Neeraj Kumar awarded PhD by MU on condition of Darbhanga ponds

Speed Post News Network

Patna : Neeraj Kumar has been awarded PhD degree by Magadh University (MU), Bodh Gaya, on ” Survey and Analysis of water quality of some important ponds and wells in and around Darbhanga town of Bihar with special emphasis on health hazards.” The PhD degree was awarded to Neeraj Kumar on April 26, 2017. His research guide was Kamal Kishore Singh, former Head, Chemistry department, A N College, Patna, MU.

In the socio-­scientific study and extensive survey, systematic physico-­chemical analysis of all the drinking water sources at village Rampura and surrounding areas under Singhwara block in Darbhanga district has been presented. In the water of some wells and tubewells at the village, fluoride concentration has been found to be higher than the maximum permissible limit of 1.5 ppm,  being in the range of 2.2 – 2­.5 ppm.

Though high­ concentration of fluoride has been reported in at least 12 districts of Bihar, it was for the first time that high fluoride concentration was reported in Darbhanga District in 2009. The study on health status of people there has indicated symptoms of fluorosis in at least four children of the village. There is a strong possibility of high concentration of fluoride in drinking water sources in adjoining areas also.

An inventory of existing open dug well was undertaken under nine blocks: Baheri, Alinagar, Manigachhi, Hayaghat, Singhwara, Benipur, Keoti and Bahadurpur, in Darbhanga district. The  survey reveals that out of 902 wells, only 74 are in use remaining 828 was found defunct.

The ponds are mainly polluted by discharge of sewage, municipal waste and agricultural discharge. The ponds were found not even fit for taking bath as the coliform count are beyond the permissible limits.