Contaminaton of Menik Ganga in Buttala - Pelwatte area due to anthropological activities
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Date
2002
Authors
Munasinghe, M. H.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
The extent of river pollution in Sri Lanka is increasing rapidly as in other developing countries particularly due to Climatic changes and excessive anthropological activities. Regular activities by people inhibiting neighborhoods of water source contribute to water contamination, which lead to river pollution. The study was therefore conducted with the objective of examining the quality of water, evaluating the impact of human activities on water pollution, and to determine the major activities that are related to the above pollution. The Menik Ganga in Buttala — Pelwatte area was selected for the detailed study. Ten sampling locations have been selected along the Menik Ganga to evaluate the impact of anthropological activities on river pollution with reference to the Pelwatte Sugar Industry.
The study revealed that the locations having the highest concentration of phosphates as well as nitrates are located close to paddy fields where there is extensive use of fertilizer.
Almost all the sampling locations had a high degree of coliform counts and faecal coliform counts. The rain which falls after a drought period washes away all the faecal matter and animal excreta to the river leading to faecal pollution. This is mainly due to poor sanitary facilities among the rural community.
Finally the results indicate that the water in the Menik Ganga is also polluted due to the anthropological activities in the study area and this is increasing continuously.
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Keywords
Menik Ganga , Buttala , Pelawatta