BIS Standards for Drinking Water

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of drinking water in India. It establishes comprehensive standards that cover various physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. Let's delve into some key BIS standards, their significance, and relevant concepts:

1. pH Value (6.5 – 8.5)

Definition: pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
Significance:
- Influences the solubility and availability of minerals in water.
- Low pH can lead to the leaching of metals like lead and copper from pipes.
- High pH can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
BIS Standard: The pH of drinking water should fall within the range of 6.5 to 8.5 to prevent corrosion and scaling.

2. Turbidity (Maximum 1 NTU)

Definition: Turbidity refers to the cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles like dirt, silt, and microorganisms. It is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).
Significance:
- High turbidity can indicate contamination and hinder disinfection processes.
- It affects the aesthetic quality of water, making it unpleasant to drink.
BIS Standard: The turbidity should not exceed 1 NTU to ensure clear and aesthetically pleasing water.

3. Total Hardness (Maximum 200 mg/L)

Definition: Hardness is primarily due to the presence of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. It is usually measured in mg/L as calcium carbonate.
Significance:
- High hardness can affect the taste of water and cause scaling in appliances.
- It can also increase soap and detergent consumption.
BIS Standard: The total hardness should not exceed 200 mg/L to minimize scaling issues and maintain water quality.

4. E. coli (Should Not Be Detectable in 100 mL Sample)

Definition: E. coli is a type of coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Its presence indicates fecal contamination.
Significance: E. coli in drinking water signifies potential contamination with harmful pathogens, posing a risk of diseases like diarrhea and dysentery.
BIS Standard: E. coli should not be detectable in any 100 mL sample to ensure the absence of fecal contamination.

5. Chloride (Maximum 250 mg/L)

Definition: Chlorides are salts of hydrochloric acid, primarily found as chloride ions (Cl⁻).
Significance: High chloride levels can impart a salty taste to water and contribute to corrosion.
BIS Standard: The chloride content should not exceed 250 mg/L to maintain a pleasant taste and prevent corrosion.

6. Arsenic (Maximum 0.01 mg/L)

Definition: Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that can contaminate water from natural or anthropogenic sources.
Significance: Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and skin lesions.
BIS Standard: The arsenic concentration should not exceed 0.01 mg/L to safeguard public health.

7. Copper (Maximum 0.05 mg/L)

Definition: Copper is an essential trace element, but excessive levels can cause gastrointestinal problems and may affect water taste.
Significance: High copper levels can also stain clothes and utensils.
BIS Standard: The copper concentration should not exceed 0.05 mg/L to ensure safe consumption.

Comments

Types of Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing means collecting information about the Earth's surface without touching it , usually using satellites, aircraft, or drones . There are different types of remote sensing based on the energy source and the wavelength region used. 🛰️ 1. Active Remote Sensing 📘 Concept: In active remote sensing , the sensor sends out its own energy (like a signal or pulse) to the Earth's surface. The sensor then records the reflected or backscattered energy that comes back from the surface. ⚙️ Key Terminology: Transmitter: sends energy (like a radar pulse or laser beam). Receiver: detects the energy that bounces back. Backscatter: energy that is reflected back to the sensor. 📊 Examples of Active Sensors: RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging): Uses microwave signals to detect surface roughness, soil moisture, or ocean waves. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Uses laser light (near-infrared) to measure elevation, vegetation...

geostationary and sun-synchronous

Orbital characteristics of Remote sensing satellite geostationary and sun-synchronous Orbits in Remote Sensing Orbit = the path a satellite follows around the Earth. The orbit determines what part of Earth the satellite can see , how often it revisits , and what applications it is good for . Remote sensing satellites mainly use two standard orbits : Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) Geostationary Satellites (GEO) Characteristics Altitude : ~35,786 km above the equator. Period : 24 hours → same as Earth's rotation. Orbit type : Circular, directly above the equator . Appears "stationary" over one fixed point on Earth. Concepts & Terminologies Geosynchronous = orbit period matches Earth's rotation (24h). Geostationary = special type of geosynchronous orbit directly above equator → looks fixed. Continuous coverage : Can monitor the same area all the time. Applications Weather...

India remote sensing

1. Foundational Phase (Early 1970s – Early 1980s) Objective: To explore the potential of space-based observation for national development. 1972: The Space Applications Programme (SAP) was initiated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), focusing on applying space technology for societal benefits. 1975: The Department of Space (DoS) was established, providing an institutional base for space applications, including remote sensing. 1977: India began aerial and balloon-borne experiments to study Earth resources and assess how remote sensing data could aid in agriculture, forestry, and hydrology. 1978 (June 7): Bhaskara-I launched by the Soviet Union — India's first experimental Earth Observation satellite . Payloads: TV cameras (for land and ocean surface observation) and a Microwave Radiometer. Significance: Proved that satellite-based Earth observation was feasible for India's needs. 1981 (November 20): Bhaskara-II launche...

Natural Disasters

A natural disaster is a catastrophic event caused by natural processes of the Earth that results in significant loss of life, property, and environmental resources. It occurs when a hazard (potentially damaging physical event) interacts with a vulnerable population and leads to disruption of normal life . Key terms: Hazard → A potential natural event (e.g., cyclone, earthquake). Disaster → When the hazard causes widespread damage due to vulnerability. Risk → Probability of harmful consequences from interaction of hazard and vulnerability. Vulnerability → Degree to which a community or system is exposed and unable to cope with the hazard. Resilience → Ability of a system or society to recover from the disaster impact. 👉 Example: An earthquake in an uninhabited desert is a hazard , but not a disaster unless people or infrastructure are affected. Types Natural disasters can be classified into geophysical, hydrological, meteorological, clim...

Man-Made Disasters

A man-made disaster (also called a technological disaster or anthropogenic disaster ) is a catastrophic event caused directly or indirectly by human actions , rather than natural processes. These disasters arise due to negligence, error, industrial activity, conflict, or misuse of technology , and often result in loss of life, property damage, and environmental degradation . Terminology: Anthropogenic = originating from human activity. Technological hazard = hazard caused by failure or misuse of technology or industry. 🔹 Conceptual Understanding Man-made disasters are part of the Disaster Management Cycle , which includes: Prevention – avoiding unsafe practices. Mitigation – reducing disaster impact (e.g., safety regulations). Preparedness – training and planning. Response – emergency actions after the disaster. Recovery – long-term rebuilding and policy correction. These disasters are predictable and preventable through strong...

Vineesh V, Geography

Search This Blog