K. B. S. N. Jinadasa, S. K. I. Wijewardena, Dong Qing Zhang^*, Richard M. Gersberg, C. S. Kalpage, Soon Keat Tan, Jing Yuan Wang, Wun Jern Ng

Show more
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Works Department, Kandy Municipal Council, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore.
Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, Hardy Tower Campanile, San Diego, USA.
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
Show less

Abstract: Unplanned urban population growth in developing countries such as Sri Lanka exert pressures on the sectors of water supply, sewage disposal, waste management, and surface drainage in the cities as well as their surrounding areas. The Mid-canal is considered the most polluted surface water body in the Kandy district of Sri Lanka and contributes significantly to pollution of the Mahaweli River. Health problems in the nearby population may well be associated with environmental degradation and related to deteriorated water quality. The overall objectives of this study were to identify the socio-economic status of the community settled along the Meda Ela banks, and to examine the current water quality status of the Meda Ela and possible impacts of the nearby residents on water quality. Additionally, we propose remedial measures concerning wastewater and solid waste disposal to improve environmental conditions in this area.

Keywords: Meda Ela, Sri Lanka, Environment; Pollution; Water Quality

Cite this paper: K. Jinadasa, S. Wijewardena, D. Zhang, R. Gersberg, C. Kalpage, S. Tan, J. Wang and W. Ng, "Socio-Environmental Impact of Water Pollution on the Mid-canal (Meda Ela), Sri Lanka," Journal of Water Resource and Protection, Vol. 4 No. 7, 2012, pp. 451-459. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2012.47052.

References

[1]   M. Keiner, “Towards Gigapolis? From Urban Growth to Evolutionable Medium-Sized Cities,” In: M. Keiner, M. Koll-Schretzenmayr and W. Schmid, Eds., Managing Urban Futures, Ashgate Publishing Limited, England, 2006.

[2]   P. Jayakody, L. Raschid-Sally, S. A. K. Abeywardana and M. Najim, “Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Water Supply and Environment Sanitation,” 32nd WEDC International Conference, Colombo, 2006.

[3]   A. W. G. N. Abeygunawardane, N. D. K. Dayawansa and S. Pathmarajha, “Socioeconomic Implications of Water Pollution in an Urban Environment: A Case Study in Meda Ela Catchment, Kandy, Sri Lanka,” Tropical Agricultural Research, Vol. 22, No. 4, 2011, pp. 374-383.

[4]   A. M. C. P. K. Abeysinghe, “Willingness to Pay for Wastewater Disposal by Commercial Water Users in Kandy Municipality,” Unpublished Final Year Project Report, University of Peradeniya, ECON/07/02, Sri Lanka, 2007.

[5]   APHA, “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,” American Public Health Association, 1989.

[6]   JICA, “Greater Kandy Water Supply Augmentation Project, Final Report, Volume II-I, Main Report (I),” Project Report, Japan International Co-Operation Agency, 2002.

[7]   Urban Development Authority, “Development Plan for Urban Development Area of Kandy,” Situation Report, Sri Lanka, 2001.

[8]   R. A. Patterson, “Demonstration of Effects of Sodicity on Soil Hydraulic Conductivity,” Proceedings of the Innovative Approaches to the On-Site Management of Waste and Water, Southern Cross University, Australia, 26 November 1996.

[9]   P. D. W. S. Poddalgoda, “The Status of the Effluent Discharge into Meda-Ela and Its Impact on the Mahaweli River,” M.Sc. Thesis, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 1996.

[10]   JICA, “Kandy City Wastewater Management Project,” Project Report, Japan International Co-Operation Agency, 2005.

[11]   D. R. Keeney, “The Nitrogen Cycle in Sediment-Water System,” Journal of Environmental Quality, Vol. 2, 1973, pp. 15-29. doi:10.2134/jeq1973.00472425000200010002x

[12]   E. I. L. Silva, “Water Quality of Sri Lanka: A Review on Twelve Water Bodies, Kandy,” Department of Environmental Sciences Institute of Fundamental Studies, 1996.

[13]   United Nations, “Human Rights and Access to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation,” The Human Rights Council, A/HRC/15/L.14, 2010.

[14]   U. Winblad, “First International Conference on Ecological Sanitation,” Official Conference Report, Naning, 5-8 November 2001.

[15]   N. C. Narayanan and S. Thrikawala, “Aid, Technology and Project Dependence: A Case of Institutional Weakening of Water Sector from Sri Lanka,” Journal of South Asian Water Studies, Vol. 2, No. 2, 2010, pp. 59-74.