Hazardous chemicals, including DDT, hexachloride benzene (BHC) and endosulfans, were detected at higher levels in all sediment samples taken from the Kuzhikandam stream and its partial drains in mass fish in the industrial section of Periyar 2024.
It has also been found that the sulphate concentration in the samples is high. The highest concentration of DDT (210.4 mg/kg) was detected near the Hindustan Insecticides Limited discharge point, near Kuzhikandam Creek, according to the analysis of sediment samples taken from the stream and its sub -drainage, which joined the river. The findings were included in the report of the expert committee established by the Keral High Court to investigate the mass killing of fish along the industrial section of the river last year.
The Council for Control of Pollution in Kerala annexed the findings of the committee in its updated report on the killing of fish of 24 March 2025, given in front of the south bench of the National Green Tribunal. The Council gathered samples from the stream and partial drains between June 24 and 26 June 2024.
The highest alpha-BHC concentration was 43.7 mg/kg, while alpha-endosulfan concentration was 57.06 mg/kg. Both and endosulfan were present in all samples. The sulphate concentration was higher in the samples taken from Panachithoda (4,717 mg/kg) and Unhithoda (1,190.7 mg/kg).
The tests also revealed the presence of copper, zinc, lead, iron, manganese and overall chrome. In addition to Kuzhikandam Creek, heavy metal concentrations were detected in all samples taken from Panachithoda. The test results showed that mercury, arsenic, cadmium and hexavalent chrome were missing in the samples according to the report.
Published – March 28, 2025 21:45
