Journal of Water Resources and Pollution Studies

Mitigating Pharmaceutical Pollutants in Construction Water by Implementing Innovative Mitigation Strategies for a Safer and Sustainable Building Environment

Azmira Sangeetha, Sankuru Naresh, D. V. N. V. Laxmi Alekhya — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pharmaceutical pollutants have become a serious environmental issue that poses serious threats to aquatic environments and human health. In the construction industry, the application of water that contains pharmaceutical residues can undermine the structural stability, safety, and sustainability of buildings. This review article analyzes the origins and nature of pharmaceutical pollutants in construction water and their wider implications for environmental and public health. The research assesses existing regulatory policies and points to the urgent need for innovative, sustainable mitigation technologies. Treatment options, such as advanced biological and chemical filtration, microbial bioremediation, constructed wetlands, and advanced oxidation processes, are subject to critical analysis. In addition, the application of these methods in hybrid systems is investigated to improve treatment effectiveness and affordability. Based on a review of case studies and field applications, this paper evaluates the practical effectiveness of these approaches and detects gaps in current research and policy. The conclusions highlight the need for ongoing innovation and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the increasing problem of pharmaceutical pollution in water used in construction.

Hydrological and Economic Viability of Rehabilitated Ponds for Sustainable Irrigation

Shah Md. Zahidul Islam, Md. Mahfuz Alam, Md. Emtious Hossain — Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Depletion of groundwater is mainly due to over-irrigation. Sustainable alternatives were therefore required for the present system. This study assessed the feasibility of supplementary irrigation using rehabilitated ponds in Niamatpur and Atrai Upazilas to minimize groundwater dependency. The region experiences a semi-arid climate, which is associated with erratic rainfall and increased evaporation, making these surface water augmentations necessary. The present research is important because it relates to aquifer depletion: the repurposing of abandoned ponds to enhance storage through arriving rainwater beans as input for agricultural resilience in line with sustainable development goals. Data were collated from the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), satellite imagery, and field measurements. Quantified using hydrological models were catchment areas, runoff, storage capacities, and losses (evaporation, seepage). Economic feasibility was determined through the benefit-cost ratio (BCR), net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). The findings revealed that 44 rehabilitated ponds were storing an overall amount of 108605 m³ of water annually and reduced extraction from groundwater by about 4.62%. An economic analysis showed the BCR to be 1.06 with a positive NPV (1.92 million taka) and IRR (7%), confirming the project viability; however, evaporation (63025 m³) and seepage associated with groundwater recharge highlighted new management of such ponds. Rehabilitated ponds will be appropriate for sustainable irrigation as they would relieve groundwater stress and increase agricultural productivity. The study recommends further fostering the rehabilitation of ponds, the application of new technologies of infiltration measurement, and linking with managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems to optimize water retention measures that can build resilience to climate change in drought-prone areas and serve as an example for similar arid regions around the globe.

Determination of Cadmium from Well Water Samples Nearing an Industrial Area

Alen Joy, Chandni Thiruthikkatt — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metals are an important category of elements that are commonly used in the industrial sector. Among these elements, cadmium is utilized in various types of industries. It may accumulate in the environmental systems such as water and soil as a result of industrial activities. Exposure to cadmium may evoke several ill effects on human, plant, and animal life. The well water sources in the industrial areas face a major threat from the exposure of cadmium used by the industries. The guidelines of the World Health Organization only permit a maximum amount of 3μg per liter of drinking water. In this study, 14 well water samples from the industrial area of Ollur in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India are collected and the concentration of cadmium is identified. The analysis was conducted by using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscope (ICP-OES), which is a highly sensitive instrument used in the identification of trace elements. Among the 14 samples analysed, several samples exceeded the maximum accepted concentration of cadmium according to the guidelines of WHO.