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Abstract

The disposal of effluents from surgical industries poses a significant threat to environmental and public health. This study investigates the environmental impact of surgical industrial effluents through a comprehensive physico-chemical analysis. Key parameters such as pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn) and organic pollutants were analyzed in effluent sample collected from selected surgical industry. Standard methods were employed. pH and EC were measured using a calibrated digital meter, TDS/TSS via gravimetric analysis (APHA 2540 B/D), hardness by argentometric titration (Mohr’s method), and heavy metals via ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy). Results revealed severe exceedances of NEQS limits. TDS (3200mg/L vs 300mg/L), TSS (500mg/L vs500mg/L), EC (1700microS vs 1500microS), BOD (200mg/L vs 80mg/L), COD (800mg/L vs 150mg/L), Ca2+ and Mg2+(14.0meq/L vs6.0meq/L), HCO3-1 (9.3meq/L vs 7.5meq/L), Chlorides(8.3meq/L vs 7.9meq/L) chromium (3.5mg/L vs. 1.0 mg/L). Zinc (3.0 mg/L vs 5.0mg/L), lead (0.2 mg/L vs 0.5mg/L), and cadmium (0.05mg/L vs 0.1mg/L), Nickel (8.0mg/L vs 1.0mg/L), Copper (2.0mg/L vs 1.0mg/L), Iron (8.0mg/L vs 2.0mg/L). The results reveal elevated levels of pollutants exceeding permissible limits set by environmental regulatory bodies, indicating potential risks to soil and water quality. The presence of toxic substances such as chromium, lead, nickel, and other pharmaceutical residues further emphasizes the need for proper effluent treatment prior to discharge. This study underscores the urgent requirement for stringent environmental regulations, effective waste management practices, and the implementation of advanced treatment technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of surgical industrial effluents on ecosystems and human health.