Water bodies pollution:

Agricultural input main cause

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Agricultural input is the main cause for pollution of water bodies. Pesticides and other agro chemical products accumulate in water and affect inland fishing. Industrial activities are also another cause, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) Environment Studies Division Research Officer Niroshan Wickramarachchi said.

NARA Environment Studies Division conducts a number of researches to find solutions for environment pollution in water bodies. Environment pollution is a huge threat to inland, coastal and marine aquatic environment, Wickramarachchi said.

"The Division conducts environmental impact researches on development projects, chemical and microbiological analysis of drinking water, wastewater, sewage water, processing water and industrial effluents," the research officer said. The division with Central Environment Authority support also provides guidance for both government and private sector to do construction without harming water bodies.

"Some emergencies such as fish mortality, oil spil, accumulation of heavy metals, harmful algal blooms also causes for environment pollution in water bodies," the research officer said.

They also conduct researches to find solutions for kidney disease which is rapidly spreading in the North Central Province.