Chennai Lakes and Drinking Water Contaminated with ‘Forever Chemicals’

A study conducted by IIT Madras has uncovered alarming levels of pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals’, in Chennai’s Buckingham Canal, Adyar River, and Chembarambakkam Lake. PFAS, commonly found in everyday products, pose severe health risks due to their persistence in the environment.

The research, led by Professor Indumathi M. Nambi and researcher G. V. Koulini, revealed elevated PFAS levels in groundwater samples near the Perungudi dumpsite and surface water samples from various points along the water bodies. These contaminants, known for their resistance to degradation, can lead to a range of health issues, from liver damage to cancer. The study emphasizes the urgent need for advanced water treatment systems to mitigate PFAS contamination, underscoring industrial emissions and untreated wastewater discharge as significant sources of pollution in the region.