Heavy metal analysis of woolen carpet industry effluent in Tonk (Rajasthan)

The study on heavy metal analysis of the effluents of woolen carpet (Namada) industry was conducted at Tonk which is located in north-eastern part of the Rajasthan state between 75° 07′ to 76° 19′ east longitude and 25° 41′ to 26° 34′ north latitude. Aim of the study was to carry out a heavy metal analysis of the effluents of four selected active carpet manufacturing units along with their remedial measures. During the analysis of heavy metal i.e. Cu, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb, it was found that the heavy metal ion Cu ranged from 2.16–3.31 mg/l. Cd ion concentration ranged between 0.17–0.38 mg/l. Zinc (Zn) was in the range of 1.07–3.78 mg/l,and Iron (Fe) was recorded in the range of 1.12 mg/l – 3.67 mg/l. Chromium (Cr) was present in the range of 1.43–3.11 mg/l, Manganese (Mn) was also present between 2.78 – 5.11 mg/l, Nickel (Ni) was present in a concentration range of 0.19–1.03 mg/l, Lead (Pb) was also analyzed and it was present in the range of 0.17–0.41 mg/l. From the carpet effluents analysis, it is drawn out that the concentration of copper, Ferrous, Zinc and Chromium was highest along with Manganese, followed by Nickel and Lead ions. Some parameters were found to be in higher concentration than the permissible limits, It is therefore recommended strongly that for the conservation of the biodiversity and ecosystem, namada effluent should be treated properly or it should be diluted up to the permissible limits, so that it may not affect the local fauna and flora along with the human population of the area.