In Punjab, the breadbasket of India, the threat of uranium contamination in drinking water is serious but goes unrecognized. Studies have highlighted the high levels of uranium in the drinking water in several districts; including the Malwa region. It is noteworthy that the government has already taken several steps to address the water quality issues. The setting up of Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in rural and urban areas, the monitoring of groundwater quality, and the Jal Jeevan Mission to supply safe drinking water to the population are steps in the right direction. Moreover, awareness drives and the supply of safe drinking water in the affected areas have helped to reduce the risk.
However, considering the persistence and geogenic origin of uranium in groundwater, these activities should be strengthened and more long-term alternatives should be explored. One alternative is the implementation of biochar-based water filtration systems. Biochar is a form of activated carbon produced from agricultural wastes like rice husk and wheat straw. It is readily available in Punjab as these crops are locally grown. It is a cost-effective option as well. It has high porosity and is highly efficient in adsorbing uranium from water.
Scientific progress has enabled more efficient biochar production by adding iron, calcium, and phosphate compounds. Punjab can benefit significantly from biochar-based filtration systems. The government is already working towards reducing stubble burning in the state by launching various initiatives. It can encourage farmers in Punjab to use crop residues as a source material for biochar production by controlled pyrolysis. This will help in reducing air pollution as well as groundwater pollution. The biochar-based filtration systems can later be incorporated into existing government setups of RO plants, village water supplies, and individual systems as well.
Another area in which the existing efforts can be taken to the next level is microbial bioremediation
Another area in which the existing efforts can be taken to the next level is microbial bioremediation. Although in the research and pilot phase, this eco-friendly method has shown promise in remediating uranium. Microorganisms like Geobacter, Shewanella, and Desulfovibrio have shown promise in converting soluble uranium into an insoluble form, thus remediating it. Government-funded pilot projects in association with universities and research centers in Punjab can help in assessing the viability of adopting this method in aquifer systems and constructed wetlands.
Although technological advancements have helped in addressing the issue to a certain extent, the basic issue lies in groundwater management, which needs to be addressed more stringently. It has been observed that over-extraction of groundwater is one of the major factors affecting uranium leaching. Although there are government policies in place for groundwater management, stringent measures need to be taken to promote rainwater harvesting and canal water recharge.
Another area that needs to be addressed is agriculture
Another area that needs to be addressed is agriculture. The overuse of phosphate-based fertilizers has resulted in uranium leaching into groundwater. Government initiatives in promoting balanced fertilizer use and organic farming need to be taken to the next level. Another important factor is the requirement for real-time monitoring and transparency. During the course of groundwater testing, the development of a water quality dashboard at the village level can serve to empower the people.
It is important to ensure that the people are aware not only of the water quality but also of the solutions that can be implemented. Punjab is at a critical juncture. The groundwork has already been laid through government initiatives. Now is the time to take to the next level with innovative, sustainable, and community-based solutions like biochar, microbes, and groundwater governance.
Safe drinking water is not a privilege; it is the right of every human being. It is important to take the existing initiatives to the next level with new and innovative solutions. Now is the time to take action.
-Dr. Sukanya Mehra, Environmental Toxicologist
Assistant Professor, Khalsa University, Amritsar