Assessment of the Impact of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on the Quality of Soil and Water Sources in and Around Dindigul, Tamil Nadu

Assessment of the Impact of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on the Quality of Soil and Water Sources in and Around Dindigul, Tamil Nadu

K. Jayaraj and Anitha Pius*

Department of Chemistry,

The Gandhigram Rural Institute Deemed University Gandhigram, Dindigul 624 302. Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract:- Swachh bharat abhiyan is a massive movement that seeks to create a clean India. The impact of this programme in Dindigul district was assessed by analyzing physico-chemical and biological parameters of ground water in and around Dindigul to check the quality of water and its suitability for domestic purpose. Open wells, hand pumps, mini power pumps and dam water are the water resources of the study area. Fifty three samples from different sources with special reference to open defecation and non open defecation locations were collected in post monsoon season of 2016. Twenty two water quality parameters were studied. The results were compared with the standard values prescribed by BIS. To find the impact of government level intervention on the environmental quality, presence of fecal indicator bacteria in soil and drinking water sources were studied and compared with the data available before the launch of Swachh bharat Abhiyan. The present investigation revealed that the quality of water varies from location to location and some of the water samples are unfit for drinking and utility purpose. The microscopic observation of soil sample revealed the presence of helminth eggs as Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (both fertile and infertile) as well as that of Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) eggs, an indication of fecal contamination.

Key words: Swachh Bharat Abhyan, water parameters, E-coli, helminth

1. INTRODUCTION

   Swachh bharat abhiyan is a national campaign by the Government of India, covering 4041 statutory towns, to clean the streets, roads and infrastructure of the country. The main objective of this Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) is to improve the standard and quality of life in the rural areas. The government is committed to achieve this vision by 2nd October 2019[1]. Government of India had restructured the Comprehensive Rural Sanitation Programme as a whole with effect from 1st April 1999 and launched the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) which was a continuation of the previous one. It was renamed Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) later, on 1st April 2012. A very meager percentage of (about 22%) of the rural families had access to toilets in 2001. But the Total Sanitation Campaign could improve this situation upto 32.70% as per the readings of 2011 census. If we go further we can see 40.60% rural households have toilets [2].

   Diarrhoeal death is chiefly caused by open defecation as per the inference reached by WHO after their deep study conducted in 2014. Number of people practicing open defecation in 1990 was 1.3 billion. This rate of percentage fell by 21% and reached one billion in 2012 and 82% of this one billion practicing open defecation in the world live in 10 countries including India. India tops the list of countries with highest number of people practicing open defecation [3] when the rest of the world is giving stringent attention to steadily eliminate this habit. The 2011 census shows that 67% of rural households and 13% of urban households are practicing defecation in the open. India alone accounts for 60% of the worlds open defecation as per the reports of the studies by WHO and UNICEF in 2014. Another inference is that an estimated 4.5 billion people are at the risk of infection due to the three common soil- transmitted helminthes, viz., the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), the whipworm (Trichuria trichuria), and the hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus)[5,6].

   Sikkim became the first state which declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) according to the report of the secretary for Ministry of Drinking water and Sanitation (MDWS )of India. This was followed by Himachal Pradesh and Kerala. It is a sorry state of affair that the state of Tamil Nadu is not even in the expected list. As far as health and sanitation is concerned, Cuddalore, Thiruvattiyur, Dindigul and Thoothukkudi cities need immediate remedial action and this should be done speedily. If there are any municipalities which cross the redline, they need special attention [4].

   Physico- chemical parameters for ground water samples of Dindigul corporation in summer and rainy seasons for three successive years [2011-2014] were studied by Mohammed Hanipha et al[16]. Zahir Hussain et al analysed physico-chemical parameters for twenty three ground water samples using water quality index in and around Dindigul [17].Pearson correlation co-efficient for physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals were also studied by Mohammed Hanipha et al[18].Water quality and correlation studies were conducted by I.N.Karthika et al at selected locations in Dindigul district[19]. There are clear links drawn between the types and levels of specific contaminants in the air or water in many cases, and their

   health effects are also studied and recorded. However, the impacts of soil pollution on our health have had a much lower profile until recent studies and inferences are reached. Besides, the science involved is complex. The present study deals with assessing the impact of Swatch Bhaarat Abhiyaan especially in an open defecation area like Dindigul and the results are compared with similar studies [16] cited above, which were carried out before the launch of SBA.

   In this study water samples have been taken for physical, chemical and biological characterization from all the available sources of Dindigul corporation limit to check the quality and suitability for domestic purpose. Microbial analysis was also conducted on soil samples to know the level of helminth contamination. Perusal of literature shows that this is the first study to assess physico-chemical and biological parameters of potable water from all available sources and soil helminth study with special reference to open defecation and to find the influence of Swachh Bhaarat Abhiyaan in Dindigul corporation limit.

2. EXPERIMENTAL SECTION

   1. Study Area

      Dindigul Corporation spreads in 104 Sq.km containing 48 wards. The sampling points of the study area were selected after a pilot study to identify open defecation and non open defecation areas .Dindigul is located within 10° 18 to 10° 25 N latitude and 77° 56to 78° 01 E longitude , covering a total area of 14.01sq.km.(Fig.1).

   2. Sampling Stations

      The main water sources of Dindigul Corporation are Mini Power pumps(M.P.P),Hand Pumps(H.P),Open Wells(O.W) and Dam Water(D.W). In the period of study majority of people had to depend on M.P.P and D.W as 90% of the O.W and H.P contained no water. From the available water sources, twelve O.W samples, nine H.P samples and twenty eight M.P.P samples were chosen for the physico-chemical analysis of water in such a way to get the water quality scenario of the entire Corporation area. Among these, biological analysis was conducted for twelve open well samples. Sample sites for biological analysiss are R.M.Colony, Narayanpillathottam, Kumaran park, Parapatti, Poochinayakampatti, Lourdmatha school, Vinobaji Nagar, Nagal Nagar, Bharathi Hostel,Vekateswara,M.S.P School,Gopalasamudram.

   3. Sample collection strategy

      Samples were collected for this study following standard procedure as described by APHA (1998)[7]. Pre- washed 500 mL sized PVC plastic bottles were used to collect water samples for quality analysis. Samples were collected during the day time between 7.00 to11.00 am. Sample cntainers were labeled on the field using appropriate codes and water samples were temporarily stored in ice packed cooler and transported to the laboratory and stored in a refrigerator at about 40C prior to biological analysis[8]. Physico-chemical analysis had been done within 12 hours of sample collection. These samples were collected

      on the post monsoon season of 2016 and the quality and chemical characteristics were determined by standard methods [9- 12]. The pH was determined using a Micro Computer pH meter. Soil samples were collected from eleven different sites including open defecated areas. All samples were collected during early morning. Samples were taken using metal spade and it was then kept in zip packet.

   4. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan program in Dindigul

      Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is implemented in the year 2014 and is a five year programme. The main objectives of the programme is in improving the urban sanitation, elimination of open air defecation, creation of awareness about the sanitation, improvement of solid waste management, improvement of using community and public toilets. A midterm evaluation will help to improve the activities mentioned in the plan and was lead to course correction. This study finds work done for building house hold toilets, community toilets, solid waste management system, Individual House Hold Latrines (IHHL) constructions, and activities to make the whole corporation open defecation free.

   5. Physico-chemical and microbial analysis of water samples

      All chemicals used were of high purity and analytical grade. The water quality parameters were analyzed using standard analytical methods. Temperature, turbidity and pH were determined on the site itself. Nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite- nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, total nitrogen and soluble phosphate, were measured using Hach Lange kits. Standard laboratory methods as described by the APHA (1998) were followed for the examination of water samples for the analysis of total solids, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium and chlorides. Suphate was determined using Nephelometric turbidity meter (TAHP, 1999). Biological analysis of water was conducted with open well water. Among the available open well sources that contain water, 12 sites were selected from open defecated and non open defecated areas. Most Probable Number (MPN) technique was used to detect the number of total coliforms (E.coli) in water samples. Gas production indicates the confirmation of coliform groups [13]. Data for microbial and physico-chemical contaminants in drinking water samples were recorded and analysed for appearance,colour,odour, turbidity,totaldissolvedsolids,electricalconductivity,pH,alkal inity,totalalkalinity,totalhardnes,presenceofcalcium,magnesi um,ironandmanganese,ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,chloride,fluor ide,sulphate,phosphate and oxygen.

   6. Data analysis

      Mean and standard deviations were calculated for the results of the three samples per sampling point. Water quality results were compared with the Indian standards[Table 2,3,4&5] and as well as with the results obtained from an earlier study conducted by Mohammed Hanipha et al [16] before the launching of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan [Table 9] in Dindigul corporation limit.

   7. Microscopic observation and characterization of soil samples

      Water contamination automatically affects soil quality and vice versa. Information obtained from the pilot study helped to identify open defecation area and were collected samples from 11 sites. pH and type of the soil was tested along with nematodes and cestodes identification.

      1. Reagents used

         Zinc sulfate solution (33%, relative density 1.18); ether (or ethyl acetate); acetoacetic buffer (pH 4.5),15 g sodium acetate trihydrate, 3.6 ml glacial acetic acid, made up to 1 litre with distilled water; detergent solution made up to 1 litre with tap water.

      2. Equipment

         Plastic containers were used for sample collection; a centrifuge and centrifuge tubes with lids (50-ml and 15-ml tubes); Pasteur pipettes and teats; McMaster counting slides (1 or 2); a vortex mixer; a siphon; a 10-ml or 50-ml measuring cylinder or 10-ml graduated pipette.

      3. Soil analysis for microbes and pH

         Trichuris trichiura egg was moved under the eyepiece micrometer scale. If its length was found to cover 8 spaces of the scale using the 10 X objective lense, its real length is can be calculated as 8 × 6.7 = 53.6m. The pH of the soil was also calculated (Denver Instrument Company, USA).

      4. Procedure

   Soil samples were allowed to sediment for 2 hrs in double distilled water. After that supernatant was removed using a suction pump and the sediment was transferred to centrifuge tubes and this was centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 15 min in cooling ultra centrifuge. Then the supernatant was removed and the pellet was suspended in an equal volume of acetoacetic buffer having pH 4.5. The solution was thoroughly mixed in a vortex mixer and centrifuged. The volume of the pellet containing the eggs was recorded, and then poured off the rest of the supernatant.

   The pellet was re suspended in five volumes of zinc sulfate solution. The sample was mixed thoroughly using a vortex mixer. After that aliquot was quickly removed with a Pasteur pipette and transferred to a McMaster slide for final examination. Before examination McMaster slide was left to stand on a flat surface for 5 min. Then the sample in the slide was examined through microscope with 10 X magnification. All the eggs were counted within the grid in both chambers of the McMaster slide.

   Number of eggs per litre can be calculated from the following equation

   N = AX/PV

   Where N is the number of eggs per litre of sample, A is the number of eggs counted in the McMaster slide or the mean of counts from two or three slides, X is the volume of the final product (.2ml), P is the volume of the McMaster slide (0.3 ml) ,V = original sample volume (litres) .McMaster slide being used was P = 0.3 ml

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Analysis of SBA program in Dindigul

   Before the launching of SBA, most of the 48 wards in Dindigul Corporation were OD area and within two years after implementation of SBA, the Corporation could able to declare 44 wards as open defecation free (Fig.2). This can be justified by noting the infrastructural changes happened during the past two and half years, measures taken by corporation officers, the financial support given by SBA and positive changes in the attitude of common people (Table1).

2. Physico chemical analysis

   Table 2 shows the values of physico-chemical parameters estimated during post monsoon season. Most of the physico- chemical parameters of Hand Pump (H.P) and Mini Power Pump (M.P.P) samples are well within the permissible limit of Indian standards (Table 2&3).Open well water analysis also showed the same trend but chloride level showed wide variation (Table4).Analysis of Athur dam water and Kaveri dam water showed that it can be used for drinking purpose (Table5). Electrical conductivity (EC) reflects the amount of total dissolved salts [14] and is a useful tool to measure the purity of water. Conductivity shows significant correlation with ten parameters such as temperature, pH, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, total solids, total dissolved solids, chloride and iron concentration of water. The underground drinking water quality of the study area can be assessed effectively by measuring EC and the values were in the range of 300-6900µ mho/cm for M.P.P,1000- 4400µmho/cm for H.P,1800-7200 µ mho/cm for O.W and 380-890 µ mho/cm for D.W. High EC values were observed, indicating the presence of high amount of dissolved inorganic substances in ionized form.

   Water containing more than 500 mg/L of TDS is not considered desirable for drinking water supplies, but in unavoidable cases 1500 mg/L is also allowed [15]. TDS values in the studyarea varied from 210-4830 mg/L for M.P.P,700-3080mg/L for H.P and1050-5040mg/L for O.W, which were found to be above the limit limits of BIS that is 2000 mg/L, except for D.W (266-623 mg/L ). Hardness of water mainly depends upon the amount of calcium or magnesium salts or both. The hardness values of the present study area ranges from60-1180 mg/L for M.P.P,260- 820mg/L for H.P, 460-1800mg/L for O.W and140-260mg/L for D.W. Except dam water sample, all other sources exceed the BIS limit of 200 -600 mg/L. pH and hardness affect the toxicity of many substances in water. In the present analysis alkalinity values were found within the BIS range of 200- 600 mg/L.

   Levels of major cations

   Calcium is one of the major cations in water. High calcium was registered concentration registered at sample site 13 of H.P.P and at Lourd Matha school, Gopalasamudram for O.W. Calcium concentration in dam water was found to be very low and for hand pump samples, the values were found within the BIS limit. Magnesium is directly related to hardness. Magnesium concentration was found within the BIS limit in all the water samples. The

   concentration of Iron and Manganese was also found to be well within the range.

   Levels of major anions

   The chloride concentration serves as an indicator of pollution by sewage. People exposed to higher chloride in water are face laxative effects. In the present analysis, chloride concentration was found within the limit of BIS, except one place each for M.P and H.P (site 13&11).Except Poochinayakampatti, Lourd Matha School and Vinobaji Nagar, all other samples for O.W were found to be within the limit. The flouride, sulphate and phosphate concentrations were found to be satisfactory in all the water samples analysed.

   Comparison of water quality parameters before and after the launching of SBA

   3

   A comparative study was carried out to assess the SBA programme in Dindigul corporation limit (Table 9).The results obtained in the present study are compared with the previous study conducted by Mohammed Hanipha et al[16]. Parameters such as pH, TDS, EC, TH, Cl- and NO – concentration were compared with respect to ten sample sites. It was found that values of all other parameters except chloride concentration was decreased which shows quality of water slowly approaching BIS limit. This also signifies the effort taken by the corporation authorities in handling the water quality parameters with the help of SBA. But increase in the amount of chloride concentration is not appreciable and which may be due to the discharge of tannery waste water containing high chloride content.Tanneries form the major industrial operation in the study area.

3. Bacteriological analysis

   Biological studies have been conducted in open well samples. According to Indian Standards; E-Coli shall not be detected in 100mL/sample of potable water. Table 6 shows that sample numbers 4, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 are critically contaminated with E-Coli and sample 10 is highly contaminated. Sample 2, 3 and 5 are also contaminated.

4. Soil analysis

Soil samples from an open defecation field frequently contains eggs of parasites and animals, such as rats, domestic animals like pigs and dogs as well as that of birds. Human parasitic helminth eggs can be accurately identified using an eyepiece micrometer in a microscope. In the present study soil isolates from 101 to 111show a number of eggs of human parasitic helminths most frequently found in defecated soil samples. The predominant Helminth eggs present in the sample analysed were infertile Ascaris lumbricoides eggs and fertile Ascaris lumbricoides. Out of the eleven samples analysed, two samples (101 &107) required the presence of Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) eggs. Sample numbers 102,109&110 did not show microbial content (Table7). It was noted that most of the Helminth affected soils are in slum areas nearby ponds. Sample number 11(Gopalasamudram) was previously an

1. area where people used water from two open wells

   inside Gopalasamudram. From tables 6&7, it is clear that both soil and water are contaminated. It can be observed that quality of soil and quality of water are inter related.

   CONCLUSION

   The study assessed the physico chemical parameter of water samples from hand pump, mini power pump, dam water and ground water in and around Dindigul Corporation limit. Twenty two important parameters like appearance, colour, odour, turbidity, electrical conductivity,pH,pHalkalinity,totalhardness,calcium,magne sium,iron,manganese,ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,chloride,fluori de,sulphate,phosphate,oxygen were analysed. Related parameters like TDS, EC and Total hardness were found to be above the level of Indian standard limit, whereas, other parameters are within the permissible limit in the case of hand pump, mini pump and dam water. With respect to open well water samples there is not much improvement in biological quality, but regarding physico-chemical parameters, they are within the permissible limit. Most of the soil samples were contaminated with fertile and infertile Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. Two samples [101 &107] were found to have Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) eggs (Figure 3) and samples 110,102,109 did not show microbial contaminants. When the quality of water in the study area are compared with previous studies carried out prior to the launching of SBA, there is an improvement in the quality. The effort taken by Dindigul Corporation in executing Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is appreciable but more initiatives are needed in maintaining the quality of water and soil. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has made a positive impact in the society.

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Figures

Fig. 1: GIS map of Dindigul Corporation

OD spots identified OD spots converted

Fig.2: Map of open defecation spots identified and converted

Fig.3: Micrographs Of Ascaris lumbricoides (infertile & fertile) and Trichuris trichuria Conclusion

Tables

Table .1: Year wise analysis of activities of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Dindigul

Corporation

Table.2: Physico Chemical analysis of Hand pumps and Mini power pumps

uTr

Table.3: Physico-Chemical analysis of Hand pumps and Mini power pumps

Table.4: Physico-Chemical analysis of Open well water

Table.5: Physico- Chemical analysis of Dam water

Table 6. Bactereological analysis of open well water

Table.7: Helminth analysis of soil samples

Table.8: Microscopic Evaluation of soil samples

Table 9 Comparison of physico chemical analysis of water samples before launching of Swachh Bharat

Abhiyaan in Dindigul Corporation limit

Table 10 List of sample sites for MPP and HP

Table 11 List of sample sites for open well water

Table 12 List of sample sites for dam water

Table 13. List of sample sites for soil analysis