The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) was forced to once again test samples from water bodies in Chennai, after the city’s beaches began frothing this week. This yearly phenomenon caused worry for residents of Foreshore Estate as the foam had increased compared to previous years and threatened to even enter their residences. And results of the tests, accessed by TNM, indicate the presence of raw sewage in Adyar river, leading to the frothing of our beaches.
The TNPCB report shows that two samples were taken – one from the Srinivasapuram shore in Pattinapakkam, and the other from the Adyar river. Results of the test which began on November 30 and ended on December 3, show that the level of phosphates and ammonia in the water samples from Adyar river went beyond acceptable standards. While phosphates denote the presence of detergent products in the sample, indicating household waste, its presence along with increased levels of ammonia means there is organic waste or raw sewage present in the water.
When TNM spoke to TNPCB officials on Friday regarding the foam, they claimed that it was caused due to fertilisers and pesticides being washed into the sea during the rain, through storm water drains.
“But if that was the case, they should have tested the water for heavy metals as well,” explains Pooja Kumar from the Coastal Resource Centre. “That helps trace any remnants of chemicals present in fertilisers and pesticides,” she adds.
At Pattinapakkam, the parameters were all within the limits prescribed, but the TNPCB observed a strong sewage smell in its samples
Dr Joe Kizhakudan from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) explains that these results prove the release of untreated sewage and effluents from industries into the water.
“It shows an organic or carbon load is swirling up to surface and creating this froth. A heavy carbon load shows domestic effluents or raw sewage is entering the water body,” he says. “Even though existing standards allow 5mg/L, that by itself is toxic and not advisable for healthy plankton. But for level to exceed that, as in this case, is not safe,” he adds.
Source: The News Minute