Study of the Impact of Plaster Of Paris (Pop) and Clay Idols Immersion in Water

Idol immersion activities during certain festive occasions are adding to the pollution load of the water-bodies. Non-biodegradable materials and synthetic paints used for making these idols are posing serious threat to aquatic life and environment. Present study was conducted to assess the impact of idol immersion on water. For this purpose, water sample were collected from Nanpura immersion point at morning during pre immersion, immersion and post immersion periods of Ganesh idols. The significant changes in certain physicochemical properties of water revealed decrease in the dissolved oxygen, BOD and free CO2, whereas increase in the total alkalinity, total hardness, total Calcium, COD, Oil and Grease, temperature and pH were observed during immersion period. In view of the observed changes in the water quality, there is need to aware masses to use eco-friendly material for idol so that culture and environment can be preserved in a cohesive manner.