Socio-Environmental Impact of Water Pollution on the Mid-canal (Meda Ela), Sri Lanka

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

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

DOI: 10.4236/jwarp.2012.47052                

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

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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