JNTU B.Tech III ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Previous Question Paper (February - 2023 - R18)

Water-borne diseases, caused by pathogenic microorganisms transmitted through contaminated water, significantly impact public health and socio-economic stability. The primary impacts include high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among children and vulnerable populations, leading to severe dehydration, chronic illness, and long-term health complications. Economically, these diseases impose a substantial burden by increasing healthcare costs and reducing workforce productivity due to absenteeism and disability, which perpetuates cycles of poverty in affected communities.

Two primary water quality standards used to assess the safety and suitability of water for consumption are:

1. Physical Standards: These relate to the aesthetic and sensory properties of water, such as turbidity, color, taste, and odor. For example, the permissible limit for turbidity in drinking water is typically 1 NTU, with a maximum relaxation of 5 NTU.
2. Chemical Standards: These define the permissible concentrations of dissolved substances and toxic elements. For instance, the desirable limit for total dissolved solids (TDS) is 500 mg/L, while the limit for fluoride is generally restricted to 1.0 mg/L to prevent dental and skeletal fluorosis.