The River Periyar, the longest and most voluminous river in Kerala, India, faces pollution challenges, particularly near the Pathalam bund area, Eloor. This stretch is significantly affected due to the concentration of industries in the region. In response, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) initiated a project to monitor the water quality continuously. A comprehensive solution was implemented to monitor 13 crucial water quality parameters in real-time, with data uploaded online to the KSPCB server and displayed on a nearby board for public awareness.
Challenges
- Volume and Discharge Variability: The Pathalam bund, when opened, releases a significant volume of water, complicating the stability and positioning of the monitoring station.
- Industrial Pollution: The presence of numerous industries in the area results in varied and continuous pollutant discharge, requiring robust and precise monitoring.
Solution
- Sensor and software: High-quality and proven sensors from S::CAN Austria are used, along with solar panels and batteries for continuous monitoring of river water quality. The data is visualised in software developed by the Aaxis team, Telepro.
- Anchoring Mechanism: To address the challenge of fluctuating water levels and discharge, the monitoring station was anchored using two ship anchors, one on each side. This setup ensures stability and allows for adjustments based on the water flow.
- Sensor Calibration: Regular calibration of sensors ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, essential for continuous monitoring.
Result
- Data Collection and Analysis: The continuous stream of water quality data enabled KSPCB to maintain a detailed record of the river’s condition. This information was crucial in identifying pollution sources and trends.
- Pollution Control: The real-time data helped determine the causes of fish deaths and other ecological impacts, allowing KSPCB to take timely actions. They were able to enforce stricter regulations on nearby industries, reducing pollutant discharge into the river
- Public Awareness and Safety: The display board provided the local community with up-to-date information on water quality, raising awareness and ensuring public safety by warning about any breaches in water quality standards.
This continuous monitoring initiative not only enhanced the understanding of water quality dynamics in the River Periyar but also contributed significantly to environmental management and public health safety.
