An Assessment of Water Quality and Identification of Problems: A Case Study of Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat, Northern Province
Journal Title: International Journal of Current Science Research and Review - Year 2024, Vol 7, Issue 09
Abstract
The Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat (DS), located in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, is underlain by Miocene limestone, which is considered to have aquifer properties favourable for groundwater storage and discharge. Given that groundwater serves as the primary water resource for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes, maintaining its quality is a significant concern. This paper aims to assess the water quality in the region, identify associated problems, and investigate potential causes and preventive measures. A purposive sampling method was employed to select six sample Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions. In addition, 100 questionnaires were administered, and 36 water samples were collected for the study. These water samples were tested based on eight major water quality parameters: Electrical Conductivity (EC), Salinity, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Fluoride (F-), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Turbidity (Tn). Furthermore, secondary data were gathered from previous literature. Both primary and secondary data were analysed using Minitab and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The measurements were then compared to the desirable limits set by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI). This study revealed that the highest recorded values for EC, Salinity, pH, TDS, F-, N, P, and Tn were 2480 µS/cm, 1254 ppm, 8.6, 632 ppm, 1.1 ppm, 7,9 ppm, 3.8 ppm, and 36.7 NTU, respectively. These values exceed the standard limits set by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI). The pollution in the area can be attributed to various factors, including topographical conditions, improper agricultural practices, inadequate sanitation methods, dumping sites, war activities, and industrial waste. As a result, these issues have led to serious health problems, reduced crop yields, insufficient drinking water, and the degradation of groundwater resources. Therefore, this study recommends the adoption of green agriculture practices, the installation of water treatment plants, the promotion of rainwater harvesting systems, and the enforcement of land and irrigation-related laws. Moreover, hazardous waste material must be disposed of at designated sites to protect water resources.
Authors and Affiliations
Vainavi Sivarajah,
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP744536
- DOI 10.47191/ijcsrr/V7-i9-18
- Views 57
- Downloads 0
Distance Learning and Challenges of Technologies by Students in Uganda
This study was conducted to examine the challenges students face in Uganda when it comes to distance learning. Uganda is a developing country and this has put a strain on the resources available to students in terms of a...
Production Performance of Broiler Farms with Partnership Model in Malang District
Broiler farming has an essential role in meeting national protein needs and improving the economic resilience of rural communities. The partnership pattern between farmers and core companies is the dominant system in bro...
Maternal Characteristics and Iron Intake as a Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a critical period for fetal growth and development, nutritional issues can significantly affect both maternal and fetal health. This phase is marked by increased nutritional needs to support fetal developmen...
Evaluating Validity of Expected Shortfall Estimation Method in Measuring Market Risk for Bank’s Trading Book Position
Expected Shortfall (ES) has become a pivotal risk measure in financial regulation, particularly under the Basel III Fundamental Review of the Trading Book (FRTB), which replaces Value-at-Risk (VaR) due to ES’s ability to...
Fetal Cystic Hygroma in Pregnancy
Cystic hygroma is a congenital disorder characterized by benign cysts that form due to malformation of the lymphatic system, accounting for about 6% of all benign lesions of infancy or early childhood. This case report p...