R.G. Khude, V.K. Tripathi, P. Kumar and S. Quamar
Abstract
Water clean and clear by naked eye may be influenced by many contaminants. However many water quality indicator are there, to designate water whether it is suitable for consumption or not for the designated use. The purpose of this study was to analyse major physico-chemical water quality indicators in the nonperennial Suswa river, which flows through an urbanized area and is polluted by both point and non-point sources. Monthly monitoring was carried out over a seven-month period, including the monsoon (June to September) and post-monsoon (October to December) seasons. The Statistical analysis revealed that general tendency is most physicochemical parameters have higher concentrations after the monsoon. This is likely owing to decreased dilution due to non-availability of flow and increased accumulation of ions and contaminants. Study further found that EC and total hardness are significantly higher in the post-monsoon season, indicated for lower flow conditions. Parameters such as BOD tend to fall after the monsoon, indicating a reduction in organic load following peak runoff seasons. The study shows that monsoon has a considerable impact on pollutant load in the river. This seasonal influence changes the concentration of critical water quality measures, emphasising the dynamic nature of river pollution during wet seasons.