Identifying Anthropogenic Factors of Groundwater Pollution through Students’ Opinion in Rural West Bengal

Abstract

Introduction & Discussion: Increasing knowledge about important factors of groundwater pollution caused due to anthropogenic activities i.e. human actions demands an understanding of the reality. Method: Hence, in this study, the researchers used factor analysis or principal component analysis to identify significant anthropogenic factors affecting the groundwater quality in two districts of West Bengal. Survey method was employed to gather primary data from the school students of the two districts. Cluster sampling method was used to identify the sample for the study. The factors identified in the research were an outcome of the perception of students having exposure to environmental education including field projects and lived experience in rural areas. Discussion & Result: The four factors were identified after data analysis <br /> 1. Human-Collective-Induced environmental Pollution <br /> 2. Government Negligence including Non-Eco friendly Agricultural Policy <br /> 3. Non-Eco Friendly daily human activities <br /> 4. Non-Environmental Friendly Sanitation arrangements by Local Bodies <br /> Conclusion: This study indicates the importance of positive intervention to reduce anthropogenic causes, at individual, community and government level. The study hints obliquely at lack of information and knowledge based positive practices in the area where the study was taken up. This problem is suggested to be redressed through communication intervention.