Published Paper Details:

Industrial activity is necessary for the socio-economic progress of a country, but at the same time, it generates large amounts of solid and liquid waste. Industrial waste is usually much smaller in volume, but is more likely to contain hazardous materials, such as toxic chemicals, flammable liquids and asbestos. Although the total amount is less, the disposal of hazardous industrial waste is a matter of greater concern than that of domestic waste because of health hazards and the risk of environmental contamination. A case study was conducted to assess the effects of pollution on soil and water quality in Cherthala, Alappuzha District, Kerala State, India. Currently, many industries are located in and around Cherthala. A majority of these are small-scale industries, ice plants and fish units. As a primary step, reconnaissance of the site was carried out. Experimental investigations were conducted on water and soil samples collected from different areas. Water quality and soil quality parameters were analysed. Chemical analyses of soil samples primarily revealed the presence of iron, sulphur, zinc and copper above permissible limits. Considering the greater abundance of sulphur in the soil than the other constituents, the remediation of sulphur-contaminated soil was undertaken. It was found that chitosan, a by-product of the fish industry, could be effectively used for this purpose.