Unveiling the water pollution in the Kelani River: engineering insights for a sustainable future

Abstract

The growing pressures of climate change, urbanisation, and population growth have escalated challenges related to water quality and the availability of clean water in source catchments. These factors lead to pollution, habitat loss, and altered hydrological patterns, which complicate the supply and quality of usable water for various purposes [1]. Rivers are increasingly contaminated by multiple pollutants, including domestic and industrial sewage, agricultural runoff with fertilisers and pesticides, and urban stormwater. Alarmingly, around 80% of domestic, municipal, and industrial wastewater worldwide is discharged into water bodies without any prior treatment, contributing to the pollution of rivers and other freshwater systems [2]. It has significant concerns for human health and negative impacts on ecosystem health and biodiversity. However, water quality in many rivers remains poorly monitored, potentially exposing more than 3 billion people globally to waterborne diseases [3].