THE IMPACT OF IRON POLLUTION ON INSECT DIVERSITY IN THE SHANKHANI-DANKANI RIVER SOUTH BASTAR DANTEWADA, CHHATTISGARH

Abstract

An industrial effluent has been shown to significantly disrupt biodiversity through the modification and fluctuation of the physicochemical properties inherent to various water bodies, thereby leading to detrimental ecological consequences. The effluent discharged from the NMDC iron ore processing facility has been observed to adversely influence both the physicochemical characteristics and the biological composition of the Shankhani-Dankani river system located in the region of Bastar, which is of particular concern to environmental scientists and ecologists alike. Notably, these two rivers converge in the vicinity of Dantewada town, a location where various environmental assessments are critical for describing regional biodiversity. The Shankhani River, in particular, is characterized by its elevated levels of iron effluent, which raises important questions regarding the sustainability of aquatic life. In order to thoroughly assess the health status river, several physicochemical parameters—including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, chloride concentration, fluoride levels, and iron content—were meticulously measured in conjunction with entomological studies focusing on insect populations. While the concentrations of chloride and fluoride were found to remain within acceptable normal ranges, the notably high levels of iron present in the water have resulted in a calculated Simpson diversity index (D) of 0.68 for the insect population, which serves as a compelling indicator of the deteriorating ecological condition of the aquatic environment in question.