A STUDY OF THE RISK OF GROUND WATER POLLUTION BY SHALLOW SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM IN ALIGARH, INDIASohail Ayub, Md. Meraj Faisal and Pushpendra Kumar SharmaAbstract Ground water being major source of drinking water and to study the risk of contamination through septic tank leachates; sixteen ground water samples were identified from eight sampling slum locations in Aligarh during May 2017 to August 2017 in pre and post monsoon stages. Samples were collected from hand pumpsnearer to septic tanks in range of 10-30 m distance. All samples were analyzed for TDS, chloride, nitrate and coliforms using standard methods from CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) manual. High concentration of NO3 and fecal coliforms were found. Almost all of the samples were having maximum values of TDS exceeding the desirable limit of B.I.S Guideline. One of the major conclusion from this study is about the effect of on-site sanitation on ground water is very much significant in all slum areas. This is due to leachate from septic tanks contaminating sampling water sources like hand pumps in its vicinity. Proper check for sanitation, ground water quality monitoring and health awareness is needed in these slums. |