Saturday, 18 October 2025

The River That Can’t Breathe: Domestic Waste Disposal and Broken Ecosystems in Thenpennai | Chapter 4 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 8

 

Water, which nearly makes up the entire Globe, is the most basic natural resource and is necessary for life. Therefore, its quality and distribution play an important role. Riverine system pollution has been a major problem as it has an impact on the aquatic organisms in the rivers and the lives that depend on them. The lack of adequate surface water quality protection measures and poor sanitation practices have made river body pollution a serious concern. Thenpennai River is one among them where the soil and water of the river have been polluted due to the disposal of waste. The main objective of this study is to assess the water quality and to screen the amount of domestic waste present in the river, which is the major cause of water pollution. This study analyses the physiochemical parameters of soil and water due to the dumping of waste. The study also evaluates the amount of Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. Water and soil samples were collected monthly from two sites (Site 1 and Site 2) between November 2023 and January 2024. Results obtained from the samples of the Thenpennai River show elevated variations from the standard values. The significance t-test was performed. Findings show that the pH levels at both sites remained within WHO permissible limits, with slight variation observed at Site 1 and stable readings at Site 2. Elevated Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were recorded at both sites, with Site 1 showing higher values. BOD and COD levels at Site 2 remained within WHO permissible limits with minimal variation, while Site 1 showed elevated COD and BOD levels exceeding standards. The mean pH value of the soil sample was 8.15, which is higher than the standard value. Based on statistical evidence, non-biodegradable waste has been seen as a main cause of pollution that creates a threat to the ecosystem and may have a major impact on human health. It has also been determined that the contamination in soil and water samples is due to organic and inorganic wastes, which result from inappropriate disposal of waste materials. Therefore, the sample site of the Thenpennai River is unsuitable for human consumption and for the cultivation of fish. This study underscores the urgent need for corrective measures to improve water quality for future sustainability.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Abinaya S
PG and Research Department of Zoology, Ethiraj College for Women (Autonomous), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

L. Shakila
PG and Research Department of Zoology, Ethiraj College for Women (Autonomous), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Reiana Jenifer S
PG and Research Department of Zoology, Ethiraj College for Women (Autonomous), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Sowmiya S
PG and Research Department of Zoology, Ethiraj College for Women (Autonomous), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v8/6436

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