SHADOWS OF CONTAMINATION!

As an assistant professor in the Civil Engineering Department at Manipal Institute of Technology, specializing in environmental engineering, I had developed a deep interest in the rare and emerging field of Environmental Forensics.

During my time as an engineering student in 2011, a research article shared by Dr. S. Mahesh, a Professor of Environmental Engineering, caught my attention. The article shed light on the illicit effluent discharge from the pharmaceutical industry in China, causing severe problems in nearby communities. It ignited a spark within me and my friend, Chinmaya Delampady together we started an Environmental Consultancy by the name Aapaavani Environmental Solutions (AES) Pvt Ltd . Intrigued, we approached Dr. Mahesh, and he welcomed our enthusiasm.

Dr. Mahesh guided us through additional literature on environmental forensics, expanding our knowledge and nurturing our passion. However, as life took its course, we pursued different paths, with Chinmay venturing into the industry, while I pursued a master's degree. Environmental forensics became a distant memory.

In 2019, while conducting water sample analyses in the laboratory, fate intervened. I received an urgent call from the district hospital in Udupi, reporting a water quality issue in a remote part of Kundapur. Residents were falling ill, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and chest tightness. They sought my expertise to uncover any unusual conditions.

Driven by a forensic mindset and a thirst for answers, I reached out to Chinmay, inviting him to join me on this investigative journey. Eager and intrigued, he readily agreed. Together, we set off towards Kundapur, a location situated approximately 40 kilometers from Manipal.

Upon arriving at the contaminated well, we were greeted by a community in anguish. The poor families, dependent on this tainted water source, shared stories of illness and despair. A foul odor originated from the well, but its source remained elusive. Initial water analyses had provided no significant clues, leaving us grasping at straws.

Undeterred, we engaged in conversation with the locals, hoping to uncover hidden secrets. They openly disclosed the numerous challenges they faced, including the absence of adequate healthcare facilities in the vicinity, limited transportation options, unreliable electricity supply, and extensive damage to crops caused by animals such as pigs, bison, and even small creatures like rats. To safeguard the crops against large animal encroachment, they resorted to erecting fences, while employing rodenticides to combat the rat population.

As we explored the nearby farmland, searching for any leads, we stumbled upon many packets of Ratil scattered about. Ratil is a quick-acting, easy-to-use rodenticide used in baits to control field rats, mice, and other harmful rodents. The heavy concentration of this rodenticide raised suspicion. With rainfall in recent days, the topsoil had become saturated, intensifying the danger. Our suspicions turned into certainties as we correlated the symptoms exhibited by the residents with the inhalation of phosphine gas, a byproduct of zinc phosphide present in Ratil.

To confirm our suspicions, we performed tests using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy for zinc and colorimetric determination with silver nitrate (AgNO3) and lead acetate (Pb-acetate) papers for phosphine gas. The results aligned with our expectations, validating our hypothesis. The conclusion was clear: the contaminated well water had caused the community's illnesses.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, we swiftly formulated a plan of action. We recommended increasing the pH levels by adding lime, allowing the zinc hydroxide to dissolve in water. With the aid of high-capacity pumps, we emptied the well, removing any sediment or precipitated zinc. After two days of dedicated effort, the well was revitalized, free from contamination.

The news of our success spread through the community quickly. Grateful residents showered us with heartfelt thanks, their burdens eased, and hope restored. We, too, felt a profound sense of satisfaction, having solved our first-ever environmental forensic case with precision and compassion.

The investigation in Kundapur marked a turning point in our careers. Our passion for environmental forensics had been reignited, and we vowed to continue our pursuit of truth and justice. As shadows of contamination continued to threaten the world, we pledged to be the beacons of light, uncovering the mysteries that lay hidden and safeguarding the sanctity of our environment.