Analysis of Raw and Ro Treated Water –A Case Study of Medchal District, Telangana State, India

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) Volume 8, Issue 12, December 2017, pp. 859–864, Article ID: IJCIET_08_12_093 Available online at http://http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=8&Issue=12 ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

ANALYSIS OF RAW AND RO TREATED WATER –A CASE STUDY OF MEDCHAL DISTRICT, TELANGANA STATE, INDIA

Vajja Varalakshmi Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Marri Laxman Reddy Institute of Technology and Management, Dundigal Village & Mandal, Hyderabad, India

Emmadi Anvesh Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Marri Laxman Reddy Institute of Technology and Management, Dundigal Village & Mandal, Hyderabad, India

Pothula Sandeep Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Marri Laxman Reddy Institute of Technology and Management, Dundigal Village & Mandal, Hyderabad, India

ABSTRACT The provision of safe drinking water is a key development issue in India. Drinking water comes mainly from the rivers or from the existent groundwater. The composition of water varies widely with local geological conditions. Unfortunately, most of these sources are not safe for drinking without proper treatment due to presence of microbial and chemical pollutants. Since water contains small amounts of gases, minerals and organic matter from natural origin or from pollutants making us sick and also expose us to long-term health consequences such as liver and kidney damage. The only way to ensure the quality and safety of drinking water to the people is establishing the Reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant. Due to this reason there are more than 11 thousand demineralised plants all over the world with an overall production of more than 6 billion gallons of demineralised water per day. In the present study an attempt was made to understand the health risk of Reverse Osmosis (RO) treated water. The samples are collected from Dundigal, Bahadurpalli, Gandimaisamma, D.Pochampalli, villages of Medchal District of Telangana state. From this study it is found that the Gandimaisamma and Pochampally RO Treated water has low TDS, Alkalinity Values and not considered for ideal drinking. Key words: RO treatment water, water quality, TDS, Medchal District Cite this Article: Vajja Varalakshmi, Emmadi Anvesh, Pothula Sandeep. Analysis of Raw and RO Treated Water – A Case Study of Medchal District, Telangana State, India. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(12), 2017, pp. 859-864. http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=8&Issue=12

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1. INTRODUCTION Sufficient safe potable water is not available everywhere in the India, either harmful chemical substances are found in the layers of earth which enter into water or it may be contaminated due to pathogenic micro-organisms. If such water is consumed, the body suffers from water born diseases. Due to this, it has become imperative to process and bottle safe potable water for the mankind in prevailing conditions. The demand for purified water becomes more during summer season. Due to this reason there are more than 11 thousand demineralisation plants all over the world with an overall production of more than 6 billion gallons of demineralised water per day. Demineralised waters are commonly further treated by adding chemical constituents such as calcium carbonate or limestone, or blended with small volumes of more mineral-rich waters to improve their taste and reduce their aggressiveness to the distribution network as well as plumbing materials. However, desalinated waters may vary widely in composition, especially in terms of the minimum TDS content. Numerous facilities were developed without compliance with any uniform guidelines regarding minimum mineral content for final product quality. The potential for adverse health effects from long term consumption of demineralised water is of interest not only in countries lacking adequate fresh water, but also in countries where some types of home water treatment systems are widely used or where some types of bottled water are consumed. Some natural mineral waters, in particular glacial mineral waters, are low in TDS (less than 150 mg/l) and in some countries, even distilled bottled water has been supplied for drinking purposes. Otherbrands of bottled water are produced by demineralising fresh water and then adding minerals for desirable taste. Persons consuming certain types of water may not be receiving the additional minerals that would be present in more highly mineralized waters. Consequently, the exposures and risks should be considered not only at the community level, but also at the individual or family level. Therefore in the present study an attempt was made to understand the health risk of Reverse Osmosis (RO) treated water. The samples are collected from Dundigal, Bahadurpalli, Gandimaisamma, D.Pochampalli, villages of Medchal District of Telangana state. The grab samples are taken from borewells (before treated called Raw water) and RO mineral plant (after treatment). The RO Treatment plant capacity of Dundigal, Gandi Maisamma is 5000 Litres/Day, Bahadurpally is 4000Litres/Day and Pochampally is 9000Litres/Day. In all Treatment Plants sand and carbon filters are used to remove the suspended and dissolved matter in water.

2. METHODOLOGY Samples were collected from the four villages from source (Raw water) and RO Treated water in May 2017. All Samples were collected in polyethylene bottles of quantity 1000ml. The sampling, preservation, transportation, and analysis of water samples were carried out according to the methods described in APHA, AWWA,WEF (1998). a total of 11 physicochemical parameters were analysed in laboratory using standard protocol APHA- AWWA-WEF (1998) including total dissolved solids

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 860 [email protected] Analysis of Raw and RO Treated Water – A Case Study of Medchal District, Telangana State, India 3. RESULTS & DISCUSSION 3.1. Physical Analysis

Table 1 Physical properties of Tested Samples Colour Turbidity T D S Region Sample pH (Hazen) (NTU) (mg/L) Raw 7.30 1 0.1 587 Dundigal RO 5.75 1 0.1 155 Raw 7.30 2 0.1 1742 Bahadurpally RO 5.50 1 0.1 887 Raw 7.0 1 0.2 1024 Gandimaisamma RO 5.25 1 0.1 95 Raw 7.25 1 0.3 1811 Pochampally RO 5.35 1 0.1 74

3.1.1. pH Level The pH level of your drinking water reflects how acidic it is. pH stands for ‘potential hydrogen’, referring to the amount of hydrogen mixed with the water. A measurement of seven is neutral, indicating there is no acid or alkalinity. A measurement below 7 indicates presence of acid and a measurement above 7 indicates alkalinity. The normal range for pH in packaged drinking water as per the IS1453 should be between 6.5 and 8.5. the pH value of tested samples are presented in Table.1. From the table.1 It is observed that the range of pH in RO Water is in between 5.0 to 6.0. It represents that the RO Water removing the minerals in water and makes the water acidic. Drinking acidic water will often cause a mineral imbalance in the body especially in blood which should be slightly alkaline. 3.1.2. Colour Colour (in Hazen) Water, as per set standards, should be within 2 Hazen units. All the RO Treated water were found with 1 Hazen unit Turbidity 3.1.3. Turbidity Turbidity is a principal physical characteristic of water. It is caused by suspended matter or impurities that interfere with the clarity of the water. These impurities may include clay, silt, finely divided inorganic and organic matter, and soluble coloured organic compounds. Turbidity in water should not be more than 2 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). All the samples were free of suspended matters and impurities, and found well below the maximum permissible limit for turbidity. 3.1.4. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Total dissolved solids are the amount of minerals, salts or metals dissolved in a given volume of water. From the table it is observed that all the raw water samples show TDS value beyond the permissible limits Bahadurpally (1742 ppm), gandimaisamma (1024 ppm) and pochampally (1811ppm) except Dundigal (587 ppm). According to IS limits the desired limit of TDS in drinking water is 500mg/l and permitted upto 1500mg/l. four villages water samples shows high TDS values. Therefore it is necessary to treat the water before drinking. The water is treated using reverse osmosis system containing carbon and sand filters. It reduces the level of TDS and presented in table 1. In the four water samples collected from the RO plant, TDS Ranged from 74 to 887 ppm. In the absence of minimum requirement of TDS for drinking in India except bahadurpally (887 ppm) remaining three samples passed the test. Excess TDS at bahadurpally lead to less thirst quenching. According to WHO Guidelines

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 861 [email protected] Vajja Varalakshmi, Emmadi Anvesh, Pothula Sandeep pochampally (74ppm) and gandimaisamma (94 ppm) RO water is less content of TDS. They required the adding of minerals to treated water. This low content of TDS effects on the intestinal mucous membrane, metabolism and mineral homeostasis or other body functions.

3.2. Chemical Analysis

Table 2 Chemical Properties of Tested Samples Region Total Sodium Alkali Chlor Sulpa Flouri Sam Hardn +potassi Nitrates nity ide hte des ple ess um mg/l Raw 550 398 57 75 55 0.48 0.26 Dundigal RO 75 23 27 12 19 0.14 0.11 Raw 425 561 200 95 98 0.93 0.17 Bahadurpally RO 50 10 187 9 11 0.13 0.11 Raw 425 443 67 134 88 0.98 0.20 Gandimaisam RO 25 13 90 15 13 0.14 0.11 ma Raw 175 460 125 115 126 1.084 0.18 Pochampally RO 50 22 120 18 15 0.109 0.10

3.2.1. Total Hardness In most of the naturally occurring groundwater, calcium and Magnesium is the main cation due to its abundance in earth’s crust and high mobility (Karanth, 1987 ; Hem, 1991).Calcium and magnesium are both essential elements. Calcium is a substantial component of bones and teeth. In addition, it plays a role in neuromuscular excitability (i.e., decreases it), the proper function of the conducting myocardial system, heart and muscle contractility, intracellular information transmission and the coagulability of blood. Calcium-rich water has a higher pH and that is better than drinking acidic water. However, calcium and magnesium are components of permanent hardness, and thus are undesirable in drinking water. The amount of calcium and Magnesium should be minum of 30 mg/L and not exceed 300mg/L. From the above table it is observed that all Raw water sample has excess hardness which is unsuitable for drinking and RO treated water hardness is with in the drinking range 3.2.2. Alkalinity The occurrence of carbonates and Bicarbonates(Alkalinity) in groundwater is mainly dependent on its pH. In groundwater, carbonates are generally present when pH of groundwater is above 8.3 and it is in traces or absent when pH of water is less than 8.3 (Handa, 1975; Hem, 1991; Karanth, 1987). Alkalinity (as HCO3) Alkalinity is not considered to be detrimental to humans, but is generally associated with hardness, high pH values and excessive dissolved solids, all of which may be undesirable. The amount of Alkalinity should be minum of 30 mg/L and not exceed 200 mg/L. All raw water shows excess alkalinity need for treatment of water. After treating the water the alkalinity of treated water is very less. 3.2.3. Chlorides and Suphates Chloride in drinking water is generally not harmful to people until high concentrations are reached, although chloride may be injurious to some people suffering from diseases of the heart or kidneys. Sulphate is a naturally occurring substance that contains sulphur and oxygen. Sulphate is generally considered to be non-toxic. However, the consumption of drinking water containing high amounts of sulphate may result in intestinal discomfort, diarrhoea and consequently dehydration. Liquid chlorine is mixed into drinking water to

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 862 [email protected] Analysis of Raw and RO Treated Water – A Case Study of Medchal District, Telangana State, India destroy bacteria. The maximum permissible limit for chloride and sulphate as per IS is 250 mg/L. All the Raw and RO Treated water samples were found well below the maximum permissible limit for chloride and sulphate. 3.2.4. Sodium and Potassium Sodium (as Na) Sodium is an essential mineral in our diet. It is commonly found in the form of sodium chloride (salt). Salt has no smell and it dissolves easily in water and gives water a salty taste at levels greater than 180 milligrams per litre. All the samples were found well within the maximum permissible limit for sodium as per the national standard. 3.2.5. Nitrate Nitrogen is present in atmosphere reacts with rainwater and forms nitrate and ammonium ions. The incidence of high nitrate in groundwater has been observed due to pollution from anthropogenic sources, specially leaching from sewage/septic tanks (Walker, 1973; Dudley, 1990). All water samples contained some amount of nitrate, but were well within the maximum permissible limit. 3.2.6. Flouride Fluoride (as F) Fluoride is added in drinking water to promote dental health. Exposure to excessive consumption of fluoride over a lifetime may lead to increased likelihood of bone fractures in adults and might also result in effects on bone, leading to pain, tenderness and fluorosis on long intake of affected water. Children aged eight years and younger exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride have an increased chance of developing pits in the tooth enamel, along with a range of cosmetic effects on teeth. As per the national standard, the maximum amount of fluoride permissible in packaged drinking water is 1 mg/litre (Madhnure, et al., 2007). All the Raw and RO Treated water samples had acceptable limits of fluoride content.

4. CONCLUSIONS From the above studies it is observed that the RO Treated water has low mineral content and Low pH. Drinking Removing the minerals makes the water acidic and drinking acidic water on a regular basis might cause acidosis in the body which is considered an underlying cause of most degenerative diseases. In the present study the Gandimaisamma and Pochampally RO Treated water has low TDS, Alkalinity Values and not considered for ideal drinking. Drinking de-mineralized water (water devoid of essential minerals like TDS, Calcium, Magnesium, carbonates, Bicarbonates etc.) has possess health risks associated include gastrointestinal problems, bone density issues, joint conditions, and cardiovascular diseases.

REFERENCES [1] APHA, AWWA,WEF (1998). Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 20th Edition [2] Dudley, N. (1990) Nitrates: The threat to food and water. London Green Print, 118p. [3] Handa, B.K. (1975) Natural waters, their geochemistry, pollution and treatment with a chapter on saline water. Central Ground Water Board, Technical Manual No.2, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, pp.246-252. [4] Hem, J.D. (1991) Study and interpretation of chemical characteristics of natural waters. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, India, 339p. [5] Karanth, K.R. (1987) Ground water assessment, development and management. Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Co. Ltd., New Delhi, 720p. 11.

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[6] Madhnure, P., Sirsikar, D.Y., Tiwari, A.N., Ranjan, B. and Malpe, D.B. (2007) Occurrence of fluoride in the ground waters of Pandharkawada area, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, India. Curr. Sci., v.92 (5), pp.675-679. 12. [7] Walker, W.H. (1973) Ground-water nitrate pollution in rural areas. Ground Water, v.11 (5), pp.19-22. [8] R. S. Sapkal and Dr. S. S. Valunjkar. Development and Sensitivity Analys is of Water Quality Index for Evaluation of Surface Water for Drinking Purpose. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology , 4 (4), 2013, pp. 119 -135 [9] SS. Asadi, Ramya.Aduri and Kowmudhi.Bachinappa, Evaluation of Water Quality Role on Environmental Impact Assessment Study. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(3), 2017, pp . 7 78–784.

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