Heavy metal contamination in water bodies in Manipur not harmful: Study
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 20 2015 : In Manipur, you do not have to worry about hazards of heavy metal contamination in major water bodies in the State, said scientists at Manipur Environment & Ecology Department.

A team of experts from the Manipur Environment & Ecology Department had recently conducted a study on the presence of heavy metals in the important water bodies of the State following detection of most of the water bodies containing hazardous heavy metals in many States of the country.

Heavy metals are associated with exposure to lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic.

Heavy metals can be very harmful to your health if found in your drinking water.

These metals have been extensively studied and their effects on human health regularly reviewed by international bodies such the WHO.

The study was conducted during the period between 2013 and 2014.Imphal, Iril and Kongba rivers, and Loktak Lake, wells and some other water bodies in Thoubal district's Kakching area, which once feared for contamination of high percentage of fluoride, were tested using various scientific equipments.

The percentage of heavy metals present in these water bodies was found lower than previously anticipated though they were found dirty and so they are not harmful to human health, according to the study.

One litre of water in Imphal river was found containing iron rate between 0.019 ml and 0.068 ml.

There is no harm in using water containing iron rate between 0.1 ml and 1.0 ml.

Not a single water body in Manipur was found containing at this level during the study.

Contamination of fluoride from 1 ml to 1.5 ml per litre of water is damaging to health, but water bodies in the State were not containing this level.

The study also covered places such as Koirengei, Khurai Heikrumakhong, Khuman Lampak, Minuthong, Mongba Hanba, Singjamei, Keibi, Swombung, Khewa, Top Khongnangkhong, Pangong and Lilong. The team also studied water bodies of Karang, Thanga, Takmu, Loktak Patyai and Keibul Lamjao which are parts of Loktak Lake.

The study, however, concluded that artificial contamination or pollution of water in the State still has the potential to harm public health.

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