INTRODUCTION:

WATER:

Water is an essential element for sustaining life. Throughout the evolutionary history of species, including humans, the prevention of dehydration has been crucial for survival. Without an adequate water supply, humans can only survive for a few days. However, despite its fundamental importance, there are still many unanswered questions about water and its role in our bodies and diets.

This review aims to shed light on our current understanding of water, including patterns of water intake, factors influencing intake, the intricate mechanisms governing water balance in the body, the effects of varying water intake on health, energy intake, weight, and human performance.

Current guidelines for determining water needs typically rely on individuals' recollection of their water intake from food and drinks, specifically among healthy individuals not residing in institutional settings.

To better grasp the need for experimental studies, examples of water intake assessments in different populations are provided. Beyond situations of dehydration, the impact of hydration on overall health and well-being, including its effects on chronic diseases, remains incompletely understood.

Water covers a significant portion of the Earth's surface, approximately 71%. The majority of water exists in seas and oceans, accounting for about 96.5%. Groundwater comprises a small portion (1.7%), as do the glaciers and ice caps in Antarctica and Greenland (1.7%). Water also exists in the atmosphere as vapor, clouds (composed of ice and liquid water suspended in air), and precipitation (0.001%). Through the water cycle of evaporation, transpiration (evapotranspiration), condensation, precipitation, and runoff, water continuously moves and eventually reaches the sea.^1-2

Types of heavy metal present:

· Chromium (Cr)-Mining, industrial coolants, chromium salts manufacturing, leather.

· Lead (Pb) lead acid batteries, paints, E-waste; smelting operations, coal-based thermal power plants, ceramics, bangle industry.

· Mercury (Hg) Chlor-alkali plants, thermal power plants, fluorescent lamps, hospital waste (damaged thermometers, barometers, sphygmomanometers), electrical appliances etc.

· Arsenic (As) Geogenic/natural processes, smelting operations, thermal power plants.

· Copper (Cu) Mining, electroplating, smelting operations.

· Vanadium (Va) Spent catalyst, sulphuric acid plant.

· Nickel (Ni) Smelting operations, thermal power plants, battery industry.⁴

Study Area - Description of lakes:

Lakes of H.P.: The state of Himachal Pradesh in India boasts a total of 27 natural lakes, covering an area of 15 hectares, and 5 man-made lakes, covering an area of 712 hectares. These lakes are distributed across a wide range of altitudes, ranging from 450 to 5093 meters.

Approximately 1% of the mass of Himachal Pradesh is comprised of water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and glaciers. Some of these lakes have existed for millions of years, dating back to a time when the region was a vast inland sea. Today, these lakes are primarily fed by streams of pure snowmelt or underground springs, giving them crystal-clear waters. They hold significant cultural or religious importance and are often accompanied by fascinating legends.

On the other hand, there are more recent lakes that have been created as reservoirs. Many of these lakes serve as the source of rivers, starting as small streams and growing into mighty water bodies that nourish the fertile valleys of the state and the Gangetic plains of northern India. These lakes also provide a habitat for various resident and migratory bird species, as well as a diverse array of aquatic life.

The presence of these water bodies has opened up a wide range of recreational activities and adventures for visitors. Activities such as boating, swimming, canoeing, water-skating, kayaking, sailing, surfing, and fishing can be enjoyed in these picturesque locations. The lakes of Himachal Pradesh offer both natural beauty and opportunities for thrilling water-based experiences.^5-8

Manikaran is a town located in the Parvati Valley, nestled alongside the Parvati River in the northeastern region of Bhuntar, within the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India.It is nestled at an altitude of 1760 meters and is located approximately 4 kilometers away from Kasol, around 45 kilometers from Kullu, and about 35 kilometers from Bhuntar. Notably, an experimental geothermal energy plant has been established in this area.

Manikaran holds great significance as a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Sikhs. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that after the great flood, the sage Manu recreated human life in Manikaran, thus making it a sacred place. The town is adorned with various temples dedicated to Hindu deities such as Rama, Krishna, and Vishnu. Additionally, there is also a Gurudwara, signifying its importance to the Sikh community.

Manikaran is renowned for its natural hot springs, which are known to have therapeutic properties. Visitors can indulge in the soothing experience of these hot springs while immersing themselves in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Legend has it that during a stroll in the valley, the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati encountered a remarkable incident. Parvati accidentally dropped one of her earrings, which was quickly grabbed by Shesha, the deity serpent, who vanished into the depths of the earth with the precious gem. Shesha agreed to return the jewel only if Shiva performed the cosmic dance, known as the Tandava, and propelled the gem back to the surface through the water. It is believed that jewels continued to be thrown up in the waters of Manikaran until the Kangra earthquake of 1905.

Manikaran holds a special place not only due to its religious and historical significance but also because of its captivating natural beauty, attracting visitors seeking a harmonious blend of spirituality and picturesque surroundings. In Sikh tradition, it is believed that Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, visited Manikaran during his third Udasi (spiritual journey) in the year 1574 Bikrami, accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana.

During their visit, a situation arose where Mardana felt hungry, but they had no food. Guru Nanak, with his compassionate vision, sent Mardana to collect food for the langar (the community kitchen). As the story goes, many generous individuals donated atta (flour) to make roti (bread). However, there was one significant obstacle - there was no fire available to cook the food.

In response to this challenge, Guru Nanak instructed Mardana to lift a stone, and to everyone's amazement, a hot spring emerged. Guru Nanak then directed Mardana to place the rolled chapatis in the spring. However, to Mardana's dismay, the chapatis sank into the water. Undeterred, Guru Nanak advised Mardana to pray to God, expressing that if the chapatis were to float back, he would donate one chapati in the name of God.

Following Guru Nanak's guidance, Mardana fervently prayed, and miraculously, all the submerged chapatis started to float back, perfectly baked. This incident highlighted the divine power of donation and the belief that when one gives in the name of God, even the lost or submerged items reemerge.

The legend of Guru Nanak's visit to Manikaran and the miraculous event of the floating chapatis have further added to the spiritual significance and reverence associated with this sacred place. It serves as a reminder of the principles of generosity, faith, and the interconnectedness of the divine and human realms.

METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH:

LIMIT TEST: The test is designed to quantitatively and qualitatively identify and regulate trace amounts of impurities that may be present in a substance. It specifically focuses on the determination of inorganic impurities within a compound.

For this purpose, limit tests for chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO4^2-), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and heavy metals are conducted using Nessler cylinders. These cylinders are made of colorless borosilicate glass and are employed for their accuracy in measuring and detecting impurities in small quantities. The test aids in ensuring the control and regulation of these specified impurities within acceptable limits.^10-13

Determination of Sulphur Amount Present in Manikaran Sample:

Gravimetric titration was performed to determine the concentration of sulphate ions. This titration method involves the reaction between sulphate ions and Barium chloride in the presence of Hydrochloric acid. As a result of the reaction, Barium sulphate is formed, which allows for the quantitative analysis of sulphate ions.

Requirements:

Chemicals:

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Barium Chloride, Distilled water.

Apparatus/Instruments:

Beakers, Funnel, Whattmann filter paper, Magnetic stirrer, Weighing balance, Muffle furnace, Tripod stand, Heating mantle, Porcelain crucible.

Procedure:

Add 200ml of a test sample containing sulphate ions to a beaker and introduce hydrochloric acid (HCl) into the same beaker. Apply heat to the sample until its volume is reduced by half compared to the initial volume. Subsequently, introduce Barium chloride (BaCl2) into the beaker while continuously stirring the mixture using a magnetic stirrer. This process will result in the formation of Barium sulphate (BaSO4). Allow the mixture to settle or digest for duration of 2hours. Following this, filter the mixture using a Whattmann filter paper. The precipitates will be collected on the filter paper, which should then be placed in a Porcelain crucible and subjected to ignition in a Muffle furnace at a temperature ranging from 800 to 900ºC until the filter paper is completely burned.

Calculations:

Weight of empty crucible (W₁): 33.08g

Weight of crucible with sample (W₂): 40.06g

Weight of sample: W₂-W₁

=40.06g-33.08g

=7.08g

233.4g of BaSO₄ contains 96.06g of sulphate ions.

W_g of BaSO₄ contains: 96.06×W/ 233.4

For 1000ml sample: 96.06×7.08×1000/ 233.4×200g/l= 14.56g/l

Observation: Sulphar is present in Manikaran water sample and is found to be 14.56g/L.

CONCLUSION:

As we know freshwater is a finite and limited resource on Earth and, increasingly is polluted, by both pathogenic microbes and chemical contaminants. Human demand for freshwater is increasing water is required to irrigate crops to feed the rapidly expanding human population. Our main focus during this work is to identify impurities present in Manikaran in terms of Analytical Chemistry which include Limit Tests of Heavy metals. After the completion of the work, it was found that use of water of these resources contains Sulphur as heavy metal.

Due to change in environmental conditions or other pollutants like industrial wastes, air pollutants it is found that Manikaran is get affected and the water of the lake is not be good for health and due to this research we conclude that Manikaran contains Sulphar 14.56g/L.

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Received on 12.09.2023 Modified on 29.11.2023

Asian J. Research Chem. 2024; 17(1):37-40.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-4150.2024.00007