Pollution studies off Bombay

Abstract

Preliminary studies on the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) in the nearshore waters off Bombay, Maharashtra, India indicate a rate of discharge of sewage of about 2000 x 106 m3 per year. From the hydrographical data it is possible to conclude that if a submarine pipeline is proposed to be laid for the discharge of sewage into the sea, the ideal site would be at a distance of 25-30 km off the northern part of the city at a depth of about 15-20 m. A comparison with chemical observations made 15 years ago for the same area showed that an increase in inorganic phosphate in the inshore waters off Bombay has definitely occurred during the last 15 years