Chhath puja devotees have to stand waist-deep amid thick and toxic froth while offering their prayers every year. This thick white foam floats over the Yamuna river. This has become a normal event. People wonder what is the main cause of this white foam over Yamuna river? Why does it happen only at a specific time of the year?
We know that soapy water forms a layer of bubbles by trapping air and the same might happen in case of Yamuna river.
Rivers have twigs, dead decaying plants and leaves. These things do not dissolve in water on decomposition, but break surface tension in water and create bubbles by allowing air to enter in it and eventually turns into a natural thin foam layer. But, all froth and foam is not natural.
So, what is the reason for the harmful or toxic layer of foam in the Yamuna river?
As per experts, high phosphates level from untreated effluents may be the main cause of frothing in Yamuna.
Why does it happen only during October-November every yea...