Kerala: NIIST plant to remove perchlorate in water

Thiruvananthapuram: The CSIR-NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram is planning to set up a perchlorate remediation plant in Keezhmadu, a gramapanchayath in Ernakulam where groundwater is contaminated with ammonium perchlorate. Panchayath president K.A. Ramesh and ward member Anikuttan were in Thiurvananthapuram on Friday for a demonstration of the bioremediation process of perchlorate developed at CSIR-NIIST. "We were told that the technology uses bacteria to clean soil and water. When contaminated material is passed through this bioreactor, the amount of perchlorate was reduced by 50,000 times," Ramesh told DC.

The contamination became apparent in a medical camp held three years ago, in which 20 people were diagnosed with issues in thyroid function, according to Ramesh. Perchlorate can inhibit the functioning of thyroid gland. Two wards in Keezhmadu and a ward in Edathala were the worst-hit areas. Ramesh said that the contamination could have been from the ISRO Ammonium Perchlorate Experimental Plant. While sources in ISRO said that the organisation has been disposing effluents in the sea, Ramesh said that there could have been a leakage before it became the norm.

The remediation plant is likely to be set up in Thoombakkulam pond, and will cost close to Rs 3.5 lakhs, according to Ramesh. "We proposed that there be a drinking water plant as well, so that the water, after further purification process, can be used by the residents in the area. The scientists have promised to prepare a plan accordingly. We might approach ISRO to see if they can support us in some way," Ramesh said.