to be 27.3% and was found to be significantly associated with age, female gender, scheduled and backward caste (BC), widowhood, and low educational status and is not engaged in any occupation, low socioeconomic status, teetotalism, economic dependency, physical dependency on others, and chronic morbidity. Conclusion: Age, female gender, scheduled and backward caste, widowhood, low educational status, nil employment status, low socioeconomic status, teetotalism, economic dependency, physical dependency on others, and chronic morbidity were found to be important correlates of CI. Further analytical studies can focus on these aspects for an early targeted preventive approach.

Patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare provided at primary health centers (PHCs) and its association with oral health status among rural population in Rohtak district, Haryana: A household cross-sectional study.

Access to oral healthcare is limited in rural areas, resulting in disparities in oral health services. Primary health centers (PHCs) are essential for providing integrated oral healthcare to rural populations. This study examines the patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare at PHCs in Rohtak district, Haryana. In this 6-month household cross-sectional study, data were collected from a sample of 600 participants residing in rural areas under the jurisdiction of three randomly selected PHCs in Rohtak district. The study employed multistage cluster systematic random sampling procedures. Data collection included structured questionnaires and clinical oral examinations following the type-III ADA classification. Participants' oral health status was evaluated using the WHO oral health assessment form for adults (2013). Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. Dental caries and periodontal diseases were more common in older age groups. Barriers to oral healthcare among the elderly include fear of dental procedures and low dental literacy. Proximity to PHCs influenced dental service utilization, with higher rates among participants living near a PHC, that is, within 5 km of a PHC. Age, gender, proximity to PHCs, household size, and socioeconomic status play crucial roles in the utilization of oral health services among the rural population. Addressing these factors is essential for improving oral healthcare and overcoming barriers. It is crucial to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and availability of oral health services at PHCs to promote better oral health and overall well-being in rural areas.

Evaluating the health and education relating problem of the children of the brick kiln workers: A case study of Rohtak district, Haryana

Evaluating the health and education relating problem of the children of the brick kiln workers: A case study of Rohtak district, Haryana

Groundwater quality scenario and its suitability for domestic and irrigation uses: Special study on water pH value of Rohtak District, Haryana

Groundwater quality scenario and its suitability for domestic and irrigation uses: Special study on water pH value of Rohtak District, Haryana

A holistic assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes

Abstract This study discusses about suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation use in Rohtak district of Haryana (India). The entropy water quality index (EWQI), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI), Sodium percentage (Na%), Kelly ratio (KR), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), US salinity, and Gibbs diagram were analyzed. The spatial maps suggest that groundwater quality in central part extending towards southwestern part of area can be categorized as poor. The major ions were reported in the following order: Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ > K+, and Cl− > SO42− > NO3− > HCO3− > F− > CO32− respectively. Moreover, results revealed that most of groundwater exceeded desirable limits for drinking water. The EWQI assessment indicates that 23.4% and 38.4% of groundwater samples have extremely poor quality in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, respectively. Further other indices shows that various indices exceed their standard limit, and mostly samples are unsuitable for irrigation. The Gibbs diagram and other bivariate plots demonstrate that various ions in groundwater can be attributed to silicate and carbonate weathering, which occur through water -rock interactions and ion exchange phenomena. In addition, the US Salinity diagram verifies that most groundwater samples exhibit significant salinity hazards, particularly concerning high sodium levels.

Oral and Dental Nursing Care Knowledge and Practice Among Nurses Working at Primary Dental Clinic, at Rohtak District, Harayana

Oral and Dental Nursing Care Knowledge and Practice Among Nurses Working at Primary Dental Clinic, at Rohtak District, Harayana

Assessment of Groundwater for Drinking and Irrigation in Kalanaur Block (Rohtak) Haryana, India

Groundwater is an essential source of drinking and irrigation in rural areas across the globe. Water pollution is among the leading problem in causes of health-related disorders all over the world. Physico-chemical analysis of water gives an insight into the quality of water. Various physical and chemical parameters were examined to calculate the water quality index (W.Q.I.) in villages of the Kalanaur block of Rohtak district (Haryana), India. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation purposes was determined by calculation of Sodium Adsorption Ratio (S.A.R.), Sodium Percent (Na %), Residual Sodium Carbonate (R.S.C.) and Permeability Index (P.I.), U.S. salinity plot, Wilcox diagram, etc. Most water samples were of high W.Q.I., indicating poor water quality. A minimum value of W.Q.I. was 58.38 for S17 and the maximum was 454.41 for S12. Most of the parameters analyzed suggested that water was polluted due to very high concentrations of T.D.S., chloride, magnesium and bicarbonate ions. S.A.R., Na %, R.S.C. and P.I. values were in the excellent to good range. Piper trilinear plot indicated that most of the water samples belonged to mixed Ca-Mg-Cl and Ca-HCO-3 type of water facies. Gibbs plot suggested a significant interaction between water and rocks in the area. Almost 50% of the water samples were suitable for irrigation.

A Study on Tap Water Supply in Rural Areas of Rohtak District, Haryana

A Study on Tap Water Supply in Rural Areas of Rohtak District, Haryana

Demographic study of fluoride excretion vs intake: Influence of variables

Urinary fluoride is a widely used biomarker in public health and epidemiological studies, globally. The present study investigates fluoride exposure and compares the effect of different variables on the sampled population of the Rohtak district, Haryana, India. The relation between fluoride intake, excretion, and retention of fluoride across different age groups is unveiled. Cross-sectional study of urine samples of 207 inhabitants between the ages 5- to 96 years and of 83 drinking water samples were analyzed to determine fluoride using an ion selective fluoride electrode (potentiometric method). Drinking water was sourced from supply water (n = 28), hand-pumped water (n = 45), well water (n = 3) and RO water (n = 7). Urine samples were categorized based on three different generations: Grandfather (GF), Father (F), and Son (S) from the 71 villages covered in the study. Mean urinary fluoride excretion was significantly correlated to age with values 4.50 ± 2.56, 3.42 ± 2.00 and 2.44 ± 1.30 mg/L, in declining order of these age groups, respectively. The percent increase in fluoride excretion in the urine over that consumed in the intake water was 83.67, 48.05 and 5.62% for GF, F and S respectively, indicating that other sources of fluoride intake were responsible for the increment. The eigenvalues of PCA are 1.36, 1.25, 1.19 and 1.18 for PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4, respectively. In all plots p-values show statistical significance (p<0.05), except for those abstaining from alcohol in the father (FA) category. Sons in the smoking category (R2 = 0.30, P<0.001) exhibited higher fluoride excretion than non-smokers. Linear regression, PCA, Tukey's test, and radar chart methods were used to examine the relation between fluoride exposure and other variables like the water source (hand-pump, well, supply, reverse osmosis), diet (vegetarian/non-vegetarian), habits (smokers/non-smokers, alcohol consumers/non-consumers, regular/irregular brushing). Study concluded that age is the most significant variable which influences the retention and excretion of fluoride.

Determinants for tabacco cessation amongst smokers visiting tertiary health care centre in India.

In India, 92.4% of adults believe that smoking causes serious illness. However, only 55.4% of them are either willing or getting ready to quit. This indicates an explicit gap between perception and practice. This study aims to identify individual knowledge, attitude, practices, barriers and motivators for tobacco cessation amongst smokers. A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the smokers visiting dental outpatient department at tertiary health care centre at Rohtak district of Haryana, India. A structured and validated questionnaire was developed to ascertain knowledge, attitude, practice and nicotine dependence amongst the tobacco smokers. Additionally information about their willingness to quit tobacco, barriers and motivators for tobacco cessation were obtained. The study population was broadly divided into two groups on the basis of any previous attempts made for quitting tobacco use. Among the sample of 371 smokers, 52.4% were found to make quit attempts while 47.6% never attempted to quit. Participants believed that smoking not only helps in socializing but also it is a good way to cope from the stress. Peer pressure was the major reason for initiation of habit of smoking. Those who have attempted to quit but could not do so for more than 6 months were more willing to quit. Concern for health and tobacco addiction was the major facilitator and barriers of tobacco cessation respectively. Comprehending the population before chalking down the tobacco cessation strategies is important. Lower education, higher alcohol consumption, longer duration of tobacco intake, cultural and social acceptability of tobacco use and nicotine dependence was the major roadblocks for tobacco cessation amongst the tobacco smokers. Cold turkey method was the most common choice of tobacco cessation who attempted to quit.

Evaluation of water resources: A case study of Rohtak district, Haryana

Water is one of the most important natural resources for life. Because of the rapid increase in population, urbanization, and industrialization, the demand for water to meet various needs is constantly increasing. Water that is present below the Earth's surface and fills any gaps in the soil or geologic strata is known as groundwater. It is additionally known as subsurface water. Data related to underground water table were obtained from Central Ground Water Board of the Ministry of Water Resources. Maps of underground water table depth, quality and surface water resources were prepared in Arc GIS software. After the analysis of maps, the depth of the underground water table in the study area ranges from 0 to 20 meters. The maximum area of the study area is 3-10 meters, which covers 48.35% of the study area. The minimum area is 10-20 meters deep and covers 1.43% of the study area. In Rohtak block, the maximum depth is observed in the villages of Brahmanvas, Chamaria, Aryanagar, and Bohar. The quality of groundwater varies from fresh to saline. Fresh underground water quality occupies the largest area, accounting for 59.8% of the study area. Saline underground water quality accounts for 0.5% of the study area. In terms of surface water resources, this district lacks a perennial river. The main irrigation channels in this area are artificial drain no. 8 and sub drains, major canals, distributaries, and minor canals. This research paper will make a better understanding of water resources in Rohtak district. It will help to analyse and understand the current status of underground water depth, quality and surface water to build up any water resource management plan. A water resource management plan will ensure the sustainable use of water resources which is very important for our ecosystem.

Flash-Flood Potential Mapping in Agricultural Land Using Rule-Based Classification Approach on Multi-Temporal Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) Data over Jhajjar and Rohtak Districts of Haryana State

Flash floods are known to be most dangerous flood. In recent decades there is change in the climate and urban development causing increase in the risk of flash flood for human population. Remote sensing and geographical information system playing a very important and feasible role in assessment of the flash flood over a decade. This paper describes the synergetic use of Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) data to delineate and mapping of the flooded area at its peak. The methodology was tested on the flash flood event that occurs in Jhajjar and Rohtak districts of Haryana in July, 2022. Four Sentinel-1 Synthetic-aperture radar data were acquired and pre-processed, two images are acquired before the occurrence of the event and two SAR images were acquired after the event. For the identification and demarcation of the flooded area, the rule-based classification approach was used. The results of the study suggests the scope of using multi-temporal Sentinel-1 VV polarized C-band SAR data to develop an operational flash-flood area identification and framework.

Regional Disparities in Social Development in Haryana

The main objective of the present study was to analyse the pattern of district-level regional disparities in social development in Haryana. The study constructed a social development index (SDI) with consideration of 33 key indicators at the four-point of time, i.e., 1991-92, 2001-02, 2011-12, and 2018-19. The study used the “Wroclaw taxonomic” technique to construct composite indices. It was found that in 1991-92, Ambala, Karnal, and Sirsa districts were highly socially developed, whereas Jind, Faridabad, Panipat, and Kaithal districts were the least developed. Moreover, in 2018-19, Rewari, Kurukshetra, Ambala, and Panchkula had the highest level of social development, and Jhajjar, Gurugram, Panipat, and Rohtak districts had the least social development. Moreover, the study also observed that districts in the northern and southern regions had improved their level of social development. In contrast, districts surrounding the National Capital and the districts in the western region had deteriorated their level of social development. The study confirmed that the most economically well-developed districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Panipat, Jhajjar, and Rohtak, were deprived of social development, and also revealed that the disparities in social development in Haryana had widened over the period and suggested that the Government should immediately formulate policies to uplift social development in lagging districts and reduce the disparities.

WEEDS INFESTING WHEAT CROP IN ROHTAK, HARYANA

Multiple field visits were performed to investigate weed flora of wheat fields in Rohtak district of Haryana, conducted during 2018 which revealed infestation of 28 weed species comprising 15 families of grasses and broadleaf weeds.The weeds were identified with the help of available literature and through comparison with the already identified weed species. Poa annua, Polypogon monspeliensis and broadleaf weeds Chenopodium album, Rumex retroflex, Coronopus didymus were the pre-dominant weeds in moist region, whereas Cynodon dactylon, Fumaria parviflora, Chenopodium album,Polypogon monspeliensis in light soil with low salinity.There was a greater variety of weeds in Bohar and Kharawar villages and the least was found in village Sheria and Garnavati from vegetative to fully grown stage.Maximum number of species were of family Poaceae and Asteraceae. This study will be helpful as an additional tool in maintaining the floristic composition of District Rohtak as well as in controlling the weed problem.

Patients Awareness and Satisfaction in Government Hospital: A Study of Madina and Kahanaur CHCs in Rohtak District

The present research study has been conducted to gain knowledge about awareness level of patients and their satisfaction towards facilities and services provided in government hospitals. In order to achieve the objective of this research work, the researchers collected primary data from 100 respondent patients (50 from Madina and 50 from Kalanaur CHCs). In this connection, level of awareness and satisfaction level of patients have been measured with the help of Likert’s five point scale measurement. The obtained results of this study suggested that some efforts should be made by the CHCs’ staff to improve the satisfaction level of patients.

Economic Efficiency of Resource Use in Sugarcane Production in Haryana

The present study was carried out to study the resource use efficiency in sugarcane cultivation. One block having maximum area under sugarcane namely Radaur and Rohtak from Yamunanagar and Rohtak district respectively was selected purposively. Further three villages of each selected block were selected randomly. From each village, 20 farmers were selected randomly. Finally, 120 farmers of six villages were interviewed to extract all desired information. Cobb-douglas production function was fitted to work out the extent of efficacy of resource use in sugarcane cultivation. The outcomes of study reveal that in planted conditions of Yamunanagar, expenditure on machine labour and seed whereas in Rohtak, expenditure on human labour, seed, chemical fertilizers and plant protection fertilizers were found positive and statistically significant specifying inefficiency of these inputs. In ratoon conditions of Yamunanagar, expenditure on human labour, plant protection chemicals and irrigation was found to be positive and statistically significant indicating that inputs were not used efficiently whereas, in Rohtak, the inputs under-utilized were human labour, plant protection chemicals and chemical fertilizers.

Sources, spatio-temporal distribution and depth variations in groundwater salinity of the semi-arid Rohtak district, Haryana, India

Groundwater salinity was evaluated in the Rohtak district of the state of Haryana in northwestern India. The groundwater samples were collected from 82 villages of the district. Both post-monsoon and pre-monsoon samplings were carried out for two consecutive years (2017–2019). A total of 620 samples in the four seasons (155 in each season) were collected under strict QAs and QCs from APHA. The co-existing hydro-chemical parameters of salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined. ArcGIS 10.5 was used for spatiotemporal distribution evaluation. Groundwater salinity values between 0.20 and 8.00 parts per thousand (ppt) were obtained. Hand pump water is more saline (0.3–7.5 ppt) than bore-well (0.2–1.8 ppt) and dug-well water (0.6–1.3 ppt), thus limiting the options for viable water sources. Higher groundwater salinity in the post-monsoon season as compared to pre-monsoon season was observed. Groundwater salinity in the Rohtak district decreases in the order: Lakhan-Majra < Meham < Rohtak < Sampla < Kalanaur. Safer groundwater salinity levels were found in deep bore wells (>20 m) versus shallow bore wells (<20 m). Thus, this study evaluates the spatio-temporal and depth variations in groundwater salinity of Rohtak district. Possible remedial measures for salinity problems are proposed.

Sanitation Accessibility in Rural Households of Rohtak District- A Village Level Analysis (2011)

Sanitation Accessibility in Rural Households of Rohtak District- A Village Level Analysis (2011)