Modeling pollutant migration in the Upper Palar River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India |
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Authors: | M Thangarajan |
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Institution: | (1) National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad – 500 007, India, IN |
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Abstract: | Palar River Basin, a crystalline rock region in North Arcot District (Tamil Nadu), India, possesses vast groundwater potential
along and near the river course and its lands are fertile. Serious contamination of both surface water and groundwater has
been reported in this basin as a result of uncontrolled discharge of untreated effluents by the tanning industries for the
last three decades. The health of the rural farming community and people working in the tanning industries has been seriously
affected and they are suffering from occupational diseases such as asthma, chromium ulcers and skin diseases. About an 11000
hectares area of fertile land has lost its fertility. Total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration in groundwater at some pockets
varies from 3000 to 10000 mg/l. As the discharge of effluents is continuing, a prognosis of further pollutant migration is
carried out using a mathematical model. A numerical model of the Upper Palar River Basin was developed using the finite difference
technique coupled with method of characteristics and used to predict TDS migration for the next 20 years. Sensitivity analysis
was carried out to identify the parameters which are influencing the contaminant migration. Sensitivity analysis shows that
advection and not dispersion is the predominant mode of solute migration in Palar Basin. Prognosis using the model confirms
that the polluted area zone as well as the concentration of pollutants in the groundwater will continue to increase in future.
The study also indicated that even if the pollutant sources are reduced to 25% of the present level, the TDS concentration
level in the groundwater, even after 20 years, will not be reduced below 50% of its 1992 level.
Received: 20 June 1998 · Accepted: 26 October 1998 |
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Keywords: | Groundwater pollution Mass transport modeling Method of characteristics Upper Palar Basin Tannery effluents Total dissolved solids (TDS) Remediation |
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