Yamuna River Faces Severe Pollution Threat from Surfactants, Ammonia, Microplastics
TERI study reveals high levels of surfactants, ammonia, and microplastics in the Yamuna River, highlighting inadequate wastewater treatment.
Photo by Expressive Capture
त्वरित संशोधन
TERI study conducted between January and October 2023.
Pollutants found: surfactants, ammonia, microplastics.
Surfactants are found in detergents and soaps.
Ammonia levels were 100-200 times higher than permissible limits.
Microplastics were found in all samples.
Delhi generates 792 MGD of wastewater, but STPs can treat only 632 MGD.
Only 37 out of 71 STPs in Delhi meet prescribed standards.
महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां
महत्वपूर्ण संख्याएं
दृश्य सामग्री
Yamuna River Pollution: Delhi Stretch Hotspot
This map highlights the critical Delhi stretch of the Yamuna River, where a recent TERI study found alarming levels of surfactants, ammonia, and microplastics, exceeding permissible limits. This area is a major concern for environmental and public health.
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Yamuna River Pollution: Key Pollutants & STP Inefficiency
This dashboard summarizes the critical findings of the TERI study on Yamuna River pollution, highlighting the specific pollutants of concern and the underlying issue of ineffective wastewater treatment.
- Surfactants
- Exceed Permissible Limits
- Ammonia
- Exceed Permissible Limits
- Microplastics
- Alarming Levels Detected
- STP Effectiveness
- Not Effectively Removing Pollutants
Commonly found in detergents and personal care products, indicating high domestic wastewater discharge. Harmful to aquatic life and human health.
A major component of untreated sewage and industrial effluents. Highly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms, and can lead to eutrophication.
Tiny plastic particles from various sources (clothing, packaging, cosmetics). Not effectively removed by conventional STPs, entering the food chain and posing long-term ecological and health risks.
Indicates a critical failure in existing wastewater treatment infrastructure and processes, leading to discharge of partially treated or untreated sewage.
परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Environmental pollution and degradation (GS-III)
Government policies and interventions for environmental protection (GS-II, GS-III)
Impact of pollution on public health and biodiversity (GS-III)
Role of scientific studies and research in policy-making (GS-III)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation)
Legal and institutional framework for environmental governance (GS-II, GS-III)
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. With reference to the recent study on Yamuna River pollution, consider the following statements: 1. The study, conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), specifically identified surfactants, ammonia, and microplastics as major pollutants. 2. The findings indicate that existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are largely ineffective in removing these identified pollutants from wastewater. 3. Surfactants are primarily organic compounds known for their ability to reduce surface tension in liquids and are commonly found in detergents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 and 2 are directly from the news summary, highlighting the specific pollutants identified by the TERI study and the ineffectiveness of STPs. Statement 3 provides a fundamental chemical definition and common source of surfactants, which is accurate. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
2. In the context of microplastic pollution, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured small plastic particles, while secondary microplastics result from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris. 2. Microplastics are typically defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, posing a significant threat to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. 3. Conventional wastewater treatment plants are highly effective in completely removing microplastics from sewage before discharge into water bodies. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 correctly differentiates between primary (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics) and secondary microplastics (e.g., from plastic bottles, bags). Statement 2 provides the widely accepted size definition of microplastics and their broad environmental impact. Statement 3 is incorrect; conventional STPs are generally not designed to remove microplastics effectively, and a significant portion can pass through, as implied by the news article's findings on Yamuna pollution.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the legal and institutional framework for water pollution control in India: 1. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. 2. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. 3. The 'polluter pays' principle, often invoked by Indian courts in environmental cases, is explicitly defined and enshrined in the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statement 1 is correct; CPCB was indeed constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Statement 2 is also correct; the NGT Act, 2010, grants the tribunal jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment. Statement 3 is incorrect; while the 'polluter pays' principle is a cornerstone of environmental jurisprudence in India and has been adopted by courts, it is not explicitly defined and enshrined as a specific section or provision within the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. It has largely evolved through judicial pronouncements and is part of customary international environmental law.
4. With regard to ammonia pollution in aquatic ecosystems, consider the following statements: 1. Ammonia is a common pollutant from untreated domestic sewage and agricultural runoff, contributing to eutrophication. 2. High concentrations of ammonia can be directly toxic to aquatic organisms, particularly fish, by impairing their respiratory functions. 3. Eutrophication primarily leads to an increase in dissolved oxygen levels, thereby promoting biodiversity in water bodies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct; ammonia from sewage and agricultural fertilizers (containing nitrogen) is a major nutrient pollutant that fuels algal blooms, leading to eutrophication. Statement 2 is also correct; un-ionized ammonia is highly toxic to aquatic life, damaging gills and other organs. Statement 3 is incorrect; eutrophication leads to an *increase* in primary productivity (algal growth), but the subsequent decomposition of dead algae by bacteria *consumes* large amounts of dissolved oxygen, leading to hypoxia or anoxia, which *reduces* biodiversity.