International Workshop
On
Mitigating Effects of Geogenic Contaminants
February 22-23, 2012
NEERI, Nagpur, INDIA
Organized by
CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur – 440020, Maharashtra, INDIA
Geogenic contamination refers to naturally occurring elevated concentrations of certain elements in groundwater (such as arsenic, fluoride, iron, uranium and selenium) which have a negative health effect on humans consuming this water. Geogenic contamination of groundwater might be a result of geochemical characteristics of the aquifer material – e.g. high concentrations of the contaminant in the rock matrix, dissolving during water-rock interaction, or occur due to environmental conditions such as an arid climate or reducing conditions in the aquifer which facilitate the contaminant to occur in a more mobile state. The most wide-spread geogenic contaminants are arsenic, fluoride and selenium, affecting the health of hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Fluoride is the 13th most abundant element in the earth’s crust (625 mg/kg) and exists in trace amounts in almost all ground waters across the world. According to estimations from UNESCO, more than 200 million people worldwide rely on drinking water with fluoride concentrations exceeding the present WHO guideline of 1.5 mg/L. Fluorosis, associated with elevated fluoride concentrations in drinking water has been reported in a range of countries. Fluorosis poses a grave public health problem in many countries over the globe and excess intake causes different types of fluorosis; primarily dental and skeletal fluorosis.
There are growing concerns of health significance due to exposure to emerging geogenic contaminants such as selenium in India and other countries. In this context, a 2-day workshop during February 22-23, 2012 is being organized at CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, India with support from Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, (MDWS), Government of India, UNICEF, WHO and International Water Association (IWA) to deliberate on issues related to geogenic contaminants with particular reference to fluoride, iron, selenium etc. for the participants from countries affected with geogenic contaminants to discuss and share experience particularly on preventive/mitigation measures undertaken to minimise health effects. Site visit of interested participants to fluoride and iron intervention areas are planned on February 24, 2012. This workshop is planned as a sequel to the workshop being organised in Kolkata, India during February 18-20, 2012 to discuss arsenic contamination.
OBJECTIVES
· Deliberate on recent findings indicating an increased geographical extent of geogenic contaminants particularly fluoride, iron, selenium etc.
· Discuss possible health impacts of geogenic contaminants and identify stress parameters
· Devise strategy for implementing approaches such as Quantitative Chemical Risk Assessment (QCRA) and health based targets
· Identify technological interventions to minimise geogenic contaminants
· Study feasibility of implementing interventions and possible bottlenecks in various socio-political settings
· Evaluate approaches such as nutrient supplementation for integrated mitigation
· Share experience for integrated mitigation
CONTENT OF THE WORKSHOP
· Speciation and controls on the mobility in groundwater and soils
· Case studies on QCRA and health based targets
· Monitoring tools for geogenic contaminants and mapping by using GIS-based tools to estimate extent of contamination on a regional and national scale.
· Technological interventions to minimise geogenic contaminants
· Creation of technology bank and success stories for common use and implementation
· Developing business models for technological interventions
· Review importance of community participation in planning and implementing interventions
· Operation and maintenance of technological interventions.
EXPECTED PARTICIPATION
The invitees for the workshop will be from geogenic contaminated region particularly from developing countries. This workshop will assist in cross-learning on mitigation measures to minimise health impacts of geogenic contamination. In addition, experiences on hydrogeological processes responsible of contamination will also be discussed. An abstract (250 words) highlighting type of geogenic contaminants, geographical extent and mapping and mitigation measures etc. should be submitted to the Organising Secretary before February 10, 2012. Presentation of 10 minutes duration will be made by the selected participants. In addition, there will be invited presentations by the experts in the workshop which will help participants to design and implement mitigation measures in the respective region/countries. A poster session is also planned during the Workshop and interested participants should submit abstract (250 words).
Registration and Accommodation
REGISTRATION FEE
Foreign Participants: Waived Off
Indian Participants: Rs. 2,000/-
Registration fee includes admission to the workshop, workshop kit, lunches, tea/coffee, banquet and proceedings
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation for International and national delegates will be arranged in hotels and NEERI guesthouse on first cum first basis. Tariffs for the accommodation can be obtained from the Organizing Secretary.
DATES AND VENUE
The International Workshop on Mitigating Effects of Geogenic Contaminants will be held at National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur – 440 020, INDIA during February 22-23, 2012. The campus is situated on NH-7. Nagpur is well connected by road, rail and air to most of the important cities.
CORRESPONDENCE
Er. Subhash P. Andey
Organising Secretary
Sr. Principal Scientist
Water Technology and Management Division
National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI)
Nagpur – 440020, INDIA
TeleFax : +91-712-2249756
subhash.andey@gmail.com
Dr. Pawan Labhasetwar
Organising Secretary
Principal Scientist & Head
Water Technology and Management Division
National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI)
Nagpur – 440020, INDIA
TeleFax :+ 91-712-2249756
