TOXIC CHEMICALS IN DRINKING WATER

     Dangerous levels of perchlorate, a toxic chemical found in rocket fuel and fire works,have   been detected in drinking water sources through out Kerala, indicating a serous health hazard for millions.
     A study conducted by the department of Environment Technology, National Institute for interdisciplinary science and technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram has detected high levels of perchlorate contamination in water supplies collected from  20 locations in the state. The toxic pollutant was found in samples collected from piped water,open wells and ground water sources.
    Studies have found that perchlorate may impair the functioning of the thyroid leading to metabolic disorders in adults and stunting the  growth of fetuses, infants and children. The chemical is manufactured in large quantities for use as solid propellant in rockets, missiles, explosives and fireworks.
    In rocket engines, perchlorate decomposes in to oxygen, providing fuel for flight. The ISRO, Ammonium perchlorate Experimental plant (APEP), which manufactures more than 800 tonnes every year,is located at Aluva near Ernakulam. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) based in Thiruvananthapuram uses it as propellant in rockets.
     The samples collected for the research by NIIST were analysed with the help of the state university of New york which published the first report on perchlorate contamination in India in 2009 of all the samples analysed, the highest level of 91.4 micrograms per litre was detected at Thumba where the VSSC is located. This is three times bigger the safe level. The highest level of contamination of surface water was reported from the brackish water lake at veli, near VSSC (19.6 micrograms/L) while the second highest value was detected in the sample collected from the periyar river in Ernakulam 18.17.

Prof. John Kurakar