Assessing Hospital Wastewater in High-Altitude Himalayan District: Physico-chemical Insights and Environmental Risks

Abstract

Hospitals are facilities that require a large amount of water of a specific quality and in hygienic conditions continuously. However, providing hospitals with enough water, both in terms of quality and quantity, has become a significant expense in communities where the water supply is challenging and the water quality is poor. In addition, the structure of hospital wastewater contains a large number of macro and micro-contaminants. These contaminants have significant detrimental effects on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. As a result, hospitals are now required to install and run integrated water and wastewater management systems within the framework of the sustainability concept. The present study investigated the physico-chemical characteristics and environmental implications of hospital wastewater from the Government Hospital, Keylong, Himachal Pradesh, where effluents are treated in an on-site sewage treatment plant (STP) before discharge into a nearby river. Wastewater samples were collected at both influent and effluent points, and analyzed for key parameters including pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, TSS, TDS, hardness, COD, BOD, chloride, sulfate, calcium, and magnesium using APHA standard methods. The Biodegradability Index (BOD₅/COD ratio) was also calculated. Results indicated that raw effluents exhibited elevated BOD (428 mg/L), COD (1192 mg/L), turbidity (173.5 NTU), TDS (4554.4 mg/L), hardness (361.3 mg/L), chloride (1397 mg/L), calcium (276 mg/L), and magnesium (100.5 mg/L), with several parameters exceeding CPCB permissible limits. Treated and downstream samples, however, generally complied with standards, reflecting effective reduction in organic and inorganic pollutant loads. The Biodegradability Index decreased from 0.33 in the influent to 0.10 in treated the effluent, indicating lower biodegradability after treatment. Stable pH (6.44–8.24) and temperature (21.3–22.0 °C) suggested favourable microbial activity and minimal thermal pollution risks. Nonetheless, high ionic loads, fluctuating chloride, and sulfate values highlight sporadic discharges and the potential for ecological stress. In conclusion, while the STP achieved substantial pollutant reduction, persistent exceedances in raw influent emphasize the need for stricter source control, advanced treatment integration, and continuous monitoring to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and public health in fragile Himalayan environments.