The Estimation of Heavy Metals in Subarnarekha River at Mau Bhandar and Galudih Barrage, Jharkhand

The Subarnarekha river passes through the major mining sites of coal, radioactive Uranium, heavy metals like Copper, Iron Aluminum etc.and the main industrial areas in Jharkhand. The tailings and slag deposits near the river stretch contaminates the water body with heavy metals and this poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of the river and also to the human population residing nearby. The heavy metals do not degrade naturally and result in bioacumulation into the various food chains. Thus periodic assessment of these pollutants is necessary so that timely measures can be taken by the government and industries to ensure that the so-called ‘lifeline’ of Jharkhand, the Subarnarekha river does not become toxic and a curse for the environment and thus, mankind.