The recent detection of high levels of ammonia in the Yamuna river in Delhi, leading to the disruption of water supply, has brought significant attention to water quality concerns. The levels detected were around 3 parts per million (ppm), notably higher than the acceptable maximum limit of ammonia in drinking water, which is 0.5 ppm according to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Understanding Ammonia
Ammonia, chemically represented as NH3, is a colourless gas widely used as an industrial chemical. Its applications span across the production of fertilisers, plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes, and other products. It’s naturally present in the environment, resulting from the breakdown of organic waste matter. However, its abundance in ground and surface water sources may not be entirely natural and can often be traced back to industrial effluents, sewage contamination or agricultural runoff.
The Dangers of High Ammonia Levels
Excessive levels of ammonia can create a harmful environment for aquatic life and humans. The gas reduces the amount of oxygen in the water, causing an increase in Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). When water contains more than 1 ppm of ammonia, it becomes toxic to fish. For humans, the long-term consumption of such water can potentially damage internal organs.
Getting Rid of Excess Ammonia
To treat water tainted with high ammonia levels, it can be mixed with freshwater. Alternatively, chlorination, a process involving the addition of chlorine or chlorine compounds like sodium hypochlorite, can be employed. This method helps eliminate certain bacteria and microbes in tap water. It’s important to note that while effective, chlorine is highly toxic.
Long Term Solutions
Addressing the problem of high ammonia levels in water requires more than just short-term treatment methods. A long-term approach could involve implementing stringent guidelines against hazardous waste dumping into rivers and preventing untreated sewage from entering the water. Additionally, maintaining a sustainable minimum flow, known as the ecological flow, should be considered. This is the minimum amount of water that should continuously flow through the river to sustain underwater ecosystems, estuarine ecosystems, human livelihoods, and self-regulation.
About Yamuna River
Yamuna River is a major tributary of the Ganges River. Originating from the Yamunotri glacier near the Bandarpoonch peaks in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, it stretches 1376 kilometres before merging with the Ganges at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, after flowing through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. The river features important dams such as the Lakhwar-Vyasi Dam in Uttarakhand and the Tajewala Barrage Dam in Haryana. Some of its significant tributaries include the Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, and Ken rivers.
