The role of trees in the bioremediation of drinking water - a research experiment in Nawakkaduwa, Kalpitiya

The Kalpitiya Peninsula is a low-lying sand peninsula located on the North West coast of Sri Lanka. Of special significance is the underlying Gyben-Herzberg lens of fresh water that is extensively pumped for irrigation and potable water supply. Ground water quality throughout the peninsula had been good until massive amounts of inorganic fertilizer and chemical pesticides began to be used in agriculture which increased ground water concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, chloride and potassium beyond WHO drinking water standards. There is seen a correlation between ground water quality and land use. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) were thus compelled to abandon many wells constructed in the Kalpitiya peninsula since the water was contaminated with nitrates and nitrites. In 2004, they contracted with the Neo Synthesis Research Centre (NSRC) to conduct research on the bioremediation of the contaminants. Thus far the results are very encouraging.