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Data Visualization to see the impact of Fecal Matter in the river Ganga on Infant Mortality

 

The river Ganga has a strong spiritual significance to the predominant religion of the region, Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). It is the sole water source for 40% of Indians. Additionally, it is a source of livelihood for 400 million people. However, the river has been subjected to untreated wastewater entering the river ecosystem.

Infant-mortality rate.jpg

  • The area around the river Ganga has the highest levels of Infant mortality rate (no of infant deaths/ 1000 births).

  • One of the top diseases plaguing the children is diarrhea. 

  • It also happens to be one of the most populated areas in India (about 40% of India’s population is located in and around that region)

  • The river also happens to be one of the most polluted rivers in the world. (Fecal waste being one of the largest contributors)

Understanding Fecal Waste​

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  • Dissolved Oxygen: Water has a certain percentage of dissolved oxygen which is used by micro-organisms to digest fecal matter. The minimum concentration needed: 5 mg/l

  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand: It is the amount of oxygen needed by anaerobic micro-organisms to digest fecal matter. It is an indicator of how much fecal matter is in the water. The maximum amount allowed : 3 mg/l

  • Fecal Coliform: It is a micro-organism found in the feces of warm-blooded animals and its count indicates the amount of fecal matter in the water. The maximum amount allowed: 2500 MPN/100 m

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The Hypothesis:

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  • Ganga has a high level of pollution when it comes to fecal matter.

  • The areas around Ganga have one of the highest levels of infant mortality rate.

  • Fecal matter can act as a breeding ground for many infectious diseases. Salmonella, rotavirus and other parasites thrive on the fecal matter which can cause diarrhea.

  • Diarrhea is the third largest killer of infants.

  • Therefore, fecal pollution has an impact on the infant mortality rate. 

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In the video below, an attempt is made to correlate the fecal matter pollution to the Infant mortality rate around the banks of the river. 

© 2024 by Anirban Ghosh

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