Toxic Metals Found in Hyderabad Lakes, Raising Water Safety Concerns
A recent study conducted by researchers from BITS Pilani-Hyderabad has revealed alarming levels of heavy metal contamination in Hyderabad’s lakes, raising concerns about water safety and public health. The study, which focused on Hussainsagar, Kapra, and Shamirpet lakes, detected cadmium at 0.99 µM, lead at 0.62 µM, copper at 1.38 µM, and mercury at 0.72 µM in water samples. While these levels currently remain within the permissible limits, the presence of toxic metals in these crucial water bodies highlights the growing environmental degradation caused by urbanisation and industrial discharge. Given the hazardous nature of these metals, prolonged exposure could pose serious health risks to communities relying on these water sources.
Breakthrough innovation for real-time water testing
The research team, led by Prof. Sanket Goel from the MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab, alongside Prof. Ponnalagu and PhD scholar Amrutha Lahari, has developed a breakthrough low-cost electrochemical sensor to detect heavy metals in water. Unlike traditional laboratory methods, which often take weeks for results, this portable sensor allows for real-time, high-precision testing. Capable of detecting contamination levels ranging from 1 µM to 100 µM, the sensor is a significant leap in environmental monitoring. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) enhances its usability by simplifying data interpretation, making it accessible even to non-experts. Furthermore, the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows remote monitoring, ensuring timely interventions to mitigate water pollution risks.
A sustainability challenge: Safeguarding Hyderabad’s water bodies
The contamination of Hyderabad’s lakes is a stark reminder of the environmental cost of rapid urban expansion. With untreated industrial effluents and sewage finding their way into these water bodies, the ecosystem’s delicate balance is under threat. While authorities have taken steps to curb pollution, the presence of toxic metals underscores the need for stricter regulations and sustainable wastewater management. Implementing advanced water treatment technologies and reinforcing pollution control measures can prevent further contamination. Hyderabad’s lakes, once thriving ecosystems, now face the risk of irreversible damage if immediate corrective action is not taken.
Civic responsibility and future water management strategies
Water pollution in urban areas is a growing civic concern, impacting both human health and biodiversity. With lakes playing a vital role in groundwater recharge, irrigation, and drinking water supply, their degradation affects millions. The findings from this study should serve as a wake-up call for municipal authorities to prioritise water conservation efforts. Deploying smart water management solutions, increasing public awareness, and enforcing stringent industrial waste disposal laws are imperative for protecting Hyderabad’s lakes. As technology-driven solutions like the BITS Pilani sensor become more widely adopted, real-time pollution tracking could revolutionise urban water management, ensuring safer and more sustainable water resources for future generations.
