Assessment of Eutrophication and Its Impact on Human Health: A Case Study of Barasat City
摘要
Eutrophication is a phenomenon characterized by the excessive accumulation of minerals and nutrients in a water body, leading to the unbalanced proliferation of aquatic plants and algae. This proliferation, known as an algal bloom, obstructs the penetration of light and oxygen into the water column, resulting in reduced oxygen levels, a condition referred to as hypoxia or anoxia. These altered environmental conditions significantly disrupt the aquatic ecosystem. Human activities, particularly those associated with agriculture, urbanization, and wastewater discharge, accelerate the process of eutrophication. Various parameters such as nitrate and phosphate concentrations, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen levels, total dissolved solids, pH levels, and temperature are routinely measured to assess the extent of eutrophication in water bodies. In a study conducted in the Barasat city, ten water samples were collected and analyzed from different land use categories to investigate the relationship between anthropogenic activities and the level of eutrophication. The results revealed that water bodies primarily utilized for domestic purposes or sewage disposal exhibited signs of eutrophication or even hyper-eutrophication. Furthermore, the study included a household survey to evaluate the main uses of these water bodies and assess the potential impact of direct human contact with eutrophic waters on human health. This comprehensive approach aimed to deepen our understanding of the intricate interplay between human activities, water quality, and the ecological consequences of eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems.