Aarti Kelkar Khambete

Pharmaceuticals, an increasing threat to aquatic ecosystems

The use of pharmaceuticals world wide is increasing and so is the pollution of river waters with pharmaceuticals! A pharmaceutical is any kind of drug used for medicinal purposes.

Springs, symbols of life, freedom, spontaneity draw unique images in our minds – of a bubbling rush of water rolling boisterously, snaking over rocks, picking up pebbles and sand along its path full of jumping fish, occasional frogs, insects, algae – surrounded by green wild bushes and thick vegetation.

The calm waters of Pashan lake in Pune city, seldom give us an idea of the hidden wonders they support. Freshwater habitats like this, harbour a wealth of biodiversity ranging from very tiny/ microscopic plants and animals to larger ones – that reside in and around the waters and depend on it for their food, reproduction and survival.

The recently published NFHS- 5 data presents a grim picture of the nutritional status of children in India.

The news of fish deaths in freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds is not new to India.

Where is water on earth located?

Water on earth exists in two forms, freshwater and salt water. Less than 3 percent of the water found on earth is freshwater, and the remaining 97 percent is salt water found in the oceans.

The 2021-22 Union Budget has announced the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban), an ambitious project that aims to provide potable tap water supply to 2.86 crore households by 2024. How will this work out for urban India?

A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) found that very few (less than 4 percent) of Indian farmers have adopted sustainable agricultural practices and systems.

Coral reefs are said to be one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth and harbour a wide range of animals and plant species.

The years 2016 to 2018 saw a major drought in the South of India due to low winter rainfall from the northeast monsoon – rainfall crucial for water availability, agriculture and livelihoods for the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.