Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Ramadan 8, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Natural aquifers diminishing in quality

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Availability of fresh water is becoming a growing concern in the Sultanate on account of inhabitant expansions as well as assorted activities.


Groundwater is the primary water source accounting for 92 per cent of the overall renewable water resources in Oman, which has an arid climate and an average rainfall of less than 200 mm per year.


Even without fresh surface drinking water resources, groundwater is definitely used to meet the needs of several areas in the country.


The over-exploitation and excessive use of Oman’s aquifers for municipal, agricultural and industrial purposes have led to the deterioration of groundwater quality in recent times.


Since the dawn of Renaissance and starting of development plans in the Sultanate, all activities on earth have been linked to environmental preservation.


A number of legislations have been enacted to achieve development goals in accordance with the right of all generations and are aimed at benefiting from the diverse natural resources in a balanced and fair manner.


The law on Environment Protection and Combating Pollution, issued by Royal Decree No. (10/83), while emphasising the need to provide greater health and social care for citizens, urges “protection of the nation’s natural wealth and economic resources, preservation of historical and cultural heritage and preventing any damage resulting from various activities and projects carried out in the Sultanate”.


In a country such as Oman with extremely restricted water assets, excessive use of water results in deteriorating quality.


As the water is pumped out of natural aquifers, the water table lowers, leaving behind the unsaturated zone more dry. When the ground water level reduces, the relative solute concentration increases. This causes an increase in the salinity of water in aquifers, making the land unsuitable for cultivation.


According to a report, groundwater reserves are facing challenges in the form of pollution caused by nature or man-made sources.


A report, prepared by Faizullah Khan, a scholar in the College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, says agriculture is one of the pollutants of groundwater.


As the population of Oman increased, the exploration of agricultural strategies also expanded.


“There are a number of sources that cause pollution to the environment. Establishing industries, urbanisation and advancement in technology are making the environment less sustainable and unfit for life. Besides, groundwater is suffering directly or indirectly,” says the report by Faizullah Khan.


The application of fertilisers, sludge and pesticides cause groundwater pollution along with the practice of using recycled water.


“It can either pollute groundwater directly, i.e. excessive water usage can result in an increase in solute potential, salinisation or may produce a gap for sea water to intrude into the groundwater and cause contamination,” says the report.


The use of fertilisers to supply nutrients to the crops is a well-known practice. There are chances that the fertilisers may escape and cause pollution to the environment, specially groundwater. The remains of the fertilisers are washed off and end up reaching the aquifers,” the report points out.


Recycled water is used as an alternative to groundwater. It is obtained from wastewater from households, industries, and other sources. The water is treated slightly in order to minimise its hazards.


The water still contains microbes that may be pathogenic for organisms. In case of its non-pathogenicity, they still perform some metabolic reactions for their survival, which leads to fluctuation of naturally occurring nutrients in soil.


Pesticides can either move towards ground water in the whole form or may move as components after degradation. In both ways, it is not suitable to reach ground water. Sometimes it may just remain in the soil. This form acts as a continuous source of pollution to the groundwater.


Sludge is another form of potential pollutant. It may act as NPK concentration booster or may act as a source of heavy metals and other compounds. In either case, it contaminates the groundwater and causes pollution.


The non-degradable substances can also act as a continuous source of pollution to groundwater.


SAMUEL KUTTY


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