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ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING & MODELING DIVISION

WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF

TOXICITY OF KEENJIHAR LAKE

JUNE 2012

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The report presents “Water Quality Assessment and Characterization of Toxicity of Keenjhar Lake”. This work would not have

been possible without the kind support and help of many individuals and organizations. The authors extend their sincere thanks to

all of them.

Thanks are due to Mr. Ajmal, Assistant Director, Sindh EPA, Mr. Abbasi, Executive Engineer, Sindh Irrigation Department, Mr.

Jhangir, National Conservative Manager, WWF-Pakistan for their kind guidance and facilitation regarding acquisition of site

information and collection of representative samples.

The authors also express their gratitude towards staff and officers of SUPARCO for their kind co-operation and sincere efforts, in

making this project a success.

The authors are highly indebted to the Chairman, SUPARCO for his continued support and encouragement that stimulated the

study team in achieving the objectives.

Authors

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Study Team Members

SUPARCO

1. Dr. M. Mansha, Manager, SUPARCO

2. Mr. Maqbool Ahmad, Assistant Manager, SUPARCO

3. Mr. Akhtar Ali, Assistant Manager, SUPARCO

4. Syed Asif Ali, Assistant Research Officer, SUPARCO

5. Mr. Arif Aman, Senior Scientific Assistant, SUPARCO

6. Mr. Mumtaz Hussain, Sub-Engg-II, SUPARCO

OTHER NATIONAL AGENCIES

1. Mr. Mohammad Mithal Abbasi, Executive Engineer, Sindh Irrigation Department

2. Mr. M. Ajmal, Assistant Director, Sindh EPA

3. Mr. Jahangir Durrani, National Conservative Manager, WWF-P

4. Mr. Salim Siddiqui, Senior Executive Engineer, KSWB

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TABLE OF CONTENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 12

1. CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION 18

1.1 Background 19

1.2 Media Reports and Experts Opinions 20

1.3 Objectives of the Study 25

2.0 CHAPTER-2 FIELD SAMPLING AND LAB TESTING METHODOLOGY 26

2.1 Sample Collection 27

2.2 Pre-Treatment of Samples 31

2.3 Analysis of Prepared Samples 32

2.4 Precautions 34

2.5 References 34

3.0 CHAPTER-3 WATER QUALITY AND TOXICITY ASSESSMENT OF 37 KB FEEDER CANAL

3.1 Introduction 38

3.2 Results and Discussion 39

3.2.1 Sampling Site-1, RD-16 (Near Hyderabad Tool Plaza) 39

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3.2.2 Sampling Site-2, RD-36

(near Kotri Industrial Area Effluent Discharge Point) 41

3.2.3 Sampling Site-3, RD-50 (5-6 km from site RD-36) 43

3.2.4 Sampling Site-4, at Head Regulator of KB canal 44

3.3 Spatial Variation of Water Quality Parameters (Physical & Biological) 45

4.0 CHAPTER-4 WATER QUALITY AND TOXICITY ASSESSMENT OF 55 HAROOLO DRAIN

4.1 Introduction 56


4.2.1 Sampling Site-1, near Haroolo Bridge 57

4.2.2 Sampling Site-2, Lower Haroolo-1 58

4.2.3 Sampling Site-3, Lower Haroolo-2, near Lake 61

4.3 Spatial Variation of Water Quality Parameters (Physical and Biological) 63

5.0 CHAPTER-5 WATER QUALITY AND TOXICITY ASSESSMENT OF 75 KEENJIHAR LAKE

5.1 Introduction 76

5.1.1 Ecological Features and Status 78


5.2.1 Sampling Site-1 (KG Canal) 79

5.2.2 Sampling Site-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50) 80

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5.2.3 Sampling Site-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt Rest House) 81

5.2.4 Sampling Site-4 (Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar) 82

5.2.5 Sampling Site-5 (Mid of Lake between Noori Jam Tamachi Mazar

and Picnic Point) 83

5.2.6 Sampling Site-6 (Picnic Point) 84

5.3 Spatial Distribution Water Quality Parameters in Lake Water 85

Samples (Physical and Biological)

6.0 CHAPTER-6 GIS-BASED WATER QUALITY AND TOXICITY ASSESSMENT 97

OF KEENJIHAR LAKE

6.1 Introduction 98

6.2 GIS Tools for Mapping of Lake Water Quality 98


6.4 References 99

7.0 CHAPTER-7 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 123

7.1 Conclusion 124

7.2 Recommendations 125

Annexure-I (News Paper Articles) 127

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FIGURES

Figure No Figure Caption Page No

Figure 1.1 View of death aquatic life in Haroolo Drain (18th April, 2012 Courtesy of Daily Dawn, Karachi) 20

Figure 3.1 View of sampling of water and sediment at KB Feeder Canal. 38

Figure 3.2 Sampling at RD-16- 2 40

Figure 3.3 Sampling at RD-36 at (a) WAPDA Colony municipal effluent discharge (b) Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point and (c) Canal Water 42

Figure 3.4 Sampling at RD-50 (6-7 km from RD-36) 43

Figure 3.5 Sampling at RD-50 near Head Regulator of KB canal for (a) water sample collection (b) sediment sample collection

45

Figure 3.6 Spatial variation of water quality parameters (indicators) of KB Canal water 47

Figure 4.1 Sampling of water and sediments at various locations of Haroolo drain 56

Figure 4.2 Water and sediment sampling near Haroolo bridge (HD-1 & HD-2) 58

Figure 4.3 Water and sediment sampling near Lower Haroolo-1 (HD-3 & HD-4) 60

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Figure 4.4 Water and sediment sampling near Lower Haroolo-2 (HD-5 & HD-6) 62

Figure 4.5 Spatial variation of water quality parameters (indicators) of KB Canal water 64

Figure 4.6 Spatial distribution of toxic elements in sediments of Haroolo drain 65

Figure 5.1 Satellite view of study area (Keenjhar Lake) 77

Figure 5.2 Sampling team at KL-1 (KG Canal) the regulator of KG Canal 80

Figure 5.3 Sampling at KL-2 near lake bank at RD-50 81

Figure 5.4 Sampling team at KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt Rest House) 82

Figure 5.5 Sampling near Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar located in the mid of lake 84

Figure 5.6 Sampling at KL-6 (Picnic Point) 85

Figure 5.7 Spatial variation of water quality parameters (indicators) of Karli lake water 87

Figure 6.1 Figures showing spatial distribution of lake water quality parameters (Physical & Toxic Elements) 100

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LIST OF TABLES

Table No Title Pg No.

Table 1 Spatial range of water quality parameters (Physical) in KB canal water samples 13 Table 2 Spatial variation in water quality parameters (Physical) in Haroolo Drain water samples 14

Table 3 Spatial Variation In Water Quality Parameters (Physical) in Keenjihar lake water samples 15

Table 1A Sample preservation details 28

Table 2.1 Sample collection matrix 30

Table 2.2 Microwave assisted acid digestion program for sample preparation 32

Table 2.3 List of methods for physical parameters & inorganic ions analysis 33

Table 2.4 Sample analysis matrix of water quality parameters 35

Table 3.1 Parametric analysis of water samples from KB Canal water and Kotri Industrial area effluent 48

Table 3.2 Water soluble anions and urea analysis of KB Canal water and effluent from Kotri industrial area 49

Table 3.3 Bacterial analysis of KB feeder canal and municipal wastewater (from WAPDA Colony) 50

Table 3.4-A Trace & Toxic element analysis for of KB canal water and Kotri industrial effluent 51

Table 3.4-B Trace & Toxic element analysis for of KB canal water and Kotri industrial effluent 52

Table 3.5-A Trace & Toxic element analysis for sediments collected from KB canal and Kotri industrial effluent ponds 53

Table 3.5-B Trace & Toxic element analysis for of sediment samples collected from KB canal water and Kotri industrial effluent 54

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Table 4.1 Physical parametric analysis of water samples from Haroolo Drain 66

Table 4.2 Bacterial analysis of water samples from Haroolo Drain 67

Table 4.3 Water soluble anions and urea analysis of water samples from Haroolo Drain 68

Table 4.4-A Trace & Toxic element analysis of Haroolo drain water samples 69

Table 4.4-B Trace & Toxic element analysis of Haroolo drain water samples 70

Table 4.5-A Trace & Toxic element analysis of sediment samples collected from Haroolo drain 71

Table 4.5-A Trace & Toxic element analysis of sediment samples collected from Haroolo drain 72

Table 4.6 Elemental analysis of Fish (dead & alive) from collected affected section of Haroolo drain, HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) 73

Table 5.1(a) Important features of Keenjhar lake 77

Table 5.1(b) Some common birds in ecosystem of Keenjhar Lake 78

Table 5.2 Physical parametric analysis of water samples from Keenjhar Lake 90

Table 5.3 Bacterial analysis of Keenjhar lake water 91

Table 5.4 Water soluble anions and urea analysis of Keenjhar lake water 92

Table 5.5-A Trace & Toxic element analysis of Keenjhar lake water samples 93

Table 5.5-B Trace & Toxic element analysis of Keenjhar lake water samples 94

Table 5.6-A Trace & Toxic element analysis of Keenjhar lake sediment samples 95

Table 5.6-B Trace & Toxic element analysis of Keenjhar lake sediment samples 96

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Acronyms

KB Karli Baghar

HD Haroolo Drain

KL Karli Lake

KG Canal Karachi feeding canal from lake

GIS Geographic Information System

GPS Geographic Positioning System

ICPMS Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

TDS Total Dissolved Solids

TSS Total Suspended Solids

DO Dissolved Oxygen

ND Not Detected

NEQS National Environmental Quality Standards

SEPA Sindh Environmental

Protection Agency

WWF-P World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan

SUPARCO Pakistan Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Commission

PCSIR Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

WHO World Health Organization

IDWT Industrial Development Water Technology

HCl Hydro Chloric Acid

HNO3 Nitric Acid

HF Hydro Fluoric Acid

Cl-, Chloride

F-, Floride

NO3-, Nitrate

NO2-, Nitrite

As, Arsenic

SO4-2 Sulphate

CN- Cyanide

Ca Calcium

Ba, Barium

Be Beryllium

Cd Cadmium

Co Cobalt

Cr Chromium

Cu Copper

Fe Iron

K Potassium

Li Lithium

Mg Magnesium

Mn Manganese

Na Sodium

Ni Nickel

Se Selenium

V Vanadium

Hg Mercury y

Zn Zinc

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Units

ppb Part per billions

ppm Part per millions

µg/ L Microgram per Liter

mg/ L Milligram per Liter

NTU Nephlometric Turbidity Unit

uS/cm Microsiemens per Centimeter

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Executive Summary

Keenjhar Lake also known as Kalri Lake is one of the

largest freshwater lakes in Pakistan. It has length of about 24

km, width 6 km and capacity of 0.53 million acre feet. Indus

River provides fresh water to Keenjhar Lake through KB

feeder originating from Kotri Barrage. The lake is an

important source of drinking water to Thatta District and

Karachi city. It is also favorable area for habitat of birds

migrating during winter from the northern hemisphere.

Keenjhar Lake is also a popular tourist resort. A large number

of people visit there daily from Karachi, Hyderabad and

Thatta to enjoy picnic, swimming, fishing and boating. The

rain water entering to lake through Haroolo drain is causing

contamination of the lake water and making it unfit for

drinking when mixed with lake water. Other multiple activities

at lake might severely degrade the lake ecology which cannot

be ignored without highlighting the dire consequences.

Daily DAWN reported on 14 & 15th of April, 2012 that

thousands of dead fish, snails, bivalves were found floating

on the surface of water near the conflux of Keenjhar lake and

Haroolo drain. The local community also reported killing of

four Cows, Jackals and a number of turtles due to the

contaminated water of the Haroolo Drain.

A team comprising of SUPARCO’s senior officers and

field staff as well as officers from other relevant agencies

such as Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA),

Sindh Irrigation Department and WWF-P visited the affected

areas for studying the water quality of the lake. SUPARCO

led this team at the lake site and its field staff collected

samples of water and sediments from the point of inlet

feeding sources i.e. (I) KB Canal and (II) Rain Fed Haroolo

Drain as well as other parts of the Lake areas. The samples

of wastewater entering into the lake in the form of combined

effluent of Kotri Industrial Area (a potential contaminating

source polluting water of KB canal) were also collected. The

samples of aqueous species (especially fish) at the entry

points of the contaminating source i.e. the Haroolo Drain

were also collected. These samples were preserved in

accordance with international protocols and then analyzed

using advanced analytical techniques in SUPARCO’s

Environmental Laboratory equipped with latest state-of-art

analytical instruments.

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(1) KB Canal (a fresh water feeding source of Lake)

In order to study the contamination of the canal along

its stream, samples were collected from various points of the

KB Feeder Canal. These sampling points were located along

the following sites: (i) RD-16 (Near Hyderabad Tool Plaza),

(ii) RD-36 (Kotri Industrial Area Effluent Discharge point), (iii)

RD-50 (5-6 km from RD-36) and (iv) RD-50 (near Head

Regulator of KB canal). Observations of physical parameters

(Temperature, pH, Turbidity, TDS, Conductivity, Hardness)

were taken on site and the samples were later analyzed in

the laboratory for the Chloride, Fluoride, Sulphate, Nitrate and

DO, etc and for the biological parameters (E-Coli and

Fecalcoliform). The spatial range of variations in these

parameters is given in Table-1 below. .

Table 1 Spatial Range of Water Quality Parameters (Physical) in KB canal Water Samples

Sr. No Parameters Range

1 Temperature, C 30.1 C to 31.3

2 pH 7.85 to 8.14

3 Turbidity, NTU 21.1 to 62.1

4 Conductivity, uS/cm 846 to 1127

5 Dissolved Oxygen, (DO), mg/l 11.9 to 14.7

6 Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), mg/l 508 to 675

7 Hardness, mg/l 190to 290

8 Sulphate, mg/l 143 to 188

The bacterial variation indicates that E. Coli ranges

from 20 to 35 MPN/100 mL and Fecal Coliform from 45 to 70

MPN/mL. The spatial analysis of water quality parameters of

KB Canal suggest that the levels of Conductivity, TDS,

Hardness Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate and Fecal Coliform

remain higher in sample of RD-36 where Kotri Industrial Area

effluent and WAPDA Colony waste flows into the canal water.

The Cyanide traces were found in all water samples but the

significant level was detected in both the samples collected

from RD-16, close to Toll Plaza near Hyderabad on National

Highway. Traces of Lead and Chromium were also present in

water samples of KB canal. Whereas the significant

concentration of Pb (62.79 ppb) was detected in the water

sample collected at site of RD-50 near Head Regulator. The

concentrations of toxic metals such as Al, Hg, Pb, Be, Ni, As,

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Ag and Se were found significant in samples of sediments

collected from KB canal sites. It was concluded that major

source of water pollution comprised of industrial effluents

being discharged and mixed into the canal water.

(2) Haroolo Drain or Barsati Nala (it is a rain water drain and a secondary source of water feeding to Lake)

Both water & sediment samples were collected from

three different locations along the Haroolo Drain (HD) that

included (i) Haroolo Bridge (HD-1), (ii) Lower Haroolo-1

section (HD-2) and (iii) Lower Haroolo-2 section (HD-3). The

spatial range of variations in physical water quality

parameters along the drain stream is given in Table 2. The

bacterial variations indicate that E. Coli ranged from 15 to 21

MPN/100 mL and Fecal Coliform ranged from 46 to 86

MPN/mL. The levels of the physical & biological parameters

were observed higher than those found in the water samples

collected along KB Canal. The sediment samples collected

from the same sites showed the significant presence of toxic

metals. The analytical results of these sediment samples

confirmed the presence of As and Cr in each sample while

Se, Cd and Hg were found in the sample of taken at HD-3.

The presence of Lead was also detected in the sample from

HD-2. The levels of Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, Temperature

Hardness Chloride, Sulphate, were found higher in the

sample taken from the site HD-1. The analytical results of the

water samples taken from three different sites along the Drain

indicate that water with high conductivity and TDS flows into

the drain section located near HD-2 and HD-3 sites. The

water at these sites before entering the lake mixes with lake

water during back flow of lake.

Table 2 Spatial Variation in Water Quality Parameters (Physical) of HD Samples


1 Temperature, C 30.2 to 31.8 2 pH 7.33 to 8.12 3 Turbidity, NTU 10.5 to 50 4 Conductivity, uS/cm 1937 to 17390 5 Dissolved Oxygen, (DO), mg/l 11.1 to 15.8 6 Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), mg/l 1161 to 4440

7 Hardness, mg/l 450 to 1425 8 Sulphate, mg/l 188 to 760 9 Chloride 515 to 2255

10 Nitrate 0.2 to 3.5

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The mixing of these waters resulted in higher levels of

DO, E.Coli and Fecal Coliform in the samples collected from

the sites HD-2 and HD-3. The samples collected by the

WWF-P team during their independent survey of the same

sites on 17-04-2012 were also analyzed at SUPARCO’s labs.

The analytical results of these samples revealed the

presence of significant amount of Urea (70 mg/l) at these

sites. This indicates that Urea contaminated water flows into

the same section of lake imposing threat to the aquatic life in

the vicinity. The samples collected by SUPARCO team at the

site of HD-3 also showed the presence of urea in addition to

traces of toxic metals including Al, As, Cr, Ni and Se in each

of the water sample.

“The commulative effect of instant increased demand of DO (usualy during mid night living fish competes for oxygen due to reversal of plant photosynthesis process), toxic metals (Pb, Se, Ni and As) and Urea following in with rain water from upper side of the Drain, put threat to the aquatic life. Occurrence of similar condition in the lake caused the recent killing of fish and othe aquatic organisms”

(3) Keenjihar Lake (Major Source of Fresh Water Supply to Karachi).

Samples were collected from six (06) different

locations of lake and analyzed for physical, chemical and

bacterial parameters. The ranges of these analytical results

have been produced in the Table 3 below.

Table 3 Spatial Variation in Water Quality Parameters (Physical) in Keenjihar Lake Water Samples


1 Temperature, C 29.9 C to 30.5

2 pH 7.74 to 8.8.47

3 Turbidity, NTU 1.33 to 8.75

4 Conductivity, uS/cm 542 to 628

5 Dissolved Oxygen, (DO), mg/l 9.3 to 14.3

6 Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), mg/l 326 to 378

7 Hardness, mg/l 160 to 240

8 Sulphate, mg/l 90 to 146

9 Chloride 62 to 89

10 Nitrate 0.2 to 2.0

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The results show that E-Coli ranged between 5-30

MPN/100mL and that of Fecal Coliform between 12-70

MPN/100mL. The levels of the physical & biological

parameters were found lower than those observed at both

feeding sources i.e KB Feeder Canal and Haroolo Drain. The

presence of Toxic metals including As and Cr was detected

while Pb and Hg were untraceable in any of the lake water

sample. The physical parameter of these water samples were

found within the safe limits of Pak NEQS for drinking water.

The higher level of DO was recorded at site of Lake exit near

KG Canal regulator. This indicates the presence of organic

species in the location and in case the DO is increased to

much higher level, incidence of mass aquatic life killings

specifically the fish species may happen around the site of

the lake. Moreover, E.Coli and Fecal coliform bacteria were

also detected in each of water samples which suggest the

lake water unsafe for dinking purposes unless passed

through treatment process. The presence of toxic elements

like As, Ni, Cr and Al in the samples of lake sediments and

traces of cyanide in the lake water samples were also found.

Frequent intake of contaminated drinking water containing

traces of cyanide makes it fatal for living organisms and its

accumulative effect may result in eradication of aquatic,

human and animal’s lives.

Recommendations:

• A strict and prompt action by the concerned authorities

(including Sindh Irrigation Deptt , KSWB and SEPA)

should be taken to block the discharge of toxic effluent

of Kotri industrial area into KB canal.

• Develop an action plan to prevent dumping of solid

wastes into the main channel of Haroolo Drain or

prevent mixing of rain water flowing through Haroolo

drain to Lower Haroolo drain section where lake’s back

flow especially during heavy rains may avoid future

incident of massive killing of aquatic life in Lower

Haroolo section.

• Regulate the flow of KB canal to lake in light of

pollution load in lake water.

• Frequent analysis of surface and In-depth (vertical)

water of lake Region using GIS based techniques.

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• Device a GIS based monitoring mechanism of the lake

and its feeding sources (a) KB Feeder Canal and (b)

Haroolo drain that may be carried out jointly by

stakeholders (SEPA, Irrigation Department, KWSB)

and external expert agency on monthly basis.

• Make urgent arrangements for early completion of the

combined effluent treatment plant at Kotri

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CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION

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1.1 Background

Lakes are open reservoirs and integrated components

of the watershed. Watershed influence the lake environment,

as such, lakes’ ecology cannot be addressed in isolation.

The lake ecologies are governed by the quality of water and

sediments entering, leaving or settling in the lake. Lakes are

characterized by average current velocity of 0.001 to 0.01

meters per second at its surface. Water storage period of

lakes varies from months to several years. Flow of water

currents within the lakes is multidirectional and many lakes

have alternating periods of stratification and vertical mixing.

Besides withstanding of aquatic life, more than 20 million

people (directly & indirectly) depend upon the lake water. In

case the lake water is contaminated / polluted the dependent

living masses would be under threat.

Water to Keenjihar Lake is fed by KB Canal

originating from Kotri Barrage. KB canal is the main source

of fresh water supply while the Haroolo drain feeds the rain

water at times of heavy raining in the adjoining areas. The

hazardous and anthropogenic pollution sources

contaminating the lake water may be summarized as

follows:

1. KB Feeder Canal

2. Haroolo Drain

3. Direct dumping of hazardous & toxic waste

material in the lake or feeding channels either

intentionally or unintentionally

DAWN reported (18th April, 2012) an incidence of the

aquatic and land animal mass killing that happened on 15th

April, 2012, at the conflux point in Haroolo drain close to the

lake. It emphasized the probable causes of producing high

level of contamination in drain water resulting in mass killing

of aquatic and animal life could be the following:

a. Flow of toxic runoff of rain water from the various small streams falling in the main channel of the drain.

b. The other possible causes of toxicity of the affected part of the drain water could be the factors;

I. Wash out of atmospheric dust by the rain hit in the area for very short duration (10-15 min as reported by WWF-P and local villagers) just a day ago on 14th April, 2012.

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II. Dumping of toxic or hazardous waste material in the main / branch channels of drain which was carried along into the affected part of the drain.

III. Direct dumping of toxic or hazardous waste material into the affected part of the drain either.

According to local Brohi tribe, a heavy rain occurred

in and around Jhimpir Town for a small duration (10-15 min)

during night on 14th April, 2012. While on 15th April 2012,

thousands of dead fishes snails, bivalve were found

floating on the surface of water near the confluence of

Keenjihar Lake and Haroolo drain. The issue was reported

in media (electronic & print) on 18th April, 2012 which

stated that dead fish, snails and freshwater mussel shells

were seen floating on the dark-colored drain water and

emitting foul smell. According to a local community

representative, at least four cows, an equal number of

jackals and a turtle had also died after drinking the drain

water during those days. Besides this, nine cases of

diarrhoea were reported at government-run rural health

centre of the area. Mr. Jehangir Durrani the Natural

Resource Manager of WWF-Pakistan said that this toxic

drain water has eliminated each and every living

component of water body that sustained their living for the

last forty years. He also pointed that the death of the species

that live near the bed gave indications that the drain

contained highly toxic pollutants.

Figure 1.1 View of Killing of Aquatic life in Haroolo Drain

1. 2 Media Reports and Experts Opinions

After the media reports, the causes of killing of the

aquatic life was investigated by various agencies and

experts. Initially, water samples of the Horoolo drain were

collected from the site near the wind mills which were

analyzed at the laboratory of “Institute of Advanced

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Research Studies in Chemical Sciences University of

Sind, Jamshoro”. These samples were analyzed for

physical parameters like color, taste, odour, TDS,

conductivity and pH. The results of these analysis indicated

that the lake water at the site was turned brownish and

smelled pungent. However, this analytical report was

unable to expose the real cause of death of fish and other

animals but assumed the water contaminants as the

only cause of these deaths.

The report did not provide any solid evidence related to

the reasons of this high level water contamination and

recommended further investigation on the following ground:

• Analysis of soil / moist mud

• Analysis of fish meat ,tissues for the detecting

the impacts of Lead, Cu, etc

• Analysis of dead bivalve

• Investigate the reason of change in water color

that caused depletion of oxygen.

The most likely causative agents that could kill the mass

aquatic life are elaborated in the following paragraphs:

According to Mr. Abdul Hameed Palari, Vice Chairman

of the Keenjhar Conservation Network that the specific

drain (HD) might have carried wastes from the site of

Wind Mill Unit. As, the erection of wind turbines at the

mill site was started a few months ago and the

chemicals used in this work were mixed with the drain

water that accumulated on the site and resultantly

caused the sudden killing of the fishes and other species

(18th April, 2012, Daily DAWAN, Karachi)

Dr Shafi Mohammad Wassan, District Surveillance

Officer of the WHO pointed out that results of preliminary

tests of water samples showed drain water unfit for

human intake and suggested detailed chemical analysis

to find out the exact nature of contamination. (18th April,

2012, Daily DAWAN, Karachi)

The issue came to limelight when activists of Pakistan

Fisherfolk Forum, and political parties showed sever

reaction against massive loss of lake aquatic life, fauna

and flora and livestock due to the lake water. These

activists lead a huge procession and observed a

complete shutdown strike in Jhampir on 19th April, 2012

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to draw the attention of relevant bodies and take

remedial measure of this menace. The protest nudged

the officials of SEPA, water expert Dr Ahsan Siddiqui,

Director of Fisheries Inland, Ghulam Mujtaba Wadhar

and Dr Shafi Mohammad Wassan of WHO, who made a

prompt visit of the lake site including the Jhampir town

and the industrial area near the lake. During their site

visits, they collected samples of dead fished and water

at the discharge point of effluent sources in the areas on

20th April, 2012. (18th April, 2012, Daily DAWAN,

Karachi).

The opinion of the representatives of fisher communities

comprising of Mr. Hashim Solangi, Mr. Ali Ahmed and

Mr. Hanif Palari was that the effluents discharging from

Industrial areas of Nooriabad, Hyderabad and Phulelli

had made its way into the lake through upper KB Feeder

canal which caused the rising of pollution level in the

lake. Domestic wastewater released from nearby

villages also contributed in contaminating the lake water

(18th April, 2012, Daily DAWAN, Karachi).

Experts said that turbidity, BOD and COD were found

higher along with toxic metals such as lead and

cadmium in the lake water samples collected near the

KB Feeder. Sufficient organic load was also observed

which caused depletion of DO. (18th April, 2012, Daily

DAWAN, Karachi).

According to the Rapid Assessment Report (RAR)

conducted by fisheries department, the quantum of

bacterial and toxic pollutants in the lake was 2.3 against

the WHO standards of 0.75, a level 210 per cent higher

than normal. The acidic carbonates were reported 800

mg against the standard of 500 mg. Chief Executive

IDWT and a member of EPA team, Dr Ahsan Siddiqui

said the main reason behind rapid contamination of the

lake water seems to be the use of explosive materials,

dynamite and urea by multinational windmill companies

engaged in the erection process of the mill. (18th April,

2012, Daily DAWAN, Karachi).

Dr Siddiqui claimed the possibility of toxin (an organic

compound in pungent water that turns to blackish colour)

and urea (used for producing explosion possibly for the

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construction of a tank to store water) in the lake water

that was used by the cows who lost their skin within a

day of dying under a completely unnatural

decomposition process (19th April, 2012, Daily DAWAN,

Karachi).

Dawn reported that the Chief Engineer of Kotri Barrage

Mr. Mohammad Mithal Abbasi, denied all statements

related to the feeding of highly contaminated water to

lake through Haroolo drain. He claimed that drain water

was not toxic, though it could be slightly tainted due to

recent rains. He was of the opinion that the lake’s

contamination from the drain was not possible, because

the drain was located in depression while the lake’s

ground level was comparatively higher (20th April, 2012,

Daily DAWAN, Karachi).

Dr Siddiqui stated that the Cr, Pb and Hg levels at the

windmill project site were found to be 43.52, 13.89 and

5.32 ppb respectively. While, the levels of Cr and Pb at

the mouth of the drain were found to be 1.88 and 9.46

ppb respectively. The level of Pb in the area of lake

located about one and a half kilometer away from the

drain mouth was found to be at 333.33 ppb. No traces of

Hg were detected at both of these sites, but the traces of

Hg were not present in the samples taken from the later

site. The WHO’s recommended levels in drinking water

for Pb, Cr and Hg are 10, 50 and 1 ppb respectively.

One can see the abnormal levels of these compounds

found in the water samples of the sites in comparison

with the WHO’s standards. He further recommended a

technically sound investigation of the situation could only

be made with the help of complete analytical results.

(21st April, 2012, Daily DAWAN, Karachi).

Dr Ahsan Siddiqui, said that urea causes the death of

cattles and other aquatic species. He also observed that

the range of TDS (145-938 ppm), Salinity (0.2-1.1pc),

Conductivity (3722380) of the samples showed that the

water was purely rainwater, unaltered with contamination

of industrial wastes which contains high levels of TDS

among other things, he pointed out. (28th April, 2012,

Daily DAWAN, Karachi).

The analysis of about four water samples taken from the

Keenjhar Lake after toxic contamination of one of its

24

drains, PCSIR established absence of poisonous

compounds and occurrence of high concentration of

fecal matter in the lake water. PCSIR officials observed

the presence of high concentration of fecal coliform in

the samples that could cause illness. The PCSIR team

collected these water samples one each from the KB

Feeder and the lake spot from where water is supplied

to Karachi. The rest of the two water samples were

provided by the KWSB taken from the lake ignoring

information of sampling sites (2nd May, 2012, Daily

DAWAN, Karachi).

An official of the Fauji Fertiliser Company Energy, who is

working on a wind power project in Jhampir, has

dispelled a perception of lake contamination by the

pollution generated by the erection work on the project.

(7th May, 2012, Daily DAWAN, Karachi).

A committee was set up by the Environment Secretary

Sindh, to investigate the cause of lake contamination.

The investigation team was comprised of Dr. Ahsan

Siddiqui, Farhad Shahid, Mujeeb Sheikh, Abdullah

Magsi and S.M. Yahya of SEPA. The terms of reference

of the investigating team included fixing of responsibility

on the perpetrator of the lake contamination. The team

collected water samples from affected drain and were

tested both at SEPA’s laboratory and separately by Dr

Siddiqui himself. Both tests had similar findings. Dr

Siddiqui highlighted in his report the presence of high

concentration of urea in the water samples. The report

submitted to SEPA established two sources of

contamination of the Haroolo Drain — wastewater from

the Nooriabad Industrial Area; and the waste from the

nearby windmill project. The author ruled out the

possibility of contamination from industrial waste on the

basis of the lab test findings. This report also

established that Haroolo drain contained only rainwater,

rationale being the absence of high levels of TDS in the

water samples which is considered as the major sign of

with industrial effluent. Dr. Ahsan confidently reported

the deaths of aquatic and animals that happened due to

the high concentration of urea in the drain water. He

further said the rise of urea concentration could be

happened by washing out of empty urea bags by

rainwater otherwise freshly sprinkled urea in farm fields

25

that dissolved in the rain water was gushed into the

drain. But, the possibility of some blasting activity in the

hilly area that resulted into lake contamination cannot be

ignored. Dr Ahsan, rejected the contamination due to

windmill project. His analyses of water samples also

confirm the traces of chromium in the lake water (12th

May, 2012, Daily DAWAN, Karachi).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of the current study were to

investigate the:

• Water Quality status and contamination levels of

Keenjhar Lake water.

• Water quality and contamination levels of the lake

feeding sources including KB Canal and rain fed

Haroolo Drain.

• Contamination level of the industrial effluent from

the Kotri Industrial Area entering into the KB

canal (potential source toxic chemicals).

• Fixing of responsibility and cause of the killing of

the aquatic life in the section of Haroolo Drain

close to the lake.

• Mapping of the water quality parameters in the

Keenjhar Lake using GIS techniques.

• Recommendations for mitigation Measures

26

CHAPTER-2 FIELD SAMPLING AND LAB TESTING

METHODOLOGY

27

2.1 Sample Collection

Water sampling criteria adopted for the study was to

collect sample of grab water from the central layers one foot

each below the upper surface and above the lower surface

(bottom) of lake for chemical analysis of water contaminants.

The said sampling depth was maintained for sampling of

chlorophyll, and herbicides. The sample collection matrix for

the study is given in Table 2.1.

2.1.1 Sampling Requirements

Following were the requirements of material and

equipment for sampling of lake water, soil/ sediment and fish:

• Sampling bottles made of glass or plastic having

capacity of 1-1.5 Liters

• Stainless Steel Scoops / Ponar or ekman bottom

grab sampler for sediment sampling

• Polyethylene bags for collection of sediments, fish

and lake plant samples

• Ice box with ice to store/preserve collected

samples

2.1.2 Sampling Techniques

a) Water Sampling for all Parameters except Bacteria

Lake water samples for analysis of trace &

toxic metals and inorganic contaminants were

collected in clean plastic bottles at about one foot

below the surface level of lake water. Sampling

bottles were rinsed repeatedly two to three times with

sample water before filling up the sample. Separate

samples were collected for trace & toxic metals and

inorganic contaminants in properly labeled bottles.

Nitric Acid (HNO3) was added in samples labeled

“trace & toxic metals” to keep metals concentration

below pH2. The sample bottles were capped tightly

and placed in ice box to maintain temperature below

4 oC for transportation to analytical laboratory.

b) Water Sampling for Bacteria

Lake water samples for bacterial analysis

were collected in pre cleaned & sterilized plastic

labeled bottles from about one feet below the surface

28

water level. To prevent leakage, the sampling

bottles after filling with water samples were tightly

capped and placed in ice box to maintain

temperature below 4oC during transportation to

laboratory for conducting analyses on the same day.

c) Sediment Sampling

Stainless steel Scoop, bottom grab sampler

was used for sediment sampling. Sediment samples

were collected from the depth of 20 cm in pre-labeled

polyethylene bags. After collection of sediment

samples the polyethylene bags were preserved in ice

box.

d) Fish Sample Collection

Various fish species were collected/sampled

using multi-mesh gillnets consisting of mesh sizes

18, 24, 30, 40, 50, 65 and 80 mm. After one or two

hours of fishing, fishes were removed from the nets

and moved immediately to laboratory in cool boxes

for chemical analysis.

2.1.3 Preservation of Sample Preservation details of each samples is given in

Table1A

Table 1A Sample Preservation Details

2.1.4 Precautions

• Avoid possible contamination from the boat motor if

using a gas-powered engine

• Stirring up of sediment or algae in the area of the

sample collection should be avoided during bacteria

test sampling.

Testing Parameters

Preservative Safe preservation period (at 4 0C)

TOC, Sulfate, Nitrate, Nitrite Ammonia, Phosphorus

H2SO4 28 days

Metals HNO3 6 months

Sediment None 7 days (sediment nutrients) up to 6 months for other parameters

29

• Water samples for bacteria testing be collected

approximately 50 feet from the shoreline of the dock

eliminating boat ramp

• Keep bottles filled with samples in cold storage / Ice

box avoiding sample containers from any type of

agitation/ disturbance during transportation to

laboratory

2.1.5 References: i. Henry, M. Spliethoff and Harold F. Hemond.

“History of toxic metal discharge to surface

waters of the aberjona watershed, environ.

Sci. Technol. 1996, 30, 121-128

ii. Anna Farkas, Janos Salanki, Andras

Specziar and Istvan Varanka, metal pollution

as health indicator of lake ecosystems*,

international journal of occupational

medicine and environmental health, vol. 14,

no. 2, 163—170, 2001

iii. Vardanyan Lg, Ingole BS Lilit G. Vardanyan

and Baban S. Ingole studies on heavy metal

accumulation in aquatic macrophytes from

sevan (armenia) and carambolim (india) lake

system, environ int. 2006, 32(2):208-18

30

Table 2.1 Sample Collection Matrix

S. No. Sample Name/ ID Surface Water Soil/ Sediment Fish

1 RD-16 -1 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper Right side) X X

2 RD-16 -2 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper Mid point) X

3 RD-36 -1 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper-WAPDA Colony municipal effluent) X X

4 RD-36 -2 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point) X X

5 RD-36 -3 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper) X

6 RD-50 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper) X X

7 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed X X

8 KL-2 Near Lake Bank at RD-50) X X

9 KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt. Rest House) X X

10 KL-4 (near Noori Jam Tamachi Mazar) X 11 KL-5 (Mid of Lake between Noori Jam Tamachi Mazar and Picnic Point) X

12 KL-6 (near picnic point) X

13 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) X

14 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) X

15 HD-5 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) X X

16 HD-2-WWF (near Bridge Haroolo) X X X

17 HD-4 -WWF (Lower Haroolo-1) X X X

18 HD-6-WWF (Lower Haroolo- 2) X X

Total number of Samples 22 12 2

31

2.2 Pre-Treatment of Samples This section describes the techniques/protocol

adopted for sample preparation and analysis of the lake

surface water, bottom sediments/soils and fish samples for

toxicity (toxic & heavy metals) contents. A complete list of

parameters and methods used or their analysis is given in

Table 2.3.

2.2.1 Sample pre-treatment techniques

Different pre-treatment techniques were adopted for

water sample based on the state/nature of the samples.

2.2.2 Sample preparation for Lake/ Canal water sample

The homogenized lake water samples in

cleaned Teflon 100mL beakers were acidified with

concentrated Nitric Acid (HNO3) for making

concentration of HNO3 to 5% for matching of matrix

with the standard solution. These acidified samples

were filtered in cleaned, dried and labeled 100 mL

volumetric flask (class A category) through filter

paper (MilliporeTM) of 0.45 µm pore size to remove

suspended particles.

2.2.3 Sample preparation for Soil / Sediment sample

The solids samples of soil /sediments were

acid digested before analyzing for the contents of

trace & toxic metals using Inductively Coupled

Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS). Multiwave™

3000 Microwave Oven (PerkinElmer/Anton-Paar)

was used for the microwave-assisted digestion of

soil / sediment samples (Table 2.2).

The oven dried (at 95-100 0C) samples were

freed from the large debris and shells prior to

grinding in the porcelain mortal with pestle. A

quantity of 0.25 gram of these homogenized soil/

sediment samples were accurately weighed directly

into the digestion vessel (PTFE-TFM liner). The

liners after adding 2 mL of HNO3, 1 mL of HF and 5

mL of HCl to each digestion vessel were properly

sealed and placed the rotor in microwave for

digestion. After completion of the digestion process,

the liquefied samples were filtered through 0.45 um

filter paper in a100 mL volumetric flask and makeup

volume using de-ionized water.

32

2.2.4 Sample preparation for fish species

For determining the level of trace & toxic

metals in different fish species collected from the

affected Haroolo drain, the gills and meat samples

were separately prepared and analyzed using

ICPMS.

First of all the fishes were cut into pieces and

their gills and meats were separated and dried in an

oven at 70 0C for 48 hours. These dried samples

were grinded using porcelain mortal and pestles.

The accurately weighed 0.25 gram of homogenized

fish samples were directly put into the digestion

vessel (PTFE-TFM liner). The liners of the digestion

vessels were properly sealed after adding 5 mL of

HNO3 and 1 mL of HCl and then placed on rotor in

microwave for digestion. After the digestion process,

the liquefied samples were filtered in 100 mL

volumetric flask using 0.45 um filter paper and

makeup volume using de-ionized water.

Table 2.2 Microwave assisted acid digestion program for sample preparation

Power (watt)

Ramp (min)

Hold time (min) Fan

800 10:00 20:00 1

0 - 15:00 3

2.3 Analysis of prepared samples

2.3.1 Analysis for Physical Parameters, Inorganic ions and Bacteria

Measurement of physical parameters and

analytical test for Inorganic ions and bacteria were

performed for the unpreserved / original water

samples. Physical parameters such as Temperature,

Conductivity, TDS, pH, Turbidity, Salinity and DO

were monitored on sampling site using portable

meters according to standard methods (Table 2.3).

Inorganic ions consisting Cl-, F-, NO3-, NO2

-,

SO4-2 and CN- along with Hardness were analyzed

on Spectrophotometer using standard methods

(Table 2.3). Bacterial tests specifically for Coliform

(E. Coli & Fecal) were performed for all water

samples collected from different point of the lake,

33

KB Canal and KG Canal using membrane filtration

method.

Table 2.3 List of Methods for Physical Parameters & Inorganic Ions Analysis

S. No. Parameters Methods

1 Temperature ASTM D 6764-02 (2007)

2 pH Value (acidity/basicity) ASTM D 6764-02 (2007)

3 Total Suspended Solids

(TSS) HACH Method#8006

4 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) -

5 Chloride (as Cl-) AWWA* Method # 4110 B

6 Fluoride ( as F-) AWWA* Method # 4110 B

7 Nitrate (NO-3) AWWA* Method # 4110 B

Sulphate (SO4-2) AWWA* Method # 4110 B

8 Cyanide (as CN-) AWWA* Method # 4500

2.3.2 Analysis for trace & toxic metals

The samples prepared from lake water, soil /

sediment, macrofieds and fish species were

analyzed using ICPMS (PerkinElmer’s Elan DRC

model) for determining the levels of As, Ba Be, Ca,

Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Se, V, Hg

and Zn.

The ICP-MS was tuned (using PerkinElmer

Smart Tune solution containing 10 ppb of Ba, Be,

Ce, Co, In, Mg, Pb, Rh and U, optimized (using

PerkinElmer, setup / stab / masscal solution

containing 10 ppb of Mg, cu, Rh, Cd, In, Ba, Ce, Pb,

U and detection limit solution containing 10 µg/L of

Be, Co, In, U and calibrated for the range of 1 to 100

ppb using five multi-element calibration standards

prepared from diluting stock standard solution

(PerkinElmer, Multi-element calibration standard 3).

Each sample was tested on ICP-MS and replicated

the test three times.

34

2.4 Precautions • Wearing of gloves, lab coat and safety mask at

the time of sample preparation and testing be

ensured.

• Clean and dry apparatus should be used

• Avoid returning of excess reagents to stock

bottles. The excess amount should be discarded

• Always pour acids into water. If you pour water

into acid, the heat of reaction will cause the

water to explode into steam, sometimes

violently, and the acid will splatter

• Eliminate from the laboratory as many ignition

sources as possible, such as open flames,

devices that can spark, and source of static

electricity

2.5 References 1 Christophe Kaki *, Guedenon Patient, Kelome

Nelly, Edorh Patrick A, and Adechina Rodrigue

“Evaluation of heavy metals pollution of

Nokoue Lake ”African Journal of Environmental

Science and Technology Vol. 5(3), pp. 255-

261, March, 2011

2 A.O. Ubalua, U. C. Chijioke and O.U. Ezeronye

“Determination and Assessment of Heavy Metal

Content in Fish and Shell-fish in Aba River, Abia

State, Nigeria” KMITL Sci. Tech. J. Vol. 7 No. 1

Jan. - Jun. 2007

3 E. O. Farombi, O. A. Adelowo, and y. R. Ajimoko

“Determination and Assessment of Heavy Metal

Content in Fish and Shellfish in Aba River, Abia

State, Nigeria” KMITL Sci. Tech. J. Vol. 7 No. 1

Jan. - Jun. 2007

4 Anna Farkas, János Salánki, András Specziár and

István Varanka “Metal Pollution as Health Indicator

of Lake Ecosystems” International Journal of

Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health,

Vol. 14, No. 2, 163—170, 2001

35

Table 2.4 Sample Analysis Matrix of Water Quality Parameters Physical & Inorganic ionic parameter analysis for only water samples S. No.

Sample Name/ ID

Tem

p

pH

Con

duct

ivity

TDS

Salin

ity

Har

dnes

s

Turb

idity

DO

E. C

oli

Feca

l C

olifo

rm

Tota

l C

olifo

rm

Chl

orid

e

Fluo

ride

Nitr

ate

Sulp

hate

Cya

nide

Ure

a

1 RD-16 -1 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper Right side) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

2 RD-16 -2 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper Mid point) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

3 RD-36 -1 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper-WAPDA Colony municipal effluent)

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

4 RD-36 -2 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point)

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

5 RD-36 -3 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

6 RD-50 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

7 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

8 KL-2 Near Lake Bank at RD-50) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

9 KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt. Rest House) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

10 KL-4 (near Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

11 KL-5 (Mid of Lake between Noori Jam Tamachi Mazar and Picnic Point)

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

12 KL-6 (near picnic point) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

13 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

14 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

15 HD-5 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

16 HD-2-WWF (near Bridge Haroolo) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

17 HD-4 -WWF (Lower Haroolo-1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

18 HD-6-WWF (Lower Haroolo- 2) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

36

Table 2.4 Sample Analysis Matrix Table (continue) Trace & Toxic metals analysis for all types of samples S. No.

Sample Name/ ID

Lith

ium

(Li)

Ber

ylliu

m (B

e )

Sodi

um (N

a)

Mag

nesi

um(M

g)

Alu

min

um (A

l)

Pota

ssiu

m (K

)

Cal

cium

(Ca)

Vana

dium

(V)

Chr

omiu

m (C

r)

Man

gane

se (M

n)

Iron

(Fe)

Cob

alt (

Co)

Nic

kel (

Ni)

Cop

per (

Cu)

Zinc

(Zn)

Ars

enic

(As)

Sele

nium

(Se)

Silv

er (A

g)

Cad

miu

m (C

d)

Lead

(Pb)

Mer

cury

(Hg)

Bis

mut

h (B

i)

Bar

ium

(Ba)

1 RD-16 -1 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper Right side)

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

2 RD-16 -2 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper Mid point)


3 RD-36 -1 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper-WAPDA Colony municipal effluent)


4 RD-36 -2 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point)


5 RD-36 -3 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

6 RD-50 (Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

7 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

8 KL-2 Near Lake Bank at RD-50) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

9 KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt. Rest House)


10 KL-4 (near Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar)




12 KL-6 (near picnic point) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

13 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

14 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

15 HD-5 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

16 HD-2-WWF (near Bridge Haroolo) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

17 HD-4 -WWF (Lower Haroolo-1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

18 HD-6-WWF (Lower Haroolo- 2) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

37

CHAPTER-3 WATER QUALITY AND TOXICITY ASSESSMENT

OF KB FEEDER CANAL

38

3.1 Introduction

KB Canal is feeding source of fresh water to lake and

it is originating from the River Indus. The maintenance of the

water quality of canal falls under the jurisdiction of Sindh

Irrigation Department, a major stake holder. The effluent

waste of industries operating in Kotri Industrial Area is

discharged into the canal and this is one of the major

sources of anthropogenic contamination. The other potential

pollution sources are Municipal Waste of WAPDA Colony

and domestic waste of villages settled along the canal. We

have focused the section of canal staring from RD-16 near

Hyderabad Toll Plaza on Karachi-Hyderabad National

Highway section to Head Regulator at RD-50 near Keenjihar

Lake. The drinking water flowing into canal from the Indus

River is contaminated from these three major sources of

pollution which blend the water of canal along its way.

In present study, following criteria was followed in

selecting the sampling site for sample collection (water &

sediment);

1. Before contamination from Kotri Industrial

effluents i.e site before Kotri Industrial Area

2. The waste effluent of Kotri Industrial Area i.e.

the entrance point of industrial effluent

3. After mixing of the waste effluent i.e. after the

Kotri Industrial Area

Figure 3.1 View of Sampling of water and sediment at KB Feeder Canal.

39

3.2 Results and Discussion

3.2.1 Sampling Site-1, RD-16 (Near Hyderabad Tool Plaza)

This site is located (lat 25.41319 & long 68.2893)

near Tool Plaza on Karachi-Hyderabad Highway. At this site

two water and one sediment samples were collected.

Sample collected from right bank of canal designated as

RD-16-1 (KB Feeder Canal Upper Right side) and other

from mid of canal designated as RD-16-2 (KB Feeder Canal

Upper Mid point). The sampling is shown in Figure 3.2.

The water quality analysis of both water samples for

physical parameters including Temperature, pH, and

Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, Hardness and DO was carried

out. The analysis indicates that all of the parameters are

within the permissible limits of Pak NEQS for drinking water

except Temperature and Turbidity as given in Table 3.1.

Turbidity in both of the water samples at this sampling

location was more than the four times of the Pak NEQS

limits. DO was varied form 13.6 to 15.3 mg/l. The water

soluble anion analysis was carried out for Cl-1, NO3-1, SO4

-2

and CN-1. The detail results are given in Table 3.1.

Water soluble anion analysis of the canal water

samples indicate that Cl-1, F-1, SO4-2

and NO3-1 ion were

present in the samples but the concentration of F was 1.2

mg/l (at RD-16-1) which was close to the safe limits of Pak

NEQS (1.5 mg/l) but this is alarming level as this is a cancer

causing element if accumulated in the body for long time.

The other ions were in trace concentrations as shown in

Table 3.2. Urea was also detected in sample of RD16-1 (10

mg/l) which could cause killing of water species in the canal.

The results dictate that cyanide was detected in both of the

water samples although it is in the safe limits of the Pak.

NEQS and levels of other parameters were all within the

permissible limits at this site as shown in Table 3.2.

Bacterial analysis of the water samples was

conducted for two parameters including E.Coli and Fecal

Coliform. The result depicted that both water samples

contain bacteria as E. Coli was 35 MPN/100 ml and 30

MPN/100 ml at RD16-1 and RD-16-2 respectively. Similarly,

Fecal Coliform was 60 MPN/100 ml and 65 MPN/100 ml at

RD16-1 and RD-16-2 respectively. The source of the

bacterial contamination could be from cattle farm and waste

discharged from the local settlements along the bank of the

40

canal far behind or around the sampling location of RD-16

near Tool Plaza at Karachi-Hyderabad National Highway

near Hyderabad. The details results are given in Table 3.3.

Trace and Toxic element analysis of the canal water

samples was carried to asses the toxicity in the canal water

on upside of the Kotri Industrial Area. In water samples from

RD-16, the Be, Hg and Ag were not detected in both

samples, however, higher Al concentrations (361.7 ppb)

was detected in water sample collected from mid of the

canal at location of RD-16. Trace concentrations of Al (82.7

ppb at RD-16-1 and 361.7 ppb at RD-16-2), Cr (4.21 ppb at

RD-16-1 and 2.37 ppb at RD-16-2), Ni (3.01 ppb at RD-16-1

and 4.12 ppb at RD-16-2), As (0.42 ppb at RD-16-1 and

1.36 ppb at RD-16-2), Se (4.97 ppb at RD-16-1 and 3.32

ppb at RD-16-2) and Cd (1.32 ppb at RD-16-1 and 2.65 ppb

at RD-16-2) but these levels were within permissible safe

limits of Pak NEQS as shown in Table 4-A and Table 4-B.

In comparison with toxic elements in water samples,

the sediment sample (collected from bank of KB canal at

RD-16) contains high concentration of toxic metals such as

Al (26036.9 ppm very high), Be (1.9 ppb), Cr (115.9 ppm),

Figure 3.2 Sampling at RD-16- 2

Ni (50.1 ppm), As (17.4 ppm), Se (00), Pb (26.1 ppm), and

Cd (1.5 ppm). Se and Hg were not detected in the sediment

sample at this site as shown in Table 5-A and Table 5-B.

The high concentration of toxic element in the sediment

sample was due to the deposition of these elements since

long time back.

41

3.2.2 Sampling Site-2, RD-36 (Near Kotri Ind. area effluent discharge point)

This site is located (lat=25.360600 & lon=68.29129)

at RD-36 where three water samples were collected, one of

municipal wastewater from WAPDA Colony (RD-36-1), one

of disposing Kotri Industrial Area effluent into KB canal (RD-

36-2) and one sample of KB canal water just close to

discharge point of the both wastewater (RD-36-3). The

onsite sampling is shown in Figure 3.3.

At these location two types of wastewater is

discharged into the KB Canal. The analysis showed that

WAPAD Colony wastewater has higher pH (8.51),

Conductivity (1270 us/cm) and Turbidity (46.5 NTU) than

Pak NEQS limits. DO was about 13.4 mg/l. The canal water

sample (RD-36-3) showed higher conductivity (1127 uS/cm).

If we investigate the results more deeply, the water sample

collected just after the point where both wastewaters were

discharged in the canal, the conductivity of the lake was

increased about 1.5 times the canal water samples collected

at location of RD-16 near Tool Plaza on Karachi-Hyderabad

National Highway. However, DO levels of the canal water

were decreased to 11.9 mg/L at this location.

The water soluble anion analysis of WAPDA Colony

municipal effluent (RD-36-1) indicate that the concentrations

of Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1 and SO4

-2 ions were within safe limits of

Pak NEQS for municipal wastewater discharged into the

canal. Trace amount (0.009 mg/L) of cyanide was also

detected in this wastewater and no urea was detected in the

sample. While the analysis of the Kotri Industrial wastewater

sample indicates that Cl-1 was about 2.5 times higher than

Pak NEQS limits. The concentration of cyanide (0.05 mg/L)

was very close to the safe limits. Urea was also detected in

the wastewater samples. In canal water sample (RD-36-3),

Cl-1 (196 mg/l), F-1 (0.9 mg/l), NO3-1 (1.3 ,g/l) and SO4

-2 (188

mg/l) was observed. The CN (0.014 mg/l) was also detected

while no urea was present in the samples as shown Table

3.2.

The bacterial analysis results indicated that

significant values of E.Coli (105 MPN/100 ml), Fecal

Coliform (165 MPN/100 ml) and Total Coliform (270

42

MPN/100 ml) were observed in the sample of Rd-36-1. In

canal water sample (Rd-36-3), E.Coli (20 MPN/100 ml),

(a) (b)

(c) Figure 3.3 Sampling at RD-36 at (a) WAPDA Colony municipal effluent discharge (b) KB Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point and (c) Canal Water

Fecal Coliform (77 MPN/100 ml) and Total Coliform (97

MPN/100 ml) were observed.

The trace and toxic element analysis of WAPDA

Colony waste water (RD-36-1) sample showed that

significant concentration of Al (360.6 ppb) is detected in the

sample and discharging in the KB canal. Other trace toxic

metal were also detected in very low concentration but Be,

Pb and Hg were not detected in RD-36-1 samples. In Kotri

Industrial Effluent wastewater samples, significant

concentrations of toxic element including Al (653.7 ppb), Cr

(26.84 pb), Ni (14.53 ppb), As (10.18 ppb), Cd (1.32 ppb),

and Hg (0.8 ppb) was detected in the sample of wastewater

flowing into the KB canal. The toxic element analysis

depicted that Al (275.5 ppb), Cr (3.36 ppb), Ni (4.65 ppb), As

(2.84 ppb) and Se (6.62 ppb) were detected. However, Cr,

Hg and Be were not detected. The detail analysis results are

given in Table 4-A and Table 4-B.

43

3.2.3 Sampling Site-3, RD-50

This sampling location is located (lat=25.324388 &

lon=68.325361) about 7-8 Km from RD-16 and 2-6 Km from

RD-36 of KB canal. At this site, canal one water sample and

one sediment sample was collected as shown in Figure 3.4.

The parametric analysis of the water samples

showed that all physical parameters such as pH (8.51),

conductivity (915 uS/cm), TDS (549 mg/l) and Hardness

(220 mg/l) were within prescribed safe limits of Pak NEQS

except Temperature (31.0) and Turbidity (37.7 NTU) which

were slightly exceeding the safe limits. The DO level was

14.7 mg/l which was increased from the levels of DO (11.9

mg/l) at RD-36-3 as given in Table 1.

The water soluble analysis indicated that Cl-1, F-1,

NO3-1 and SO4

-2 ions were 139 mg/l, 0.85 mg/l, 1.6 mg/l and

143 mg/l respectively. All of these ions were within the Pak

NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking). The Urea was also

detected at this site in the canal water as given in Table 3.2.

During the bacterial analysis, the levels of E. Coli,

Fecal Coliform and Total Coliform were 22 MPN/100 ml, 55

MPN/100 ml and 77 MPN/100 ml respectively which

indicated that water is not safe for drinking purposes at this

location as shown in The Table 3.3.

Figure 3.4 Sampling at RD-50 (6-7 km from RD-36)

The elemental analysis showed that the

concentrations of the toxic metals including Al, Cr, Ni, As

and Cd were 494.4 ppb, 1.94 ppb, 4.52 ppb, 2.73 ppb and

7.94 ppb respectively. Only Al was exceeding the safe limits

at this location however, Be, Se, Pb and Hg were not

detected in the canal water samples at this location as

shown in the Table 4-A and Table 4-B. While in the

44

sediment sample, the very high concentrations of toxic

metals was observed such as Al (17682.6 ppm), Cr (75.3

ppm), Ni (102.7 ppm), As (20.8 ppm), Cd (15.9 ppm) and Hg

(79.1 ppm) but Se and Pb were not detected in the sediment

samples at this site as given in the Table 5-A and Table 5-B.

These high concentrations indicate the alarming conditions.

3.2.4 Sampling Site-4, at Head Regulator of KB canal


near the Lake where the KB canal water is fed to the Lake

and water flow to lake is regulated at this point. At this

location, water sample, sediment samples were collected

and sampling is shown in Figure 3.5.

Parametric analysis of the water samples depicted that

physical parameters such as pH (8.12), conductivity (871

uS/cm), TDS (524 mg/l) and Hardness (190 mg/l) were

within prescribed safe limits of Pak NEQS except

Temperature (31.3) and Turbidity (62.1 NTU) which were

slightly exceeding the safe limits however, DO levels was

12.4 mg/l which was slightly decreased from the levels of

DO (14.7 mg/l) at RD-4 as given in Table 3.1.

At this site, water soluble ions such as Chloride,

Nitrate and Sulphate ions were 85 mg/l, 0.8 mg/l and 163

mg/l respectively but Flouride ions were not detected in the

canal water samples at this location. All of these ions were

within the Pak. NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking). The

Urea was also detected at this site with the concentration of

20 mg/l as given in Table 3.2.

The bacterial analysis showed that harmful bacteria

such as E.Coli, Fecal Coliform and Total Coliform were

detected in the water sample as 22 MPN/100 ml, 45

MPN/100 ml and 67 MPN/100 ml respectively which

indicated that water is also not safe for drinking purposes at

this location as shown in the Table 3.3.

The results of elemental analysis of water samples

showed that the concentrations of the toxic metals including

Al, Cr, Ni, As, Pb and Se were 287.8 ppb, 1.80 ppb, 5.36

ppb, 3.32 ppb, 62.7 ppb and 2.67 ppb respectively. At this

location both Al and Pb were exceeding the safe limits at

this location however, Be, Ag, Cd and Hg were not detected

in the sample at this location as shown in the Table 4-A and

Table 4-B. The analysis of sediment sample showed that

45

(a)

(b)

Figure 3.5 Sampling at RD-50 near Head Regulator of KB canal for (a) water sample collection (b) sediment sample collection

the very high concentrations of toxic metals was observed

such as Al (8101.3 ppm), Cr (56.1 ppm), Ni (27.5 ppm), As

(13.7 ppm) but Se, Ag, Cd and Hg were not found in the

sample of this site as shown in the Table 5-A and Table 5-B.

These high concentrations indicate the alarming conditions

of toxicity at this site.

3.3 Spatial Variation of Water Quality Parameters (Physical and Biological)

The water samples were collected from various

points of the KB Feeder Canal located at (i) RD-16 (Near

Hyderabad Tool Plaza), (ii) RD-36 (Kotri Industrial Area Effluent Discharge point), (iii) RD-50 (5-6 km from RD-36)

and (iv) Head Regulator (near lake). The water samples

were analyzed for water quality parameters including

physical (Temperature, pH, Turbidity, TDS, Conductivity,

Hardness, DO, Cl-1, F-1, SO4-2 and NO3

-1 etc) and biological

parameters (E-Coli and Fecal Coliform). The spatial

variation of these parameters is shown in Figure 3.6. This

figure showed that physical parameters varied as

Temperature (30.1 C to 31.3 C), pH (7.85 to 8.14), Turbidity

(21.1 NTU to 62.1 NTU), DO (11.9 to 14.7), Conductivity

(846 to 1127 uS/cm), TDS (508 to 675 mg/l), Hardness

46

(190to 290 mg/l), SO4-1 (143 to 188 mg/l) in the canal water

samples. The bacterial variation indicated that E. Coli varied

from 20 to 35 MPN/100 mL and Fecal Coliform varied from

45 to 70 MPN/mL. Figure 3.6 showed that levels of

Conductivity, TDS, Hardness Cl-1, SO4-2, NO3

-1 and Fecal

Coliform were found higher in sample of RD-36-3 where

Kotrial Industrial Area effluent and WAPDA Colony waste

flows into the canal water.

47

) (b)

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 3.6 Spatial Variation of Water Quality Parameters (indicators) of KB Canal Water.

48

TTaabbllee 33..11 PPaarraammeettrriicc AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff WWaatteerr SSaammpplleess ffrroomm KKBB CCaannaall wwaatteerr aanndd KKoottrrii IInndduussttrriiaall AArreeaa EEfffflluueenntt

S. No.

Sample Name/ ID Temp (0C) pH Conductivity

(us/cm) TDS

(mg/L) Salinity (mg/L)

Hardness

(mg/L)

Turbidity

(NTU)

DO (mg/L)

WHO/ NEQS limit 25 6.5-8.5 1000 1000 -- 500 5 --

KB Feeder Canal

1 RD-16 -1 (KB Feeder Upper Right side) 30.2 7.85 846 508 0.6 260 22.1 13.6

2 RD-16 -2 (KB Feeder Upper Mid point) 30.4 7.89 865 520 0.6 250 31.0 15.3

3 RD-36 -1 (KB Feeder Upper-WAPDA Colony municipal effluent) 31.0 8.51 1270 758 0.7 210 46.5 13.4

4 RD-36 -2 (KB Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point) 31.5 7.36 - - - - - 16.2

5 RD-36 -3 (KB Feeder Upper) 30.1 7.88 1127 676 0.7 280 32.9 11.9

6 RD-50 (KB Feeder Upper) 30.1 8.14 915 549 0.6 220 37.7 14.7

7 Head Regulator (Feed point to Lake) 31.3 8.12 871 524 0.6 190 62.1 12.4

49

TTaabbllee 33..22 WWaatteerr SSoolluubbllee AAnniioonnss aanndd UUrreeaa AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff KKBB CCaannaall wwaatteerr aanndd EEfffflluueenntt ffrroomm KKoottrrii IInndduussttrriiaall AArreeaa

S. No. Sample Name/ ID

Chloride

(mg/L)

Fluoride

(mg/L)

Nitrate

(mg/L)

Sulphate

(mg/L)

Cyanide

(mg/L)

Urea (mg/L)

WHO/ NEQS limit 250 1.5 50 250 0.05 <0.1 (WHO

guidelines)

KB Feeder Canal

1 RD-16 -1 (KB Feeder Upper Right side) 127 1.2 1.7 148 0.012 10

2 RD-16 -2 (KB Feeder Upper Mid point) 129 0.08 1.5 145 0.018 00

3 RD-36 -1 (KB Feeder Upper-WAPDA Colony municipal effluent)

135 1.1 5.6 150 0.009 00

4 RD-36 -2 (KB Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point)

765 - 0.1 135 0.05 20

5 RD-36 -3 (KB Feeder Upper) 196 0.9 1.3 188 0.014 00

6 RD-50 (KB Feeder Upper) 139 0.85 1.6 143 0.007 10

2 Head Regulator (Feed point to Lake) 85 ND 0.8 163 0.008 20

50

Table 3.3 Bacterial Analysis of KB Feeder Canal and Municipal Wastewater (from WAPDA Colony)

S. No. Sample Name/ ID E. Coli Fecal Coliform Total Coliform

WHO/ NEQS limit 0 MPN /100 mL 0 MPN /100mL 0 MPN /100mL

Feeder Canal

1 RD-16 -1 (KB Feeder Upper Right side) 35 60 95

2 RD-16 -2 (KB Feeder Upper Mid point) 30 65 95

3 RD-36 -1 (KB Feeder Upper-WAPDA Colony municipal effluent) 105 165 270

4 RD-36 -2 (KB Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point) 20 77 97

5 RD-36 -3 (KB Feeder Upper) 22 55 77

6 RD-50 (KB Feeder Upper) 22 45 67

51

Table 3.4-A Trace & Toxic Element Analysis for of KB Canal water and Kotri Industrial Effluent

S. No Sample Name/ ID

Li

(ppb)

Be

(ppb)

Na

(ppm)

Mg

(ppm)

Al (ppb)

K

(ppm)

Ca

(ppm)

V (ppb)

Cr (ppb)

Mn (ppb)

Fe (ppb)

Co (ppb)

WHO/ NEQS limit - - 200 - 200 - - - 50 500 300 -

KB Feeder Canal

1 RD-16 -1 (KB Feeder Upper Right side) 5.34 ND 25.71 5.4 82.7 1.46 5.31 0.87 4.21 2.91 111.1 0.184

2 RD-16 -2 (KB Feeder Upper Mid point) 13.73 ND 67.75 14.16 361.7 3.55 14.65 3.19 2.37 10.72 421.3 0.386


10.06 ND 73.17 15.19 360.6 4.23 15.42 3.71 2.17 5.38 416.5 0.241


27.92 0.02 984.63 28.92 653.0 27.08 56.08 8.23 26.84 218.66 1136.9 1.538

5 RD-36 -3 (KB Feeder Upper) 15.74 ND 91.9 18.25 257.5 5.91 18.73 3.24 3.36 11.2 302.1 0.310

6 RD-50 (KB Feeder Upper) 13.21 0.02 69.71 14.58 494.4 3.79 14.3 3.43 1.94 14.23 494.2 0.405

7 Head Regulator (Feed point to Lake) 16.27 ND 82.73 17.33 287.8 4.74 17.48 3.93 1.80 9.51 444.4 0.431

52

TTaabbllee 33..44--BB TTrraaccee && TTooxxiicc EElleemmeenntt AAnnaallyyssiiss ffoorr ooff KKBB CCaannaall wwaatteerr aanndd KKoottrrii IInndduussttrriiaall EEfffflluueenntt


Ni

(ppb)

Cu (ppb)

Zn (ppb)

As (ppb)

Se (ppb)

Ag (ppb)

Cd (ppb)

Pb (ppb)

Hg (ppb)

Bi (ppb)

Ba (ppb)

WHO/ NEQS limit 20 2000 5000 50 10 - 10 50 1 - 700

KB Feeder Canal

1 RD-16 -1 (KB Feeder Upper Right side)

3.01 3.19 34.34 0.42 4.97 ND 1.32 0 22 0

2 RD-16 -2 (KB Feeder Upper Mid point) 4.12 7.10 87.18 1.36 3.32 ND 2.65 0 0 22 130.5

3 RD-36 -1 (KB Feeder Upper-WAPDA Colony municipal effluent) 3.91 8.51 78.34 1.68 8.27 0.76 1.32 0 0 73 94.8

4 RD-36 -2 (KB Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point) 14.53 17.43 40.57 10.18 ND 0.19 1.32 0 0.8 22 161.8

5 RD-36 -3 (KB Feeder Upper) 4.65 8.30 67.99 2.84 6.62 ND ND 0 0 22 103.7

6 RD-50 (KB Feeder Upper) 4.52 9.31 30.24 2.73 ND 0.76 7.94 0 0 0 1336.1

7 Head Regulator (Feed point to Lake) 5.36 5.44 51.02 3.32 2.67 ND ND 62.76 0 0 68.56

53

TTaabbllee 33..55--AA TTrraaccee && TTooxxiicc EElleemmeenntt AAnnaallyyssiiss ffoorr SSeeddiimmeennttss CCoolllleecctteedd ffrroomm KKBB CCaannaall aanndd KKoottrrii IInndduussttrriiaall EEfffflluueenntt PPoonnddss


Li

(ppb)

Be

(ppb)

Na

(ppm)

Mg

(ppm)

Al (ppm)

K

(ppm)

Ca

(ppm)

V (ppm)

Cr (ppm)

Mn (ppm)

KB Feeder Canal

1 RD-16 -1 (KB Feeder Upper Right side) 50.3 1.9 6149.7 6614.9 26036.9 7884.9 6681.7 127.6 115.9 432.7

2 RD-16 -2 (KB Feeder Upper Mid point)

Sample not collected



4 RD-36 -2 (KB Feeder Upper-Industrial waste discharge point) 34.7 1.6 9241.8 5066.5 16583.0 7056.8 11555.9 85.5 61.8 433.9

5 RD-36 -3 (KB Feeder Upper) 23.3 0.9 5213.8 7427.5 19071.8 6743.6 26137.7 70.4 120.2 350.2

6 RD-50 (KB Feeder Upper) 39.7 2.0 11425.5 8310.7 17682.6 6821.5 18621.3 87.4 75.3 593.9

7 Head Regulator (Feed point to Lake) 31.5 1.5 10539.5 2052.8 8101.3 5139.9 9034.1 69.5 56.1 399.3

54

TTaabbllee 33..55--BB TTrraaccee && TTooxxiicc EElleemmeenntt AAnnaallyyssiiss ffoorr ooff SSeeddiimmeenntt SSaammpplleess CCoolllleecctteedd ffrroomm KKBB CCaannaall wwaatteerr aanndd KKoottrrii

IInndduussttrriiaall EEfffflluueenntt


Fe (ppm)

Co (ppm)

Ni (ppm)

Cu (ppm)

Zn (ppm)

As (ppm)

Se (ppm)

Ag (ppm)

Cd (ppm)

Pb (ppm)

Bi (ppm)

Hg (ppm)

KB Feeder Canal

1 RD-16 -1 (KB Feeder Upper Right side) 24090.1 15.7 50.1 38.2 95.9 17.4 0 1.2 1.5 26.1 0 0

2 RD-16 -2 (KB Feeder Upper Mid point)





17527.9 10.2 33.0 28.9 72.8 15.3 0 1.8 0.76 0 57.6 0

5 RD-36 -3 (KB Feeder Upper) 15086.0 8.7 34.2 20.4 57.3 12.4 0 0 0.76 0 0 0

6 RD-50 (KB Feeder Upper) 20387.7 15.3 102.7 40.8 248.7 20.8 0 1.6 15.9 0 0 79.1

7 Head Regulator (Feed point to Lake) 14588.6 9.1 27.5 19.4 44.7 13.7 0 0 0 0 0 0

55

CHAPTER-4 WWAATTEERR QQUUAALLIITTYY AANNDD TTOOXXIICCIITTYY AASSSSEESSSSMMEENNTT

OOFF HHAARROOOOLLOO DDRRAAIINN

56

4.1 Introduction

It is rainy water drain which carries rain water to

Keenjihar Lake when heavy rains fall in the localities. The

length of Horoolo drain is about 4 Km from Horoolo bridge to

connecting point with lake. It is water bed of this drain is

about 3-4 feet lower than the lake and lake water flow back

in the drain channel commonly. The water in this section of

drain is consumed by the near settled population, cattle and

aquatic life (fish, turtles, etc). Incase of the of heavy rain,

water level become high in the drain than lake water level

and this drain water flow into the lake. The low channel and

sampling sites are shown in Figure 4.1.

The recent incident of killing of the aquatic life has

happened in the connecting section of Haroolo drain to the

lake where the lake water flows back in this section. The

media reports indicate that the recent killing of aquatic life

was confined in this section of drain and no killing of the

aquatic life is reported in lake water body near the

connecting with this section. This undoubtedly indicate that

cause of killing comes from the;

Figure 4.1 Sampling of Water and Sediments at Various Locations of Haroolo Drain

a. Toxic drain water mixed with water in the affected

section of Haroolo drain.

b. Local dumping of waste (toxic or industrial waste)

that poisoned the water or consumed the oxygen

(in dissolved form) resulting in the suffocation for

aquatic life.

57

To investigate the above possibilities, water samples,

sediment samples and affected species (fish) samples were

collected and analyzed for;

1. Water quality parameters (Physical & Biological)

2. Toxic elements

3. Urea

The sampling detail and investigating parameters are given

in Table 2.1 and Table 2.3 of Chapter 2 of this report.


4.2.1 Sampling Site-1, near Haroolo Bridge


lon=68.04486) about 4 km from Lake. At this location, drain

was dried and contains small amount of water. The

sampling location is shown in Figure 4.2. At this location,

two water and one sediment samples were collected. One

water sample was collected on 14-04-212 by WWF-P

officials when the recent incident was happened and one

water sample was collected on 02-05-2012 by SUPARCO

survey team.

The water quality analysis (Physical & Biological) of

both samples as carried out. The analysis report of WWF-

P’s sample indicated that Temperature (30.6 0C),

Conductivity (2710 uS/cm), TDS (1625 mg/l), Hardness (750

mg/l) were exceeding the prescribed safe limits of Pak

NEQS for surface water where as pH (7.82) and Turbidity

(3.04 NTU) was within the safe limits. The DO was about

18.6 mg/l in the sample. Similarly, SUPARCO’s water

sample results showed the similar trend where Temperature

(31.8 C), Conductivity (7390 uS/cm) TDS (4440 mg/l),

Hardness (1425 mg/l), Turbidity (10.5 NTU) which were

higher than the WWF-P sample but also exceeding the

prescribed safe limits of Pak NEQS while pH (8.11) was

within the safe limits as shown in Table 4.1.

The bacterial analysis was carried out only for the

SUPARCO sample. This analysis indicates presence of the

harmful bacteria in the drain water near the bridge. The

results showed that E. Coli, Fecal Coliform and Total

Coliform were 15 MPN/100 ml, 46 MPN/100 ml and 61

MPN/100 ml as shown in The Table 4.2.

The water soluble ion analysis indicated that Cl-1, F-1,

NO3-1 and SO4


58

850 mg/l respectively in WWF-P sample while in SUPARCO

sample, the concentrations of Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1 and SO4

-2 ions

were 2255 mg/l, 0.65 mg/l, 0.9 mg/l and 760 mg/l

respectively. The Cl-1 concentrations in both samples were

exceeding the Pak NEQS limits as shown in Table 4.3. The

urea (70 mg/l) was also detected in the WWF-P sample

while significant traces of Cyanide (0.048 mg/l) were

detected in the SUPARCO sample.

The elemental analysis of WWF-P sample showed

that the concentrations of the toxic metals including Al, As,

Cr, Ni and Se were 42.67 ppb, 6.0 ppb, 8.8 ppb, 9.6 ppb, 6.6

ppb respectively. In SUPARCO sample, concentration of Al

(193.6 ppb), Ni (13.7 ppb), As (15.18 ppb), Se (8.80 ppb)

was observed which were higher than WWF-P sample while

Cr concentration, was lowered than WWF-P sample.

Although, concentration of Se was within safe limits but it is

significant level. The other toxic metals including Be, Pb and

Hg were not detected in both of the water samples.

The sediment sample analysis report indicate that a

significant concentrations of toxic metals such as Al (4883.7

ppm), Cr (17.4 ppm), Ni (14.8 ppm), As (10.9 ppm) and Cd

(0.76 ppm) was detected while Hg was not detected.

Figure 4.2 Water and Sediment Sampling near Haroolo Bridge (sample HD-1 & HD-2)

4.2.2 Sampling Site-2, Lower Haroolo-1

This site is located near the lake (lat=25.020824 &

lon=68.028993) and has fresh water body. It is most critical

section of the drain where the recent incident happened. A

large number aquatic species were found dead which drawn

the attention of the environmental activists to investigate the

situation and various experts and organizations conducted

the sampling and analysis. The reports were discussed in

59

Chapter 1 drawn no solid conclusion of the cause. The

sampling location is shown in Figure 4.3.

At this site, water (two) and sediment (one) samples

were collected. One water sample was collected on 17-04-

2012 by WWF-P staff while other sample was collected on

02-05-2012 by SUPARCO officials along with the sediment

sample. The physical parameters analysis report showed

that WWF-P water sample has Temperature (31.3 C), pH

(7.7), Conductivity (801 uS/cm) TDS (483 mg/l), Hardness

(250 mg/l) and Turbidity (3.07 NTU) and all of these

parameters were within the safe limits for drinking water of

Pak NEQS. The DO was about 9.8 mg/l in the sample as

given in Table 4.1. In SUPARCO’s water sample,

Temperature, pH, Conductivity, TDS, Hardness and

Turbidity was 30.2 0C, 7.52, 2670 uS/cm, 1608 mg/l, 700

mg/l and 68.2 NTU respectively. The results indicate that

TDS level was very high (about four times) as compared to

those of WWF-P sample.

The bacterial analysis was carried out only for the

SUPARCO sample. The results showed that E. Coli, Fecal

Coliform and Total Coliform were 15 MPN/100 ml, 65

MPN/100 ml and 80 MPN/100 ml as shown in The Table

4.2.This analysis indicates presence of the harmful bacteria

in the drain water at this site.

The water soluble ion analysis of WWF-P water

sample depict that the Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1 and SO4

-2 ions were

792 mg/l, 0.59 mg/l, 1.1 mg/l and 74 mg/l respectively which

showed that Chloride was higher than safe limits. All of

other ions were within the Pak NEQS limits. No Urea was

detected at this site. Analysis report of sample collected by

SUPARCO’s team showed the similar results i.e the

concentrations of Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1 and SO4

-2 ions were 985

mg/l, 0.88 mg/l, 2.8 mg/l and 248 mg/l respectively. The

cyanide was also detected in both of the samples. The detail

water soluble ions analysis report is given in Table 4.3.

At this site, elemental analysis of WWF-P sample


Al, Cr, Ni and As were as 146.9 ppb, 1.49 ppb, 4.35 ppb,

1.73 ppb respectively. Other toxic metals including Be, Se,

Ag, Cd, Pb and Hg were not detected in the sample. In case

of sample collected by SUPARCO’s team at this site, the

concentration of Al, Cr, Ni, As and Se were 633.7 ppb, 6.29

ppb, 10.02 ppb, 4.46 ppb and 2.94 ppb respectively while

Ag, Cd, Pb and Hg were not detected.

60

The sediment sample (collected by SUPARCO staff)

analysis for toxic element indicates that significant

concentrations of Al (846.2 ppm), Cr (33.1 ppm), Ni (32.5

ppm), As (5.7 ppm), Cd (2.3 ppm) and Pb (52.3 ppm) were

present but Hg was not found in the sediment sample.

When SUPARCO survey team visited the site, most

of dead species were removed and no sufficient samples of

the effected species were available for in-depth analysis.

The team succeeded in collecting two fish (one alive and

one dead) samples. The toxic elemental analysis of Gills

and Meat of both alive and dead fish was carried out. In both

fish samples, toxic metal including Al, Cr, Ni, As and Se

were detected however, high concentrations of Cr (3.1

ppm), Ni (10.9 ppm) and Se (2.2 ppm) were detected in the

gills of dead fish sample compared to the concentrations of

Cr (2.8 ppm), Ni (6.8 ppm) and Se (0.55 ppm) of the gills of

alive fish sample. Comparatively, high concentrations of Al

(48.5 ppm), Ni (5.4 ppm) and As (0.45 ppm) were detected

in the meat sample of dead fish than the alive fish as given

in Table 4.6.

Figure 4.3 Water and Sediment Sampling near Lower Haroolo-1 (HD-3 & HD-4)

61

4.2.3 Sampling Site-3, Lower Haroolo-2 (close to lake)


very close to the lake where either fresh lake water flow into

the drain or drain water flow into the lake. A large number of

plant species were also present in water body at this site.

At this site, water (two) and sediment (one) samples

were collected. One sample was collected on 17-04-2012 by

WWF-P staff while other sample was collected on 02-05-

2012 by SUPARCO officials along with sediment sample.

The physical parameters analysis report showed that water

sample collected by WWF-P has Temperature (31.2 C), pH

(7.74), Conductivity (825 uS/cm) TDS (494 mg/l), Hardness

(300 mg/l) and Turbidity (3.44 NTU) and all of these

parameters were within the safe limits for drinking water of

Pak NEQS. The DO was about 10.0 mg/l in the sample as

given in Table 4.1. In sample collected by SUPARCO’s

officials Temperature, pH, Conductivity, TDS, Hardness and

Turbidity was 30.2 0C, 8.12, 1937 uS/cm, 1161.0 mg/l, 450

mg/l and 49.2 NTU respectively. The results indicate that

TDS and Conductivity level were high (about 2.5 times) as

compared to those of WWF-P sample. DO was also higher

in the SUPARCO sample (15.8 mg/l). If we compare the

water sample analysis results of two sites, Lower Haroolo-1

and Lower Haroolo-2, the values of Temperature, pH,

Conductivity, TDS, Hardness, Turbidity and DO were higher

at site of Lower Haroolo-2.

The bacterial analysis of SUPARCO sample showed

that E. Coli, Fecal Coliform and Total Coliform were 19

MPN/100 ml, 85 MPN/100 ml and 104 MPN/100 ml as

shown in The Table 2.This analysis indicates presence of

the harmful bacteria in the drain water at this site.

The water soluble ion analysis of WWF-P water

sample depict that the Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1 and SO4

-2 ions were

180 mg/l, 0.65 mg/l, 1.9 mg/l and 71 mg/l respectively. All of

other ions were within the Pak NEQS limits. Urea (18.0 mg/l)

was detected in the water sample. Cyanide (0.025 mg/l) was

also detected in the sample. The analysis of SUPARCO’s

sample showed the concentrations of Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1 and

SO4-2 ions were 515 mg/l, 0.69 mg/l, 0.2 mg/l and 188 mg/l

respectively. The detail water soluble ions analysis report is

given in Table 4.3. If we compare the levels of ionic species

for sites Lower Haroolo-1 and Lower Haroolo-2, the higher

concentrations were detected in the site of Lower Haroolo-1

62

which was seriously affected or hotspot of the recent

environmental disaster.

At this site, elemental analysis of WWF-P water

sample showed that the concentrations of the toxic metals

including Al, Cr, Ni, As, Se and Cd were as 126 ppb, 2.11

ppb, 5.00 ppb, 2.14 ppb, 2.95 ppb and 0.94 ppb

respectively. Other toxic metals including Be, Ag, Pb and Hg

were not detected in the sample. While in SUPARCO’s

sample, the concentration of Al, Cr, Ni, As and Se were

437.7 ppb, 2.26 ppb, 5.39 ppb, 2.97 ppb and 2.95 ppb

respectively while Be, Ag, Cd, Pb and Hg were not detected

in the sample as given in Table 4-A and Table 4-B.

The toxic element analysis of sediment sample

(collected by SUPARCO staff) showed that significant

concentrations of Al (7185.9 ppm), Cr (76.9 ppm), Ni (40.2

ppm), As (14.5 ppm), Se (4.7 ppm), Ag (0.64 ppm), Hg (39.5

ppm) and Cd (3.8 ppm) were detected and Hg was not

found in the sediment sample. If we compare the results of

sediment sample analysis of sites Lower Haroolo-1 and

Lower Haroolo-2, the higher levels of Al, Cr, Ni, As and Pb

were observed at Lower Haroolo-1 as given in Table 5-A

and Table 5-B.

Figure 4.4 Water and Sediment Sampling near Lower Haroolo-2 (HD-5 & HD-6)

63

4.3.3 Spatial Variation of Water Quality Parameters (Physical and Biological)

Three water samples were collected from various

three different locations of the Haroolo Drain (i) near Bridge,

(ii) Lower Haroolo-1 and (iii) Lower Haroolo-2. The spatial

variation of physical water quality parameters (Temperature,

pH, Turbidity, TDS, Conductivity, Hardness, DO, Cl-1, F-1,

NO3-1 and SO4

-2 etc) and biological parameters (E-Coli and

Fecal Coliform) is shown in Figure 5. According to Figure

4.5, the physical parameters varied as Temperature (30.2 C

to 31.8 C), pH (7.33 to 8.12), Turbidity (10.5 NTU to 50

NTU), DO (11.1 to 15.8 mg/l), Conductivity (1937 to 17390

uS/cm), TDS (1161 to 4440 mg/l), Hardness (450 to 1425

mg/l), SO4-2 (188 to 760 mg/l) Cl-1 (515 to 2255 mg/l), NO3

-1

(0.2 to 3.5 mg/l) in the water samples. The bacterial

variation indicated that E. Coli varied from 15 to 21

MPN/100 mL and Fecal Coliform varied from 46 to 86


were higher than the KB Canal results. Figure 6 showed the

significant presence of toxic metals. Sediment samples of

each site depicted that As and Cr were present in each

sample while Se, Cd and Hg were detected in sample of

Lower Haroolo-2. Pb was also detected in the sediment

sample of Haroolo-1.

64

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 4.5 Spatial Variation of Water Quality Parameters (indicators) of Haroolo Drain Water

65

Figure 4.6 Spatial Distribution of Toxic elements in Sediments of Haroolo Drain

66

TTaabbllee 44..11 PPhhyyssiiccaall PPaarraammeettrriicc AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff WWaatteerr SSaammpplleess ffrroomm HHaarroooolloo DDrraaiinn

S. No. Sample Name/ ID Temp

(0C) pH Conductivity (us/cm)

TDS (mg/L)

Salinity (mg/L)

Hardness

(mg/L)

Turbidity

(NTU)

DO (mg/L)

WHO/ NEQS limit 25 6.5-8.5 1000 1000 -- 500 5 --

Horoolo Drain

1 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) 31.8 8.11 7390 4440 3.2 1425 10.5 11.1

2 HD-2-WWF (near Bridge Haroolo) 30.6 7.82 2710 1625 1.3 750 3.04 18.6

3 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) 30.2 7.52 2670 1608 1.3 700 68.2 12.0

4 HD-4 -WWF (Lower Haroolo-1) 31.3 7.7 801 483 0.6 250 3.07 9.8

5 HD-5-(SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo -2) 30.2 8.12 1937 1161 1.0 450 49.2 15.8

6 HD-6-WWF (Lower Haroolo- 2) 31.2 7.74 825 494 0.6 300 3.44 10.0

67

TTaabbllee 44..22 BBaacctteerriiaall AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff WWaatteerr SSaammpplleess ffrroomm HHaarroooolloo DDrraaiinn



Haroolo Drain

1 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) 15 46 61

2 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) 21 60 81

3 HD-5-(SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo -2) 19 85 104

68

TTaabbllee 44..33 WWaatteerr SSoolluubbllee AAnniioonnss aanndd UUrreeaa AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff WWaatteerr SSaammpplleess ffrroomm HHaarroooolloo DDrraaiinn


Chloride

(mg/L)

Flouride

(mg/L)

Nitrate

(mg/L)

Sulphate

(mg/L)

Cyanide

(mg/L)

Urea (mg/L)

WHO/ NEQS limit 250 1.5 50 250 0.05 <0.1

Haroolo Drain

1 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) 2255 0.65 0.9 760 0.048 00

2 HD-2-WWF (near Bridge Haroolo) 200 0.46 0.9 850 0.008 70

3 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) 920 0.95 3.4 223 0.031 00

4 HD-4 -WWF (Lower Haroolo-1) 792 0.59 1.1 74 0.021 0

5 HD-5-(SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo -2) 515 0.69 0.2 188 0.008 40

6 HD-6-WWF (Lower Haroolo- 2) 180 0.65 1.9 71 0.025 18

69

TTaabbllee 44..44--AA TTrraaccee && TTooxxiicc EElleemmeenntt AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff HHaarroooolloo DDrraaiinn WWaatteerr SSaammpplleess


Li

(ppb)

Be

(ppb)

Na

(ppm)

Mg

(ppm)

Al (ppb)

K

(ppm)

Ca

(ppm)

V (ppb)

Cr (ppb)

Mn (ppb)

Fe (ppb)

Co (ppb)

WHO/ NEQS limit

- - 200 - 200 - - - 50 300 -

Haroolo Drain

1 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge)

62.60 ND - - 193.6 8.53 91.01 16.83 2.24 375.21 811.7 2.052

2 HD-2-WWF (near Bridge Haroolo) 21.6 0 71.9 34.8 42.67 4.1 39.9 7.24 8.8 96.2 393 0.75

3 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) 22.18 ND 882.8 43.27 185.7 4.53 33.88 5.82 1.78 76.73 433.6 0.60

4 HD-4 -WWF (Lower Haroolo-1) 12.89 ND 54.35 12.3 146.9 2.97 9.90 2.04 1.49 9.36 213.8 0.132

5 HD-5-(SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo -2) 19.85 ND 174.6 36.6 473.7 4.28 25.49 4.07 2.26 64.68 670.2 0.537

6 HD-6-WWF (Lower Haroolo- 2) 13.36 ND 60.14 13.53 126.9 3.26 10.98 2.08 2.11 6.23 183.3 0.173

70

TTaabbllee 44..44--BB TTrraaccee && TTooxxiicc EElleemmeenntt AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff HHaarroooolloo DDrraaiinn WWaatteerr SSaammpplleess


Ni

(ppb)

Cu (ppb)

Zn (ppb)

As (ppb)

Se (ppb)

Ag (ppb)

Cd (ppb)

Pb (ppb)

Hg (ppb)

Bi (ppb)

Ba (ppb)

WHO/ NEQS limit 20 2000 5000 50 10 - 10 50 1 - 700

Haroolo Drain


Ni

(ppb)

Cu (ppb)

Zn (ppb)

As (ppb)

Se (ppb)

Ag (ppb)

Cd (ppb)

Pb (ppb)

Hg (ppb)

Bi (ppb)

Ba (ppb)

WHO/ NEQS limit 20 2000 5000 50 10 - 10 50 1 - 700

1 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) 13.57 24.13 23.35 15.18 8.80 ND 0.94 0 0 0 29.14

2 HD-2-WWF (near Bridge Haroolo) 9.6 9.8 146.4 6.0 5.6 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) 8.33 12.87 27.31 3.14 7.38 ND ND 65.38 0 0 264.5

4 HD-4 -WWF (Lower Haroolo-1) 4.35 8.96 33.81 1.73 ND ND ND 0 0 0 67.24

5 HD-5-(SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo -2) 5.39 8.69 31.00 2.97 2.95 ND ND 0 0 0 152.4

6 HD-6-WWF (Lower Haroolo- 2) 5.00 6.07 182.2 2.14 2.95 ND 0.94 0 0 24.99 80.69

71

Table 4.5-A Trace & Toxic Element Analysis of Sediment Samples Collected from Haroolo Drain


Li

(ppb)

Be

(ppb)

Na

(ppm)

Mg

(ppm)

Al (ppm)

K

(ppm)

Ca

(ppm)

V (ppm)

Cr (ppm)

Mn (ppm)

Haroolo Drain

1 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) 11.8 0.07 9167.9 1931.8 4883.7 1775.8 31459.8 23.3 17.4 173.6

2 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) 27.4 1.3 5679.5 5033.4 8457.0 4518.6 20961.6 77.0 83.5 433.8

3 HD-5-(SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo -2) 17.4 0.6 7349.1 6158.1 7185.9 4259.3 14215.4 61.0 76.9 323.7

72

TTaabbllee 44..55--BB TTrraaccee && TTooxxiicc EElleemmeenntt AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff SSeeddiimmeenntt SSaammpplleess CCoolllleecctteedd ffrroomm HHaarroooolloo DDrraaiinn


Fe (ppm)

Co (ppm)

Ni (ppm)

Cu (ppm)

Zn (ppm)

As (ppm)

Se (ppm)

Ag (ppm)

Cd (ppm)

Pb (ppm)

Bi (ppm)

Hg (ppm)

Haroolo Drain

1 HD-1 -SUPARCO (near Haroolo Bridge) 3521.5 3.6 14.8 19.4 67.4 10.9 0 1.1 0.76 0 0 0

2 HD-3 –SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo-1) 17208.8 10.5 42.4 17.9 54.8 11.6 0 0 0 26.2 0 0

3 HD-5-(SUPARCO (Lower Haroolo -2) 11434.3 7.7 40.2 58.8 528.4 14.5 4.7 0.64 3.8 0 0 39.5

73

TTaabbllee 44..66 EElleemmeennttaall AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff FFiisshh ((DDeeaadd && AAlliivvee)) ffrroomm CCoolllleecctteedd AAffffeecctteedd SSeeccttiioonn ooff HHaarroooolloo DDrraaiinn,, HHDD--33 ––

SSUUPPAARRCCOO ((LLoowweerr HHaarroooolloo--11))

Parameters Gills of dead fish (ppm) Gills of alive fish

(ppm) Meat of dead fish

(ppm) Meat of alive fish (ppm)

WHO/ NEQS limit

1 Li 0.3 0.75 1.7 0.35

2 Be 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.089

3 Na 507.3 604.9 3251.6 411.5

4 Mg 945.0 1031.1 2276.1 979.1

5 Al 35.4 242.0 48.5 17.2

6 K 1285.5 553.0 1600.6 314.1

7 Ca 19985.5 32325.0 20577.7 17149.1

8 V 0.48 1.5 0.72 0.31

9 Cr 3.1 2.8 2.6 3.2

10 Mn 34.6 42.3 26.9 21.7

11 Fe 234.6 334.8 220.7 246.6

12 Co 0.39 0.44 0.19 0.23

13 Ni 10.9 6.8 5.4 3.9

74

Parameters Gills of dead fish (ppm) Gills of alive fish (ppm)

Meat of dead fish (ppm) Meat of alive fish (ppm)

14 Cu 1.8 3.2 2.3 2.5

15 Zn 96.9 117.2 77.6 140.9

16 As 0.26 0.75 0.45 0.23

17 Se 2.2 0.55 0 0.56

18 Ag 0.1 0 0 0.16

19 Cd 0 1.2 0 0.39

20 Pd 0 0 0 0

21 Bi 0 0 0 0

22 Hg 0 0 0 0

75

CHAPTER-5 WWAATTEERR QQUUAALLIITTYY AANNDD TTOOXXIICCIITTYY AASSSSEESSSSMMEENNTT

OOFF KKEEEENNJJIIHHAARR LLAAKKEE

76

5.1 Introduction

The operation of the lake is governed by what

materials enter the lake, leaves the lake and remains in

circulation. Lakes are characterized by a low, average current

velocity of 0.001 to 0.01 meters per second at its surface.

Water residence times in lake range from one month to

several years. Currents within lakes are multidirectional and,

many lakes have alternating periods of stratification and

vertical mixing. Similarly, quality of lake water is related to

inputs, like discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater,

diffused pollution from agricultural sources, discharge of toxic

substances from industries and thermal discharges, a specific

water quality problem may have its origin elsewhere. The

following principle will illustrate the point. Lakes have large

buffering capacities and can withstand certain levels of

pollutants. The buffering capacity is in the shape of the ability

of sediments to accumulate pollutants. Once the capacity has

exhausted, further input of pollutants will be reflected in the

water. This may give an impression that the problem has

occurred recently (e.g., lead in Keenjhar Lake), but, in

practice, the problem may have occurred many months ago.

The lake is a major source of drinking water for Karachi and

part of Thatta district, a picnic point and source of livelihood

for thousands of locals. It was created in 1930s from the union

of two smaller lakes Keenjhar and Kalri by the construction of

a dam at Chilya and a 12 km embankment on the eastern

side. Indus is only source of water which provides the

required water to Keenjhar through KB Feeder which starts

from Kotri Barrage. Keenjhar also known as Kalri Lake is the

only remaining fresh water body existing in Thatta

which is a hope for survival of two crore people living

in Karachi and in Thatta, In this dependency, the

degradation of the lake by many causative agents cannot be

ignored (WWF-P Report).

This lake is situated at least 60km away from the

industrial zone of Kotri and Jamshoro but it is receiving their

out flow regularly since long time. Nori industrial zone was

established towards the western and north western side of

the lake area at least 30 to 40 km away but the eutrphication

level of lake is indicating that huge quantity of polluted

water regularly contaminating it at its north western side

and making it more vulnerable, no action was taken yet. Due

to that contamination in water fish production has seriously

affected, nursery grounds offish had deteriorated. The name

77

of Keenjhar now can be termed as a "live picture of poverty"

"place where greedy people are living"

Figure 5.1 Satellite View of Study Area (Keenjihar Lake)

Table 5.1 (a) Important Features of Keenjhar Lake

Surface Area 9842 Ha

Storage Capacity 0.508 million acre feet

Usable Capacity 0.38 million acre feet

Average Depth 6 m

Length of Embankments 31 Km

Maximum Height of Embankments 9 Km

Deposition of Silt per year 4335 acre feet

Original life Expectancy 132 years

Reduced life after Silting 87 years

Life Expectancy after Construction of Link Canal (by-passing Keenjhar Lake)

192 years

Main water supply Source KB Feeder (Upper)

Outlet KB Feeder (Lower) & KDA Canal

78

5.1.1 Ecological Features and Status

Keenjhar Lake was declared as a Game Sanctuary in

1971 and designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1977 under

the Sind Wild life ordinance 1973. Population of migrants

(100000-200000 birds) during the winter was appreciated

worldwide and was selected as a Ramsar site. The lake is

internationally important for a wide variety of breeding,

staging, passage and wintering waterbirds. The wintering

birds include ducks and geese, shorebirds, flamingos,

cormorants, herons and egrets, ibises, coots, gulls, terns etc.

The breeding birds reported from this wetland are Cotton

Teal, Night Heron, Pheasant tailed Jacana and Purple

Moorehen. About 100,000 birds have been recorded from this

wetland in winter. This lake has rich submerged and floating

aquatic vegetation. The natural vegetation of the surrounding

area is tropical thorn forest. The Lake is rich in fish fauna and

supports the livelihood of about 50,000 local people. Main

activities at the site are commercial fishing, nature

conservation and public recreation. The number of birds in

and around Keenjhar Lake has dropped to a mere 1,750 from

50,000-150,000 in 1970, according to a recent survey.

According to surveys conducted by the WWF-Pakistan, there

were 13,000 birds residing in the area during the winter of

2007. In January 2008, the figure dropped to 7,000, in

November and December the figure declined further to 4,000

and 2,200 birds, respectively and the latest figure of January

2009 was 1,750, said the survey.

Table 5.1(b) Some Common Birds in Ecosystem of Keenjihar Lake

Common Birds Common Name Technical Name Status Common Teal Anas Crecca Migrant Common Pochard Aythya Ferina Migrant Common Coot Fulica Atra Migrant Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax Carbo Migrant Indian Shag Phalecrocorax

Fuscicollis Migrant

Little Grebe Tachybaptus Ruficollis Resident Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax Miger Resident Mallard Anas Platyrhynchos Migrant Pintail Anas Acuta Migrant Shoveller Anas Clypeata Migrant White Breasted Water Hen

Amauromis Phoenicurus

Resident

79

The survey stated that unabated hunting, particularly

through hanging nets and shooting, loss of habitat, loss of

feeding grounds, an increase in the water level, unrestricted

boat traffic and unsustainable fishing practices were behind

the problem. Some common species of birds are given in

Table 5.1 b.


For the, following sites were selected to collect the

samples near;

4. KL-1 (KG Canal)

5. KL-2 (Near Bank at RD-50)

6. KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt Rest House)

7. KL-4 (Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar)

8. KL-5 (Mid of Lake between Noori Jam Tamachi Mazar and Picnic Point)

9. KL-6 (Picnic Point)

5.2.1 KL-1 (KG Canal)


near the regulator of KG Canal at the Keenjihar Lake where

lake water flows into the KG canal. At this point, one water

sample was collected and shown in Figure 5.2.

. The analysis for physical parameters such as pH,

conductivity, TDS, Salinity, Hardness and DO indicate that all

of the parameters are within the permissible limits of Pak

NEQS for drinking water expect DO was 14.3 mg/l. The detail

results are given in Table 5.2.

The water soluble anion analysis results showed that

Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1 and SO4

-2 were 62 mg/l, 0.75 mg/l, 2.0 mg/l

and 93 mg/l respectively. Cyanide was also detected in tracer

amount (0.013 mg/l) and no Urea was found in the sample.

The detail results are given in Table 5.3.

The Bacterial analysis of the water sample showed that

E.Coli and Fecal Coliform were present and the levels were

30 MPN/100 ml and 70 MPN/100 ml respectively. The details

results are given in Table 5.4.

Toxic element analysis of the water sample showed

that concentrations of Al Cr Ni As and Cd were 51.6 ppb 6.05

ppb 3.12 ppb and 2.3 ppb respectively while Be, Hg, Pb and

Se were not detected in the sample. These levels were within

80

permissible safe limits of Pak NEQS as shown in Table 5-A

and Table 5-B.

Figure 5.2 Sampling Team at KL-1 (KG Canal) the regulator of KG Canal 5.2.2 KL-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50)

This site is located the middle of the lake having

geological coordinates as (lat=24.904027 & lon=68.053722)

and sampling is shown in Figure 5.3.

The analysis report of the physical indicators

(parameters) of water quality depicted that physical

parameters such as pH (8.35), conductivity (547 uS/cm), TDS

(328 mg/l), Turbidity (1.77 NTU) and Hardness (225 mg/l)

were within prescribed safe limits of Pak NEQS except

Temperature (30.3) which was slightly exceeding the safe

limits however, DO levels was 13.0 mg/l which was slightly

increase from the levels of DO (9.3 mg/l and 10.2 mg/l) at the

sites near Rest House and Mid of Lake as given in Table 5.2.



detected in the water sample as 15 MPN/100 ml, 39 MPN/100

ml and 54 MPN/100 ml respectively which indicated that water

is also not safe for drinking purposes at this location as given

in Table 5.3. At this site, water soluble ions such as Cl-1, NO3-

1, SO4-1, F-1 and CN-1 ions were 65 mg/l, 0.9 mg/l, 90 mg/l,

0.02 mg/L and 0.006 respectively. All of these ions were

within the Pak NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking). The

Urea was not detected at this site as given in Table 5.4. The

results of elemental analysis of water samples showed that

the concentrations of the toxic metals including Al, Cr, Ni, As,

and Se were 87.4 ppb, 1.52 ppb, 2.61 ppb, 3.09 ppb, and

81

1.37 ppb respectively. Be, Ag, Cd, Pd and Hg were not

detected in the sample at this location as shown in the Table

5-A and Table 5-B. All of these metals were within the Pak

NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking).


the sediment sample (collected from Lake Mid Point near

Bank / RD-50) contains high concentration of toxic metals

such as Al (4838.3 ppm very high), Be (0.2 ppb), Cr (27.4

ppm very high), Ni (19.1 ppm), As (25.2 ppm), Se (3.5 ppm)

and Ag (1.4 ppm). Pb, Cd and Hg were not detected in the

sediment sample at this site as shown in Table 5.6-A and

Table 5.6-B. The high concentration of toxic element in the

sediment sample was due to the deposition of these elements

since long time back.

Figure 5.3 Sampling at KL-2 near Lake Bank at RD-50

5.2.3 KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt Rest House)


lon=68.057041) about 2 Km from the picnic point. At this site,

one water sample and one sediment sample was collected.

The sampling is shown in Figure 5.4.

The parametric analysis of the water samples showed

that all physical parameters such as pH (8.32), conductivity

(561 uS/cm), TDS (336 mg/l), Turbidity (1.33 NTU) and

82

Hardness (215 mg/l) were within prescribed safe limits of Pak

NEQS except Temperature (30.5) which was slightly

exceeding the safe limits. The DO level was 9.3 mg/l which

was decrease from the levels of DO at KG Canal water as

given in Table 5.2.



MPN/100 ml and 32 MPN/100 ml respectively which indicated

that water is not safe for drinking purposes at this location as

shown in The Table 5.3.


NO3-1 and SO4



NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking). The Urea was not

detected at this site as given in Table 5.4.

The elemental analysis showed that the concentrations

of the toxic metals including Al, Cr, Ni, and As were 128.1

ppb, 1.34 ppb, 3.65 ppb, and 2.27 ppb respectively. Be, Se,

Pb and Hg were not detected in the water samples at this

location as shown in the Table 5-A and Table 5-B. All of these

metals were within the Pak NEQS limits for surface water

(Drinking).

Figure 5.4 Sampling Team at KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt Rest House)

5.2.4 KL-4 (Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar)


near mazar of Noori Jam Tamachi in main body of Lake water

and one water sample is collected as shown in Figure 5.5.

The parametric analysis of the water samples showed that all

83


uS/cm), TDS (378 mg/l), Turbidity (1.73 NTU) and Hardness

(210 mg/l) were within prescribed safe limits of Pak. NEQS

except Temperature (29.9) which was slightly exceeding the

safe limits. The DO level was 10.0 mg/ as given in Table 5.2.


NO3-1 and SO4



NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking). The Urea was not

detected at this site as given in Table 5.3.



MPN/100 ml and 20 MPN/100 ml respectively which indicated

that water is not safe for drinking purposes at this location as

shown in The Table 5.4.

The elemental analysis showed that the concentrations

of the toxic metals including Al, Cr, Ni, As, Cd and Se were

93.6 ppb, 7.46 ppb, 4.97 ppb, 1.88 ppb, 1.13 ppb and 1.77

ppb respectively. Be, Pb and Hg were not detected in the

water samples at this location as shown in the Table 5.5-A

and Table 5.5-B. All of these metals were within the Pak.

NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking).

5.2.5 KL-5 (Mid of Lake between Noori Jam Tamachi Mazar and Picnic Point)


near the Mid of Lake near Noori Jam Tamachi Mazar.





except Temperature (30.1) which was slightly exceeding the

safe limits however, DO levels was 10.2 mg/l which was

slightly increase from the levels of DO (9.3 mg/l) at the site

near Rest House.

At this site, water soluble ions such as Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1

and SO4-2, and Cyanide ions were 75 mg/l, 1.15 mg/l, 0.4

mg/l, 90 mg/L and 0.018 respectively. All of these ions were


Urea was not detected at this site.

84

Figure 5.5 Sampling near Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar located in

the mid of lake The bacterial analysis showed that harmful bacteria




is also not safe for drinking purposes at this location as shown

in The Table 5.4.



Al, Cr, Ni, As and Cd were 84.7 ppb, 5.18 ppb, 6.72 ppb, 3.27

and 1.13 respectively. Be, Ag, Pd, Se and Hg were not


5.5-A and Table 5.5-B. All of these metals were within the

Pak NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking).

5.2.6 KL-6 (Picnic Point)


near the picnic point. At this location, water sample, sediment

samples were collected as shown in Figure 5.6.





except Temperature (30.3 0C) which was slightly exceeding

the safe limits however, DO levels was 10.0 mg/l which was

slightly decreased from the levels of DO (10.2 mg/l) at Mid of

Lake as given in Table 5.2.

At this site, water soluble ions such as Cl-1, NO3-1,

SO4-2, F-1 and Cyanide ions were 80 mg/l, 1.1 mg/l, 146 mg/l,

0.13 mg/L and 0.009 respectively. All of these ions were


Urea was not detected at this site as given in Table 5.3.

85





is also not safe for drinking purposes at this location as shown

in The Table 5.4.



Al, Cr, Ni, As, and Se were 44.1 ppb, 3.75 ppb, 6.86 ppb, and

1.32 ppb, respectively. Only concentration of Al is higher than

the limit of Pak NEQS. Be, Se, Ag, Cd, Pd and Hg were not


5.5-A and Table 5.5-B. All of these metals were within the

Pak. NEQS limits for surface water (Drinking).


the sediment sample (collected Near Picnic Point) contains

high concentration of toxic metals such as Al (6305.9 ppm

very high), Be (0.8 ppb), Cr (49.8 ppm), Ni (19.6 ppm), As

(15.9 ppm) and Ag (2.0 ppm). Pb, Se, Cd and Hg were not

detected in the sediment sample at this site as shown in Table

5.6-A and Table 5.6-B.

Figure 5.6 Sampling at KL-6 (Picnic Point)

5.3 Spatial Distribution Water Quality Parameters in Lake Water samples (Physical and Biological)

For spatial distribution of lake water quality parameters,

water samples were collected from six (06) different locations

of lake. The spatial variation of physical water quality

parameters (Temperature, pH, Turbidity, TDS, Conductivity,

Hardness, DO, Cl-1, F-1, NO3-1 and SO4

-2 etc) and biological

parameters (E-Coli and Fecal Coliform) is shown in Figure

86

5.7. According to Figure 5.7, the physical parameters varied

as Temperature (29.9 C to 30.5 C), pH (7.74 to 8.8.47),

Turbidity (1.33 NTU to 8.75 NTU), DO (9.3 to 14.3 mg/l),

Conductivity (542 to 628 uS/cm), TDS (326 to 378 mg/l),

Hardness (160 to 240 mg/l), SO4-2 (90 to 146 mg/l) Cl-1 (62 to

89 mg/l), NO3-1 (0.2 to 2.0 mg/l) in the water samples. The

bacterial variation indicated that E. Coli varied from 5 to 30

MPN/100 mL and Fecal Coliform varied from 12 to 70


were lower from both the feeding sources i.e KB Feeder

Canal and Haroolo Drain. Figure 5.7 also showed that Arsenic

(As) and Chromium (Cr) were detected while Lead (Pb) and

Mercury (Hg) were not found in any of the lake water sample.

87

(a)

(b)

Figure 5.7 Spatial Variation of Water Quality Parameters (indicators) of Karli Lake Water

88

(c)

(d)


89

(e)


90

TTaabbllee 55..22 PPhhyyssiiccaall PPaarraammeettrriicc AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff WWaatteerr SSaammpplleess ffrroomm KKeeeennjjiihhaarr LLaakkee

S. No.

Sample Name/ ID Temp (0C)

pH Conductivity

(us/cm) TDS

(mg/L) Salinity (mg/L)

Hardness

(mg/L)

Turbidity

(NTU)

DO (mg/L)

WHO/ NEQS limit 25 6.5-8.5

1000 1000 -- 500 5 --

Lake

1 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed) 30.0 7.74 542 326 0.5 160 8.75 14.3

2 KL-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50) 30.3 8.35 547 328 0.5 225 1.77 13.0

3 KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt. Rest House) 30.5 8.32 561 336 0.5 215 1.33 9.3

4 KL-4 (near Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar) 29.9 8.42 628 378 0.5 210 1.73 10.0

5 KL-5 (Mid of Lake between Noori Jam Tamachi Mazar and Picnic Point) 30.1 8.35 569 335 0.5 240 1.72 10.2

6 KL-6 (near picnic point) 30.1 8.47 561 337 0.5 218 2.68 10.0

91

Table 5.3 Bacterial Analysis of Keenjihar Lake water



Lake

1 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed 30 70 100

2 KL-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50) 15 39 54

3 KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt. Rest House) 10 22 32

4 KL-4 (near Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar) 5 15 20


9 12 21

5 KL-6 (near picnic point) 22 60 82

92

TTaabbllee 55..44 WWaatteerr SSoolluubbllee AAnniioonnss aanndd UUrreeaa AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff Keenjihar Lake water


Chloride

(mg/L)

Fluoride

(mg/L)

Nitrate

(mg/L)

Sulphate

(mg/L)

Cyanide

(mg/L)

Urea (mg/L)

WHO/ NEQS limit 250 1.5 50 250 0.05 <0.1

Lake

1 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed 62 0.75 2.0 93 0.013 00

2 KL-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50) 65 0.02 0.9 90 0.006 00

3 KL-3 (Sindh Irrigation Deptt. Rest House) 73 0.05 1.2 107 0.009 00

4 KL-4 (near Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar) 89 0.15 0.6 105 0.021 00


75 1.15 0.4 90 0.018 00

6 KL-6 (near picnic point) 80 0.13 1.1 146 0.009 00

93

Table 5.5-A Trace & Toxic Element Analysis of Keenjihar Lake Water Samples


Li

(ppb)

Be

(ppb)

Na

(ppm)

Mg

(ppm)

Al (ppb)

K

(ppm)

Ca

(ppm)

V (ppb)

Cr (ppb)

Mn (ppb)

Fe (ppb)

Co (ppb)

WHO/ NEQS limit - - 200 - 200 - - - 50 500 300 -

Lake

1 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed

11.64 ND 44.12 10.13 151.6 3.25 8.62 2.45 6.05 6.42 159.6 0.207

2 KL-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50) 12.77 ND 49.27 11.34 87.4 3.56 9.11 2.28 1.52 4.11 210.3 0.252


11.51 ND 43.93 10.05 128.1 3.01 7.23 2.15 1.34 3.55 161.1 0.202


12.13 ND 37.97 8.8 93.6 2.40 8.07 1.43 7.46 3.70 155.7 0.136


13.14 ND 40.39 9.8 84.7 2.81 7.85 1.97 5.18 4.29 103.2 0.072

6 KL-6 (near picnic point) 12.26 ND 38.94 9.46 444.1 2.88 8.01 2.97 3.75 10.50 343.2 0.251

94

Table 5.5-B Trace & Toxic Element Analysis of Keenjihar Lake Water Samples


Ni

(ppb)

Cu (ppb)

Zn (ppb)

As (ppb)

Se (ppb)

Ag (ppb)

Cd (ppb)

Pb (ppb)

Hg (ppb)

Bi (ppb)

Ba (ppb)

WHO/ NEQS limit 20 2000 5000 50 10 - 10 50 1 - 700

Lake

1 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed 3.12 7.79 18.58 2.3 ND 0.19 1.32 0 0 0 67.24

2 KL-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50) 2.61 3.39 33.27 3.09 1.37 ND ND 0 0 0 22.41


3.65 7.99 36.62 2.27 1.33 0.23 ND 0 0 0 0

4 KL-4 (near Noori Jam Tamaji Mazar) 4.97 6.65 31.7 1.88 1.77 ND 1.13 0 0 0 35.8


6.72 7.23 43.49 3.27 ND ND 1.13 0 0 0 31.38

6 KL-6 (near picnic point) 6.86 3.94 51.97 1.32 ND ND ND 0 0 25.1 53.7

95

Table 5.6-A Trace & Toxic Element Analysis of Keenjihar Lake Sediment Samples


Li

(ppb)

Be

(ppb)

Na

(ppm)

Mg

(ppm)

Al (ppm)

K

(ppm)

Ca

(ppm)

V (ppm)

Cr (ppm)

Mn (ppm)

Lake

1 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed 45.3 1.2 5717.1 2365.8 9509.1 3748.9 11963.1 214.3 133.6 639.6

2 KL-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50) 11.1 0.2 8243.6 4476.4 4838.3 2724.6 51327.3 49.0 27.4 366.8







6 KL-6 (near picnic point) Sample not collected

96

Table 5.6-B Trace & Toxic Element Analysis of Keenjihar Lake Sediment Samples


Fe (ppm)

Co (ppm)

Ni (ppm)

Cu (ppm)

Zn (ppm)

As (ppm)

Se (ppm)

Ag (ppm)

Cd (ppm)

Pb (ppm)

Bi (ppm)

Hg (ppm)

Lake

1 KL-1 (near KG Canal Karachi Feed

47646.5

33.0 66.6 66.9 87.9 21.7 0 0.11 0 0 0 0

2 KL-2 (Near Lake Bank at RD-50)

5762.9

4.8 19.1 22.9 90.3 25.2 3.5 1.4 0 0 0 0







6 KL-6 (near picnic point) Sample not collected

97

CHAPTER-6 GGIISS--BBAASSEEDD MMAAPPPPIINNGG ooff WWAATTEERR QQUUAALLIITTYY AANNDD

TTOOXXIICCIITTYY OOFF KKEEEENNJJIIHHAARR LLAAKKEE

98

6.1 Introduction

Traditional catchment-scale water quality

assessments are based on monitoring chemical and

biological indicators at selected sites to observe long-

term trends. Due to the spatial distribution of water

quality parameters, Grayson et al. (1997) and Eyre &

Pepperell (1999) advocated the use of short-duration,

spatially extensive water quality sampling during steady-

state conditions. This sampling methodology provides an

instantaneous view of the spatial variation of water

quality under stable, low flow conditions.

Remote sensing and GIS are effective tools for

water quality mapping and land cover mapping essential

for monitoring, modeling, and environmental change

detection. The GIS is potential tool for facilitating the

generation and use of thematic information, has been

applied for identification of groundwater quality

measurement for domestic and irrigation uses. GIS is

one of the best and effective systems for mass

assessment. In real scenario, water quality problems of a

lake cannot be assessed by taking a few water samples

as lakes are open systems and are integrated

components of the watershed. But through application of

the advance techniques like GIS, we can resolve this

problem and obtain a real picture of Lake water quality

assessment. (Aguilar-Manjarrez et al, 1995; Ganapathy

et al, 2004)

In this study, GIS based spatial analysis was

carried out for water quality parameters of Keenjihar Lake

water.

6.2 GIS Tools for Mapping of Lake Water Quality

In the present study, following GIS and image

processing tools were used for mapping spatial

distribution of water quality parameters and toxic

elements;

1. ArcGIS Map 9.0 (Spatial Analysis Tool)

2. Envi 4.0 (an Image Processing Software)

3. GPS Recever (A Tool for Coordinates

Measurement)

99


The spatial analysis was carried out by Krigging

Method implemented in ArcGIS. The subsequent figures

(Figure 6.1) showed the spatial distribution of water

quality parameters including pH, Turbidity, TDS, DO,

Salinity, Conductivity, Hardness, Cl-1, SO4-2 and NO3

-1.

These figure showed that pH varied from 7.61 to 8.47,

Turbidity from 0.114 to 61.96 NTU, TDS from 327.7 to

523.61 mg/l), DO from 10.245 to 12.518 mg/l, Salinity

from 0.497 to 0.599 mg/l, Conductivity from 546.28 to

870.348 uS/cm, Hardness from 150 to 239.788 mg/l,

NO3-1 from 0.405 to 2.4 mg/l, SO4

-2 from 94 to 157.195

mg/l and Cl-1 from 65.07 to 88.8748 mg/l in the water

samples. Li, 11.66 ppb, Fe from 150.423.497 ppb, Co

from 0.11 to 0.421 ppb, Cr from 1.527 to 7.429 ppb, Na

from 37.9 to 82.62 ppb, K from 2.403 to 4.735 ppb, Mg

8.81 to 17.31 ppm, Ca from 7.85 to 17.457 ppm and Ba

from 22.50 to 80 ppb.

6.4 References

1. Eyre, B. D. & Pepperell, P. 1999 A spatially intensive approach to water quality monitoring in the Rous River catchment, NSW, Australia. J. Environ. Mngmnt. 56, 91–118.

2. Grayson, R. B., Gippel, C. J., Finlayson, B. L. &

Hart, B. T. 1997 Catchment-wide impacts on water

quality: the use of ‘snapshot’ sampling during

stable flows. J. Hydrol. 199, 121–134.

3. Aguilar-Manjarrez J, Ross LG (1995).

geographical information system (GIS)

Environmental models for aquaculture

development in Sinaloa State, Mexico.

Aquacult. Int., 3: 103-115.

4. Ganapathy C, Ernest A (2004). Water Quality

Assessment Using Web Based GIS and

Distributed Database Management Systems.

Environ. Inform. Arch., 2: 938–945

100

6.1 Figures showing

Spatial Distribution of Lake Water Quality Parameters

(Physical & Toxic Elements)

123

CHAPTER-7 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

124

7.1 Conclusion

The analysis results of lake feeding sources (a) KB

Canal and (b) Haroolo Drain indicate that these are the two

major sources of pollution accumulating in the lake and are

becoming threat to both lake aquatic life and human

population relying on the lake water for drinking purposes.

The analysis reports indicate that cyanide traces were

detected in the all water samples but the significant levels

were found in samples collected at RD-16-1 and RD16-2 near

Toll Plaza near Hyderabad on National Highway. Pb and Cr

were detected in each of the water samples of canal water.

Significant concentration of Pb (62.79 ppb) was found in the

water sample collected at site of Rd-50 near Head Regulator.

Significant concentrations of toxic metals such as Al, Hg, Pb,

Be, Ni, As, Ag and Se were detected in sediment samples.

The levels of Conductivity, TDS, Hardness Cl-1, SO4-2, NO3

-1

and Fecal Coliform were found higher in sample of RD-36-3

where Kotri industrial area effluent and WAPDA Colony waste

flows into the canal water. Therefore, it is concluded that

major source of water pollution is effluent discharged into the

canal.

The levels of Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, Temperature

Hardness Cl-1, SO4-2, were found higher in sample of site

HD-1 near Haroolo Bridge. This indicates that water with high

conductivity and TDS flows into the section of Lower Haroolo-

1 and Lower Haroolo-2 and mixed with lake water (due to

back flow into affected section of Haroolo drain). Higher

levels of DO, E.Coli and Fecal Coliform were observed in the

samples of Lower Haroolo-1 and (iii) Lower Haroolo-2 sites.

Similarly, significant amount of Urea (70 mg/l) was also

detected in the WWF-P sample collected on 17-04-2012

which indicates that this Urea contains water flows into the

affected section and imposed threat to the aquatic life in this

portion. The samples of site Lower Haroolo-2 showed the

presence of urea in the water. The trace level of the toxic

metals including Al, As, Cr, Ni and Se were detected in each

of the water sample.

“The commulative effect of instant increased

demand of DO (usualy in middle of the night when

plant photosynthesis reverses and competes with

the fish for oxygen), toxic metals (Pb, Se, Ni and

As) and Urea due to flow of rain from upper side

of the drain into affteced section close to the Lake

125

put the threat to the aquatic life and caused the

recent killing”

The results indicated that water quality parameters

(Physical) in each of the water samples were within safe

limits of Pak NEQS for drinking water. The higher DO was

measured at site of Lake exit near KG Canal Regulator. This

indicate the presence of organic species and if this increased

to much higher level then similar incident may happen in this

location of the lake. Moreover, E. Coli and Fecal coliform

bacteria were also detected in each of water sample which

make lake unfit to use for dinking purposes without treating.

The toxic element such as As, Ni, Cr, Al were also detected in

the sediment samples of Lake and traces amount of cyanide

was also detected in the lake water samples. Although,

cyanide is in trace concentrations but it make fatal effects if

water is frequently used by the livings and accumulative

effect may results in killings of aquatic life as well as the

human and animals using this water for drinking purposes.

Although, cyanide is in trace concentrations but it

make fatal effects if water is frequently used by the livings

and accumulative effect may results in killings of aquatic life

as well as the human and animals using this water for

drinking purposes.

7.2 Recommendations

In light of the results discussed above, it is recommended to;

• A strict and prompt action by the concerned authorities

(including Irrigation Department , KSWB and Sindh

EPA) to block the discharge of effluent of Kotri

Industrial Area which is major source toxic elements

into KB canal.

• Develop an action plan to prevent dumping of waste

into the main channel of Haroolo Drain or at least put

check to avid the mixing of rain water flowing through

Haroolo drain water to Lower Haroolo drain section

where lake water flow back into drain section

especially during heavy rains in the localities to avoid

future incident of massive killing of aquatic life in the

Lower Haroolo section.

• The flow of KB canal to lake is to be regulated in light

of pollution load in lake water.

126

• Detailed analysis of Surface and In-depth (vertical)

water of lake water using GIS based techniques.

• Device a GIS based monitoring mechanism of lake

feeding sources (a) KB Feeder Canal and (b) Haroolo

drain and Lake itself is to be carried out by jointly all

stakeholders (Sindh EPA, Irrigation Department,

Karachi Water & Sewerage Board) and external expert

agency on monthly basis.

• Early completion of the combined effluent treatment

plant at Kotri

127

Annexure-I (News Paper Articles)

128

Toxic drain kills fish, pollutes Keenjhar Lake By Faiza Ilyas | April 19, 2012 Daily DAWN Karachi

KARACHI, April 18: The Keenjhar Lake the main source of water supply to Karachi and parts of Thatta district has been receiving highly contaminated water through a storm drain for the past three days, it emerged on Wednesday. During a visit to Jhimpir, a town in Thatta district located about 70 kilometers from Karachi, it was found that the government had not yet taken any measure to address the problem that is contaminating the country`s largest freshwater lake, which has been declared a Ramsar site and a wildlife sanctuary. Dead fish, snails and freshwater mussel shells were seen floating on the dark-colored water flowing in the drain emitting foul smell. According to a community representative, at least four cows, an equal number of jackals and a turtle have died after drinking the water in recent days. Besides, nine cases of diarrhoea have been reported at government-run health facilities in the area. Villagers said that only a few days back, the locality had received rain and the lake water got contaminated apparently when the drain carrying effluent overflowed. `The drain water had always been crystal clear. We used to bring children here for camping so that they could actually see the habitat of fish and other living organisms in the

water,` said Jehangir Durrani, natural resource manager of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) at the lake, while speaking to Dawn. A significant number of fishes, some weighing as much as seven kilos, died from contamination, said Mr Durrani, adding that poor fishermen took them away and sold them in market. Ìnitially they didn`t know what was happening. But as soon as villagers realized the gravity of the situation, the community was warned through announcements on loudspeakers in area mosques against drinking water from the lake, he explained. The manager said the lake was a rich habitat for 33 fish species. Of them, he added, tilapia, snake head, rohu, catfish and grass carp fish were spotted dead in the two-kilometre-long drain that falls in the lake. Expressing concern over the large-scale pollution, he said the death of the species that live near the bed gave indications that the drain contained highly toxic pollutants. Ìt will not be an easy task to get rid of the contaminants that might have settled in the earth. While contamination of lake water with industrial effluent was a longstanding problem, it was the first time that this specific drain in Jhimpir had become contaminated, the villagers told Dawn. Àll the storm water drains in the area fall into the lake. Effluent from the Kotri and Nooriabad industrial areas also enter the lake through drains in the monsoon when they overflow,` said Abdul Hameed Palari, vice chairman of the Keenjhar Conservation Network.

129

`The specific drain carries wastes from the unit that started working on the wind turbines project a few months ago and it uses some chemicals,` said Mr Palari, `but there is a need for a thorough investigation. Water samples Speaking to Dawn, Dr Shafi Mohammad Wassan, district surveillance officer of the World Health Organization, said preliminary tests of water samples showed that the water was not fit for human consumption, but a detailed chemical analysis was required to find the exact nature of contamination. However, managing director of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board Misbahuddin Farid said that samples taken from the Gujjo head work and Dhabeji pumping station had shown no sign of contamination. The results of other samples taken from the affected drain have not been received yet,` he said. He added: `The Keenjhar Lake is under the irrigation department control and not KWSB`s. Yet we are consulting with the relevant departments on the matter. `Better inflow to reduce toxicity` WWF representatives at the site recommended immediate release of adequate quantities of water into the lake to reduce the level of toxicity amid fears that the toxic elements could affect the entire lake if the area received downpour in the next few days as being forecast. A villager said: `It`s high time that the government look into the issue of lake contamination and address it on a priority basis. Almost everyone depending on the lake for drinking water is suffering from water-borne diseases and the area lacks quality healthcare services for the poor.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, meanwhile, took notice of the reports about the release of `poisonous` water into the Keenjhar Lake. According to a press note, he directed the officials concerned to look into the issue.

130

Sanctuary of life turns into mire of death April 19, 2012 by Iqbal Khwaja Daily DAWN Karachi

THATTA, April 18: Municipal and industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff and windmill installation are fast adding to pollution level in Keenjhar Lake and if authorities concerned fail to take timely steps, the lake water will harm ecology and cause an outbreak of diseases among people.

The lake is a major source of drinking water for Karachi and part of Thatta district, a picnic point and source of livelihood for thousands of locals. The issue came to limelight when activists of Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz and a number of other political parties reacted against massive loss of aquatic creatures of the lake, fauna and flora and livestock after consuming the lake’s polluted water.

They took out a procession and observed a strike in Jhampir on Tuesday against the lake pollution.

The protest prompted the officials of Environmental Protection Agency, water expert Dr Ahsan Siddiqui, director of Fisheries Inland Ghulam Mujtaba Wadhar and Dr Shafi Mohammad Wassan, surveillance officer disease early warning system to visit the lake, the town and the industries near the lake, which were a major source of its pollution, collected samples of water and fish meat on Wednesday.

Representatives of fisher communities Hashim Solangi, Ali Ahmed and Hanif Palari believe that effluents from Nooriabad Industrial Zone, Hyderabad and Phulelli Industrial Area that make their way into the lake through KB Feeder upper are mainly responsible for rising level of pollution in the lake. Domestic wastewater from nearly villages is also released into the lake, they said.

The water contamination was causing health hazards among over 70,000 people living along the lake’s banks who consumed its water and used it for growing vegetables. A majority of this population suffered from various waterborne diseases, they said.

Municipal and industrial wastewater and agricultural runoff relased into the lake through drains were the main contributors to increasing pollution of wetlands, including the legendary lake, the biggest manmade freshwater lake in Asia (length 32 km and width 11km), a Ramsar site and a wildlife sanctuary, said Nasir Panhwar, Programme Coordinator of WWF Pakistan.

He told Dawn the Sindh government had declared Keenjhar among other sites as a protected wetland under the Ramsar Convention.

Sites were selected under the convention on the basis of ecosystem, health and a variety of other indicators including its environmental services, he said.

However, he said, the sites notified as Ramsar did not hold this designation in perpetuity. Rather the classification of a site was retained only on the basis of its sustainability and ecological health. If a wetland was deemed environmentally unhealthy then it would be stripped of its Ramsar designation and would require de-notification, said Mr Panhwar.

The loss of Ramsar designation should be seen as a sign of mismanagement of a particular wetland and should also be viewed as a question mark on the capacity of the state to maintain and protect valuable wetlands, he said.

He held a number of industries, mainly a windmill installation company in Jhampir, responsible for polluting the lake water.

He and other experts and stakeholders advise the district health department to adopt adequate precautionary measures against a

131

possible outbreak of gastroenteritis, skin and eye diseases among the population of some 62 small and large villages, including Sonehri, Chillya, Gandri, Chakro, Moldi, Doulatpur, Kambo, Hillaya that fall under four union councils of Thatta district.

Experts said that turbidity, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand were high along with toxic pollutants such as lead and cadmium in the lake water collected near the KB Feeder. Sufficient organic load was observed which caused depletion of dissolved oxygen.

According to Rapid Assessment Report conducted by fisheries department, the quantum of bacterial and toxic pollution in the lake was 2.3 against the WHO standards of 0.75, 210 per cent higher than normal, they said.

The acidic carbonates were 800 mg as against 500 mg, they said.

Chief Executive Industrial Development Water Technology and a member of EPA Dr Ahsan Siddiqui said the main reason behind rapid pollution of the lake was use of explosives by some multinational windmill companies and use of dynamite and urea in the process.

Dr Ahsan said that the lake was a protective sanctuary and as per rules any excavation and deep digging within its radius of three km was strictly prohibited.

Area people said the degree of damage caused by increasing pollution had never been documented. Its intensity was felt during monsoon when industrial waste killed tons of fish, destroyed birds’ habitats and led to infections among local population, they said.

They complained that there was no adequate mechanism for looking after quality of water and called for the establishment of an authority comprising concerned departments to address the issue.

‘Keenjhar Lake inflow not increased yet’ by Faiza Ilyas | April 20, 2012 Daily DAWN Karachi

KARACHI, April 19: While the findings of an examination of water samples taken on a request of the Sindh Environment Protection Agency from a ‘polluting drain’ feeding the Keenjhar Lake are expected to be out by Friday evening, a senior official of the irrigation department said that an increase in the lake inflow that some experts recommended to reduce toxicity could not be done due to serious water shortage.

Two government departments had also collected water samples for examination to check the reported contamination, but their results were pending. The findings may help in determining the source of contamination and in evolving a strategy to prevent further deaths of animals and an outbreak of waterborne diseases.

The Keenjhar Lake has been receiving highly polluted water from a storm drain in Jhimpir, a town located about 70 kilometers from Karachi and parts of Thatta district, for the past few days. This is the first time the drain in Jhimpir has turned contaminated, causing the death of fish and around a dozen animals that drank its water.

It is worth noting here that the lake — the main source of water supply to Karachi and parts of Thatta — is a protected site under an international convention and provincial government rules.

Speaking to Dawn, Kotri Barrage chief engineer Mohammad Mithal Abbasi, however, denied the drain feeding the lake had received highly contaminated water and was polluting the lake.

132

“I have visited the spot today. The drain water is not toxic, though it can be called slightly tainted on account of the recent rains,” he said.

He was of the opinion that the lake’s contamination from the drain was not possible, because the former was located in depression while the lake is situated at a higher ground.

However, he couldn’t justify why the livestock, fish and other animals died if the drain’s water was not toxic.

Asked whether his department tested the drain’s water, he replied in the negative. But he insisted that the samples taken from the Keenjhar Lake had been found fit for human consumption.

Regarding the release of increased water into the lake to reduce the level of contamination, he said currently there was serious water shortage.

“As soon as the situation will improve over the next four to five days, more water will be supplied to the lake,” he said.

SEPA

On the request of the Sindh Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), an expert of analytical chemistry has been conducting analysis of the samples collected from the drain.

“The test samples include that of fish, water and soil,” said the expert, Dr Ahsan Siddiqui.

“I was shocked to see the dead turtle oozing out blood as soon it was taken out of the water. The skin of other dead animals, too, was badly damaged,” he said, “but one must wait for the results, which will be available by Friday evening.”

“Such a strong impact on animal bodies might be the result of high contents of urea or mercury in the drain water while high concentration of inorganic compounds such as lead and arsenic may also be present,” said the expert, who is also a visiting professor at local and foreign varsities.

Though the exact source of contamination could only be known once test results were available, Dr Siddiqui said it was possible that the wind energy companies used some chemicals for blasting that got mixed with some metals and entered the drain during the recent rains.

“Pollution can be effectively managed by the release of adequate quantity of water,” he said, adding that downpour in the area for the next few days would benefit.

In reply to Dawn queries, Sindh Environment Protection Agency Director General Rafiuddin said that the federally-run alternative energy development board was solely responsible for allowing companies to install wind turbines in Jhimpir. “Sepa has nothing to do with the project. However, we have sent teams to the spot and are coordinating with relevant departments. The results of the samples will help us in chalking out a line of action,” he said.

Windmills project

When contacted, the manager of a wind energy project (under Fauji Fertiliser) located near the affected drain, retired brigadier Tariq Aizaz, rejected the perception that chemicals were used in the so-called blasting technique to install windmills.“There is no need to carry out a blast to install windmills. The digging process is carried out with the help of machinery. It’s unfortunate that people point fingers at an environment-friendly project without acquiring its knowledge,” he said.

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He hinted at the contamination of dolomite, a carbonate material that was extensively taken out from the area, in the drain’s water, but said it would be inappropriate to blame anyone without having carried out proper tests of the water.

Governor seeks report

Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad directed the environment protection agency, irrigation department and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board to take urgent measures to keep the lake safe from hazardous effluents, adds APP.

He also sought an urgent report in this connection from the KWSB managing director Misbahuddin Farid.

In his report, the KWSB chief stated that the hazardous effluent was coming through two natural storm drains from the industrial area of Nooriabad.

However, he said, the Keenjhar Lake was under the administrative control of the irrigation department.

The governor directed the irrigation department to undertake every step to keep the lake water safe for marine life.

Another source of Keenjhar Lake toxicity exposed By Faiza Ilyas | 4/22/2012 Daily DAWN Karachi KARACHI, April 21: High concentration of lead has been found in one of the water samples taken for analysis from the Keenjhar Lake and its surrounding areas after a drain feeding the lake turned toxic following a rain spell, preliminary results of the test show.

According to sources, the high level of lead in a section of the lake is due to oil contaminants being released by an oil depot and has nothing to do with the recent incident of toxicity in the drain. Speaking to Dawn, Dr Mohammad Ahsan Siddiqui, a senior expert on water analysis carrying out the tests on the request of the Sindh Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), said that water samples were taken from a windmill project site, the mouth of the drain and a portion of the lake from where water was supplied to the Jhimpir town. `Initially, we have determined the levels of arsenic, chromium, lead and mercury compounds at these three points as they existed on April 18 when the incident was reported,` he said, adding that a detailed analysis was under way and complete findings would be available by next week. According to Dr Siddiqui, chromium, lead and mercury levels at the windmill project site was found to be at 43.52ppb (parts per billion), 13.89ppb and 5.32ppb respectively. Levels of chromium and lead were found to be at 1.88ppb and 9.46ppb respectively at the mouth of the drain. The level of lead in a section of the lake located about one and a half kilometre away from the drain was found to be at 333.33ppb. No traces of mercury were detected at both these sites whereas samples taken from the letter site didn`t show any trace of mercury. The World Health Organisation`s recom-mended value for these compounds for drinking water is: lead (10ppb), chromium (50ppb) and mercury (1ppb). `As one can see, the values are abnormal if compared with the WHO`s standards. However, a technically sound analysis of the situation could only be made with the help of complete results,` Dr Siddiqui said.

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He expressed surprise over the high level of lead found in the lake (333.33ppb) as its level at the drain`s mouth was low (9.46ppb) and said that there was an urgent need for an investigation as this contamination had nothing to do with the recent incident of toxicity in the drain. Immediate temporary arrangements, he said, should be made to prevent the drain`s water from entering the lake and that he had advised the same to the authorities concerned in a meeting on Saturday. `I have also recommended suspension of water from the lake to Jhimpir town on emergency basis as well as a significant increase in supply of freshwater to the Keenjhar Lake. Hopefully, we would have good rains in coming days and if that happens the toxicity level at the drain would automatically reduce,` he concluded. It is important to mention here that water supply from the lake to Jhimpir town, according to irrigation department officials, was suspended just a few day ago when the news of the drain contamination and animal`s deaths surfaced. And before the incidents, the contaminated water was being supplied to the town. However, the irrigation department and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board have so far been denying contamination of the lake with drain`s toxic water. High levels of lead in the human body can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure and brain damage, Dr Siddiqui said.

Sepa to probe Keenjhar Lake pollution Staff Reporter | 25th April, 2012 Daily DAWN Karachi KARACHI, April 24: The Sindh Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has set up a team to investigate how a drain feeding the Keenjhar Lake recently got contaminated with toxic material. The team comprising deputy director of Sepa, water technologist Dr Ahsan Siddiqui and technical experts of the organization would visit the site once laboratory reports of the samples collected from the site are available.

Speaking to Dawn, Sepa director-general Rafiuddin said that officials of the relevant departments visited the site on Monday and found no apparent source of contamination.

“We can’t point fingers at anyone without having concrete evidence. That’s why we are waiting for the result of the samples’ reports,” he said, adding that a notice had been issued for alleged contamination to the Fauji Fertiliser Company running a windmill power project at the site.

“That seems to be the only activity going on in the area, though one could not rule out the possibility that someone might have thrown contaminated material into the drain. As for the lead contamination at the lake, it seems that it has occurred because visitors often wash their vehicles near the lake. Besides, there is a godown containing old machinery, but that is located far away from the lake,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the samples collected from the site are still being analyzed at different laboratories, including the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Relations, and results would be available in a day or two.

EPA to assess windmill project’s impact on Keenjhar April 27, 2012 by Our Staff Correspondent Daily DAWN Karachi

HYDERABAD, April 26: The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has sent a letter to Fauji Fertiliser Company Energy Limited (FFCEL) to stop any activity at its windmill project that may lead to contamination of source of water that falls into Keenjhar lake – Ramsar site – as well.

EPA sources maintained that the FFCEL management had been informed that an EPA team would visit site of project and would examine Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), issued by EPA to FFCEL, whether it is being adhered to.

The team would visit the site within next few days. EPA has done fresh sampling of Keenjhar lake’s water. Keenjhar lake had received pollutants through a rainwater drain and sampling of drain’s water indicated toxicity, according to water expert Dr. Mohammad Ahsan Siddiqui, who has also been engaged by EPA Sindh for chemical analysis of water.

Earlier, carcases of cattle, dead fish, snails and other aquatic life was found dead around Keenjhar, a source of water supply to Karachi and parts of Thatta district in last few days. The lake is also a wildlife sanctuary.

Reports indicate that FFCEL is set to start generation of wind energy through a 50MW wind power project with an investment of $135 million. It will have a trial production in June before launching commercial production in November. “With ground breaking of the country’s first 50MW wind power project, a significant milestone in country’s history Pakistan has taken the first step in wind energy to bridge current power shortfall, which is adversely affecting national economy,” Lt Gen (retd) Malik Arif Hayat, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) and FFCEL had told media last month.

Contamination of Keenjhar led to hue and cry by communities depending on and living in the vicinity of the lake. Keenjhar is regularly fed by Kalri Baghar feeder that emanates from Kotri barrage’s right bank. Keenjhar supplies water to Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) but the board spends nothing on its upkeep and preservation, civil society activists believe.

Rainwater drain runs parallel to Keenjhar before becoming part of it. And the drain passes through the windmill site, a source said. SEPA has asked FFCEL management to cooperate with it even if it is not responsible for the contamination of Keenjhar lake directly or indirectly.

“Yes it is their [FFCEL] corporate social responsibility (CSR) to identify the culprit”, Sindh Secretary Environment Mir Hussain Ali said over phone from Karachi. He confirmed that some investors association’s representatives have spoken to him over this issue.

“I have told them circumstantial evidence shows that it [contamination of drain] is due to blasting at windmill project. Latest reports said that urea is found in one of the samples of water”, Ali said. He said that this has aggravated situation as per water analysis report.

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“Blasting has taken place right at the spot wherefrom rainwater drain starts, said Dr. Siddiqui, who is been visiting the Site regularly for water quality analysis. “I also believe that it is blasting which whose traces in shape of urea have found their way into the rainwater and then this water goes into Keenjhar lake”, he said.

Dr. Siddiqui had called for stopping water supply to Jhimpir because of presence of pollutants contaminants in the sample. Then flow of water of Keenjhar was increased by irrigation authorities.

Mir Hussain Ali said that FFCEL has got its EIA done from EPA Sindh. “But they still need to clarify and explain their position because it is the question of life and death of people”, he said. A deep excavation was needed for creating base/plinth for wind turbine and such a solid base couldn’t be created in absence of blasting, he said.

He agreed that there was no industrial effluent coming out of FFCEL project site yet it was imperative that analysis of ground situation was done to exclude all factors to ensure preservation of lake, a source of livelihood of people. “I have told the investors’ representatives who spoke to me to please do identity the element responsible for the present situation”, said Ali.

Keenjhar animal deaths blamed on urea inflow April 28, 2012 by Our Staff Reporter Daily DAWN Karachi

KARACHI, April 27: High concentration of urea in the Keenjhar Lake drain is believed to have caused death of aquatic species and animals recently in Jhimpir, a town in Thatta district, laboratory tests of the contaminated water samples have shown.

It may be recalled that a large number of fish, a turtle, four cows and the same number of jackals were found dead more than a week ago after consuming water of a rainwater drain feeding Keenjhar Lake.

The lake is the main source of freshwater supply to Karachi and parts of Thatta district.

The Sindh Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has already served Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) with a notice after the incident and a team of the agency is expected to visit the site on Saturday where the FFC is carrying out a windmill project located closely to the drain, according to director general of Sepa Rafiuddin.

The team would investigate how contamination took place and fix responsibility.

Water flow into the lake is said to have been increased by the irrigation department in order to dilute the impact of toxicity.

Speaking to Dawn, Dr Ahsan Siddiqui, a water technologist assigned by Sepa to carry out tests of samples at his laboratory, said that water samples were taken from three sites — the spot where the drain (Horoolo drain) crosses the FFC, 100 yards away from the FFC and the drain where it comes close to the Keenjhar Lake.

“The samples results show a uniform (50mg/ litre) concentration of urea. If cattle accumulate 30mg/litre concentration of urea along with a low Ph level in their bodies, they can die. Aquatic species are, however, more sensitive and could die with a lesser concentration of urea,” he said.

Urea is an organic chemical compound and its high concentration can cause immediate death if Ph level of water is between 7.1 and

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7.9. In this case, the Ph level was between 7.8 and 8.4 at three different sites, he added.

“The Ph level of drinking water is between 6.8 and 8.0. But the same water becomes toxic, if it contains high concentration of urea,” he said, adding that the concentration of urea was found to be 10mg/liter at the spot from where water was supplied to Jhimpir and that had earlier shown high concentration of lead.“That means the impact of urea was diluted with the flow of water,” Dr Siddqui observed.

The range of total dissolved solids (145-938ppm), salinity (0.2-1.1pc), conductivity (372-2380) of the samples showed that the water was purely rainwater and not contaminated with industrial waste as it had high levels of TDS among other things, he pointed out.

Keenjhar Lake samples test: PCSIR finds high concentration of faecal matter May 2, 2012 by Faiza Ilyas Daily DAWN Karachi

KARACHI, May 1: The findings of the analysis by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) of the water samples taken from the Keenjhar Lake following toxic contamination of one of its drains show no presence of poisonous compounds but high concentration of faecal matter, it emerged on Tuesday.

The contamination could cause illness in both humans and animals, experts at the PCSIR believed, adding that this should be a cause for concern for the communities living around the lake and those being supplied water from the lake.

The results were out after the Sindh Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) recently initiated an inquiry into the pollution case after serving a notice to Fauji Fertiliser Company running a windmill project in the area. The step was taken when laboratory tests found high concentration of urea in the samples collected from the Horoolo drain feeding Keenjhar Lake. The contamination caused death of fish in large numbers, besides other animals.

Speaking to Dawn, PCSIR microbiology laboratory head, Principal Scientific Officer Dr Seema Ismat, said that faecal coliform was found in high concentration in the samples that could cause illness.

“Two samples [collected by the PCSIR] were taken from the Kalri Baghar Feeder and the lake spot which supplied water to Karachi. The other two submitted by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board were also taken from the lake, but we have not been informed about the exact sites from where they had been collected,” she said.

She mentioned that the time and site of sample collection was very important, as they determined results. “With the flow of water, the level of toxicity dilutes.”

When her attention was drawn to the lab findings of Sepa, she said there could be a possibility that the samples were not taken from the affected spot or at the right time (following the contamination in the drain).

Water contaminated with faecal matter, she said, should be of concern for communities living around the lake and consuming its water without treating it.

“Karachi is located far from the lake and the impact of such pollutants dilutes to a great extent when it reaches the city. Besides, chlorination also takes care of fecal contaminants,” she added.

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About the supply of contaminated water in Thatta, Abdul Hameed Palari, vice chairman of the Keenjhar Conservation Network, said that about 70,000 people lived around the lake and were directly dependent on the lake for livelihood and drinking water.

“All human and animal waste from Jhimpir goes into the Keenjhar Lake. The same is true for the people living around the lake as they don’t have toilets in their homes and their animals graze along the lake in seasons when the water level goes down,” he said.

Contaminated water of the lake, according to Mr Palari, had gravely affected public health. Hepatitis, tuberculosis and skin infections were too common among people residing around the lake and Jhimpir that he said received untreated water from the lake.

When the divisional officer (engineering) of public health department, Thatta, Rasheed Soomro, was asked about these concerns, he said that his department was only responsible for the supply of water to Jhimpir. He said that Jhimpir received water only after treatment.

“The quality is checked on alternate days. We have found no traces of contamination in the samples taken from the lake and tested at a government lab recently.”

He said people living around the lake had been drinking that water for a long time. Also, water from the lake was supplied to various other places through tankers, he said. According to environmentalists, a number of government departments are working at the lake though none of them is practically responsible to check pollution that has exposed the communities to various health hazards.

Restoring Keenjhar Lake By Nasir Ali Panhwar | 7th May, 2012, Daily DAWN Karachi

KEENJHAR, the country’s largest freshwater lake, declared a Ramsar site and a wildlife sanctuary, received highly contaminated water recently through a storm drain.

According to a community representative, at least four cows, an equal number of jackals and a turtle had died after drinking water from the confluence of the drain and the lake in recent days.

In addition to that dead fish, snails and freshwater mussel shells were reported floating on the dark colored water flowing in the drain. The lake is a major source of drinking water for Karachi and part of Thatta district, a tourist point and source of livelihood for thousands of locals.

While the actual source of pollutants is yet to be determined, it was obvious from the water condition that poisonous compounds were released in the lake through water channel. The effect of contamination was restricted to a specific area, because wind blowing towards the east was preventing dead organisms and pollutants from entering the lake.

Keenjhar Lake is the largest perennial freshwater lake with extensive reed-beds and blooming lotus, mainly in the shallow western and northern parts. The lake supports diverse flora and fauna, and is a breeding, staging and wintering area for a wide variety of waterfowls.

The lake’s freshwater ecosystem is under threat due to increased industrial and domestic effluent discharge through the Kalri-Baghar Feeder (KB Feeder) canal which carries contaminants from Kotri urban and Industrial area. There are a number of industries in

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Kotri, which drain their effluents into the KB Feeder and these chemicals together with sewage discharge into the Keenjhar Lake. This water is then supplied to Karachi for drinking purposes.

The lake was formed by the union of two lakes Sonehri and Keenjhar, through the construction of a bund on their eastern side.

Originally, these lakes came into existence when the Indus changed its course. The purpose of the bund was to enhance the storage capacity of the lake. Rain torrents from surrounding hills were also the source of water to Keenjhar Lake.

The area had been an estuary of the Sakro branch of Indus River for a long time. This is evident from the fossilised life scattered over the area.

The lake is endowed with a rich wealth of natural resources comprising mainly 55 species of fish, 263 species of aquatic and terrestrial plants, 51 species of birds and almost 98 species of large and small mammals. Surrounding areas of the lake provide ideal habitat for almost 23 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Fisheries resources have been the main source of livelihood for the dependant communities. Fish populations have declined in the lake in recent years, mainly due to non-observance of conservation measures — diversion of freshwater through the bypass canal during monsoon season when fish juveniles are abundant in river water, unsustainable exploitation, juvenile fishing, pollution and introduction of alien invasive species of fish and plants.

The socio-economic assessment 2007, conducted by the Indus for All Programme WWF-Pakistan, indicated that the main source of livelihood of the people of Keenjhar is fishing, agriculture and livestock, but due to depletion of these resources, many people have switched over to stone mining and stone crushing. There are

39 villages around the lake out of which 26 are small, nine medium and four are large villages having population of 50,000.

According to a survey conducted by the Environment Department, Government of Sindh, only 29 industries located in Kotri SITE area are agents of pollution, while the rest are within parameters. The Environment Department had filed a case in the Sindh High Court to address these issues.

The stakeholders have been called and reprimanded, however there have been no on-ground changes. Seasonal streams (hill torrents) also carry untreated effluents from the Nooriabad Industrial Area and wash over pesticides from surrounding agricultural fields to the lake.

The departments of irrigation, fisheries, wildlife, environment and tourism besides the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board responsible for looking after the lake, work in isolation due to the absence of a proper mechanism for coordination.

The inactivity of concerned departments is a threat to the wetland’s survival, as they do not follow government rules and regulations. Those responsible for dumping untreated effluents in Keenjhar Lake must be identified.

The principle “the polluter should pay” should be applied and it should be ensured that this should not happen again. One major lesson drawn from recent incident is that there are no standard operating procedures (SOPs) to tackle such kind of incidents.

Hence, a dedicated authority with the clear hierarchy is needed to address the issues of wetland management in Sindh. The proposed authority should be answerable to the appropriate department. This would require both supportive legislation as well as political will.

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Other measures specific to Keenjhar include the development of management plan, setting up of an endowment fund for the rehabilitation and upkeep of Keenjhar Lake, contribution of at least one per cent income of the KWSB from water collection fee for the improvement, installation of treatment plants for industrial effluent by Kotri SITE and installation of nets at the inlet and outlet of the lake to stop the release of fish seed.

‘Wind power project not polluting lake’ May 7, 2012 by Our Correspondent, Daily DAWN Karachi

THATTA, May 6: An official of the Fauji Fertiliser Company Energy, which is working on a wind power project in Jhampir, has dispelled a perception that the project has been causing pollution in Keenjhar Lake, a major source of water for Karachi and parts of Thatta.

In an apparent reference to recent media reports that a drain carrying wastes from a unit of the project which uses some chemicals, has led to massive pollution in the lake, the project director Tariq Aizaz said the project did not pose any environmental threat to the lake.

The company had invited the Sindh irrigation department and the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency for a visit to the project site and adjoining area to determine whether any activity was leading to pollution in the lake, he said at a press conference at the project site near Jhampir.

He said wind power projects had no environmental impact and were inherently safe as far as environment was concerned as they did not discharge any solid, liquid or gaseous effluent.

Wind turbines were basically giant generators which rotated due to wind flow and produced clean and green electricity, Mr Tariq said.

They did not require water or fuel of any sort for their operation, he added.

Referring to Haroolo Nullah about which was reported to contain toxic effluent released into it from the wind turbine project, he said the storm drain was not fed only at the project site but from a large area around the site.

He said the inflow of chemical waste from Nooriabad industries into a canal feeding the lake was mainly responsible for polluting the lake.

He said a number of lime kilns and agricultural land were closer to the lake than the project site. Effect of these sources of pollution like excessive use of fertilizer or pesticide in agricultural activities and discharge of lime water into storm drains should be checked, he added.

He said that the countries in Europe and North America with stringent environmental laws and controls were installing wind power projects which required no waste water or solid waste management.

He said the company was aware of the importance of the lake and believed that it should not be polluted also because it was the source of livelihood for the people living along it.

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Stakeholders urged to protect Keenjhar Lake May 9, 2012 by Our Correspondent Daily DAWN Karachi THATTA, May 8: A symbolic four-member people’s tribunal on Keenjhar Lake has urged the departments of fisheries, irrigation, wildlife and tourism to play their due role to protect the lake.

Led by environmentalist Samiul Zaman, the tribunal held its proceedings organised by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) at the lake on Tuesday.

Other members of the tribunal were Nuzhat Ara Alvi, a teacher in Sindh Judicial Academy, district and session judge Dr Najam Khurshid and Maryam Majeedi, a poetess. Government officials and representatives of community and civil society also attended the proceedings.

The tribunal said Keenjhar Lake was a national asset and it was the responsibility of all the stakeholders and the community to protect it.

Nuzhat Ara Alvi read out recommendations, advising fishermen to give one-month notice to the Environmental Protection Agency for taking action. In case of failure people should file a case before the Environment Tribunal for action.

The recommendations said it was responsibility of the commissioner of Hyderabad division to ensure protection to those who were struggling to protect lake and facing political pressure in their areas.

“It is a declared protected zone. Species in and around the lake, including fish, birds, turtles and otters, be protected at all costs,” the tribunal ruled.

It asked the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) to pay royalty for development activities around the lake. KWSB gets 1,000 cusecs of water daily.

Sindh Wildlife Department was advised to design management plan involving all stakeholders, including community, to prevent the lake from pollution. The tourism department should take steps to promote ecotourism and improve facilities, the tribunal said.

Sami ul Zaman urged people not to be dependant on others and to protect their resources themselves. He asked people living near the lake to collect information through monitoring to see situation and inform the government departments concerned.

If the community did not trust other organizations, they themselves should bring samples to him for laboratory tests free of cost, he said adding: “We will check water quality. If you want to file case with the Environmental Tribunal, I will be happy to support you.”

He said there was a procedure for filing case with the Environment Tribunal against any industry. Before coming to the tribunal, fishermen should write a letter to the EPA, asking them to take action.

PFF chairman Mohammed Ali Shah, pleading as a community representative before the tribunal, said Nooriabad and Kotri industrial areas released waste into Keenjhar Lake through natural drains and main Kalri Baghar Feeder, posing a threat to wildlife and environment and livelihood of fishermen who already face joblessness.

He said 15 years ago there were 55 species of fish in the lake and now there were eight.

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Keenjhar might lose its attraction because of looming threats of pollution like Manchhar which received poisonous water through Main Nara Valley (MNV) drain, he said.

Hundreds of fishermen had migrated from native villages around Keenjhar to other lakes for livelihood, he said.

After community assessment, it was observed that windmill operators dumped chemicals into natural waterways. When it rained, drains brought the chemicals to lake which killed fish, turtles, birds and livestock.

People from Jhampir and 12 other villages get lake water through Keenjhar. Fishermen are reluctant to use water from it.

Barrister Abdul Rehman said government departments, including KWSB, was the main stakeholder responsible to save fresh water body.

Sindh wildlife department declared lake as wildlife sanctuary in 1972 but it could not check pollution in it.

Keenjhar Lake pollution: Sepa fails to fix responsibility May 12, 2012 by Faiza Ilyas Daily DAWN Karachi

KARACHI: While strongly suggesting that the recent contamination in the Keenjhar Lake drain was caused by the release of toxics from a windmill project, an investigative report received by the Sindh Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) on Friday remains short of fixing responsibility on anyone for the incident.

Dr Mohammad Ahsan Siddiqui, the report’s author, was part of the committee set up by the environment secretary to investigate the contamination, which not only killed a number of fishes but also claimed the life of many animals last month.

The team’s terms of reference included fixing of responsibility for the lake contamination. Farhad Shahid, Mujeeb Sheikh, Abdullah Magsi and S.M. Yahya of Sepa were part of the team.

Water samples from the affected drain were not only tested at Sepa’s own laboratory, but also separately examined by Dr Siddiqui, an independent scientist on water analysis. Both tests showed similar findings.

According to Dr Siddiqui’s report submitted to Sepa on Friday, the samples contained high concentration of urea.

The report submitted to Sepa on Friday stated that there could have been only two sources of contamination of the Horoolo drain — wastewater from the Nooriabad Industrial Area or waste from the nearby windmill project.

The author ruled out the first possibility on the basis of the lab findings that showed the water was not contaminated with industrial waste.

It was pure rainwater, he said, explaining that the water sample did not contain high levels of TDS (total dissolved solids), a major sign of contamination with industrial effluent.

“On the basis of my lab tests, I can say with confidence that the deaths were caused by high concentration of urea in the drain water.”

He said it could be the empty bags of urea that had washed away by rainwater or someone might have thrown urea into the drain

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intentionally or unintentionally. But “one must not ignore the possibility that someone might have carried out blasting activity in the hilly area that led to the contamination.“Having said that, we couldn’t find anything objectionable during our visit to the windmill project being run by Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC),” Dr Siddiqui said.

The samples, he said, also contained traces of chromium.

Prevention:

To prevent recurrence of such incident, the report recommended a number of measures, including the imposition of a ban on explosives use for construction in the area that enjoys the status of a wildlife sanctuary and regular monitoring of the lake and the drains feeding it by relevant departments and independent experts.

Besides, Dr Siddiqui expressed serious concern over the continuous release of industrial waste into the lake through the Kalri Baghar Feeder (K.B. Feeder), one of the major sources of regular water supply to the lake.

The Karachi Water Board and Sewerage Board should also allocate budget for the lake’s monitoring, he suggested in his report.

When contacted, Environment Secretary Mir Hussain Ali told Dawn that he wanted more input from the environment department. He said he needed a comprehensive report. “The terms of reference of the committee warrant a comprehensive investigative report that can help us fix responsibility and I will insist the Sepa director general on this,” said Mr Ali.

“A comprehensive investigative report, which contains specific observation of team members and details of their interaction with

locals, is necessary to prevent recurrence of such an incident in future.”

Monitoring mechanism:

In its first meeting held on Friday, a committee set up by the chief secretary to address the issue of Keenjhar Lake pollution decided that a monitoring mechanism of all the drains feeding the Keenjhar Lake, K.B. Feeder as well as the lake itself would be devised and proposed to the government for funding.

Some industrial areas representatives attending the meeting informed the committee about the construction of a combined effluent treatment plant at Kotri. They said it would be operational in June. For Nooriabad, they added, a scheme had been proposed in the annual development programme.

The meeting took notice of the KWSB managing director’s absence. The water board, the participants said, was the prime stakeholder in this issue and “must demonstrate responsibility”.

They said the water board had no lab at the lake from where water was drawn for Karachi. They also expressed concern over the lack of monitoring by the KWSB along the channel taking water to the city.

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Keenjhar Lake water quality management May 27, 2012 by F H Mughal Daily DAWN Karachi

This is apropos the news ‘Another Source of Keenjhar Lake Exposed’ (April 22).

The 2008 and 2011 editions of WHO’s drinking water guidelines give a value for mercury as 0.006 mg per litre, or 6 mg per litre, or 6 parts per billion and not as 1 ppb, as reported.

In the report, WHO guidelines for drinking water have been compared with Keenjhar Lake water. How can one compare oranges with apples? All surface water bodies in Sindh are polluted. Drinking those raw waters would end up in massive health complications. Water-treatment plants are used for treating polluted raw water. Only the quality of treated water, meant for drinking, should be compared with WHO’s drinking-water guidelines.

Water quality problems of a lake are not assessed by taking a few water samples, as is being done by some persons. Lakes are open systems and are integrated components of the watershed. Watershed influence the lake, as such, lakes’ problems cannot be handled in isolation. They must be co-related to the watershed and its environment. The operation of the lake is governed by what materials enter the lake, leaves the lake and remains in circulation. Lakes are characterized by a low, average current velocity of 0.001 to 0.01 meters per second at its surface. Water residence times in lake range from one month to several years. Currents within lakes are multidirectional and, many lakes have alternating periods of stratification and vertical mixing.

While causes of the water quality problem in a lake may relate to inputs, like discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater, diffused pollution from agricultural sources, discharge of toxic

substances from industries and thermal discharges, a specific water quality problem may have its origin elsewhere. The following principle will illustrate the point:

Lakes have large buffering capacities and can withstand certain levels of pollutants. The buffering capacity is in the shape of the ability of sediments to accumulate pollutants.

Once the capacity has exhausted, further input of pollutants will be reflected in the water. This may give an impression that the problem has occurred recently (e.g., lead in Keenjhar Lake), but, in practice, the problem may have occurred many months ago.

Eutrophication causes oxygen depletion in the hypolimnion layer. Depletion of oxygen in the lake’s bottom results in the remobilisation of manganese, iron and phosphorus. Some trace elements are also released from bottom sediments.

Particulate matter plays a major role in water quality assessment as it regulates the uptake and release of pollutants. Thus, besides water sampling, the particulate matter and biological material are also analyzed by limnologists for a complete water-quality assessment study.

The major problem of surface water bodies in Sindh pertains to the governance issue. Nobody knows who controls the water bodies in Sindh. Technically, the Sindh irrigation department should control the hydraulic aspect (water quantity, water supply, water flows) and the Sindh EPA should control the water quality aspect.

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