Overview of the workshop

Many places in North-East India have reported the presence of various hazardous contaminants like fluoride, iron, arsenic, nitrate, sulfate, TDS, pathogens, other heavy metals etc. in underground and surface water. Although there are a number of rivers and lakes that irrigate this place however in many cases, the water sources have been rendered unsafe for human consumption. In this region, fluoride, iron and arsenic are the major inorganic pollutants of natural origin found in groundwater. Therefore, there is a need to choose an appropriate water treatment solution considering all the related issues that impact the future of water resources planning and development.

Fluoride ions enters the groundwater from minerals like fluorite, fluorapatite, cryolite, phosphorite, theorapatite, etc. High amount of fluoride in drinking water causes different types of fluorosis like; dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, etc. Excess fluoride may also cause muscle fibre degradation, low hemoglobin levels, deformities in RBCs, nervousness, neurological manifestation, depression, gastrointestinal problems, urinary track malfunctioning, nausea, abdominal pain, tingling sensation in fingers and toes, reduced immunity, and repeated miscarriages. Sustained consumption of large amounts of soluble fluoride salts is dangerous, the lethal dose for most adult humans is estimated at 5 to 10 g (which is equivalent to 32 to 64 mg/kg elemental fluoride/kg body weight).

Although iron is an essential mineral for human, its presence in groundwater above a certain level make the water unusable mainly for aesthetic considerations such as discoloration, metallic taste, odor, turbidity, staining of laundry and plumbing fixtures. Moreover, iron oxides, which are formed in reservoirs upon aerial oxidation of dissolved iron promotes growth of micro-organism in water.

The carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of arsenic has been well established. Health effects of arsenic on human are classified as acute and sub-acute which are typically reversible and chronic effects. Arsenicosis is caused by drinking arsenic-tainted groundwater. Arsenic is also known to cause hematological effects including anemias and leukemia; and peripheral neuropathy might occur after weeks or month of exposure to high doses of arsenic (0.04 mg Kg-1 day-1 or higher).

Various research organizations and private entities have come up with diversified solutions for the treatment of groundwater that can be made suitable for drinking. The applicability and sustainability of such processes are subjective and specific to the location. So, there is a need to improve upon the robustness and sustainability of the technology.

Objective of the workshop

1. To discuss and compare various water treatment technology that are used in industry and the novel methods developed in laboratories. The advantages and disadvantages of each processes over one another will pave the way for developing systems that are resilient and robust to tackle various problems that are encountered during implementation and operation of a water treatment facility.
2. To debate the sustainability of various water treatment technologies so that the environment is not harmed and also emphasize the damaged caused to be reverted. A sustainable process will also have a positive impact on the economy of both the process and the area it is catering to.
3. Critical analysis of nanotechnology based solutions for water treatment. Nanotechnology based water treatment are promising, yet all speculations and skepticism are not well addressed, as effects of nanoparticles on the health of humans is still under study.

Importance of the workshop

The event would provide a platform for exchange of ideas and concepts for effective treatment of water so that safe drinking water can be ensured to all citizens, irrespective of the geography. As location, water source quality and local community determine the sustainability of the technology, sharing experiences on project implementation will enhance the process of developing robust and sustainable technologies. The event will create awareness to the scientific and student community on the prevailing issues of contaminated drinking water in the North-East India. Awareness to the problem can ultimately lead to effective mitigation.

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